The Guild of Assassins (17 page)

Egey Bashi had never been to the Majat training grounds and now, standing at the edge of the large sunlit plaza, he knew that he was witnessing something not normally intended for outsiders. But above his curiosity about seeing the place which had trained so many unmatched warriors since the days of the Old Empire, he knew that what was about to happen was even more special. Watching the new Majat Guildmaster take command at a full parade was the event of a lifetime. During his long life, the Magister had seen many important gatherings, but he knew this was a memory he was going to carry to the end of his days.

The giant plaza accommodated row after row of black-clad warriors, separated into ranks identifiable by their armbands. The gems lined up in front, with thousands of non-gem ranks covering the rest of the large space behind them. They all stood perfectly still, like silent statues, the only movement about them the shifting folds of their long cloaks disturbed by the light morning breeze.

Egey Bashi gaped as he surveyed the assembled ranks. He had only a vague idea how many Majat warriors the Fortress housed, and seeing them all at once made his heart quiver. This force seemed invincible. If they could only get the Majat on their side, the battle with the Kaddim was all but won. He hoped that yesterday’s display of Kaddim power had made it obvious to everyone here that destroying the Brotherhood must stand very high on the Majat’s list.

It seemed unthinkable that a member of the Kaddim Brotherhood could occupy one of the highest posts in this Guild for over ten years. And now, this man was on the loose in the enemy camp, possessing full knowledge of Majat operations and the exact weaknesses of each of its top ranked warriors.

Egey Bashi was surprised to see that each rank, starting with the Diamonds, seemed more abundant than he had believed. Over thirty men wearing Diamond-set armbands lined up at the side of the courtyard closest to the gateway, through which the Guildmaster was about to make his entrance. Looking more closely, he realized that most of them were not that young. The top gem ranks retired in their forties but continued their duties at high command posts, which required experience rather than active weapons skill. They also made indispensable trainers, especially for those warriors who were going for the Diamond rank. Normally, the post of Shadow Master had also been selected from retired Diamonds. How could this Guild have become so messed up that they put a Kaddim Brother into the post?

The Keeper glanced at Kyth and Lady Celana standing at his side in the full regalia of their royal houses, and Alder and Ellah, one step behind. They all looked solemn, caught in this moment, easily one of the most historic ones in the existence of the Majat Guild. Mai’s Ultimate Challenge not only made him legendary because of his unprecedented victory, but also because he was, by far, the youngest Majat Guildmaster in the history of the Guild, and the only one ever to assume this post in his prime.

A horn rang through the yard. None of the Majat moved or changed position, but Egey Bashi saw many eyes dart to the courtyard entrance, alight in anticipation that made the air over the giant plaza seem charged as if a thunderstorm were about to erupt. Even the Keeper himself couldn’t help but gape as he watched Mai’s entrance.

He looked so natural as he walked with swift, powerful grace at the head of his ceremonial escort. The Guildmaster’s cloak, black with a Diamond Majat token embroidery over the back, draped all the way down to his boots, its folds wavering in rhythm with his measured steps. The cloak was thrown back over his left shoulder to expose his diamond-set armband shining against his black sleeve. Its gleam added to his aura of power, making all eyes watching him narrow, as if blinded by the glamor.

Mai still wore his staff, strapped at the back, with its tip protruding over his left shoulder. His calm face spelled confidence and quiet challenge, making every man in sight pull up, even though it didn’t seem possible for anyone to stand any straighter. Eyes followed him with admiration and awe as he approached the assembled troops.

Egey Bashi held his breath. Dear Shal Addim, this man was born to command. He wore his mantle of station like a second skin, so natural in his new role as if he had always occupied it. By winning his challenge, he had found himself in charge of the largest military force since the days of the Old Empire, making him more powerful than the King.
He who commands the Majat commands the Empire.
Looking at Mai, this couldn’t seem truer.

The sight of the men walking in parallel formation in Mai’s wake made Egey Bashi’s skin prickle. The Majat Guildmaster’s Emerald Guard. He had read about it in old chronicles, but had never before seen them march at a full parade. Twelve men, clad in all black, stepping in perfect unison, their armbands glittering with clear green gems, their cloaks flapping in the breeze in fascinating synchrony. They were taught to fight in unison, too, or so Egey Bashi heard. It was nearly impossible to withstand their combined power.

Two more people walked by Mai’s sides. Master Abib – on his right, three steps behind – looked solemn, but, by the way his lively eyes darted around, Egey Bashi could tell the man was very pleased with himself. And he damned well should be, with the way he’d managed to take advantage of the situation and put his man of choice in power without causing bloodshed.

Kara walked on Mai’s left, cloaked and dressed in black like the rest of his escort, but without any Majat regalia. Egey Bashi was not sure if she had any official ceremonial role in this party, but her presence at Mai’s side showed his intention to keep her around, at least for the time being. The Keeper saw Kyth’s eyes narrow as he watched her walk by, enclosed in her aura of calm composure, not even glancing his way. Egey Bashi let out a sigh. Kara and Mai looked too good together as they marched side by side, their unison no less perfect than that of the Emerald Guards. Kyth couldn’t possibly be happy seeing them this way. Egey Bashi just hoped the Prince would be able to put it behind him in the upcoming negotiations, scheduled to commence this afternoon.

Just their luck that one of the most historical undertakings in the kingdom of Tallan Dar had to be decided in a one-on-one talk between two hot-headed youngsters in love with the same woman.

When Mai reached the formation of the Diamonds, he slowed his steps and pressed his fist to his chest in silent salute. They responded in suit, and when the Emerald Guards walked past they fell into stride behind, extending his train by another impressive length. Egey Bashi noticed that Oden Lan was not among them.

Mai marched past the Rubies and the Sapphires and reached the Jades. He kept a slow pace as he walked, and Egey Bashi saw each man Mai’s eyes fell on draw up with a fervor he had never seen in the presence of any commander before. These men adored him, and the Keeper found it fascinating to watch. Things in the Majat Guild were definitely going to change, and soon.

Mai turned and exchanged quiet words with Kara, walking in his wake. Her glance pointed him to a tall man in the front row, with a square jaw and full lips. Egey Bashi’s eyes widened as he recognized the Jade who had helped him deliver the elixir to Kara and Mai the night before the challenge.

Dear Shal Addim. During his very first day in office Mai did not waste any time. Along with hundreds of people in the plaza Egey Bashi held his breath, watching.

Mai stopped in front of the Jade, his short glance pulling the man to attention, even though Egey Bashi could swear standing any straighter wasn’t possible. He saw the man’s lowered hand tremble as he stared ahead, doing his best to appear calm as Mai surveyed him. The Keeper had observed a similar effect back at court, when the Rubies of the Royal Pentade – as well as many of the court ladies – encountered the quiet interest of Mai’s direct gaze. Here, at the Majat Guild, Mai’s new authority amplified this effect many times over.

“Gahang Iver,” Mai said, his words carrying clearly through the silent grounds.

The Jade lifted his chin, his eyes glassy with effort.

“I’ve examined your record,” Mai said, “and spoken at length to your superiors and your peers. You are a man of exemplary character and, I am told, one of our Guild’s best with a crossbow.”

“Thank you, Guildmaster.” The Jade continued to look ahead with an impassive expression, but Egey Bashi could see how much this praise meant to him.

“Walk with me,” Mai said.

The Jade saluted and, as Mai and his train moved on, he fell into stride behind him. His face held an expression of awed disbelief, as if he thought he were dreaming and was afraid to wake up.

Mai stopped again when he reached the end of the row of Jades, opposite a dark man with piercing eyes, who saluted him with his fist to his chest.

“Gahang Khall.” Mai’s voice rose just a bit so that his words echoed through the plaza. “For the past eight years your record in the Guild has been spotless. I know that my predecessor always held you in very high regard.”

The Jade saluted again, but his dark eyes watched Mai warily, waiting for the impending blow.

“However,” Mai said, “when you gave the order to open fire on Aghat Raishan, you overstepped your authority and demonstrated a lapse of judgment, by firing on a man of a higher rank and a valued Guild member. While I am not privy to the exact orders you received, I believe this behavior was unwarranted. The lives of the top gem ranks are priceless to our Guild, and not to be risked in such a senseless way.”

Khall continued to stand to attention. It seemed that he was about to respond, but Mai’s glance cut him off.

“I also witnessed your lapse in leadership when you failed to keep your subordinate in line and prevent him from violating ceasefire,” Mai said.

Khall’s eyes narrowed, but he kept his silence under Mai’s gaze.

“As I’m sure you know,” Mai said, “such mistakes are gravely punished in our Guild. However, given your past record and the fact that you were under orders, I am willing to take only the necessary steps. I’m relieving you of command. You will join the ranks of the Guild’s Jades.”

Egey Bashi saw a movement ripple through the plaza. Khall had been in charge of the Jades for nearly a decade, and Egey Bashi had rarely seen a more ruthless and efficient man. His post, in charge of the Guild’s security, held a lot of power, keeping its affairs in perfect balance. And now, just a day after accepting his new post, Mai was upsetting this balance with his very first order.

“Gahang Iver,” Mai said.

The Jade beside him stepped forward.

“You will take charge of the Jades in Gahang Khall’s place.”

Egey Bashi let out a sigh. This was a bold move. Yet, it was probably the right thing to do. Mai could not possibly leave his Guild’s security to a man who had nearly shot him down, whatever orders he had received that enabled him to do that. As the new Guildmaster, Mai needed a loyal man in this post, and, having years of command experience himself, Egey Bashi had a good feeling that Mai was making the right choice.

Iver swallowed and saluted with his fist to his chest. “Thank you, Aghat Mai.”

Mai nodded. “I need a man with good judgment, one who can be trusted to make the right decisions in a tight spot. I can’t think of anyone better than you, Gahang.”

“I won’t let you down, Guildmaster.” Iver looked stunned. Clearly, of all the consequences he expected for his disobedience and lending aid to convicted prisoners against the Guildmaster’s explicit orders, this turn of events must have been the farthest from his mind.

As Iver took his place at the head of the Jades, Egey Bashi, once again, saw the magic working its way. Khall had been popular, but now that Mai had put a new man in his place, everyone’s voices rose in a cheer welcoming the new Jade leader. Eyes fixed on their new Guildmaster with such devotion that, had Egey Bashi still been young and idealistic himself, it would have brought tears to his eyes.

To his knowledge Oden Lan had never commanded such loyalty in his men. Under Mai’s rule, this Guild would definitely have more chance to stay united. Egey Bashi just hoped that this wouldn’t make the Majat more of a problem than they already were.

Mai and his escort made full rounds before finally approaching the Keeper and his companions. Egey Bashi heard breaths drawn all around him, men standing to attention.

“Guildmaster.” Egey Bashi bowed, his sideways glance confirming that everyone around him reacted appropriately as well. Lady Celana sank into a deep curtsy. After hesitation, Kyth gave Mai a stiff bow. The Majat Guildmaster outranked the Crown Prince – a change Kyth would have to adjust to, if he ever hoped to be successful in his negotiations.

Mai surveyed their group.

“Prince Kythar,” he said. “Magister Egey Bashi. I know we have both of you to thank for your help against the Kaddim during yesterday’s tournament.” He turned to Lady Celana. “And you, my lady. A very impressive shot. I had no idea you were such an accomplished archer.”

And here was the magic again. The royal lady’s face lit up with color at his words. Egey Bashi had seen her smoothly reflect court compliments before, but it seemed that her composure didn’t make her immune to Mai’s charms. Even Kyth squared his shoulders at this casual praise from his rival.

“It was a joint effort, Aghat Mai,” Egey Bashi said after a pause, which told him neither Kyth nor Celana was about to speak. “Please accept my sincere congratulations on your new post. We are all overjoyed at your victory in the challenge.”

Mai nodded.

“Thank you, Magister,” he said.

Walking in Mai’s wake, Kara couldn’t help the feeling of quiet awe that enfolded her every time she looked at him. He had settled into his new role instantly, as if this high post was meant for him all along. She had always realized Mai was a natural leader, and it was so gratifying to see him in command, and to know the part she had played in instigating it.

She felt, above all, relieved that both she and Mai were still alive, and that their challenge hadn’t ended in a bloodbath among the top gem ranks, as she had feared when she entered the arena the previous morning. Since the time, a few months back, when she had chosen to disobey her orders and save Kyth from being captured by the Kaddim, she had been on a death roll. And now, by a turn of events no one could have possibly anticipated, it was over, and at least for a time she could enjoy safety and peace.

She was amazed to see how well she was being received at the Guild. Being a challenger by Mai’s side, helping his victory and fighting an impossible battle on his behalf, extended his aura of glamor over her as well. She saw it in the eyes of her former comrades as their expressions welcomed her back, dismissing earlier rumors that she was an outcast and a traitor and acknowledging her as one of the Guild’s top warriors. That alone made it all worthwhile.

She was aware that she owed all these things to Mai, and that without his resolve to put his life on the line for her many times over, it never would have happened. The debt she owed him was far beyond something one could easily repay.

Whatever else she felt toward him – if anything – these other, personal feelings couldn’t possibly be a match for what he had become: the leader of their Guild, the most powerful man on this side of the Eastern Mountain Range. She knew that, from now on, the best she could do was to admire him from afar and forget all about the confusion he had stirred in her during the last few days. They were no longer a match, two people of exceptional skill thrown together in a fight for their lives. He was in charge now, and his new role couldn’t possibly go in hand with any personal bonds. She could live with it, she told herself again and again.

After the parade, Mai gathered his escort in the inner courtyard adjoining the training grounds. Kara was surprised when Mai’s hand signs, thrown at high speed, rearranged the formation to leave her standing by herself, with everyone else facing her.

“Aghat Kara,” Mai said, his calm voice echoing through the courtyard.

Against reason, she found herself pulling to attention. She wasn’t a Majat anymore, but her hand inadvertently flew up, her fist pressing against her chest in a Majat salute.

“Guildmaster.”

“I wish to express my gratitude to you for joining my challenge,” Mai said. “You chose to stand by my side despite certainty that this action was going to get you killed. Your skill and resolve enabled our victory. I owe you my life, Aghat. I will not forget it.”

She bowed her head. “It was my honor to fight by your side, Aghat Mai. And,” she added before she could think better of it, “you know well that, before this challenge, you saved my life too, more than once. I am the one in your debt.”

He held a brief pause.

“Your debt to me has just been erased. You don’t owe me a thing, Aghat.”

She nodded, at a loss for words. She knew she would never forget what she owed him, but having him dismiss it all in this formal conversation meant that nobody else would ever hold her to it. Against reason, this knowledge filled her with regret. He had just severed the connection that had bonded her to him for the past few months.

She kept her face still, hoping that her expression showed none of these thoughts.

“My new post,” Mai went on, “enables me to give you something I always wanted you to have.”

A gift? She raised her eyebrows. What could he possibly give her?

“Aghat Mai,” she began. “You have no reason to–”

His glance stopped her. “Never refuse a gift before you know what it is, Aghat. I am certain you’d want to keep this one. I am giving you your freedom. And a full pardon from the Majat Guild.”

Her mouth fell open. She was only vaguely aware of everyone else staring.

She shivered, overwhelmed with amazement and gratitude she couldn’t possibly express. If Mai wanted to grant her full pardon, there was no better way to do it, and, knowing him well, she realized that he had given it a lot of thought. Bringing it up at the parade in front of all the troops might have stirred up a reaction. Saying it in a smaller gathering with all of the Guild’s Diamonds present made it just as irrevocable, and much less likely to cause any uproar.

A lump rose in her throat. She looked at him wide-eyed as he continued calmly, as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on.

“I know that you have found yourself in a precarious position, Aghat Kara, pitched between your orders and your certainty that following them would be drastically wrong. You demonstrated exceptional integrity by choosing to do what you believed was right, while knowing that it would mean your execution. No one in the history of our Guild has ever survived the ensuing sanctions. This makes your situation unprecedented, not covered by the Code. As a result, it enables me to use my own judgment to decide your fate. As of now, you are formally free of your obligations to the Guild, and no Majat will pursue you because of your past. “

Against reason, she felt tears rise to her eyes and she bowed her head, pressing her fist to her chest again.

“It is also in my power as the Guildmaster,” Mai went on, “to offer you a choice. If you wish to return to the Guild and resume your rank, I would be honored to welcome you back.”

A choice.

She felt a flutter in her stomach that suddenly made it so hard to stand upright in front of him. In just a few words, he had thrown the world at her feet. He was offering her everything she could possibly dream of, as casually as if he were doing her a minor favor.

In all her life, she had never been in a position to make these kinds of choices. And now, she had no idea how to handle them. Looking into his eyes inadvertently brought to mind the
other
choice they’d talked about on the eve of the challenge – one she felt, with his new station, she’d do best to forget.

She swallowed.

“Thank you, Aghat Mai,” she said. “No words could possibly express my gratitude. I am honored by your offer to return to the Guild, and will think on it very carefully before giving you an answer. And,” she added quietly, “I will always be grateful for everything you’ve done for me.”

Mai nodded, his narrowed eyes making it difficult to guess his feelings. He paused for a moment, looking at her. Then he turned away, and she felt the tension released as normal activity resumed around him. One by one, the Diamonds saluted to him and departed, followed by Master Abib, leaving the two of them in the courtyard, surrounded by his Emerald Guard.

“I am going to the medical barracks,” Mai said. “You want to come with me?”

Kara nodded, unsure if she could find her voice, and fell into stride by his side.

Things around her were changing too quickly. Yesterday morning she had been an outcast, her life forfeit. And now, only a day later, she was free, the first Majat in history who had been able to leave the Guild without any obligations. From now on, she could do anything she pleased – including going back to her old life, if she wanted to. All this was just too much to deal with.

The arrival of the Guildmaster, marching in full regalia at the head of his Emerald Guard, caused a major upheaval in the medical barracks. Mai took it in his stride as he made his way inside, past the saluting people lining the walls.

Raishan was sitting in bed, his back propped against a pile of pillows. His face looked drawn and very pale, with deep dark circles under his eyes. When he saw Mai, he moved to rise, but Doctor Lestor standing by his side placed a hand on his shoulder, forcing him to subside back into the pillows.

“Guildmaster.” Raishan pressed his fist to his chest and bowed his head.

Mai nodded, responding with a brief salute before stepping up to the bedside.

“Aghat Raishan. I am so relieved to know that you are expected to make a fast recovery.”

Raishan shot a glance at the doctor.

“Not as fast as I would like to, Aghat Mai. My place is by your side.”

“And I look forward to you assuming it, Aghat. But only after Master Lestor releases you to active duty.”

Raishan nodded.

“I am in your debt, Aghat Raishan,” Mai said. “You received your wound protecting me. I feel responsible for what happened.”

Raishan smiled. “Seeing you in charge makes it all worth it, Guildmaster. I cannot imagine a better man for the post.”

Mai’s face lit up with a quick smile. Then both men turned to Kara as she stepped up to Raishan’s bedside.

“Welcome back, Aghat Raishan,” she said. “For a moment, back in the courtyard, I feared we’d lost you.”

“It’s not as easy as you think.” Raishan’s eyes stirred with an affection that made her feel warm inside. He was such a good friend, and seeing that he had survived his ordeal made her feel so relieved.

“Well fought, Aghat,” Raishan said. “Or so I heard. Your fame is spreading like fire, even here in the medical barracks. I wish I could have seen it. A shadow throw, eh?”

She smiled, surprised at how much this casual compliment pleased her.

“I look forward to seeing you on the training grounds soon, Aghat Raishan,” she said.

Mai’s next few steps took him to the rooms housing the Rubies injured at the tournament. Some of them were still in bad shape, but the doctors in attendance assured him that most of them were expected to recover completely, and within a reasonable time. As Mai made his rounds, stopping by the patients’ beds and exchanging words of encouragement and reassurance, everyone’s eyes followed him with fascination and reverence.

Kara watched this with mixed feelings. Some of these men had been wounded by her swords before she had realized, in the heat of the mêlée, that something was wrong. Fighting with a bare blade, as opposed to a staff with the blades one could draw or retract on command, could be a disadvantage in such a case. One of the Rubies had fallen right on her sword, and she hadn’t been able to do anything to avert it. She was glad that none of them seemed to be holding it against her. In fact, they all smiled and saluted her, many eyes following her with expressions of awe.

Their last stop brought them to a smaller room at the end of the hallway. Kara’s heart quivered as she followed Mai toward the freckled man with a bandaged chest, who shakily stood to attention beside his bed, watching the approaching group with a pale face.

She did not think she could ever look at this man again without a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. In fact, she hoped she’d never have to see this man again.

“Gahang Sharrim,” Mai said.

The Jade saluted and sank down to one knee. “Aghat Mai. I–”

Mai’s short glance froze the words on his lips. “You’ve disobeyed your orders and violated a ceasefire, Gahang. I believe you are aware of what kind of punishment is warranted. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

The Jade’s saluting hand trembled. “I am sorry for shooting you, Aghat Mai.”

“It’s not about me, Gahang.”

Sharrim’s lips quivered and, to her surprise, Kara saw tears standing in his eyes.

“I was guided by a foolish sense that my actions might somehow erase your past, Aghat Mai. I did not want to see you get hurt. The last thing I wanted was to hurt you myself. Not in a lifetime.” His voice sank to a whisper as he looked at Mai with the devotion of a loyal dog waiting to be struck by its master.

Mai shook his head. “Once again, Gahang, this has nothing to do with your personal feelings. As you well know, the Majat Guild depends on the ability of its men to follow orders.”

Sharrim lowered his eyes. “I am aware of how unforgivable my actions were, Aghat Mai, and will gladly accept my punishment. But... if you choose to spare me and give me an opportunity to prove my loyalty to you, I swear I will never again violate my orders.”

Mai appeared to hesitate.

“I know that at heart you are a good man, Gahang,” he said. “And I do realize that the circumstances that surrounded your actions were far out of the ordinary. I also know that you are the best archer our Guild has seen in decades. However, I need an assurance that I can trust you.”

“You can trust me, Aghat Mai. I swear.”

Mai nodded.

“I am placing you on probation. Any further incident will result in your permanent removal from the ranks, with the punishment determined by your superior officers.”

Sharrim’s lips trembled.

“Thank you, Aghat Mai. I will not fail you again.” His voice sank to a near-whisper and Kara saw a tear roll down his cheek as he watched Mai depart.

He remained kneeling after Mai exited. Kara hesitated, wondering if she should call for help. With his recent wound, she wasn’t sure he should be up and about, let alone kneeling down. Could he rise on his own without hurting himself even more?

He noticed her look and shakily got to his feet, watching her. Relieved, she turned to go, but his words stopped her.

“Aghat Kara?”

She paused, surprised that he had addressed her. She forced her face into a calm expression, unwilling to show how much this man unnerved her.

“That was a shadow throw, wasn’t it?” Sharrim said, eyeing her with awe. “I thought it was impossible to perform. I didn’t believe anyone had actually done it in the past, despite what the chronicles say. To my knowledge, no one in our Guild has been able to do it for centuries.”

Kara’s lips twitched. “I felt inspired, Gahang.”

He swallowed. “I… I’m sorry for trying to shoot you down, Aghat Kara. And, I know I have no right to say this – not after what happened – but I am so glad Aghat Mai spared your life.”

Kara couldn’t help but smile. She suddenly saw this man for who he was, barely her senior, a talented archer who put his skill above all else. She also remembered the way he looked at Mai. In addition to the loyalty and admiration she had seen in nearly everyone today, Sharrim’s eyes held more. He looked at Mai as an object of his love.