Hero Wars
Issaries, Inc. |
The Travels of Biturian VaroshA Child Cast Out from the World
"Such effort as that," said Sage Valstach, "is a major
task, even for ones as knowledgeable as we. But a truestone will certainly
pay for it, and even warrant you some change, I am sure."
I had anticipated such fees, but that made it no easier to part with my last treasure. I passed the rock from hand to hand. Each pass made it feel heavier, till on the seventh pass my left hand struck the tabletop from the weight. I turned my hand and let the rock roll onto the tabletop. Dropping it lightened my soul. Norayeep was silent, biting her lip. Then Issaries slapped me with the realization of his secret that sets him apart from Lhankor Mhy, for Valstach's eyes gleamed with greed. The priest lived to own and to hold, while I followed my god to touch and pass it on when it became a burden or curse. I decided I would pass on this burden, and bargained further with Valstach. I must have been nervous, though, for I got only another 1050 Wheels for my effort. The next day we returned, finding the temple crowded with priests, rune lords, and other seekers. Even a pair of Lunar people were there. Morak sat or paced, as rainbow lights from magical Detects and Analyses glowed upon him. The Knowledge cultists asked probing questions, poked the boy's scrawny ribs, measured his tiny horns, and generally made such a nuisance that Morak began growling. I cast my Path Watch upon him to show there were no enemies about. After a time Norayeep slept, and I may have drowsed as well, but Morak made no more alarm. As the sun set the second day, Valstach bade us depart, and to return in a week for news. On that day, in a private room above the library, he told me these things: "He is a child cast out from the world. He is not normal -- he is a mutant in the cosmos. He has a three to seven percent chance of surviving to adulthood here, where he is dependent upon the compassion of others to survive. Among his own kind he would have as much as a 34 percent chance. He is a menace to whoever cares for him. His father is a god or a great spirit, but not a human. Whoever delivers him must fear the darkness. Whoever owns him will be cursed." Back at the inn I told Norayeep what I had heard. She said, "I had thought as much, and it is like what my mother told me." "He is the son of a god, then?" "I am not sure. She once told me of a dark ceremony held in some northern woods when the tribes sought Storm Bull aid to fight the Lunar chaos approaching. Father died against the Lunars. Mother died shortly after Morak was born. An aunt took us, but when some Impala people caught our herd they sold us separately." "But you and Morak have remained together." "With great difficulty. However, I am pledged to help him, my last kin, until he has others beside me." "And that means?" I asked. "I wish to return Morak to his home, where he might live in happiness with his own kind." "Then what?" "I will still be someone's slave," she said, "I have no choice in that." "But I do," I said. I reached out and slipped the slave bracelets from her wrists, and the band from her neck. "You are free, to pick and choose and live and die as you will." "You are very generous," she said, smiling. "You must have discovered that Morak's curse will be lifted that way." "That's not all," I said. "Sweet Norayeep, I was a rich caravan merchant but lost all my goods to glamour, and I traded my allied spirit for my life. I sought profit, lost all. "Here I see you, seeking nothing for yourself but sharing in all the dangers of a cursed kin. And I recognize your love and nobility. I did long ago, and sought for a time to own it. I cannot do so, nor should I by my cult vows. Yet I wish to share in it. "Issaries shows me the way, if you will too. Can I trade with you? No profit, an even trade. Trust no Oratory or Bargaining but watch my actions." "I must tend Morak." "Let us take him home together, and spend our time afterwards together as well." "We shall see," she said, and slipped her hand into mine. |
