The Seekers: Soul Ties. Anton Anderson
these windows! First, the inmates would have to breach even thicker metal bars of the cells. She remembered coming here all those hundreds of years ago just to see how those bars were made. Lots of work and lots of metal, but she did make the same bars for her own village. She was so proud of her work!
Needing to cool off, Iskrila looked at her wounded leg. She’d removed the bandage an hour ago. There was quite a lot of dry blood, red against her dark-green skin, but the wound had already closed. Iskrila carefully tried to get up. It was a bit painful, but manageable. She took a step. Then another.
«I’ll heal in an hour or two,» she said. «Should we even think of escaping?»
Haileen stopped strolling around and looked at her. Same calm expression, Iskrila noted, if a bit preoccupied.
«You asked what was going on – I think I know the answer,» Haileen finally said. «But I don’t know why it happened. Nor do I know what would happen next.»
«Eh?» Iskrila started measuring the cell back and forth. «So, what is happening exactly?»
«Judging by the time we’ve been here – it was no coincidence, no mistake. Drowners do intend to keep us here, at least for a while. But that ambush was strange, indeed. It did not feel like they were oblivious as to who they were attacking, more like they were not prepared to face us. Were not willing to kill us, perhaps. And maybe that is the reason your amulet failed to warn you in time?»
Iskrila had no idea why her artifact had failed so miserably, but those words made her remember Aip. The way she fell on the ground, pierced by the arrows. The way the Drowners surrounded her body, arguing in whispers whether they should pull the arrows out. Iskrila’s hands clenched into fists, digging her claws deep into her skin. She felt how blood started seeping through her fingers, heard it drop onto the floor, but she didn’t care. She wanted blood. She needed it. Drowners must pay for what they’ve done!
The sudden clang of the lock finally brought the wait to an end. Both igni came closer to the bars, intending to see and hear their captors better. The door creaked, letting some fresh air inside. Two guards stayed at the door, and the third person entered.
Iskrila knew that skinny, red face very well. Recognized the harsh look of those bright green eyes. Remembered those long, twisted horns. Familiar silver earrings flashed in the light as Jaesa alone stepped inside.
She waited for the lock to close; only then did she start talking. «I’d say „good evening,“ but it wasn’t particularly good for you.»
Iskrila used to like Jaesa’s hoarse voice, but now it sounded like she was mocking her!
«Cut the crap!» Iskrila yelled. «What the actual fuck? Why did you attack us? Why didn’t you finish us off? And where the heck is Aip? If you killed her, Demon Lord’s the witness – I’ll rip your throat apart and drink your fucking blood. All of it!»
Jaesa just snickered, then looked at Haileen, expecting her to talk as well. But Haileen was silent.
«Sure.» Jaesa found a stool and sat in front of the cell. «I won’t say that I’ve killed Aip. Especially because I didn’t know her name.»
Bam! Iskrila bashed the metal bars, desperate to get her hands on Jaesa’s throat. Her heart was beating so hard and so fast, fueled by the uncontrollable rage. Doesn’t even know her name! I must get my claws on that face! She has to suffer! She has to freaking die!
«Haileen.» Jaesa turned her head. «You probably noticed something strange during the attack. I’ve no idea what happened exactly, but my people have apparently mistaken you for a foreign caravan. It’s Star’s fault, really. I told her many times about the importance of wearing a sigil.»
Star’s fault? Star’s fault? Iskrila couldn’t believe her ears. How does she dare to even mention her!
«I see.» Haileen’s ever-calm voice answered. «But since you have not offered an apology for attacking us, I believe the outcome was still desirable for you.»
Jaesa looked away and sighed. «I didn’t want to kill any of Star’s people. Or any people of the tribes. I am sorry, but apologizing is the only thing I can do, really. I didn’t even want to rob any of the tribes. After all, we’ve settled here to cooperate, to help each other. We started from nothing, the four of us. We grew, we expanded. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the rest.»
Iskrila interjected. «Didn’t want to rob – then where’s my amulet?»
With a smile, Jaesa pulled a chain from her pocket. And on the chain dangled a metallic object. It looked like a flat, round amulet almost the size of a person’s hand. Shiny, silvery surface flashed in the light, revealing complex carvings on the surface. It looked like a sun fused with a many pointed star. A part of the design looked rectangular and sharp, a part was smooth and curvy, and the rim of the amulet was covered with a pattern of incredibly tiny details. The whole thing was constantly radiating bright blue light that looked especially spectacular against Jaesa’s red skin.
«I said exactly what I meant.» Jaesa was clearly mesmerized by the artifact. «I’ll give it back the moment you’re out of here, despite it being magical and immensely valuable. Where did you get it?»
Iskrila would answer this question, but even though she doubted that Jaesa would keep her word, she was also relieved to see the artifact intact.
«So, you did want to rob, but only if the caravan was foreign?» Haileen asked. «I guess you finally gave up on the idea of convincing the chiefs and decided to do it alone?»
Jaesa smiled and snickered. «Yes, you’ve always been quick with your brain, Haileen. Your capture can illustrate how serious I am much better than any words. Don’t overstep your boundaries – and you’ll be fine.»
«What point?» Iskrila spat, too enraged to speak properly. «What boundaries? What the fuck are you up to? You think we would let you get away with this?»
Once again, Jaesa sighed and looked away. While her eyes were searching the cell for the answer, her fingers kept playing with the artifact’s chain.
«No, you probably won’t,» she finally found the words. «Whatever Star decides to do, you’d carry on her orders to the letter.»
Jaesa stood up and went towards the exit. In the doorway, she stopped and added, «I won’t risk my throat and let you go, but neither do I intend to make enemies with you. So don’t hesitate to ask the guards for whatever you like. I’ve sent the word. Star should come for you tomorrow.»
Promise
From the distance, Imbrergoso looked exactly like any other igni settlement. Dozens upon dozens of one- or two-story wooden homes, rounded up behind a circular, wooden wall. The wall wasn’t exactly circular, as it cut off in the lake, allowing easy and safe access to water. Several layers of massive logs were dug deep into the ground, making the wall thick enough to walk on top of it. The defenders had a superb view from their ten-meter elevation. Coated with thick layers of dirt and dust, baked for hundreds of years under the hot sun, the wall was now black, making the lit torches on top of it look especially bright in contrast.
Two massive banners were hanging on the wall from both sides of the giant gates. The symbol on them – Sabiri never used to think about it. It was just a crude picture of a fish, facing to the left. The mouth was open, showing long, sharp teeth. What was the key? Those teeth? The reason they chose this symbol? Sabiri wondered, if it was their way to say, «If you mess with us – you’ll feed the fish!» No, shit, of course it wasn’t. Drowners really were good people. They still are, but Jaesa… Would Drowners let her do that, or would they dethrone her and try to make amends?
It seemed like they were standing there forever. The Drowners up on the wall kept looking down on them. With their bows and arrows ready, they were pacing back and forth, watching every