Rise of the Red Harbinger (21 page)

“Yeah, that makes sense.”
Well, I suppose, at least…that decides about turning back
. “How much do you know about the House of Darian? And what is a…manifestation?”

Anahi shrugged, “I suppose I know a thing or two, seein’ as how I knew a couple o’ Descendants well. Though Arden didn’t know much about the House. All Arden really knew was where ta go. Most who go there don’t really discuss what goes on, but I assume it revolves mostly around yer manifestations…the ability ya develop when the line appears on yer face. Arden got the line on his face when he was about six years. They say most Descendants get the line when they’re between four an’ eight years. When did ya get yers?”

“So Master Keeramm was right? The line develops? To be honest, until a few days ago, I was under the impression that this line was a scar on my face. That’s what my father told me my whole life. That I got this black…thing…on my face in a fire. I never had any reason to question it. What abilities are associated with the manifestations? Keeramm implied magic. Can that be true?”

“To be quite honest, Baltaszar, it is inappropriate fer me ta discuss it. Those o’ us who do not bear the Mark are not supposed ta discuss yer manifestations with ya. It is seen as disrespectful ta ya Descendants.”

“Anahi, does it look like I have been disrespected? I’m the idiot here, trying to understand all of this. Believe me, the last thing I would be in all of this is disrespected! Can’t you just tell me generally what they are?”

She moved to the edge of the bed and let her knees bend over the edge. “The only two people in this town I ever knew very well who had the Mark were Arden, who has been dead fer four years, an’ Desmond, who just left fer the House o’ Darian about a week ago. Hopefully he hasn’t been killed along the way, too. Truthfully, neither o’ them actually shared the nature o’ their manifestations with me. I never saw my brother use his, but I suspect Arden’s was quite dangerous, because certain people in this city were strangely afraid o’ him. And it is rumored that he managed ta kill quite a few o’ King Edmund’s soldiers before he died. I wouldn’t call it magic. More like a blessing from the Orijin. As fer Desmond, he was always a rather private person. Not unfriendly, just private. With the way the King treats ‘em, Descendants don’t really like ta talk about themselves. At least not ta people without the Mark. I’m sorry Baltaszar, I know that’s not much help, but that’s all I know.”

“That’s all right. It will have to be enough.”

“So yer really goin’’ ta the House, are ya? Yer sure ya don’t want ta stay here with me?”

“Trust me, Anahi, it is tempting. But there are a great deal of questions that I need answered. If you were able or willing to give me those answers, perhaps I could stay.”

“Well then I apologize fer my ignorance,” Anahi smirked. “Baltaszar, if yer goin’ ta go down there, ya have ta be careful. The king’s soldiers stalk the roads every day. Arden was a good fighter an’ even he died. Don’t take my words the wrong way, because I’m not askin’ fer selfish reasons. But are ya positive that ya have ta go? It’s dangerous out there, especially fer someone travelin’ alone.”

“I have to go. Though I enjoy your company, there’s not much for me here. Anahi, I don’t even know what my manifestation is. I need to be down there. Instead of persuading me to stay, tell me how to get down there alive. Is there no coverage, like forests, mountains, rivers?”

“There is nothin’ but grass fer miles on both sides o’ the road. To the west is the sea, which is why they call it the Way o’ Sunsets. Travelers can clearly see the sun setting from the road. And in recent years, the Way o’ Sunsets has also taken on the meanin’ o’ death fer Descendants who travel it. There is no hidin’. I would suggest crawlin’ through the tall grass, but ya would be Master Keeramm’s age by the time ya reached the City o’ the Fallen.

“One thing I have heard, though, is that many Descendants can be found in the City o’ the Fallen. If ya reach it, ya will have many allies. They say it is the last city before the House o’ Darian an’ is very accommodatin’ and friendly toward Descendants. I know Desmond planned ta stay there a bit before going ta the House. Perhaps ye’ll come across him there, if ya leave here within the next day or so. He’s around the same age as ya, ya might get along.”

“So you’re saying I should head to this city, which is quite friendly to Descendants, and keep lookout for a man with a line down his face?”

Anahi laughed at that. “I wasn’t saying just approach everyone who has the Mark. There are certain inns the Descendants stay at down there. Go to them and ask around. His skin has the yellow hue like everyone in Vandenar, and he’s got crazy black hair that doesn’t fall in any sort a pattern. It’s sorta all over the place, an’ sticks up a lot.”

“I suppose that makes things a bit easier.” Baltaszar leaned forward again and looked Anahi squarely in the face. “You know, under different circumstances, I wonder if there could have been something for the two of us. Not that I’m implying that I think anything should happen between us, but…”

“Then why even bring it up, fool boy? You ‘men’, I swear!” Anahi waved her arms about overdramatically, “What do ya think it does fer a girl ta hear, ‘I would love ta court ya darlin’, but under different circumstances.’”

“Wait, wait. That’s not what I said. I definitely did not call you darling,” Baltaszar smirked. “Besides, is it not a compliment to hear that a man would be willing to court you?”

Anahi smirked, “You are a dimwit, Baltaszar. Am I some hag that needs yer pity? Or a dirty street beggar with no prospects? Ya sound as if ya would be doin’ me a favor ta fall in love with me.”

Baltaszar rolled his eyes and threw up his arms, “Oh, Light. Are you really so sensitive? All I meant was that, if I wasn’t in love with Yasaman, I think that there could be something between us. It wasn’t an insult or pity or a favor. It was just a dimwit farmer’s way of stating that there’s a connection between us! Goodness, woman, are you all this difficult?”

Baltaszar had his head facing the ceiling, and only too late did he notice Anahi slowly leaning into him. She moved her face next to his, then barely touched her cheek against his and whispered, “Clever boy, ya haven’t said anythin’ about the prophecy.”

He leaned back in his chair and looked her in the eyes. Those beautiful grey eyes. “And I don’t plan to,” Baltaszar whispered just as softly.

Something loud knocked against the door, hitting it so hard that the door opened nearly a foot. A young man, of an age with Baltaszar but a few inches taller, walked through the open door. He wore a green woolen riding coat and black breeches and boots. His deep brown hair was short and somewhat curly, and his face bore a grin nearly as big as Cyrus’. Most importantly, a vertical black line started at his forehead and intersected his left eye, stopping at the top of his cheek. His skin was lighter than Baltaszar’s. “Oh, sorry for knocking so hard, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Should I leave?” Before anyone could answer, he continued. “I was so excited when the innkeeper told me there was another Descendant here, I had to come see you right away. I’ve been traveling throughout Ashur, and I haven’t had much chance to meet many like me. Like us, I should say. You know, with all the hiding and being hunted. What’s your name?” He looked at Baltaszar the whole time, and had barely glanced at Anahi since intruding upon the room. “I’m Horatio. Horatio Mahd.”

Horatio walked up to Baltaszar and stuck out his right hand demonstratively. At the gesture, Anahi sat back on the bed. Baltaszar stood up and grasped Horatio’s forearm, allowing Horatio to grasp his as well. He had seen his father give certain people in Haedon the same salutation from time to time. “Baltaszar Kontez.”

“Baltaszar! It’s great to meet you! I didn’t think I would meet anyone until I actually arrived at the House of Darian. This will be great; we can ride down together! When were you planning to leave?”

Baltaszar twisted his mouth to one side. “I hadn’t really thought about it. Listen, Horatio. I know you’re very excited to meet me, and the feeling is mutual. Well, somewhat. But without any intention of rudeness, you need to slow down a bit. Anahi here, and I, were in the middle of an important conversation, and to be, well, quite honest, you barged in and interrupted.” Baltaszar noticed Horatio’s wide-eyed abashed countenance and suddenly guilt invaded his mind. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not kicking you out or implying that I don’t want to get to know you. It’s just…”

“No. You are absolutely right. I have a bad habit of forgetting my manners when I get very excited. My father used to reprimand me for that constantly. And for making silly noises at the most random and inappropriate times as well. When I was younger, I just thought it was part of my charm. But well, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Did I mention that I also ramble on and on when I get nervous or insecure?”

Baltaszar felt the shroud of awkwardness envelope him more and more as the conversation went on. And Anahi sat behind Horatio, making incredibly silly faces the whole time Horatio talked, which only made things worse. “Ah, no you didn’t mention that, but I will definitely make a note of it. If your destination is the House of Darian, though, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted. When are you leaving Vandenar for the House?”

“Tomorrow morning. I want to be there by a week from today and I would really like to visit the City of the Fallen before getting to the House. It’s the only big city that I haven’t seen yet. Figured I should save it for last.”

“I’m planning to go there as well. We can share the whole trip together, how about that?”

Horatio nodded in approval. “Amazing, I can’t wait!”

“Uh…great! Well why don’t we meet up in the morning then? I have some things to discuss with Anahi, “Baltaszar gestured toward Anahi, intending it as an introduction. Anahi smiled as Horatio looked back at her, and Baltaszar continued, “Then I will likely go to sleep. I’ve had a long day and I’m quite tired. In the morning, we can find each other and set off together.” Baltaszar put a hand on Horatio’s shoulder and led him toward the door. “How does that sound, friend?”

“That sounds just fine. Again, I’m sorry for intruding and disturbing. It wasn’t my intention to be so rude. Have a good night,” he patted Baltaszar on the shoulder and waved to Anahi as he exited the room, still grinning from ear to ear.

Baltaszar shut the door and, for the first time, turned the lock. He sat back in his chair again, smiling at Anahi. “So where were we?”

“I know exactly where we were. Ya were not tellin’ me about yer prophecy.”

Baltaszar nodded, “Yes. That sounds about right. I have no intention of telling you about the prophecy.” Anahi opened her mouth to fire an objection. “But before you interrupt me, Anahi, understand my reasoning. This prophecy, according to you, will definitely come true. If that’s the case, then I must keep it to myself. What I was told was a terrible thing, something extremely bad and if the wrong people knew, it could be quite incriminating for me. The last thing I need as I learn about this world and try to become a part of it, is people judging me and assuming I’m a horrible person, just for something that hasn’t even happened yet.”

“But ya can trust me. I only want ta know so I can ease yer burden. Get some o’ the weight off yer shoulders.”

“I really want to trust you with this. But despite that, I do not trust the world. You said yourself that there are bad people in this world. Those same bad people who could eventually use information like this against me and to their advantage. If there’s one thing the ordeal with my father taught me, it’s that a man can spend a lifetime building a strong reputation, but all it takes is one word to destroy that reputation.”

Anahi sighed and nodded, seemingly giving up on the argument. “So then what are these important matters that ya must discuss with me? Matters so important that ya had to rush yer great friend Horatio out o’ the room?”

“Well, it seems I shall be leaving in the morning. Which means that I don’t have much time left to talk to you. I need you to at least tell me something about the House of Darian. I know it brings back bad memories and that you don’t want to insult me. But I need this, Anahi. I know nothing of this world. Anything you can tell me will help my chances of survival.

Anahi sighed. “Very well…perhaps I should have ‘em send up dinner first. That’s a lot o’ information ta discuss. Hold yer wits fer a moment.” She left the room and within a few minutes, returned and sat in the same spot on the bed.

“Where’s dinner?”

Anahi pursed her lips. “It takes some time ta make, fool boy. Did ya really think I could just go downstairs an’ they would magically know what I was goin’ ta ask fer? Have some patience.”

Baltaszar mocked her, mouthing her words with a funny face.

“As fer yer questions, ye’ll be a bit disappointed, I’m afraid. I have some answers, but not fer everythin’.”

“Tell me what you can then. It’s fine.”

“All right, well…the House o’ Darian. From what I know, it’s a meetin’ place fer all ya Descendants, like I said before. Ya all tend to go down there after a certain age. I don’t think they have a requirement, but I suppose everyone has their own family obligations an’ such. Most go when they’re around my age.”

“Exactly how old are you? You never told me.”

“This past summer was my sixteenth.”

“Well then I suppose at least I won’t be too late. The coming winter will be my eighteenth. But why go there? What’s there that is so important?”