Undeniable Vengeance

8. A New Path

A New Path

Rahg stepped lightly along the marble floor of the corridor trying his best not to disturb anyone's sleep. I'll not be the rooster this day, he thought, recalling the lashing he had received from Camissa for making too much noise the last time. He sneaked past Aenaila's room, then Tobias's, and then a room containing some of the temple's treasures. It suddenly struck him that there were no guards. Guards weren't needed in Twin Forks either, he thought, and sad memories flooded his mind as he dreamt of better days and better nights.

A spark of envy itched under his skin, but more than envy lit the fire—Rahg was afraid. Afraid of what he must do, and of what awaited him. It seemed as if so much time had passed, and yet, only last winter he had celebrated Wish Day in Twin Forks with Darstan and Magmar.

Thoughts of his father haunted him when he wasn't worrying over assassins or immortals. How he wished he could see him just one more time. Hear his voice—even if it was to yell. But that part of his life was gone, and on this Wish Day he'd have no one to celebrate with. Not even Darstan.

The sound of his boots clicked noisily on the marble floor, just when he thought he had sneaked safely past everyone's room, and as he hurried to make the turn a door cracked open.

"It's early for a stroll. Anything wrong?" Wisp stepped silently into the hall and closed the door behind him. The whisper of his voice seemed to carry only as far as Rahg's ears. Wisp had a knack for that, along with his other talents.

"Nothing wrong. Just thought I'd get some air." As Rahg wondered how Wisp had heard him, he felt a presence behind him and spun to see Rhaven.

"It's difficult to sleep with someone stomping through the corridors."

Rahg ignored the remark. He had the feeling that no matter how quiet he’d been the two of them would have heard. "I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd take a walk by the sea. I want to see the ship before we sail."

"I'd rather ride than sail a ship again," Rhaven said. "I feel ill at ease on the sea, like being caught without a weapon."

Rahg was surprised; he had never heard Rhaven mention being uncomfortable. "It can't be as bad as it was coming here. Sennar said that was the worst he's ever seen, and even Malakai thought we'd die." Rahg paused for thought. "I imagine it has to be better than that."

Rhaven nodded. "I brought Marchall back from Genda. They took good care of him."

The smile brightened Rahg's face from ear to ear. "You brought Marchall? Where is he? I can't wait to see him."

"He'll wait until we get through."

"Will we be able to take him on the ship?"

"The captain will accommodate us," Rhaven said with certainty. "I already informed Shulan J'en Kar. I'll not be sailing without Argus."

Rahg smiled. He'd have given a silver crown to have heard that conversation. "I'll be glad to see Marchall again. It won't feel so strange in this new land if I'm riding him." Rahg's thoughts started to drift. It never took much to cause his mind to roam. "I wonder what the people are like in Arangar?"

"The people will be like the land," Rhaven said. "Once you know the land, you'll know the people. It's the land that makes the person."

Rahg nodded but wondered what fiery inferno sired Rhaven. Sethia itself couldn't produce men as hard as him. "It will be interesting to see," Rahg said, and departed for the dock. "Kender, I'll see you before we leave. I want to make sure you and Aenaila keep Darstan out of trouble."

"It's you we had to come rescue," Wisp said. "I had only begun to see what Khatara had to offer when Darstan insisted we come find you." Wisp smiled. "But Khatara will always have rich merchants waiting for me."

"Then I'll see you tonight," Rahg said, and continued his walk toward the dock.

The streets of Entiria were wide, and clean, and organized. Perhaps too organized. All streets emanated from the temple, branching off in all directions, then spreading out again in a methodical fashion.

Rahg thought he would grow tired of it after a while. A nice, curvy street that seemed to go nowhere, like some in Pomanda, or a narrow dead-end alley like so many in Sykor, would have made him feel more comfortable. Or perhaps it was just that his stay here was going to be so short, when he wished it could last longer. Perhaps that was at the root of it. Gods, but I hope this ends soon, he thought, and turned onto the street that led to the ship.

The ship was big, bigger than the Sea Skate, with more masts and sails than any Rahg had seen in Genda. If nothing else, he'd feel more comfortable on a larger ship. Feel safer.

Men were already at work loading cargo aboard and checking planks and sails. They all seemed professional enough, though anyone who'd sailed twice could have fooled Rahg with what little he knew. Although it would take a lot from a captain to make him forget Sennar. Much as he'd disliked Sennar at first, he liked him as much now. The voyage to Entiria had been one of constant danger, and if it hadn't been for the gnarly old captain, they would have never made it.

"Check your numbers, seaman. It won't do to be halfway to Arangar and run short of food."

All sea captains must yell like that, Rahg assumed, and smiled at the man standing on the dock issuing orders. The man seemed young to be a captain, but then, most would seem that way after sailing with Sennar.

"Good morning, sir," Rahg said, and extended his hand to greet the man. "I'm Rahgnar Fal-Thera. I wanted to see the ship before we sailed."

Rahg studied the ship from fore to aft. The name of the ship was “Destiny;” he had seen it carved from the wood, and wondered if the name had been chosen before or after they knew of him. Or had it been waiting here all along? Things like that seemed to happen a lot lately. "It's a big ship, Captain. Have you sailed it much?"

The captain hadn't stopped except for a cursory glance since Rahg arrived. At first, Rahg took it for him being busy, but now his manners bordered on being rude.

"I know who you are, lad, but I'm tending my ship right now. And unless you want to go hungry at sea you'd be wise to let me finish. I'm not a man that's good with numbers, so I must be careful." The captain returned to his duties, checking everything that went on board and crossing it off as it did. "Don't know why they picked me to go," he muttered, shaking his head side to side. "Half a dozen men better suited."

"I want to go aboard, Captain. Is that all right?" The man was doing nothing to instill confidence.

"No. It's not all right, lad. Nobody boards my ship until we're ready to sail. I can't be disturbed."

Captain Katsu shook his head vigorously. "You'll have plenty of time to see the ship. More than enough time." He looked up from his work, meeting Rahg's gaze with his own. "You might be somebody special to the folks at the temple but to me you're just a passenger. And you're the reason my son won't be seeing me for many moons."

Captain Katsu's gaze became a glare. "Don't expect anything from me. I'll do my duty; do as I'm told, but I'll not do more." The man stared at the chart of goods again. "How many barrels of cheese, Ned?"

The captain scribbled a number next to a line on his chart. "I don't mean to be harsh, lad, but it's something easy to be bitter about, so you best be off now. As I said, I don't keep good track of things when I'm distracted."

Rahg nodded. He thought about saying good bye but simply turned to leave, wishing it was Sennar who commanded the ship.

From the corner of his eye, Captain Katsu saw the dejected look on Rahg's face, and a pang of guilt pricked at his heart. "Halt, men! Enjoy the sun or a mug of khaffe."

Katsu hollered to catch Rahg's attention. "Lad, my words weren't meant to be harsh. It's just that I can get that way at times. I had no mind to send you off with the bitters. And don't fret over this journey. It's one I could make in my sleep. It's not the journey that worries me—it's what you've got to do."

Rahg turned to face the captain. "I was hoping to find some comfort here, Captain. I don't like to say it, but I'm afraid."

Katsu shook his head in sympathy. "I know you are, lad. Fear's sunk a hook or two in me as well."

Rahg noted the somber expression. It was not the response he had hoped for. He hated the thought of putting to sea again at all, let alone with a captain who was afraid. Old Sennar might have been half crazed but at least he wasn't afraid, or if he was, he never let on. Rahg had hoped to be somehow relieved after seeing the vessel that would carry them, now he found himself more upset than when he came, and he just wanted to get out of there. "How long is the trip, Captain?"

Katsu tugged on a beard that wasn’t there.

He must have had whiskers once, Rahg thought.

Katsu recalled another conversation he had recently and had to force himself from trembling. It wouldn't do to disappoint that one. Not her.

“If the winds are favorable—and they should be—we'll reach land before Ranalla comes full turn." The worried look remained on Katsu's face. "After that, lad, it's up to you. I'm a seaman. It's my duty to get you to Arangar, but then you'll have to rely on your wits or those who travel with you."

Rahg nodded, but he wasn't paying attention.

"Don't blame you for being afraid, lad. It doesn't sit well with me either. But you'll have my prayers. You'll have at least that. I don't know your beliefs, and I'm not the kind to meddle in another's affairs, but it couldn't hurt to talk to the shera no matter what beliefs you hold. He's a man that's listened to a lot of woes and has helped more than he's hurt. Go see him. He's taken the fright from my mind a time or two."

The captain's words hit a note with Rahg, and he brightened a little. "I think I will, Captain Katsu. The last time we met, I left many questions unanswered."

Katsu's raised voice stopped Rahg even as he hurried off in the direction of the temple. "Say a word to those you worship. They won't mind if it's in a different temple. Don't forget, lad, 'cause I have a feeling that your words might mean more than others, and you'll likely have need of all the blessings you can get before this journey's over."

The steps leading to the temple had suffered no damage from Iazzo's Lightning. Rahg stared at the shattered buildings surrounding the temple, and he wondered anew why the obelisk showed no scars; he had seen the Lightning hit it.

Perhaps their gods protect it. Something sure did.

The wide, sweeping steps fell quickly to Rahg's energetic climb. He was anxious about another discussion with the shera, but he wouldn’t leave with his mind so cluttered and worried, and he was supposed to leave tomorrow. The heartbeats came closer together as he approached the massive doors guarding the entrance, and the echoes of his footsteps against the marble floors accelerated as well.

The shera sat on the floor in the center of the circle just as he had the first time Rahg met with him. The hem of the black robe was ringed with dust, just as it had been then. Was he expecting me?

Rahg quickly discounted the notion. No one knew he was going there. He hadn't known himself until Captain Katsu suggested it. "Good morning, Shera." Rahg's voice boomed in the vast chamber. He wished he hadn't talked so loud. Somehow, it didn't seem right.

The shera raised his head, then bowed. "It is a fine day, Rahgnar Fal-Thera. I am pleased you have decided to visit." His hands spread in a gesture inviting Rahg to sit and join him.

Rahg worried over how to deal with the shera and elected to be honest and direct. "I need answers, Shera. There is much on my mind that I think you could help me with, but I don't want you to spit out riddles and prophecies to every question I ask."

Rahg already rued his temper, but wouldn't draw it back now. "I don't wish to appear ungrateful, but I don't have much time. We're leaving tomorrow, and there are things I need to know."

"There is much we all need to know. And as to your concern about time, it is a worry we all share. The Awakening is near."

Rahg cursed and kicked his foot at the marble floor. "There you go again with the riddles." Anger raised his voice. "I know nothing of this Awakening, and I don't care. I know nothing about the Messenger, or the Fate Sealer, or anything else you can quote me from these legends of yours."

He struggled to control himself. "I just want to know what I have to do and why. Then I'll leave your land and never return."

Rahg looked like a boy who had lost his way. "Are you certain, Shera? Are you sure there couldn't be some mistake?"

The shera's face could not have grown any more somber. "We have made no error. I wish I could tell you differently, but I cannot. I am not one to paint a dark sky blue. All of the signs are here, and now you have come. You must go to Arangar, and you must enter the Paaren. The Amulet will lead you to where you must go. Learn to trust it."

Rahg remembered the time when he was only five years old, and Magmar had taken him to the big pond south of town. They rowed to the deepest part, and Magmar told him to jump in and swim back to shore. The memory still frightened him but not nearly as much as this did. "How can I fight this Messenger? Who is the Fate Sealer, and what is the Awakening?" Rahg screamed at the shera in frustration.

The shera's face revealed no hint of a smile or even a congenial expression. "I know that these things are strange to you now, but you will become intimately familiar with them. Before your journey is finished, you will know each name like a brother."

"Suppose this Messenger has powers? Suppose he has Fire? What will I do then?"

"You fought Iazzo."

"Yes, I fought Iazzo, but I didn't win. He would have killed us all if not for Aentarra." Rahg's voice grew dark. "Your precious city would be in flames right now if not for her. I have no doubt of that."

Rahg's look changed to confusion. "But I can't rely on Aentarra or Mikkellana to be there the next time. I don't even know if I want them there."

The shera's look conveyed sympathy. "There are many ways to fight fire, Rahg. You do not need fire to do it. A bundle of straw will stop an arrow shot from the strongest bow."

Rahg nodded, but he wasn't listening. "All I can do is make a shield, and not even a strong one. Iazzo could have broken mine anytime he wanted." He cursed as he spun to leave. "Don't blame me if he gets out. I asked for help. I hope Lukaan takes you to the grave before I die. Then you'll wish you had helped me when you could."

The shera sat and watched as Rahg stormed out of the chamber. He watched until the doors closed behind him and then he prayed. "If he is the one, God, then protect him from harm. Drape your Light around him and hide him from the evil. But if he is not the one we have waited for, if he is indeed the Messenger, then please be gentle when you kill him. He is but an innocent lamb cast out among the wolves.