Ghost in the Hunt (18 page)

“The nagataaru,” said Caina. “It feeds on death and torment, and shares the power with her. That is why she kills so wantonly.”

“I fear you are correct,” said Nasser. “I have spoken with sorcerers who are experts in the netherworld, and they tell me that the spirit bound within the Huntress with a lord of the nagataaru that refers to itself as the Voice. If the Huntress has lived for a century, likely she and the Voice are in full cooperation with each other, unlike poor Tarqaz.” 

“Who?” said Claudia. “Who is Tarqaz?”

“A slave who betrayed Callatas,” said Caina. “Callatas bound a nagataaru within him, and he didn’t know it, the poor fool. After he was killed, the nagataaru took control of his corpse.”  

“Why would Callatas send the Huntress after my husband?” said Claudia. “Does he want to start a war with the Empire?” 

“I do not know,” said Nasser. “I am certain that Callatas does not want a war with anyone. A war would distract him from the grisly work of his Apotheosis. My only thought is that Lord Martin was not the target, and merely got in the way.”

“Her first arrow was aimed at Martin, I’m sure of it,” said Caina. “It hit the Imperial Guard next to him.” 

“Could she have come to kill Cassander or the Grand Wazir?” said Claudia.

Caina shook her head. “The Huntress went nowhere near Cassander or the Adamant Guards.”

“The Grand Wazir is Callatas’s devoted servant,” said Nasser. “I can think of no reason why the Grand Master would wish him dead.”

“From what you have told me,” said Martin, “I suspect that you have faced and defeated the Huntress once before.” 

“Yes,” said Nasser. “Some years ago. I had thought her slain, but apparently I was mistaken.”

“How did you defeat her?” said Caina.

“A weapon called a valikon,” said Nasser. 

Claudia frowned. The term sounded similar to “pyrikon”, to the enspelled torque Caina wore.

Caina noticed the similarity, too. “Is it an Iramisian weapon?”

“Aye,” said Nasser. “You bear a dagger of ghostsilver. Such a weapon is capable of harming a creature of spirit, of banishing it back to the netherworld, but it cannot destroy a spirit, especially one housed in a body of flesh. A valikon is a sword with a ghostsilver core wrapped in enspelled steel. The steel bears spells of warding and banishment, and can utterly destroy a spirit.” 

“The loremasters made these weapons?” said Caina. Nasser inclined his head. “I thought you said the loremasters used their powers for knowledge and healing and defense.”

“They did,” said Nasser. “Such blades as the valikons were only used upon those who had willingly invited malevolent spirits into their bodies.”

“I could think of a few times,” said Claudia, remembering Ranarius’s elementals, “that such a weapon would have been useful.” 

“Do you recall,” said Nasser, “the tale of Istarr and the seven Demon Princes of old?”

Caina nodded.

“I’ve never heard of the story,” said Claudia, though she had some recollection of the title from Istarish myth.

“The Demon Princes were seven sorcerers of power who ruled what is now Istarinmul,” said Caina. “The tales say they were possessed by demons, but apparently the demons were powerful lords of the nagataaru. Istarr led his people out of the steppes and waged war upon the Demon Princes, and with the aid of the Prince of Iramis, defeated them. He took the last Demon Prince’s stronghold of Starifel, and in his honor Istarr’s people renamed the city Istarinmul and called themselves the Istarish.” 

“I would say that it was a fable,” said Martin, “had I not just seen the power of a nagataaru with my own eyes.”

“The valikons were created to counter that threat,” said Nasser, “to stop any who willingly cooperated with the nagataaru.”

“I suppose you have such a weapon, and would be willing to rent it for a reasonable fee?” said Martin.

“Alas, no,” said Nasser. “Valikons were quite rare, and only a few were outside Iramis when it burned.”

“You don’t have one,” said Caina, “but you know where one can be found…and you would like our help to retrieve it.”

The brilliant white smile spread over Nasser’s dark face once more. “Clever indeed, Master Ciaran. I know exactly where to find a valikon.”

“Where?” said Caina.

“A place called Silent Ash Temple,” said Nasser. 

“I’ve never heard of it,” said Martin. “Is it within the city?”

“It’s a…pilgrimage site, I think,” said Caina. “For adherents of the Living Flame. Some distance south of here.”

“In the Kaltari Highlands, to be precise,” said Nasser, “about three hundred miles south. You are correct that it is a destination for pilgrims. The Emissary of the Living Flame lives there.”

“The Emissary?” said Caina. “As in the Seven Emissaries of the Living Flame?”

Nasser nodded. 

“A woman who can speak to the gods?” said Martin. “An oracle?”

“Something like that,” said Nasser.

“If this woman can truly speak to the Living Flame or to the gods,” said Caina, “why haven’t I heard of her before? The Surge of New Kyre has true visions of the future, and all the Kyracians hold her in fear.”

“The followers of the Living Flame are a fractious lot,” said Nasser. Laertes snorted at that and took a drink from his cup. “The Anshani followers of the Living Flame recognize seven Emissaries, and make pilgrimages to the Emissaries’ tombs throughout Anshan. The Cyrican and Istarish branches of the faith only recognize three of the Emissaries as legitimate, and the Saddaic followers do not recognize any Emissaries as valid. A legacy of the Ashbringers and their Burning Flame, I expect. There is one other obstacle to pilgrimage as well.”

“What is that?” said Martin.

“The Emissary,” said Nasser, “tells the truth.”

“Is that not a desirable quality in an oracle?” said Claudia.

“Not necessarily,” said Caina, her voice distant again. “If you learned what the future holds…you may not like it. It is the nature of mortal man to lie to himself,” she took a deep breath, “and having those illusions shattered is not always pleasant.” 

“I propose, my lord ambassador,” said Nasser, “that we journey to Silent Ash Temple, persuade the Emissary to loan us the valikon, and use it to dispatch the Red Huntress. In one blow we shall avenge your slain men, protect you from the Huntress, and deprive Grand Master Callatas of one of his most powerful servants. Additionally, you shall deal a setback to Cassander and the Umbarians, who would have benefited from your death, and greatly increase your standing in the Padishah’s court. The Red Huntress is legendary, and the prestige of the man who brings her to justice at last shall be equally so.” 

“How will I contrive to make the journey?” said Martin. “It will take at least two weeks to reach this Silent Ash Temple…”

“Usually eleven or twelve days,” said Nasser, “depending upon weather. And bandits. Banditry is something of a pastime for the Kaltari.” 

“A pilgrimage,” said Caina.

“I follow the gods of the Empire,” said Martin, “not the Living Flame.”

“The Istarish nobility are supposed to be pious,” said Caina, “though I doubt Erghulan believes in anything but his own advancement. All you need to say is that one of your Istarish servants convinced you that your survival was the miraculous work of the Living Flame, and so you are making a pilgrimage to Silent Ash Temple to make an offering of thanksgiving. Erghulan will have no choice but to let you make the journey, and you can travel with your full complement of Imperial Guards.” 

“They were unable to stand against the Huntress,” said Martin.

“No, but they will be most effective against other threats,” said Nasser. “Such as bandits, for instance. It would do us little good if bandits took you hostage and held you for ransom. No, better to travel in strength through the Kaltari Highlands. There is a reason most caravans go through the Great Southern Road and the Vale of Fallen Stars rather than the Kaltari Highlands.” 

“Claudia?” said Martin.

She shrugged. “I can think of no better plan, husband. If the Emissary is custodian of a weapon that can harm the Huntress, and we can persuade her to lend it to us, it could be our best chance to defeat the Huntress. If we defeat her, perhaps we can find proof that Cassander hired her to kill you. That would keep Istarinmul from aiding the Order.”

“I shall be glad to accompany you, my lord,” said Nasser, “to act as guide and counselor. I have been to the Highlands many times, and am familiar with both the people and their customs. Additionally I have a few friends there who may be willing to help us.”

“That is generous of you,” said Martin, a hint of amusement in his tone. “What price would you like for your service?”

“A question,” said Caina. 

Nasser smiled. “Ask.”

“No, you know that’s not what I mean,” said Caina. “That’s what you want in payment. You want me to ask a question of the Emissary. You can’t ask it yourself, because you already asked her a question. How to escape from the Huntress the first time, I assume.”

“Close enough,” said Nasser. “Can you guess the question I wish you to ask?”

“You want me to ask the Emissary,” said Caina, “where we can find the Staff and Seal of Iramis.”

“As ever, your vision is keen,” said Nasser. “You reason correctly. I already asked a question of the Emissary, and she is unlikely to answer another. But she will answer you.”

“Because she hasn’t asked a question yet?” said Claudia.

“Yes,” said Nasser. “And because she is the Balarigar. The demonslayer of legend. The Emissary will want to speak to you, I think.”

“There’s no such thing as the Balarigar,” said Caina. 

“I heard you proclaim otherwise before the assembled nobility of the Empire and New Kyre,” said Claudia.

“It is a myth, a tale of the Szalds,” said Caina. 

“A myth that many seem to believe,” said Nasser. “Perhaps the Emissary of the Living Flame is a believer as well.” 

“This Staff and Seal,” said Martin. “Master Ciaran mentioned them…but what are they, exactly?”

“They were part of the royal regalia of the Princes of Iramis,” said Nasser. “The Star of Iramis was another part, and if you ever have the misfortune to meet Callatas, you shall see that he wears it around his neck. The objects of the regalia were not simply symbols of authority, but tools of tremendous sorcerous power. Callatas used the Star to destroy Iramis. The Staff permits the summoning of spirits of the netherworld, and the Seal allows for their binding and control. All three are necessary for him to work the Apotheosis. Most likely they are somewhere within the Desert of Candles, which is why Callatas has gangs of slaves searching the Iramisian ruins there. If we can find the relics and deny them to Callatas, we shall stop his Apotheosis.” 

“A clever plan, Master Nasser,” said Martin.

“I am pleased that you think so,” said Nasser.

“I can see no better alternative,” said Martin. “Very well. Unless Ciaran has objections, I agree to your plan.” 

“I wish to make one thing clear,” said Claudia. “I will be accompanying you.”

Martin frowned. “You will be safer here in Istarinmul.” 

“The Golden Palace is the most heavily guarded place in Istarinmul,” said Claudia, “and none of us were safe there. I failed to banish the nagataaru, this Voice creature, but my spell at least discomforted her. Until we find that valikon, we are vulnerable…and you need my help.” She looked from Martin to Caina and back again. “Both of you.”

“I wish I had left you in Malarae,” said Martin. “Maybe there, you would be safe.” Claudia started to object, but Martin kept talking. “But I fear you are right. We shall go together.” 

“Capital,” said Nasser. “I suggest we prepare at once. The sooner we leave Istarinmul, the better.”

Chapter 11 - Pilgrims

The next morning Caina stifled a yawn and looked around the Bazaar of the Southern Road. 

Even at this time of morning, the Shahenshah’s Seat was still crowded. Hundreds of merchant stalls filled the wide square between the outer wall of Istarinmul and the rambling tavern. Most of them focused on selling boots and weapons and blankets and travel rations, all the things traveling merchants and their guards might need. Caina saw a merchant charging double for what a pair of boots would cost elsewhere in the city. 

Before the gate itself stood the Imperial Guards, standing watch over dozens of pack mules. The roads in the Kaltari Highlands were often impassable to wheeled carts, so Martin had purchased mules to carry their food and supplies in case the wagons broke down. Claudia oversaw everything, directing the drivers and the Guards both.

She had always liked telling people what to do. The wife of a powerful Imperial nobleman was her natural calling. She could tell people what to do for the rest of her life…

Caina shook her head, dismissing the unfair thought. Claudia had her responsibilities, as did Caina. She had saved Caina’s life in the Golden Palace. The pyrikon might have protected Caina from the Voice’s sword, but it would have done nothing against the Huntress’s sword of normal steel.

“You seem troubled. Or more so than is your custom.”

Caina turned her head and saw Nasser approaching. He wore the patterned blue and white robes of a merchant of Anshan, a turban of similar design perched upon his head. Laertes waited near him, wearing the armor and dusty clothing of a caravan guard. They had planned for Nasser to masquerade as a traveling Anshani merchant, with Caina and Laertes as his bodyguards.

“I was thinking,” said Caina, “that the two of us have the highest bounties in the entire realm of Istarinmul, and we’re standing right next to each other. If some teamster accidentally ran us over with his cart, he’d be the richest man in Istarinmul in the space of a heartbeat.”

Nasser laughed. “The poor fool wouldn’t know what to do with his money.”

“Let us endeavor to spare him from the temptation,” said Caina. 

“She does not like you very much, does she?” said Nasser.

The shift in the conversation threw Caina for a moment. “I’m sorry?” 

“Lady Claudia,” said Nasser. “She bears you some ill-will.”