A Warrior's Path (The Castes and the OutCastes) (62 page)

Rukh took them
numbly as he gently stroked the paper.  His mother’s handwriting was elegant and perfect as was Bree’s.  Jaresh’s was so like Nanna’s: an inelegant, squared off scribbling.  He put the letters away.  He’d read them later. “Will we make it to Stronghold before the snows?” he asked.

“We might get caught in a few storms, but the snows usually melt in a day or two this time of year.  We should
be fine if we hustle.”

“Then we better get moving.”

*****

“
Y
ou need to know something,” Jessira said, speaking into the silence that had settled over them within minutes of leaving the camp.  It was still early in the morning, and they had a long ways to go. 

Rukh glanced over at her, but s
he kept her eyes locked forward, unwilling to meet his gaze.  He shrugged, distantly wondering what had her so stiff.  Was he forever riding away from Ashoka?  It was still so surreal.  How could this have happened?  He vacillated between grief and a hollow emptiness, and he didn’t know which was worse.  The grief let him know he was alive, but right now, he wasn’t sure it was worth it.  The emptiness, though…it was what he imagined it would be like to die, to finally set aside all his burdens.  It was seductive, the idea of giving up and letting it all end.

He grimaced
.  It was also a coward’s death.

“The real reason you were fou
nd Unworthy is because of me,” Jessira began hesitantly.

With a
visible effort, Rukh pulled himself out from the terrible hurt of his loss and made himself listen to her words.  “What are you saying?” he asked.

Jessira
’s countenance and bearing were those of guilt and regret.  “The extra Talents might have been forgiven…”

“How did the Chamber find out about them
anyway?” Rukh interrupted her, suddenly focused in on a question which had plagued him since he’d learned of his banishment.  “Who told them?”

“Rector Bryce,” Jessira answered.  “He came out and admitted it.  Your nanna was all set to Expel him from House Shektan – I understand it would have marked him as a traitor
for all time.”

“He would have become a ronin, an unHoused warrior. 
Scum.  No other House would have accepted his membership, not with a stain like that,” Rukh said.

“Like I said, Dar’El was all set to do just that, but for some reason, he didn’t.  The two of them had a private meeting, and your nanna let Bryce resign instead.  Bryce is now a member of House Wrestiva.”

Rukh grunted.  “It’s where he belonged all along.”

They rode in silence as Rukh considered what Rector Bryce’s betrayal and departure from House Shektan might mean.  It was no longer his
responsibility, but old habits died hard.

“What I was saying earlier,” Jessira said, breaking into his thoughts.  “You were found Unworthy because of Dryad Park.  People claimed we had an illicit relationship.”

“Dryad Park?  Our walk at night after the play?”  Rukh realized what Jessira meant.  His jaw clenched in anger, and he had to stifle an urge to scream at himself.  Fragging arrogant idiot!  He had airily dismissed his own worries about how others would view his time with Jessira.  Why hadn’t he listened to that warning voice?

Jessira
must have noticed his anger.  She reined her horse to a halt, forcing Rukh to stop as well.  “It’s my fault,” she said.  “If I hadn’t been so needy, none of this would have happened.”

Rukh’s teeth ground together, and he had to force himself to unclench his jaw.  He was angry with himself, but there was no need to crack his own teeth.  He rubbe
d his temples and sighed.  Suddenly, the fury emptied out of him, gone as quickly as it had come.  Nothing he said or felt or did would change what had happened.  What was done was done  He had acted as he thought a friend should, and for his gross lack of judgment, he’d been found Unworthy.

“It wasn’t your fault,” Rukh
said in a flat, lifeless tone, willing himself to believe his words.  “I made those choices.  Not you.  It was my own stupidity that caused this mess.”  His eyes welled with sudden tears.  Damn it!  He hated crying.

Somehow, h
e found himself held within the circle of Jessira’s embrace.  He clutched at her, hugging her hard.  He let the tears fall.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered into his ear.

He turned his head, meaning to say something to her.  Instead, his lips found hers, a brief touch.  It was a soft kiss that deepened.  She cupped his face, and pulled him closer.  All thoughts were gone.  All he knew was the feel of her in his arms, and the soft press of her lips against his.

She trailed her fingers along the line of his jaw before pulling away.  “We should go,” she said, her voice
sounding husky.

Rukh nodded, his emotions in turmoil: sorrow, pain, and a deep
sense of loss.  He followed after her as he left behind everything he loved.  He followed her west.

*****

The End

Note: Most Arisan scholars use a dating system based on the fall of the First World.
  Thus:

BF: Before the Fall of the First World.

AF: After the Fall of the First World.

Adamantine Cliffs
: White cliffs, about two hundred feet tall that form the southern border of Dryad Park.

Ahura Temple, the
: One of the schools of song in Ashoka.  Open only to Sentyas.

Aia
: A young Shylow/Kesarin.

Alminius College of Medicine
: One of the two Shiyen schools of medicine in Ashoka.

Arbiter, the
:
The administrive judge of the Chamber of Lords, interpreting the various rules and points of etiquette.  Typically, he is an older Kumma chosen by the ‘Els for his wisdom and knowledge.  Upon his election, he gives up his House name and takes on the surname of ‘Kumma’.  The position is ceremonial one, and his vote is only offered in the case of a tie.  His social standing is that of a ruling ‘El.  Current Arbiter is Lin’El Kumma.

Ashok
: Caste Unknown.  Historical figure who is the reputed author of the
Compact and Binding
, the constitutional basis of all governments in Arisa.

Ashokan Guard, the
: A reserve unit of about 25,000 warriors meant to support the High Army in times of crisis.  It is composed of veteran Kummas, Murans, and Rahails.  A few Duriahs have also joined the Guard over the years.

Baels
: The commanders of the Fan Lor Kum.  They are feared for their intelligence and unwavering commitment to Humanity’s destruction as well as their imposing size, chained whips, and tridents.  By convention, they are always given a hyphenated name in which Li- makes the first part.

Book of All Souls
, the
: Sacred text dating from the First World.  Author unknown, but said to be Devesh Himself.  Over time since the fall of the First World, it has taken on secondary importance to
The Word and the Deed
in the religious life of most people.

Brand Wall
: Caste Rahail.  Born AF 2041 to Trudire and Simala Wall.  Twenty-one years old at the time of his first Trial.

Bree Shektan
: Caste Kumma.  House Shektan.  Born AF 2044 to Dar’El and Satha Shektan.

Brit Hule
: Caste Rahail.  Born 2027.  He is the youngest Patriarch in living memory as well as the youngest Magistrate in the Magisterium.

Caravan
: Trade expedition meant to maintain contact between the cities.  Protection of the caravan – a Trial – has come to be seen as a holy duty, for only through the free exchange of knowledge can Humanity hope to survive the Suwraith’s unending madness.

Caste
s, the
: The social, moral, and economic organization of all cities on Arisa.

There are seven Castes:

Kumma
: The warrior Caste.  They are involved in all aspects of defense, supplying the vast majority of warriors to the Ashokan military and the caravans.  Their Talents are especially suited for battle.

Sentya
: Known for their accounting acumen and their skill with musical instruments and compositions.  The finest musicians and composers are always Sentya.  They possess the Talent of Lucency, which allows them to think with near utter clarity.  In such a state, emotions are distant.  They can also project this ability onto others.

Duriah
: Born to build, they are thick and stocky.  Their Talent is to Cohese: the ability to take various
objects and substances and from them forge something different and more useful.  Rare individuals can DeCohese, which is the ability to break any object down to its basic components.  A master craftsman is known as a Cohesor.

Rahail
: They maintain the Oasis, sensing where it is growing thin and working to repair and renew it.  It is done through their Talent of Sharing wherein they literally give their
Jivatma
, letting it seep into an Oasis and keep it strong.  It is an ability they can use but don’t really understand, even two thousand years after it first manifested.  Their Caste is structured entirely around this Talent, although some join the caravans or the Ashokan Guard.

Muran
: Traditionally, they are farmers, although some join the caravans or the Ashokan Guard.  Their Talent allows them to bring even a desert to flower.  However, the pride of the Caste are their singers. 

Cherid
: Physically they are the smallest of all the Castes, but Cherids are generally the leaders of a city.  It is through their natural intelligence and cunning, as well as their Talent.  They possess the ability of Synthesis: they can combine
Jivatmas
and share it out amongst others.  Thus, a Rahail can maintain the city’s Oasis, not simply with the strength of his own Caste, but that of all Castes if need be.

Shiyen
: They all possess the ability to Heal to a certain extent, but only the most gifted amongst them are chosen for one of Ashoka’s two medical colleges.  The rest are generally craftsmen and merchants.

Cedar Grey
: OutCaste.  Born AF 2039 to Sateesh and Crena Grey.  Lieutenant in the Stronghold Home Guard as member of the Silver Sun Scouts.

Chamber of Lords
: Kumma ruling council.  It is made of all the ruling ‘Els and presided over by the Arbiter.  It is involved in decision-making that will affect the Caste as a whole.  The Chamber also renders judgment for those charged with being Unworthy or thought to be traitors.

Chimeras, the
:  Suwraith’s created forces who comprise the Fan Lor Kum.  There are seven species of Chimeras: Baels, Tigons, Braids, Ur-Fels, Bovars, Balants, and Pheds.  All species of Chimeras have some degree of intelligence except for Pheds and Bovars.  Pheds are simply a meat source, grown only to feed the Fan Lor Kum.  Bovars are beasts of burden, much like oxen, but it is from them that the most intelligent of all Chimeras were birthed: the Baels.  The Chimeras are marsupial and born in groups of five, what they label a crèche, and mature to full adulthood within a few years, although the Baels take slightly longer.

City Watch, the
: Peacekeeping unit of about three hundred warriors, called upon to maintain the peace and investigate crime in Ashoka.

Compact and Binding
: The constitution by which all cities on Arisa are organized.  Dated to just after the Night of Sorrows.

Conn Mercur
: Caste Shiyen.  He is the dean of Verchow College of Medicine.

Constrainers
:  Leather vambraces used in training or tournaments as a means to suppress the expression of an individual’s
Jivatma
.

Council of Rule
: Ruling council of the Sil Lor Kum.  It is comprised of the SuDin and the six MalDin.

Dar’El Shektan
: Caste Kumma.  House Shektan. Born AF 2006 as Darjuth Sulle to Jarned and Tune Sulle of House Ranthor.  Completed four Trials before retiring at age thirty-one.  He transferred to House Shektan upon his return to Ashoka after his fourth and final Trial.  Married Satha nee Aybar in AF 2039.  Later, in AF 2050, he became the ruling ‘El of his House.

Days of Desolation
: A period of decades where the light of civilization was almost put out.  Suwraith raged unchecked throughout the world, and Humanity lay huddled within its cities, hoping to ride out the storm.

Dos Martel
: Caste Muran.  Born AF 1998.  As well as being the Magistrate representative of her Caste, she is also a singer of great repute.

Dryad Park
: A large, public park known variously as ‘the Soul of Ashoka’ or ‘the green jewel of Ashoka’.  It was developed under the auspices of the Magisterium in AF 1363 on an area of boggy, impoverished land full of rundown homes and apartments.  The park has gone through several transitions, including a disastrous period of time in the 1600’s where the fashion of the day was to return public land to its natural state.  The park quickly became a bog once again with swamp gases regularly polluting the air.  Thankfully, this idea of ‘natural’ spaces was swiftly abandoned.  In addition, during times of emergency, the park can be converted into arable land.

Durmer Volk
: Caste Kumma. House Shektan.  Born AF 1990 to Hurum and Kiran Volk.  Completed six Trials before retiring at age thirty-five.  He is charged with the early training of young Shektans and known as the ‘Great Rahail’ for how seriously he takes his duties.  Member of the House Council.

East
Vineyard Steep
: An area of relatively rundown homes and buildings, which barely stand erect.  However, the main denizens, the Sentyas, prefer it this way.  They would rather not waste money to maintain their homes beyond what’s absolutely needed.

Fan and the Reed, the
: All-female Kumma academy in Ashoka.  Founded AF 343.

Fan Lor Kum
: The Red Hand of Justice.  Suwraith’s forces in the Wildness.  Their soul purpose is to kill Humans wherever they find them.  They are organized into Plagues, and the commander of each Plague is titled the SarpanKum, a Bael of great cunning and skill.  The Fan Lor Kum are sometimes referred to simply as the Chimeras.

Organization of the Fan Lor Kum:

1
00 Chimeras form a Smash and the commander is labeled a Jut

10 Smashes form a Fracture and the commander is labeled a Levner

15 Fractures form a Shatter and the commander is labeled a Vorsan

8 Shatters form a Dread and the commander is labeled a Sarpan

2 Dreads form a Plague and the commander is titled the SarpanKum

*All commanders at ever
y level are Baels.  Of note is the SarpanKi, who does not fit into this hierarchy.  The SarpanKi is the special adjunct to the SarpanKum, almost always from his crèche, and outranks the Sarpans.

Farn Arnicep
: Caste Kumma.  House Shektan.  Born AF 2041 to Evam and Midre Arnicep.  He is twenty-one years old at the time of his first Trial.

First Father
: Along with the First Mother, He was the ruler of the First World, greatly responsible for the peace and fortune of that time.  Legends say that the First Father broke the WellStone and was thereby able to gain entrance to the fortress of the First Mother, and together, they were able to bring life to a dead and desolate land.  The Baels claim it was the First Father’s own Daughter, Lienna, who murdered both of her Parents.

First Mother
: Along with the First Father, She was the ruler of the First World, greatly responsible for the peace and fortune of that time.  The Baels claim it was the First Mother’s own Daughter, Lienna, who murdered both of her Parents.

First World
: Legendary time of peace and prosperity prior to the arrival of Suwraith.  With the death of the First Mother and the First Father, the First World ended with the Night of Sorrows.

Fol Nacket
: Caste Cherid.  Born AF 2006.  He is the Cherid Magistrate and head of the Magisterium.

Fort and the Sword, the
: All-male martial academy in Ashoka.  Only open to Kummas.  Established AF 121.

Fragrance Wall
: An area of manses and estates.  It is the home to most Cherids.

Garnet
Bosde
: Caste Kumma.  House Shektan.  Born AF 1985 to Reoten and Preema Bosde.  Completed five Trials before retiring at age thirty-four.  One of Dar’El Shektan’s earliest supporters and a member of the House Council.

Gelan Criatus
: Caste Shiyen.  Born AF 435 in Hammer.  Widely considered the father of modern medicine.

Glory
Stadium
: Ashoka’s main stadium where the Tournament of Hume and other city-wide events take place.

Gren Vos
: Caste Shiyen.  Born AF 1975.  She was a highly respected physician in her day, and is currently the longest serving Magistrate, having first been elected in AF 2021.

Gris Holianth
: Caste Shiyen.  Born AF 2011.  Owner of the Long Pull, a pub.

Hal’El Wrestiva
: Caste Kumma.  House Wrestiva.  Born AF 2000 as Halthin Bramer to Suge and Bryni Bramer of House Wrestiva.  Completed eight Trials before retiring at age 36.  Married to Kilwen nee Asthan in AF 2038 and widowed in AF 2049.  Became the ruling ‘El of his House Wrestiva in 2046.

High Army of Ashoka
: Professional army of Ashoka made entirely of veterans of the Trials.  Most of their ranks are filled out by Kummas, including the post of Liege-Marshall.  Currently composed of two legions and a total of approximately 11,000 warriors.

Hold Cavern
: A quiet neighborhood of small homes and shops.  It is home to many Rahails.

House of Fire and Mirrors, the
: All-male martial academy in Ashoka.  Generally for Kummas but open to other Castes.  Founded AF 216.

Hume Telrest
: Caste Kumma.  Born AF 1702.  He is universally regarded as the finest warrior in the history of Arisa, having completed twenty Trials.  It is in his honor that the Tournament of Hume is held in every city throughout the world.