A Matter of Death - Chapter 3

This was the original third chapter. Sometimes, a writer finds the beginning doesn't work the way she wanted it to and needed to revise a few thing. I'll let you compare once I've finished with the book.

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Shi Hua jumped to her feet. “Your Highness, give us a chance to try to resume contact with the Temples in Tandor before we resort to such measures.”

Crown Princess Chiara narrowed her eyes. “Do you always allow your juniors to speak out of turn, High Brother Jeremy?”

“With all due respect, Your Highness, it’s Acting High Brother,” Jeremy replied coolly. “And my predecessors Kam and Luc encouraged their juniors to find and offer solutions to problems. I follow their wise lead.”

However, he tugged on Shi Hua’s robes out of sight of everyone but the magistrate. She took the hint and resumed her seat.

“I must agree with Sister Shi Hua,” Han said in his deep, booming voice. “If Tandor had fallen, the demons would already be here. Since the city lies at the crossroads to Diné and the Cliffdwellers, their own Temple alarms would have echoed Tandor’s, not just those in Issura.”

Shi Hua couldn’t miss the way his avoided any mention of Cant. The demon army had come from that direction. Unfortunately, they had so few distance speakers these days no one knew the real status of the Cantish clergy, or if another demon army headed southeast to the Mecas.

Han reached over and tapped a gap in the mountains north of Orrin on the map. “If the Diné have followed our joint procedures, they will be marching west to Tandor. They will have also sent word north and east to the Cliffdwellers and the Plains Nations. The Commanche will spearhead a force through Kulshra’jek Pass.”

Crown Princess Chiara shook her head. “We’re assuming the winter snows have melted enough the pass is open. According to the villages we marched through on the way to Orrin, no traders from the east have come for the Spring Rituals.” She settled back in her chair. “For now, we must assume the worst—that Issura is on her own.” She turned to Bertrice. “You still haven’t given me an answer, High Sister.”

Bertrice closed her eyes as if in prayer. When she opened them, her gaze was bleak. “I can trigger the defenses remotely but not from here. The demon spells that block communication also block my link to Tandor’s Temple of Death from here. I would need to be closer.”

“How close?” The crown princess’s eyes narrowed.

Bertrice blew out a deep breath. “At best, ten leagues. Possibly closer.”

All the clergy at the table gasped. Acid burned the back of Shi Hua’s throat. When the Death priestesses of Eire and Albion triggered their Temples, the spells not only decimated everything on those islands but all the surrounding smaller islands as well. Hundreds of leagues full of living things died in an instant of power. That was four centuries ago, and to this day, nothing could touch those islands and live. Even Duke Marco and the rest of the civilians looked queasy at Bertrice’s words.

Crown Princess Chiara rose and stared at the map. Her index finger traced a path along the National Road from Orrin to a point northeast of Tandor. “Here?”

Bertrice nodded.

“But what about High Brother Nantan?” Shi Hua exclaimed. “He and his surviving priests are still in the city. Can’t they override Bertrice’s attempt to activate the spell?”

The crown princess looked at Bertrice who shrugged.

“Nantan could by himself,” the high sister of Death said. “He’s been the high brother in Tandor for ten winters.”

“Would he?” Crown Princess Chiara asked.

Bertrice pressed her lips together and didn’t speak for three heartbeats. “No. When he realizes what I’m trying to do, he won’t impede it. If the demons stop me by spell or death, he will finish the task.”

“But the civilians!” Shi Hua shoved her chair back and stood once again. “The Temples at least evacuated the Isles of Britannia before they launched the spell of last resort! Empress Bao De gave her armies time to escape before she and her consort ignited the trap they laid for the demon army in Jing!”

Shi Hua! Sit! Jeremy’s silent command rang through her mind.

She looked down at him and forced herself not to shout her next words. “With all due respect, High Brother, I would make the same protest if I were in Jing, Toscana, or any other nation.” She turned back to the crown princess. “Our duty is to protect the human race, not fling lives aside as if they are nothing more than autumn leaves.”

“How do you propose to get the citizens of Tandor out under the noses of the demons?” Chiara asked. Surprisingly, she didn’t seem angered by Shi Hua’s outburst. “They are my people, and it sickens me that I have to consider this action.” She tapped the stylized parapet symbol for the city on the map. “This place is cursed. The entire Apache nation gave up their lives here to prevent the demon incursion from spilling into the Great Plains. Our queendom was born from the aftermath of that battle. I don’t want to sacrifice my people, but do I try to rescue a few hundred in Tandor, or I lose the tens of thousands more in Issura, Diné, or Pagonia who would be slaughtered if I let the demons past me?”

Shi Hua bit her lip. The question was the same type Brother Fang would have asked in one of his philosophy classes when she was a novice. Personal feelings must sometimes be set aside for the greater good.

She bowed to the crown princess. “My apologies for my outburst, Your Highness.” She resumed her seat.

Beneath the table, the magistrate squeezed her hand briefly. It was good to know someone else was as disturbed at the thought of abandoning their friends in Tandor as she was.

* * *

Between the preparations of the Orrin clergy and the duchy’s call to arms, Shi Hua never had a chance to consume a real meal. Her stomach growled in the middle of blessing Lord Antonio and his sons. While most of the nobles requested clergy from Conflict or Father to consecrate their men and women at arms, a few asked for her and High Brother Jeremy specifically.

Lord Antonio’s sons snickered when her stomach burbled again. Their eldest sister elbowed them both sharply though she kept her own head bowed. Even the nobleman and several of his retainers smiled.

“…and may the Lord of Light welcome you into his embrace for One is Twelve and Twelve are One,” she finished.

“One is Twelve and Twelve are One,” Lord Antonio and his people answered. They rose and drifted back to their campfires outside Government Gate, the main entrance into Orrin. Several hundred other fires dotted the darkening, grassy lawns outside of the walls. There simply wasn’t enough space in the city to house everyone.

Lord Antonio paused and bowed to Shi Hua. “Sister, your stomach indicates you haven’t had a chance to eat today. I’d be honored if you’d join us for the evening meal.”As if on cue, the Temple bells began pealing First Evening. And he was right. All she had eaten today was a couple of bites from a roll during the meeting at Duke Marco’s estate.

Shi Hua smiled and returned his bow. “Thank you for the invitation, m’lord, but as the bells are telling me, I’m already late for a meeting with Reverend Father Farrell.”

“Of course.” Lord Antonio turned to follow his people.

His request for her services gnawed on her more than the hunger. “Lord Antonio, would you answer a question, please?”

He stopped. Like many in Issura, he carried mostly Chumash features except for the prominent Toscan nose. His dark eyes flickered with curiosity. “Yes?”

“May I ask why you requested me for your blessing?” she said softly, stepping closer to him. “I’m not of Issura, and I’m all too aware of how Issurans feel about female clergy of Light.”

“You’ve survived several demon attacks, Sister. I’m hoping your good relationship with Thief rubs off on us.” Lord Antonio nodded before he turned and strode off in the direction of his encampment.

Warden Mateqai, who had been waiting nearby, led their horses to Shi Hua and handed her the set of reins for her own mount.

She cocked her head as she regarded the noble’s statement. “Why not ask for Thief’s blessing if that were Lord Antonio’s concern?”

Mateqai chuckled. “That was a compliment, Sister. It’s rare for so many of the Twelve to focus Their attention on one person.”

Shi Hua shivered at she mounted her horse. The vision she saw in the midst of Yanaba’s spell, whether it was Balance Herself or the long dead Chief Justice Thalia, bothered her more than she cared to admit. “Honestly, I’d prefer They turn Their attention directly to the demons.”

They rode toward Government Gate. Both Peacekeeper Jamie and Chief Warden Little Bear of Balance nodded and waved them through despite some grumbling from those who had been waiting for admittance most of the afternoon.

She felt a bit sorry for Little Bear. It had to be driving him and the Balance wardens insane that the crown princess ordered them to stay in Orrin, especially with Chief Justice Anthea being one of those trapped inside the Tandor city walls. And here he was, assisting the peacekeepers with basic guard duties, instead of protesting his lot.

Orrin bustled with people dodging to and fro as they went about their errands. It would normally be this busy during the week before Spring Rituals. But instead of the usual boisterous joy accompanying the holidays, everyone carried a grim expression along with their supplies, weapons, and messages.

The rear yard was crowded when Shi Hua and Mateqai reached the Temple of Light. Henry, their stablemaster, appeared harried as he directed his own staff and Reverend Father Farrell’s.

“You two need to get inside,” Henry snapped. “You’re late.”

Even Mateqai’s eyebrows rose at the lack of manners in their stablemaster.

“Excuse me?” Shi Hua frowned at the man as she dismounted.

Henry’s cheeks turned beet red above his beard. “I beg forgiveness, Sister. I meant no insult.”

“None taken,” she replied as she lowered her voice and stepped closer. “Is everything all right?”

Henry’s lower jaw worked before he murmured, “We don’t have enough room for this many people or animals. I’ve resorted to picketing some of the extra horses in the meditation garden.”

In other words, their head of household was throwing a major tantrum about equines chewing on the grass and newly sprouting herbs and flowers. She glanced at Mateqai who stared at the tips of his boots. Smart man. She pursed her lips before she turned her attention back to Henry.

“Do you want me to speak to Istaqa?” she whispered.

“I don’t want him sent back to Standora.” Henry’s expression shifted to guilt and regret he’d even brought up the subject. When Istaqa had been going on about having a woman in the Temple, High Brother Luc threatened to dismiss Istaqa and send him to the capital for reassignment if he didn behave. Such a measure would leave an indelible stain on the man’s record.

And if Jeremy found out Istaqa was harassing the rest of the staff, he’d follow through on Luc’s threat.

“Neither do I,” Shi Hua whispered. Despite butting heads with Istaqa over the Issuran decision to only have men serve the Temple of Light, she had to admit he was damn good at his job. “Let me try to talk some sense into him before Brother Jeremy learns of the issue.”

Henry almost looked relieved when he nodded. No doubt having the Reverend Father in residence didn’t put him totally at ease. Or maybe it was the demon army to the south setting Henry’s nerves on edge.

Regardless, she needed to have a little talk with their head of household.

Shi Hua marched into the temple. Luckily, Istaqa was right by the kitchen entrance, inspecting every dish before the kitchen boys and the drafted civilians scurried out of the kitchen with their burdens. Their cook shot her a pleading look. So, Henry wasn’t the only one having issues.

“Istaqa, may I have a word with you?”

He turned to her and shook his head. “Not right now, Sister. You need to get cleaned up. The Reverend Father is waiting. And I placed your new bow in your chambers.” He turned back to the cook. “That broth needs more seasoning—”

Shi Hua dropped her voice an octave. “That was not a request, Master of the Household.”

He pivoted slowly back to her. It must have finally sank through the man’s thick skull she outranked him from the expression of raw fear on his face.

“Your office. Now.” She strode out of the kitchen, not waiting for any acknowledgement.

“B-but, Sister—”

She didn’t look back, merely raised her right index finger. Watching Chief Justice Anthea in action had been a boon. Istaqa shut up.

When she reached his small office, she made a point of sitting behind his desk and jabbed her index finger in the direction of the one visitor’s stool. Istaqa immediately sat. Mateqai silently closed the office door. He would stand guard in the hallway to make sure they weren’t interrupted.

Shi Hua narrowed her eyes and stared at their head of household. Istaqa’s gaze flicked everywhere but at her. “I’ve put up with your behavior toward me because I realize the cultural differences between Issura and Jing are disconcerting to you,” she said, keeping her voice even. “But I will not tolerate you treating the staff poorly.”

A sullen expression overtook his features. “You have no standing here,” he muttered.

“Until the Reverend Father assigns new clergy to Orrin, I am the acting second. Given that there is a demon army four days south of us, I will not be leaving Issura any time soon.”

Obviously, neither thought had occurred to Istaqa from his expression of shock.

“Modify your behavior now, or I will relieve you of duty. Is that understood, Istaqa?”

He bowed his head. “Yes, Sister.”

“And thank you for delivering my bow safely.” A little bit of consideration was due. Istaqa’s efficiency had never been in question. “You are dismissed.”

Istaqa scrambled out of his office as if demons chased him.

Mateqai peered around the doorjamb, his black eyebrows raised in inquiry.

She merely shook her head as she rose. “Keep an ear out for me.”

The warden nodded. He struggled to keep the amusement off his face. He was probably not the only person in the Temple of Light who thought their head of household needed to be taken down a peg or two.

“Shall we attend the Reverend Father’s meeting?” she said as she strode to the door.

“Yes, Sister.”

When they approached the high brother’s private dining room, two unknown wardens stood guard at the door. The one on Shi Hua’s right saluted.

“They are waiting for you, Sister.”

“I’ll return at the end of your meeting.” Mateqai started to bow to her, but the warden who had spoke held up a hand. “Your presence is required as well, Warden Mateqai.” The unknown warden knocked a certain pattern before he opened the door.

Shi Hua exchanged a look with Mateqai, but he appeared as confused as she felt. However, it would be nice to have a familiar presence besides Jeremy at this dinner meeting.

There were fewer people seated at the oval table than she expected. Reverend Father Farrell sat at the far end, opposite from Jeremy. Three of the Reverend Father’s entourage of clergy were also in attendance. Chief Warden Nicolas and another warden she didn’t know sat to Jeremy’s left. The two seats to Jeremy’s right were empty.

The smile the Reverend Father favored them with wasn’t as broad as the one from this morning. From the dark smudges under his eyes and the deep lines around his mouth and eyes, he appeared to carry the weight of Issura.

Between the infiltration of his order by renegades and the demon army, he probably felt as if he carried the weight of the world.

“What’s the word amongst the nobles, Sister?” he asked as one of his priests poured wine for her and Mateqai. Her warden intercepted her goblet and took a drink before he handed it to her.

Reverend Father Farrell’s smile fell. “You don’t even trust us, Brother Jeremy?”

“How many demons have you killed, sir?” Jeremy’s tone was firm despite his insubordinate words.

The other three priests glanced at the Reverend Father and Jeremy before they exchanged worried expressions. None of them would even look in her direction.

After a long moment, the Reverend Father nodded. “I apologize, Jeremy. And to you, too, Shi Hua. Reading a report is not the same as experiencing something in life.”

She cleared her throat. “To answer your question, Reverend Father, the nobles and their people are nervous. It’s been four generations since the last demon incursion. We need to be mindful of the spiritual needs of the queen’s army.”

“What do you two think of the crown princess’s plan?” the Reverend Father asked as he dug into his meal.

Shi Hua looked to Jeremy. The anger he’d held in check earlier shone in his eyes. “I think the priests in Tandor have already considered her plan on their own. High Brother Luc is probably searching for a way to evacuate the civilians as we speak.”

“What would be his plan?” The Reverend Father tore off a chunk of flatbread and dip it in his broth.

“According to Chief Justice Anthea, only two of the tunnels in Tandor are passable,” Shi Hua said. “The north tunnel comes out too close to the demon army to be safely used. The east tunnel comes out in the Valley of the Lost far beyond the National Road. They wouldn’t able to move fast in the heat, and the dust raised by their passage would give them away. They’d have to find a third option.”

“So how do you two propose to evacuate the civilians?” The Reverend Father’s attention shifted between her and Jeremy. “The remainder of the Sea Peoples fleet, sir, and however many ships Duke Marco can muster.” Jeremy’s initial anger turned to bleakness. They’d run the calculations half a night with Titus, the captain of the duke’s flagship, and Captain Iakepa of the Sea Peoples. “However, there simply isn’t be enough ships to carry everyone out of Tandor, but we have to try.”

“Do you realize the panic we’ll cause when the civilians realize some of them will be left behind?” the Reverend Father said quietly. “Tandor doesn’t have anyone from Child left, and if we take anyone from Orrin—”

“That’s one less spot for a civilian on board.” Shi Hua nodded. “We know. There are a couple of ships still in Tandor’s harbor. If we take sailors with us to crew those ships—”

“It still won’t be enough.” The Reverend Father took a long drink of wine before he looked at them again. “This time of year, there should be plenty of ships plying this region of the Peaceful Sea to evacuate Tandor.” He shook his head. “The sinking of those trade ships and the murder of their crews off the coast hampers any rescue.”

“What if we send the ships south after the queen’s army marches for Tandor?” Jeremy said. “It’s four days by the National Road, but only two days by sea. We could trap the demons between the fleet and the army. You only need one distance speaker to coordinate between the two.”

“You’d give up Sister Shi Hua?” Reverend Father Farrell cocked his head.

Jeremy leaned back in his chair. “I thought that was why you brought Brother Elroy.” He waved a hand at the priest with orangish-red hair and freckles.

“How do you know—” The priest beside Brother Elroy started to rise, but he placed a hand on his friend’s upper arm. “Settle Long Wind.” Elroy grinned at Jeremy. “I didn’t think you remembered me.”

Jeremy shrugged. “It hasn’t been that long since I took my vows.”

Shi Hua desperately wanted to ask what was between Jeremy and the older priest. Well, he wasn’t that much older. He looked to be around High Brother Luc’s age. But now was not the time or place to ask such questions.

So, she steered the conversation back to the evacuation. “According to the histories, the demons haven’t mastered swimming. They are willing to sacrifice a small number of themselves to cross a river, but they can’t handle a large body of water. If we only bring one ship at a time into Tandor’s harbor, the other ships can launch spell-laced fireworks at the demon army.

“Fireworks?” Longwind frowned. “What are those?”

“A recreational use of flash powder in Jing,” Shi Hua replied. “We use them for celebrations, such as the Spring Rituals. With the right spells and ingredients, they can create pictures in the sky.”

Elroy snorted. “Pictures aren’t going to scare away a demon army.”

“No, but Jing flashbangs can hurt them,” Jeremy said. “We couple those with our Light abilities and we can extend the use of both flash powder and priests.” He glanced at Shi Hua. “And priestesses.”

The Reverend Father rubbed his chin. “Thief is working on flashbangs as we speak.”

“They already have the cask of powder Ambassador Quan donated before he left,” Shi Hua offered.

The Reverend Father eyed her. “I like the plan, but you realize the crown princess has the final say.”

“Yes, sir,” she and Jeremy both murmured.

“I still like to have some of these fireworks of yours with the main army regardless of what Her Highness decides.” The Reverend Father focused on Shi Hua. “Can you teach these men tonight? The crown princess plans to leave at first light.”

“Yes, sir.” Shi Hua nodded firmly.

The Reverend Father cleared his throat. He appeared totally discomfited. “The other matter I need to discuss is the recent order—”

“I’ve already spoken to Reverend Father Jin back home.” Her words come out in a rush. “I know my duty.”

An embarrassed smile appeared on Reverend Father Farrell’s face. “Given there is only one Light priest left in Orrin, you have your pick of any of the priests I brought with me.”

“I’ve made my choice, and I’m quite happy with it.” She lifted her chin and made a point of laying her hand on Jeremy’s arm.

“Well, then…” It was amazing the Reverend Father could look both mortified and relieved at the same time. Even odder was the disappointment in the other three priests’ expressions. What exactly were they expecting when they came to Orrin?

“What else was on your agenda, sir?” Jeremy sounded more sure of himself than she’d ever heard him.

“Garbhan will be staying here while you and the sister come south with me.”

The youngest brother in the Reverend Father’s entourage took a studied interest in his food at his senior clergy’s words.

Jeremy scowled, actually scowled, at the Reverend Father. “Are you sure taking both distance speakers with us is a wise course of action?”

“Under normal circumstances, no.” The Reverend Father poked at his stew before he stared at Jeremy. “But you and the sister are the only people I have who have actually fought any demon.”

The discussion went on to preparations for the coming battle, but all she could think about was what would happen after this day was finished. Something was going on with their visitors, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what crawled up the back of her neck.