Company

Nothing

I see nothing

I feel nothing

I'm surrounded by nothing.

Who is this person with me?

This being in my head.

Does he see what I see

Does he cause my eyes to turn red?

My only solace, a strange man thrust beside me

Neither of us truly knowing what the future could be.

Escape

Guangmei, Falemneil, Itrust, I really need you three. I need good company. Even Josheire is enough. Shaleinsha is a decent guy, but he doesn't really talk much. He really just hangs there.

"Shaleinsha, you alive?" I asked truly wondering if this silence was caused by another untimely death occurring beside me.

"Yea," he said with a creaky voice, "I'm alive."

"What do you know about the layout of Heik?"

"Not much, unfortunately. I was restricted to a large farm just inside the city walls. There are barracks throughout the city and I was able to acquire a map, but before I could look at it I was thrust into the abysmal chamber."

My heart jumped when I heard the word map. Such a tool would be more than useful when devising a strategy. "Do you have it with you?" I asked excitedly. If I could see this map, I could work towards a better plan.

"Yes, I still have it, but what use is a map when we can't see?"

"We have to break out before we can establish a plan."

Now, I don't know the layout of this complex, but there must be a way out of here. Going through the front gate would make for a great story, but is just too reckless. We'll probably just get killed. There is, however, a trickle of water just to my right. If I follow the flow of water, I might be able to reach a lake or river. I'm not sure about Shaleinsha, but I could probably swim to the surface if that's the case.

"Shaleinsha, can you use magic?"

"I have been practicing my magic clandestinely for many years now, but it may not be of any use to you."

"We wouldn't know if you don't tell me."

"Yes, umm, I'm very certain that my magic is of no use to you," Shaleinsha said in a hushed tone.

"No need to be embarrassed," I said holding in a chuckle. "I can probably find a use for that someway.

"My magic.... let's me tell when the sun is out."

"Any specifics?" I asked attempting to hide my disappointment. Seriously, that's it? I guess it's useful in this very specific situation, but not much else.

"Yes, when the sun is out, I tend to feel feeble and frail, but when the moon and stars shine down upon me, I get a surge of strength, aggression, and something I cannot fully explain, almost like a strange hunger." Never mind, this could be useful for night operations.

"Tell me when the sun goes down," I said.

"The sun is actually rising. You have a whole day to go."

"Ok, thank you." I took a deep breath and grabbed the chains binding my wrists. I began to yank the chains with increasing force each time. No luck. I relaxed a bit while maintaining my grip on the chains and blew out a frosty stream of air from my lungs aimed at the right chain. The water trickling down the wall began to freeze in place.

"Barrékél, what are," he paused and began to humm, "I see. Keep it up!" The air around my hand and chain began to sting as ice began to fall from it. A sharp cracking sound echoed in the room as the chain became too brittle to support my weight. My breathing began to get laboured as I repeated the process on my left arm. I felt for what I assumed to be Shaoleinsha only to realize that he was placed just out of reach. I was only just able to feel strands of his long hair which stuck themselves to the wall. Another sharp crack released my left arm, dropping me about a foot down onto the ground. Suddenly, I began coughing, violently coughing. I started gasping for breath as I collapsed onto the ground.

"It's probably just that dead body in the corner that made you sick," Shaleinsha said. "I can fix that if we break out."

I nodded and felt around for Shaoleinsha until I felt my way up to his chained arm. I climbed up the wall, using Shaoleinsha's arm and later chain to keep me up. I took a deep breath and released another frosty breath. My lungs began to heave and screamed to my brain in agony. The chain cracked, but before I could continue, I resumed coughing. Each gasp for air became laboured with phlegm. Each cough became a battle against closing lungs and mucus. I heard a snap as Shaleinsha broke the weakened chain. I dropped to the ground, hearing him grunt as he struggled against the final chain and the pain of using his broken hands.The chain eventually gave way, dropping Shaoleinsha to the ground.

"Thanks," Shaolensha said, "but what now?"

"We wait until our exit defrosts." Several hours passed by as the small leak, once frozen, thawed, expanding into a larger flow of water. Shaoleinsha greedily and audibly slurped up the water.

"Right now it is midday," Shaoleinsha said. "Was it a good idea to start so early?"

"This will take time." I placed my hand over the crack where the water was flowing from and took a deep breath. I exhaled and relaxed my shoulders. The water rapidly froze once more, forcing the crack to get larger. The water slowly defrosted, flowing more profusely than before. The icy water began to cover more of the floor, but the previously small crack had turned into a hand sized hole. I shoved my hand into the whole feeling the cold, wet mud laying behind the stone wall. A grin cut across my face. This place was built poorly. Reinforce the walls people. I pushed against one of the larger stones adjacent to the crack. It slowly but surely came out. I placed it against the wall. The mud behind the stone started to slop down as the water pushed it out the way. The hole now three times larger. I shimmied out another stone, this time just below the hole. The water aided in this endeavour as the stone was pushed from behind. Within minutes a small river emerged from the wall. I probably did do this too early, but I can't go back now. It was a tight squeeze, but I was able to enter the hole I made.

"Shaoleinsha, follow me." He walked into the water's path, placing a gnarled hand on my back.

"The sun is a quarter of the way until setting," he said. "I should've advised you to wait.

"Don't worry about it," I said. "If anything, we run."

"Indeed," Shaoleinsha chuckled.

I began to clamber my way up, occasionally creating air pockets in the mud to breathe through. As we ascended, the water placed more and more pressure upon us. For each step forward, the rushing water and slick mud threatened to push us two back. I could only hope Shaoleinsha was fine. The only indication of his presence was the warm hand placed firmly on my back. The mud eventually gave way to just water. I wrapped my legs around Shaoleinsha's arm tightly and began to swim straight up. My arms pushed against the water, forcing it downwards as I rushed towards the blue light above me. Shaoleinsha, struggling for air began kicking his legs in an attempt to make me swim faster to no avail. Large bubbles began to rise above me. Shit. I continued my ascent, ignoring my lungs' pleas for a breath. I burst through the surface of what appeared to be a well to the horror of a little girl collecting water. I flung Shaoleinsha out of the water and onto his back. I placed my ear over his heart. Nothing. I began to push down on his chest. Nothing. I pinched his nose shut and breathed into his mouth. The little girl ran into a nearby building teary eyed. I pushed down on his chest again. Nothing. I breathed into his mouth. A middle aged man and a few younger men came out of the building with the little girl. I pushed down on Shaoleinsha's chest again. He lunged up coughing and heaving. His lungs exiled the water entering their domain. His eyes were bloodshot and teary. He looked at me, shocked and confused.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

The elvish family looked at me with surprise and suspicion. Each one of the men were armed with sticks, stones, and kitchen utensils. I looked at the other buildings to see heads peaking out of windows and doors. The sun was approaching the horizon as the sky began to take a light pink hue, but was brighter than what I was used to, making my eyes sore and tired. I suppose I can't ask these people for charcoal or ink. Facepaint makes dim to light transitions much easier.

"What now?" Shaoleinsha asked.

"We look for someone I know."

Reunion

Shaoleinsha and I ran from street to street in the dim light of dusk. The chirps of crickets pierced through the cool night sky. The sound of metal boots followed us as we searched for safety. We dashed through alleyways, tearing down any portraits of me we came across. Every once and awhile we would see the portrait of a female human, but we had no time dwell on that. Everywhere we went, people slammed their doors and windows shut, refusing to break the imperial decree for my execution and give me asylum. My legs ached at the constant running. My lungs were set ablaze by the strain. Sweat poured from every pore on my body as I struggled to keep up with Shaoleinsha. We turned off the street and into a tight passageway between two houses. The sounds of boots stopped. For a moment I breathed a sigh of relief before hearing the sound of metal scraping against stone. We slid out of the passageway and into an open clearing. A few yards away, a grain farm close to harvest provided cover.

"Damn," said a husky voiced soldier, "thay gun en tha feld."

"Speak properly, this isn't the damned desert you call home newbie," another, more exhausted soldier said."

"Yaser," the first guard said.

From behind me came more rustling. Shaoleinsha looked behind me, eyes engulfed with fear and anxiety. He started running faster through the field, eventually leaving my line of vision. I didn't bust out just to get captured again. Fuck that. I pushed my self to run faster, occasionally stumbling over rocks until I caught up with Shaoleinsha, who was slowly backing up from two hooded figures, each with swords drawn. A fire pierced with an arrow was embroidered onto their shoulders. The two figures looked at me and nodded. They went between me and the field, and drew their bows, kept handily on their backs. Three soldiers exited the field. The first, a young man with short brown hair was shot in the eye, dying instantly. The other two drew their swords and rushed the two members of Josheire's company. The second, an older elf with black hair swung at the mercenary to my right, but merely cut air. He was promptly stabbed in the neck with an arrow. To my left I heard a thud as the other soldier collapsed, blood pouring from his torso. Shaoleinsha, exhausted and confused, used my shoulder as a prop, so he could stand and catch his breath.

"You know them?" he asked between pants.

"I hired them," I replied between raspy breaths.

The two mercenaries waved towards us, signaling that we should follow them. We walked through the dark, refreshing cool of the night. My legs, still furious, continued to burn and ache, yet my lungs rejoiced at no longer running. My mouth was filled with the irony taste of overexertion. Past the field we came across a series of houses and huts each had candle light eminating from the windows. We entered the grey brick house closest to the field. The mercenary on my left knocked on the door.

"Josheire," he said in a surprisingly high pitched voice, " we have a guest for you."

The door cracked open slightly, one brown eye peered out at us. The door fully opened, revealing the original trio and a sleeping Sheingne.

"I guess I don't need to save you now," Josheire said chuckling.

"No, I'm right here," I replied smiling.

"Move!" Guangmei shouted as she shoved Josheire out the way. She tackled me, tossing me to the grassy ground and tightly hugged me.

"Are you okay?" Guangmei asked full of concern.

"Woman, you really want to lose a hand now don't you?" Guangmei stuck her tongue out at Josheire, prompting chuckles from my two escorts.

"Posts. Now!" Josheire commanded to the two armed elves. The curtly nodded and walked away with surprising speed.

"I'm fine, Guangmei. I did miss you though. You make for good company." She smiled and helped me onto my feet.

"Guangmei?" Shaoleinsha asked. "Did I hear correctly Barrékél?"

Guangmei looked at Shaoleinsha in surprise. "Uncle?" she asked as she began to tear up. "Is that really you?"

Teary eyed, Shaoleinsha pat Guangmei on the head, "you've grown so big Mei. It's been 80 years too long."

Guangmei embraced Shaoleinsha and hid her face in his chest, heaving and shaking.

"Come in you three," Josheire said with surprising kindness, it's warmer." Guangmei lift her head up, and lead her uncle inside. It was only then that I noticed I could now look Guangmei in the eye without tilting my head up. Just as I began to close the door, I clawed hand yanked it back open. A seven foot tall raptor, roughly a foot taller than my height, stared down at me. His feathered, jet black with white specks mimicked the starry sky. Iridescent feathered ringed his neck, shimmering in hues of blue and green. A streak of red tipped feathers ran down the newly formed crest on his head to the fan of feathers at the end of his tail. It pressed his head against mine and cooed, swinging his five foot tail back and forth. I gently rubbed his head and caressed his feathers.

"I missed you Itrust," I said before kissing his forehead. Itrust opened his mouth and paused, before smiling and entering the house. The room was lit with orange candlelight. The wooden floors held sturdy, despite a few creaks here and there. A red brick wall formed the back of the room and was occasionally punctuated with doors to a stairway and other rooms. A table with seven chairs was just off to the left. Behind the table, Guangmei was excitedly shaking a sleeping Sheingne. Itrust, after licking my cheek, circled around Shaoleinsha, who looked at me nervously.

"It's fine, Shaoleinsha," I said smiling, "he's pretty nice."

Itrust turned to faced Shaoleinsha, who was just a mere three inches shorter than the raptor. Itrust hissed and snapped his jaws at him. Shaoleinsha jumped backwards, stumbled, and fell onto the floor. Itrust let out a deep gurgling sound and smiled at Shaoleinsha, before extending a hand to the terrified elf. I started laughing behind them. Itrust that was cold-hearted of you. Shaoleinsha, cautiously took Itrust's hand and stood up.

A groan came from behind the table as Sheingne woke up. She glared at Guangmei, obviously wanting to continue whatever dream she had. Guangmei whispered into Sheingne's ear. Sheingne shot up at ran towards an unsuspecting Shaoleinsha. She jumped on his back, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

"I'm back home," she said smiling.

Shaoleinsha placed his hand over Sheingne's hand, "welcome home," he said stifling tears. Sheingne slide off his back and hugged him. "You look just like your mother," Shaoleinsha said. They continued hugging as both finally broke into tears.

The Set-Up

The bugs chirped and sang throughout the moonless night. Soldiers quickly alternated shifts and exchanged words every few hours. I sat on the floor besides a sleeping Itrust. I ran my fingers through his matured feathers, indistinguishable from a birds. It's so very strange that you are kin with hummingbirds and hawks, but who else could be your family? No other creatures have feathers and scaled feet after all. Josheire, the only other waking sentience, sat at the table reading military books in Old Elvish. Guangmei was sleeping besides him, resting her head on his shoulder, a posture he appeared not to mind. That's sweet. Five knocks sounded against the door. Josheire, smiling, gently moved Guangmei's off his shoulder and opened the door. Gaoreng entered, and placed two scrolls on the table.

"Looks like we don't need to save you," Gaoreng said. He looked over towards me and smirked. "Glad to see that you aren't badly injured too."

"Thanks," I replied with a faint smile. "It's too long since I've enjoyed fresh air."

Gaoreng chuckled and walked over to where Shaoleinsha and Sheingne were sleeping.

"Who's this guy over here?" he asked.

"Guangmei's uncle," Josheire said.

Gaoreng looked at Josheire with a sly look, "I'm guessing you're still in a drought."

"Fuck off," Josheire said trying not to smile, his frustration being denied by the friendly banter. I miserable fail to suppress my laughter. This prompted Gaoreng to burst out in similar laughter. I looked at Josheire, expecting a cold glare, but instead, he's slightly red with embarrassment.

Gaoreng laughed. "This is what happens when you get hooked on something," he said. "However," Gaoreng stated, "we have more important matters than your drought. I found out where Saongre is."

"Oh," I said. "How hard will it be to save him?"

"Extremely," Gaoreng replied in full seriousness. "He is being kept roughly 50 feet underground in a lightless chamber that was recently built. Unlike yours, Barrékél, Saongre's prison is properly manned and maintained. The prisons and dungeons in the Exakre Empire, according to the Head Warden's journal, are well past maximum capacity due to the current war." Josheire nodded and crossed his arms.

"I would assume," I said, "that many of the prisoners are going to be either purged or sold to foreign markets as slaves soon."

"That would be the most logical thing to do," Josheire replied. "Saongre would be deemed to important to sell, so he would probably be publicly executed. The humans might be sold, but they are more likely to be killed."

"It's a definite public execution; the eldest prince wants to prove his worth," Gaoreng added. "With this in mind, we must prioritize Saongre. The prison that he resides in is just left of the imperial palace, possibly so he can't be snuck out without the royal guard realizing."

"When will the execution be?" I asked.

"The execution is in a fortnight,"he replied.

"Ok," I said," this is the plan, we save Saongre before he is executed, we save him. The executioner and the guards must be killed before the executioner's blade is raised. If I remember correctly, Guangmei can teleport, so that job is her responsibility. Josheire, scan the area for archers and pick them off. Gaoreng, you can provide cover to the rebels."

"What rebels?" Gaoreng interrupted.

"I was getting there," I said. "In the days leading up to the execution, I want you and Josheire to raid as many barracks as possible. I want father and child over there to spread this simple message to the slaves: when the Ka'odreng Company arms you, break your chains and rise up. I want you two to arm the slaves the day before Saongre is executed."

"Interesting," Josheire says, "but what if the slaves refuse to listen. What if they believe it's a ploy to purge the rebellious ones."

"News travels far unground here. Saongre was captured because he was reearching an old slave revolt. That news has probably spread far by now. Soon, they will hear of his escape. Soon, they will see him talking about rebelling with foreign support. I think they may believe him."

"I'm not convinced here, but we did say that we would raise a slave army way back on that old boat to the Island Confederation," Josheire said. "And Barrékél, Itrust has been taking care of our payment. You taught him well."

"Thank you," I replied. I didn't teach him anything though, but I will accept the credit. I just wonder on how he knows to do all this. I lay down on the floor by Itrust and yawned. "That's all."

The rooster cawed, heralding to the world that the sun has returned from its journey beyond the horizon. The Great Band and its bluish-grey colors contrasted the reds and pinks painted onto the sky. Drops of dew lay on the field, making the grain and blades of grass shimmer like precious gems. Itrust was already out, eating a kill he must have buried a day or two ago for safe keeping. Emerald green feathers hide beneath his arm, in a vibrant patch of color. Two large eyespots also call the area under his wing-like arms home, a sign of maturity. The air was crisp and cool, completely different from the oppressive heat which plagued my arrival to Heik.

I escaped my imprisonment two days ago and promptly began plotting my slave rebellion. Josheire and Gaoreng were off raiding barracks. I glanced over at the line put up in order to clean Josheire's old cloak. Last night, he returned bloody, crazy eyed and maniacally smilling. Clearly, the blood was not his own, but the man's mental state appeared precarious. Despite the assurances from Gaoreng that this only happens so Josheire can relieve some pent up desires, I still didn't trust that amount of blood on one man. Guangmei, on the other hand, was washing herself in one of the other rooms that so happened to have a sizeable tub.

I walked over to the table where Itrust kept his notes. The last payment made was the week before I escaped. I was imprisoned for about a month then. Besides the cost of payment lay the remainder of my funds from home, 10 gold coins, and the price of raptor feathers, 5 gold coins per pound. Oh, my poor boy. We won't need to pluck off your feathers I'll raid the royal treasury instead.

The day came and went, with various members of the Company visiting and congratulating me on my escape. Some were sincere, but many were cynical and condescending, claiming that Shaoleinsha was the only reason why I could escape. Josheire and Gaoreng entered with markedly less blood splattered on them. The raided supplies were kept in a central location off to my left. According to the reports recieved by a more academic member of the Ka'odreng Company, counted up to 10,000 swords, 90,000 pieces of armor, mainly breastplates, 5,000 bows, and at least 12,000 arrows. If mobilized efficiently, the company could distribute all the equipment in a single night, but realistically, some supplies would need to be withheld for future battles.

As the sun restarted its journey beyond the horizon, the soldiers on night guard went out. They briefly exchanged pleasantries before going to their designated posts. The sky once again became tinted with reds and pinks. We were all sitting at the table, doing nothing of importance when we heard five knocks on the door.

"Josheire, Barrékél, we have someone that you need to see," Sheingne said. Unwilling to take chances with such a vague statement, Josheire drew his bow. Gaoreng, sword in hand, opened the door. First Sheingne entered, then Shaoleinsha, and finally a human woman no older that 25. She was bound and had to shuffle in order to enter, but still maintained an air of refinement and intimidation; however, she bore a striking resemblance to the woman on the flyers I saw when I was escaping.

"So Barrékél, we apparently had one of the sailors attempt to escape. I felt that you needed to deal with this yourself since she is one of your kind," Sheingne said.

Itrust walked over to the woman, a mere five foot tall and growled. He sniffed her decided to back off. He had a suspicious grin, as if he knew something no one else did. The coal skinned woman looked at me and smiled. I looked at her and smiled again.

"Hey Bar," she said in Rastí'jara

"My cousin, what are you doing here?" I asked, less shocked, but more bemused by the coincidence in our native tongue. Guangmei looked shocked at the revelation while Itrust just snickered as he stood by my side.The two non-Rastí'jara speakers, Sheingne and Shaoleinsha looked on in confusion.

"Work is all. You?"

"Nothing much, planning a slave revolt," I replied.

"Oh, cool," she said. "You mind telling these two to untie me?"

"Untie her," I said in Shaoleim. "She's my cousin by the way." Sheingne, surprised, paused for a moment to process before untying the woman.

"So Tarhívé, did you hunt me down? Rhoskeil send you to collect my head?" I asked in Rastí'jara.

"No," she said with surprising speed. "He can go fuck himself too." She rubbed her wrists as she walked over to me. I gave the short woman a bear hug before sitting back down. "I need my pipe," she said. "That one has it." She pointed towards Shaoleinsha.

"Give my cousin her pipe and whatever she puts in it." I said dismissively. He returned a mahogany pipe with a sea serpent carved into it as well as dried flowers and their bulbs in a leather pouch. She nodded as she accepted her property.

"Josheire, light my cousin's pipe for her," I said. He shrugged and lit a small flame above his index finger. Tarhívé stuffed the flowers into the pipe, getting some of their sap onto her finger. Josheire lit the flowers at the end of the pipe. Tarhívé leaned back against the wall and greedily sucked up the smoke before slowly exhaling.

"Like I said," Tarhívé vitriolically stated, "Rhoskeil can go fuck himself."

"What did he do?" I asked extremely intrigued. Guangmei, who was sitting across from me, leaned in closer to hear us better.

She took another long drag from her pipe, "he kicked us out. All of us. Even grandma. I should've been there to give the bitch who told him that was a good idea a nice hard slap. And he did this after I went to both his weddings too." She took another puff from the pipe. "Asshole, if you were going to kick us out, at least don't interfere with our work first. Our clients like their shipments on-time," she ranted. Josheire stood by listening while Gaoreng translated to Shaoleinsha and Sheingne

"Ok," I said trying to keep track of everything, "so he kicked all my paternal family out and has two wives now?"

"He has a wife and a husband. You should know this guy can be greedy. Not like I'm much better." She shrugged and offered Josheire a puff from her pipe which he promptly rejected.

"True, last time I checked you had three wives and a husband." The elves, unfamiliar with the concept of polygamy were overcome with disgust, especially Josheire and Shaoleinsha.

Even Guangmei, the most relaxed out of all of them, was put off a bit by this. Different cultures I guess. Well, to each their own.

"Not anymore," Tarhívé said. "He got scurvy and died. He left me three sons, so it's not all bad, but still."

"So where's the rest of my paternal family?" I asked. With this the elves seemed slightly relieved at no longer hearing something so contradictory to their beliefs.

"No idea. I only heard the news because I ran into the black flag fleet awhile back. That damned Rhoskeil needs to be taught a thing or two. Democracy and equality my ass, this is cutting deep into my profit margin."

"Then why don't we teach him a lesson?" I proposed. "How many ships do you have?"

"I have 400 hundred ships, each can carry 300 men, but I already have 150 men on crew per ship. That number is with a full cargo load of course."

"My cousin, that's great news to hear. I am in need of a navy. You need a base to safely refuel without worrying about a navy hunting you down. I believe we can work on something?"

"Oh," she said extremely curious. "What is this thing you speak of?"

"Allow me to send troops to the Island Confederation and conquer it. In return, I will allow your ships to base there and run free. It will be a safe haven in the center of the Aturah Ocean for you and you only."

Tarhívé took a puff from her pipe and closed her eyes. She took another deep puff and slowly let the smoke exit her nostrils. "And if you fail, then what? I leave with losses here. I only came here to get slaves for the Rumal up north anyways. How do you plan on compensating me for lost business?"

I could let her take some slaves up first, then return, but --

"What!" Sheingne screamed in Shaoleim full of fury, interrupting my thoughts. "What do you mean she wants slaves?!" She walked over to me, face red with the blood rushing towards it. "No! Tell that bitch no!"

"Sheingne, silence," her father commanded. "Let the man decide this on his own."

"Are you crazy? How am I supposed to sit by letting a slave trade happen before my very eyes?" Despite the ferocity in her voice, she was visibly hurt, not least by her father's sudden commands.

"Sheingne," her father said firmly, "let the man decide. This is not your place to speak. I love you, but as a woman, you should know your place here." His voice faltered slightly, "do not do anything that could end up badly for you."

"Sheingne," Guangmei said, "trust Bar on this."

"Tarhívé," I said slightly annoyed, "what you ask of me is an insult to my maternal heritage. What you ask of me, is to join a practice I find idiotic and unnecessarily cruel, especially since all of the elves here, but one were once slaves. What you ask of me, directly opposes the slave revolt I am trying to accomplish. Without this revolt, I cannot go any further. I need to free these people and give them hope in a new land, not sell them off."

Gaoreng translated what I told my cousin, easing both Sheingne and Shaoleinsha.

"I can offer you something else," I told Tarhívé, "I can offer you gold as a prepayment."

"Gold and gems?"

"Just gold, but if we find gems, I will include some as a bonus."

"That raptor's weight in gold?"

"Yes."

"A night with that elf over there?" She said casually pointing at Gaoreng. I looked over at Gaoreng to see him more than slightly shocked. Josheire nudged him and smiled while Guangmei started chuckling. Itrust walked over to Gaoreng and started pushing him towards Tarhívé.

"Fine," Gaoreng sighed, speaking in Rastí'jara. "A single night if I must."

"Then Bar, you have yourself a deal." She grabbed Gaoreng by the arm and opened the door.

"I hope you don't need sleep," she told Gaoreng on their way out. Itrust burst out in laughter, which quickly spread to me and Guangmei. Josheire looked at Guangmei with one eyebrow raised. She nodded, a response which made Josheire's eyes briefly flash with joy.