A month passed and Tilly was no closer to softening toward me than before. I forced myself on her not long ago and suffered for it. A wretched, ugly bruise on my cheek was my reminder of the incident. Only in my childhood did I suffer such discoloration, inflicted predominantly by my father, although my mother had a habit of boxing me upside the head if I disobeyed her.
As I came at Tilly, my flesh no longer able to stand the wait, I grabbed her arms and held them firmly behind her back as my lips found hers. She squirmed as bad as a pike at the end of a fishing pole and she even attempted to bite me as I caressed her. The epitome of my error occurred as I tried to contain both of her arms with one hand in order that I could feel her curves with my other. Her one hand slipped from my grasp and she brought it around fast as lightening, bunched into a fist and pummeled it into my cheek. Her punch felt like a stone hitting bone and I was convinced that she’d broken something. She’d have hit me again if I hadn’t pulled myself quickly from the euphoria of having her in my arms.
I brought my arm up to shield her return punch, sidestepped her, lifted my leg and drove my boot sideways into her knee, causing her to crumple to the floor. She cried out and stayed there for a while, unable to rise. I secretly hoped that I’d broken her leg; it would alleviate the need to keep her chained and under constant guard.
The next morning she was on her feet, limping around her area, her chains rattling around her as she fixed her meal. Her leg would eventually heal and I was sure that it wasn’t broken. Watching her from the table, my flesh still longed for her but I was wary of her quick moves and animal like instincts. The woman was clearly bred for war and I suddenly felt uncertain that our relationship would work out as I’d hoped.
Before I left my home that day, I grabbed the fabric I bought for Tilly from the side table where she’d left it and stuffed it into a large, burlap bag.
She looked at me asked, “What are you doing?”
“You’ll learn in time.”
“I don’t want any lovely garments.”
“You have no choice now.”
I took the bag and left, Tilly’s cursing filling my ears as the door closed. I walked down a few doors and dropped off the fabric at the best seamstress I know in all of Dwarkaa and gave her Tilly’s rough dimensions. It helped that the woman, Una, had a daughter with similar proportions as my contentious coverling, although not nearly as attractive as Tilly. Una assured me she’d have at least one of the garments ready for the Annual Grand Apolake Warrior Ball scheduled in four days’ time. I insisted that she complete two by then and paid her accordingly. Una smiled and nodded in agreement. I wanted to impress Tilly with two choices.
After my daily routine of warrior sparring at the Iron Point Terminal, a Royal Palace Guard approached me as I was about to leave and handed me an official sealed envelope, one from the Royal Palace Grounds. He insisted that he was commanded to escort me to the palace immediately. Although it alarmed me, I nodded and followed him outside.
I’d never been summoned this way before and my hands perspired as we made the two mile trek to Casimer’s grand residence grounds. Meeting Casimer face to face was everyone’s worst nightmare. My father had told me of a few instances where he’d had the great honor of being face to face with our Lord and he boasted of the power that had flowed from the man, how Casimer’s aura surrounded him in a cloud of suffocating energy and diabolic influence. My father insisted that there was no greater power in the entirety of Dwarkaa’s Domain.
I read the missive as I walked. A few short words stared back at me. ‘Your presence is requested at the Royal Palace.’ The date was neatly printed beneath.
A mile into our walk, I finally asked the guard ahead of me, “Do you know why I’ve been summoned?”
He turned slightly and said, “No.”
We continued the walk in silence. The impressive structure up ahead always amazed me whenever I came close, which was seldom. The elaborate palace sat back from the rest of the coastal city on a promontory overlooking the buildings and houses that spanned toward the sea. A wide, pea-graveled road led to the Royal residence, which not only held Casimer’s living quarters but was surrounded by out buildings housing the Royal Guard, the Royal Equestrian Stables and the Royal Carriage Storehouse.
As we passed through the massive gate, which kept the populace out, I was thankful that there were no bodies hanging from limbs of trees or dissident examples burning in cages for their disobedience. The air actually had a sweet scent, unusual for the palace grounds, likely from the few sparse flowering trees lining the path.
Other impressive structures filled Casimer’s land. A large indoor coliseum was located at the back of the property which was used for imperial business meetings and Casimer’s rare appearances before the leaders of Dwarkaa. Ship captains were sporadically included in those formal gatherings but they didn’t happen often.
A large outdoor amphitheater was situated beside the indoor coliseum. Some meetings were held there at times but it was mostly used for high profile executions. On occasion, there were those in Casimer’s regime who failed his expectations and suffered for it. Rarely were any from his inner circle eliminated but it did happen occasionally. Casimer always took advantage of those situations to instill greater respect and fear in his subjects.
Thinking on this, I began to sweat profusely. I couldn’t think of any dissension on my part. The only thing that came to mind was Tilly and her rebellious mouth. She had said far too much already – things that could be taken as treason against the High Ruler. If the Tonrar had been near my home, they may have overheard her and taken such information to Casimer’s inner circle or his guards.
I had no more time to deliberate over the matter. The soldier escorting me strode ahead quickly and to the right, towards the governing headquarters. I’d been here on occasion to report to the Grand Admiral of the Farrin Patrol. But my presence hadn’t been requested for a very long time. I had been preparing to leave within a week to visit my designated farrins. This summons was extremely unusual and I worried over the meaning of it all.
The guard stopped at the door, stood to the side, and gestured with his hand.
“He will be waiting for you.” He stepped away and walked off.
I stared up at the large, gold gilded sign above the tall, double doors. Every building on Casimer’s estate screamed wealth and abundance. I didn’t know of any other place in the whole of Dwarkaa’s Domain that was as richly extravagant. The finely constructed buildings appeared somewhat gaudy compared to the rest of our dwellings on Dwarkaa and they were completely garish when contrasted to the poverty of the clans’ villages on other land masses.
After a nervous breath, I opened the door and stepped inside. The grand foyer boasted of many gold encrusted statues depicting Casimer in all his glory. Large paintings of ships on the violent seas hung on the tall walls leading to the impressive desk at the end.
I headed to the desk, suddenly eager to get this over with.
Rabmag, the Grand Admiral’s secretary, bookkeeper and body guard looked up and saw me coming. Six armed guards hugged the walls to each side of Rabmag’s desk, at the ready to stop any assassination attempt. Rabmag stood immediately and waved me to follow him. He was decked out in his usual apparel – decorated navel uniform, in the typical black with red trim, numerous medals attached to his chest and weapons in a holster at his waist, swaying as he walked before me.
Rabmag opened a large set of double doors at the end of a hall, stepped inside and cleared his throat. “Donagh has arrived.”
“Come in, Donagh. I’ve been expecting you.” The Grand Admiral’s deep voice reverberated through the room as he stayed in his seated position behind an expansive, dark stained desk, trimmed in gold motif. The chair he sat in was high backed, covered in one of the finest leathers in Dwarkaa’s Domain. His visage was impressive, even while sitting. His broad shoulders, massive head and full black beard dominated the room. When standing, he reached a height of just over seven feet. He looked larger than life even while seated.
I stood before the desk, waiting for what he had to say. His name plate was staring at me – a solid plate of gold rimmed in gemstones, mostly rubies and a few diamonds. It read – Grand Admiral Strutz.
He finally looked up and said, “Sit, sit, Donagh. No need to stand before me.” Although if anyone dared to sit before he offered, it was enough of a reason for execution.
I nodded and sat. I would have preferred to stand but I did as asked.
After a few minutes of watching him shuffle documents and scrolls around his desk, he finally looked at me again, grinned crookedly and said, “I see that your new coverling is taking a toll on you.”
I pointed to my cheek. “I received this during warring sparring.”
“That’s not how I heard it.”
I didn’t know how to respond so I stayed silent.
“This wench from Akoni is giving you quite a run for your money.”
“She is hard to break.”
“I hear she is a lovely thing.”
I nodded in reply.
“Why take one so uncultured when you have your pick of any fine woman on Dwarkaa?”
“She fascinated me. She is very different than anyone here.”
“So it’s a challenge you seek, is it?”
“Perhaps.”
He chuckled quiet and low. His smile disappeared and he asked, “So, how are your farrins doing?”
I was relieved that conversation was steering away from Tilly. Maybe her mouth hadn’t gotten us in trouble after all. “Things are going well. I am scheduled to leave for the west within a week.”
“Yes, I know this.”
I nodded out of respect.
“Of the fifteen farrins that you oversee, what is the overall population?”
“Six thousand, four hundred and thirty five.”
“Have there been any deaths since your last count?”
“Yes, the Tonrar have reported a total of six deaths, three from illness, two from old age and one due to injuries sustained through sparring.”
“And which farrin at present has the greatest population?”
“Renuka Farrin has the greatest population with the last count coming to one thousand, two hundred and forty one.”
“And what about Cadda Farrin?”
“What did you want to know, sir?”
“Have you noted the population there?”
“It is insignificant since the war, since Renuka Clan decimated it. But we have noticed some movement deeper into the hills. I had some of my crew members scour the hill and mountain area and they noted only some insignificant numbers. All that remains of the clan are some children and teenagers.”
“Do they come to the dock when you arrive?”
“No.”
“They refuse to comply?”
“There are no babies to take and the numbers are so crushed that I don’t believe they’ll ever recover from the last war.”
“What is your estimate on the population?”
“I estimate their number to be around 14.”
“And they’re able to survive with no adult supervision?”
“Yes. Barely but they are surviving.”
“The Tonrar seem unsure of the number there. Do you know why this would be?”
“The young ones hide in caves in the mountains.”
“Ah. So, for all we know, there could be more,” Admiral Strutz said.
Casimer’s evil wraiths, the Tonrar, never enter into any type of rock formation. They are terrified of doing so.
“And yet, you were able to ascertain their number?” he asked.
“We scoured the area well. The Apolake Warriors did a thorough search. I left some warriors there over a two day period to hide among the rocks and hills to watch for any movement. When I was done the tour of the other farrins, I went back to pick them up. I believe their observations were quite accurate.”
“Is there anything else you would like to inform me of?”
“There have been a few instances of thievery between the farrins. Some clans are demanding blood in recompense. We could use that to our advantage, instigate another skirmish, which would facilitate more deaths, control the population.”
“I am mostly concerned with the Renuka clan. Their numbers are rising and their strength is being touted by many other clans. We will soon need to deal heavily with them before their heads get too big.”
“Yes sir. What do you suggest?”
He waved his hand to dismiss my question. “Not now.” He clasped his massive, hairy hands on the desk and asked, “What do you know of the births in the land masses you oversee?”
“On my last tour of the clans, we, with the help of the Tonrar, documented twenty four births.”
“And how many teen warriors were sacrificed?”
“Fifteen, one per clan.”
“Were any babies taken?”
“Yes. We took the usual, one infant per clan.”
The Grand Admiral nodded slowly and leveled his deathly stare on me.
I felt like squirming but refrained.
Finally, he said, “There’s to be a change in command. You’re knowledge of the farrins you oversee is impressive and has been noted.”
My heart rate slowed and I waited to see if I’d be honored and rewarded for my diligent service.
“A promotion is in order.”
I smiled and nodded. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me too soon.” The Grand Admiral smiled wickedly. “You are being transferred to oversee the farrins to the southeast.”
“No!” I shouted, forgetting protocol and whom it was that I was speaking with. “Don’t send me there! This is not a promotion! It’s a slap in the face!”
“We have heard rumors of changes taking place on Akoni Farrin.”
I stood to my feet and placed a hand on the knife tucked in at my waist. To kill the Admiral might be worth my execution. The southeastern farrins are the most despised and no one aspires to acquire them. I was determined to convince the Grand Admiral in any way possible.
The Admiral stared threateningly at me. “Don’t be stupid. Sit down and listed to what I have to say.”
Breathing heavily, with great effort I sat down again and waited. “Tell me.”
“I and the High Sentinel Command have received a tip that there is rebellion growing to the south. Akoni Farrin has come to our attention in the last few days.”
“From whom did you hear this?”
His full moustache quivered. I could tell he was enjoying this discussion.
“Does it really matter where the information came from? Although I’m surprised you did not come to me with some information on Akoni.”
“Why do you suppose that I would know anything of Akoni Farrin? Just because I stole Broehain’s prize from him does not mean that I am aware of any rebellion.”
“Since you’ve taken an Akoni wench into your home, it seemed a propitious opportunity to take advantage of the situation. I assumed you two would talk. Perhaps the woman has revealed some secrets.”
I refused to answer and only stared at him in response.
“Has she divulged anything of her farrin?”
“No. She has said very little to me.”
“Stingy with her words but generous with her fists, huh?”
Grand Admiral Strutz lifted a small scroll from his desk, unrolled it and said, “This scroll contains your promotion – The Ship Captain of the highest rank and most noble assignment in Dwarkaa’s service, Akoni Farrin and the farrins which surround it, to watch, learn and document the changes that are transpiring to the south, to report all changes to Grand Admiral Strutz and to quench all forms of rebellion and reform.” He allowed the scroll to close in on itself and placed it back on his desk. Looking at me, he asked, “So do you accept?”
“Do I have any choice?” I said with anger still rolling in my gut.
“No.”
“I didn’t think so.” I felt as though my life had come to an end.
“Now that Casimer’s curiosity is aroused concerning the land masses in the southeast, Akoni Farrin is of sudden and great interest to the well-being of Dwarkaa. The ship captain who takes on this assignment will be highly honored and esteemed.”
His words calmed my raging objections a degree.
“I also forgot to mention one benefit. I know how grueling and long this assignment is. It can take up to a good two months for turnaround time on one tour of the southern farrins but we’ve made some adjustments.”
I said, “Tell me more.”
“We have arranged a more expeditious trip for you. The Tonrar have been notified that they will assist you in your travel, shortening the trip substantially. Instead of it taking two months, the trip will be cut in half. They will transport you close to the southeastern farrins, from there you will navigate to the different land masses in the normal way. This tour of land masses should take no longer than your previous mission.”
I absorbed this information and wondered how much of the Tonrar’s presence I’d have to endure on the trip. Having them in the vicinity for too long was always oppressive.
“Do you accept?”
“How will taking this assignment be to my advantage?”
“You will be awarded a large pay increase, greater food allotment and a yearly bonus.” Grand Admiral Stutz smiled, as if he knew I’d say yes.
“That is all well and good but what about my reputation? Everyone will grow to despise me when they learn of my new farrin jurisdiction assignment.” Anger burned anew at the admission.
“We will post the words of this official document on every public forum and it will be tacked to every information board available throughout Dwarkaa’s towns and cities. Everyone will know that this transfer is of the highest importance and all the populace on Dwarkaa will recognize that Apolake Ship Captain Donagh has been appointed this assignment.”
The rest of my anger dissipated and I granted him his request. “Yes, I’ll take the mission.”
“As I suspected. You’ll leave in a week. Inform your former crew of the change in duty and familiarize yourself with the new men under your command.”
“I can’t retain my former crew?”
“No. We need to maintain some synergy among the ship crews and farrin leaders. I’m sure you must agree?”
I hated to admit it and despised working with Umiko’s crew but I also knew this was the only way.
“What will happen to Umiko?” I asked.
“He and all he owns are scheduled for elimination. Don’t fail us, Donagh.”
Heat flooded my body and perspiration gathered around my neck at his threat.
“You will be sent the typical manifest of your tour of farrin duties before you depart. We’ll speak again when you return from the southeast.”
I nodded and left his office, my mind reeling from the conversation and shift in my career.
