Part 2 (1/2)
The captain would still have bruises.
”Go!”
Alone, Eremius raised both hands to the sky and shrieked curses. He cursed the sorcerers of ancient Atlantis, who found or made the Jewels of Kurag so strong together and so weak apart. He cursed the weakness of his Jewel, that forced him to use such human servants. If they were not witlings by nature, they had to be made such lest they escape his control.
Above and beyond all else, he cursed Illyana. Had she been more loyal to him, or less shrewd in her escape-
Such thoughts were as futile now as ever. Bossonia was ten years gone and as unchangeable as the Ibars Mountains. It was the future that held hope-hope of human allies, who might still crown his quest with victory.
Bora stalked out of the gray dawn and into Crimson Springs before anyone was awake to see him. Before his own house, he stopped. Did he hear the sound of lamentation from within?
He knocked. The door opened a crack. His sister Caraya appeared. Red eyes and a puffy, tear-streaked face marred her beauty.
”Bora! Where have you been?”
”In the mountains. Caraya, what is it? Have they executed-?”
”No, no! It is not Father. It is Arima. The demons took her!”
”The demons-”
”Bora, have you been out all night? I said, the demons took Arima!”
Suddenly she was pressing her face into his shoulder, weeping again.
He patted her hair awkwardly and tried to urge her inside. It finally took both him and Yakoub: Bora helped her to a chair, while Yakoub shut the door. From the other room, the sound of lamentation began again.
”Your mother mourns,” Yakoub said. ”The other children-the neighbors have taken them in.”
”Who are you, to play host in this house?” Bora asked. He had never quite trusted Yakoub, who was too handsome and too clearly city-bred, although a good man with the stock. He had come to Crimson Springs two years before, speaking of enemies in Aghrapur. His skill with the animals had made him welcome enough, and not only in Crimson Springs.
Nor had he gone against the customs of his hosts.
”Who are you, to turn away help?” Caraya snapped. ”Will you play master in this house, if it takes bread from the mouths of your kin?”
Bora raised his hands, feeling more helpless than usual in the face of his sister's tongue. It was not the first time he agreed with Iskop the Smith, who said that Caraya's tongue was deadlier than any weapon he had ever forged.
”Forgive me, Cara. I-I have not slept this night, and my wits are dulled.”
”You look weary,” Yakoub said. He grinned. ”I hope she was worth it.”
”If you spent the night with-” began Caraya, her voice tight with rage.
”I spent the night learning the secret of the demons,” Bora snarled.
After that he lacked no attention. Caraya heated water and wiped his face, hands, and feet while Yakoub listened intently.
”This is not easy to believe,” Yakoub said finally.
Bora nearly choked on a mouthful of bread. ”Are you calling me a liar?”
”Nothing of the kind. I but state an important truth. What good does it do you to have seen this, if no one believes you?”