Authors: James R. Vernon
Hunt for Justice (19 page)
"Fine, fine."
Shayua began stomping up the left staircase, her eyes still dark blue. There was a bit of froth on her lips as well. Her feet pounded on the stairs, the railing shaking with each step. When she was almost to the top, Bavian took off down the right staircase.
"I wouldn't stand in her way!" he called over his shoulder.
Glancing at Shayua and seeing nothing but pure rage in her snarling lips and glaring eyes, she decided the man was right. Ezzy raced down the stairs after him. Shay let out a primal scream behind them. Not wanting to be caught by someone who could make such a terrifying noise, Ezzy pushed herself even harder, taking the stairs three at a time. On the ground floor, she found the front door in the same condition as the one leading to the dining room. Butler was sitting nearby, a small gash on his head marring his porcelain skin. Bavian was already out the door and Ezzy sprinted right behind him.
"Ok, we're outside," Bavian panted. "Now what?"
"Now we get help."
Just as Shayua stormed out of the building, Paz lumbered through the gate.
"Oh, this should be interesting."
Ezzy sent Paz charging towards her mentor. His long strides put him there in just a few steps, and he stood with outstretched arms waiting for the bounty hunter. Now slowing down, Shayua let out a roar and leapt on the Vilathos. She landed on its chest and held on to its neck. Scrambling up its front, Shayua wrapped her legs around its metal head and began raining down blows. Even though Paz was made entirely of metal and was strengthened by the magic that gave it the semblance of life, Shayua's massive hands began making small dents in the dome of Paz's head.
"Hey! Don't break him!"
Shayua continued to pound away, seemingly oblivious to anyone else around her. With a thought, Ezzy had Paz wrap both of its hands around the bounty hunter, pinning her arms to her sides. She struggled against him, but even her incredible strength couldn't break free from its iron grip. Finally contained, Ezzy let out a sigh of relief. She had Paz walk her over, but not close enough that Shayua could lash out and catch her with a kick.
"Shayua, what's wrong with you?"
Nothing. A snarl and glare was the only response she received.
"I've never seen anything like that," Bavian said as he reached her side. "I've beaten up or killed a fair number of people in my lifetime, but I've never seen anyone take some of my best punches with my knuckle dusters without even the slightest reaction."
"Do you think it's some kind of magic?"
"Could be, although I've never heard of anything like it. She seemed to have lost all...oh look."
Ezzy watched as the dark blue color drained from her eyes. Her head drooped and her body went limp in Paz's grip. After a moment, Shayua lifted her head and looked around. Her eyes were only partially opened and she seemed to struggle to get the words out when she spoke.
"What happened?"
"You tell me," Ezzy said. "You went a bit nutty. It was almost like you were possessed. What do you remember?"
"Not much. I remember being struck by this fool," she shot Bavian a glare that would have curdled milk, "and then waking up on the inn floor. I was so angry that such a little man had taken me down, I felt like I was going to burst. Then nothing. I have no idea how I got here or why your metal beast has me crushed between its hands."
"I would like to let you go, Shay, but how do I know you won't go crazy again?"
The bounty hunter shrugged as best as she could in the hands of the Vilathos.
"I don't know what to tell you. Nothing like that has ever happened to me before as far as I can remember. Do what you must."
Well, you're no help. But I can't keep you wrapped up forever.
With a thought, she had Paz set the crimson woman down. Free of its grasp, Shayua began to stretch and rub at her arms. She kept her eyes locked on Bavian.
"No hard feelings?" Bavian asked, spreading his arms wide. "I was just following orders and you did attack first."
"I do not hold grudges for being bested in combat, little man. I do remember when I've been insulted, however."
"Yes, yes. Understandable. Sometimes my mouth does get a bit out of control, especially when I encounter something as strange as you."
Shayua scowled at him.
"Unusual! Not strange! Unusual! See, there I go again saying the wrong words at the wrong time. A funny saying. Is there a right time to say the wrong words? That doesn't make much sense, does it? Of course, the right words at the right time would be wonderful, but never seems to happen for me. Maybe I should start again."
"Or maybe," Leya said as she strode out the shattered front door, "you should simply stop talking."
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
"As you command," Bavian replied with a bow. "Forgive my wagging tongue; I am always the Janpair's faithful servant."
"Quite." Striding past the man, Leya walked up to Shayua. Although dwarfed by the bounty hunter, Leya stood in front of her with her nose high in the air, shoulders back, voice steady and dignified. "You have made a mess of my house and frightened my poor husband."
"Shayua doesn't remember what she did," Ezzy said, coming to her mentor's defense. "Something happened to her that made her lose control. She wasn't herself. I'm sure she regrets what happened."
Leya let out a laugh.
"After a few too many glasses of wine, I sometimes make decisions that I regret the next morning. That doesn't make it any less my fault. I have half a mind to have this woman locked up. The other half of my mind thinks I should have her flogged and then locked up."
"I assume you are Leya Janpair," Shayua said with downcast eyes. "I apologize for any destruction I have caused your home. Although I do not know why I acted the way I did, I do accept the responsibility for my actions and will submit to whatever punishment you feel is just."
"That quickly? You must either be a worshipper of Alistar or Avien'zia then. Only proper followers of one of those two would submit to judgment without a fight. Which is it?"
"Avien'zia."
"With your size and strength, it is obvious that you're a bounty hunter. Tell me one thing then. Why are you so far from your homeland?"
"I left Lurthalan to catch--"
"No, no. I wasn't asking why you left your current home. By 'homeland,' I meant where you were born."
"I was born in the city of Lurthalan." Shayua's voice was strained. "That is where I have lived all my life."
"Do you take me for a fool? You are clearly a Shadaer, although the human in you is quite clear in some of your features. I was unaware that the two races could produce offspring. Which of your parents was Shadaer? Your mother? Your father?"
"I did not know my father." A tinge of anger touched her voice for a moment before she got control of it.
"So your father was Shadaer. Interesting. And irrelevant. I was simply curious. Your lineage has nothing to do with your punishment."
"Good."
"Tough one, aren't you? Well, Shayua, as much as I should have you flogged, I won't. You seem to know little of your own people, so I assume you know nothing of the Rage that can overtake them. Your ignorance combined with the fact that Esmerelda and I have just recently come to a mutual understanding, has earned you some lenience. Pay me fifteen gold pieces for all of the repairs, and you may be on your way."
"I do not have that much money."
"I do," Ezzy said, reaching for her coin purse.
"Ezzy, I can't allow you to pay for me."
"Think of it as an advance for everything you plan on teaching me."
"I did not agree to teach you for money. It is the will of--"
"I know, I know. Avien'zia put us together. Think of it this way then. I am taking up your time and you can't catch bounties and make a living while you are accompanying me. Think of this as an investment and not a payment or gift."
"Ezzy, I don't know--"
"If it makes you feel any better, remember where this money comes from."
Shayua's face scrunched up in confusion for a moment. Then, as the realization hit her, she let out a deep, bellowing laugh.
"Yes, you are right. I feel much better about it, knowing it was the money of those Orange Hound scoundrels."
"Good, then it's settled. Here you are, Leya. We're all settled up."
"Excellent," Leya replied, taking the money. "Well then, if you will excuse me, I have much to do, first of which is to get my husband to come out from under our bed. You gave him quite a scare."
"Oh, dinner is over?" Nolan asked, the disappointment clear in his voice.
"Yes. You've brought enough excitement to my home for the day." Giving a slight nod to Ezzy, Leya turned and walked into the house, leaving the four of them standing in the courtyard. Bavian looked at each of them in turn, then shrugged.
"I suppose I should go too. I'll have plenty to do now to organize the cleanup. Good luck with... well, whatever it is you are doing." He leaned forward to whisper in Ezzy's ear. "I stopped listening as soon as you sat down at the table. Hawkpurse business can be dreadfully boring."
"We still have unfinished business," Shayua said as the man pulled back.
"Well," he replied, "when I'm a little less busy, we can finish our business. Have a little go. A fight I mean. Not the other physical thing, with the lack of clothes. Although a fight without clothes could be funny. Bits and pieces flopping about. Wait, did you want to fight without clothes?"
"No!"
"Well, you still have time. Give it some thought. Sleep on it."
Before Shayua could reply, Bavian gave a deep bow and then strode off. Leaving Ezzy, Shayua, and Nolan standing in the center of the property.
"Well, this has been an eventful day." Nolan said, glancing around.
"I'd say so," Ezzy replied. "But the day isn't over yet. We still have time to see the blacksmith and try to hunt down our missing Saniteal."
"Ezzy, surely we can go see him tomorrow."
"No, Nolan. I don't think so. If Iacane has gone missing, it could be because he is hurt or dying somewhere. Time is a factor."
"The man you are searching for has gone missing?" Shayua asked. "Then I agree, we should not waste time."
"You would agree," Nolan grunted. "No time to sit and catch our breath when there is a hunt to be had."
"Oh, Nolan, stop. You seemed relaxed as you were eating your second meal a few moments ago."
"I was eating because I was worried."
"You didn't look worried as you stuffed your face with--"
"Ok, ok. Let's go find your blacksmith."
Flashing him a smile, Ezzy headed towards the gate. Nolan and Shay followed, with Paz taking up the rear. They walked back down to the main part of the village and returned to the circular road at the center of town. At this point in the day, more people were out and about, going about their business. Paz got his fair share of looks, but Shayua received the majority of stares from the villagers. The bounty hunter stared right back. Or glared would be the better word. At one point, Shayua looked like she was about to go after a group of young men that were pointing and laughing at her. Ezzy moved to her side before Shay's temper got the better of her.
"Is it always like this for you?"
"Not so much in Lurthalan. I keep mostly to the temple and the camps around it. The other worshippers have gotten used to me, I suppose."
"And Leya said you were part Shadaer?"
"I still do not wish to speak of this, Ezzy."
"Understood. I won't pry."
"Thank you."
They walked on in silence. Ezzy tried to glare at the gawkers as much as Shay to give her mentor some support. She also sent Paz back to the inn. After all, now that she was on good terms with the Janpair family, what other trouble could they get into here that Shayua couldn't get them out of?
Shayua. The woman was quite the mystery. Ezzy snuck a glance at the crimson bounty hunter. The more they traveled together, the more questions arose. She had mentioned growing up in the temple. What kind of a childhood could that have been? Probably the complete opposite of what Ezzy had experienced. In their own way, they both had had a strange childhood compared to most children in Lurthalan. Of course Shayua had been killing things while Ezzy had been learning about all of the extended family members in each of the other Hawkpurse families.
And to grow up like that around people that knew she was a half-breed? A Shadaer half-breed, no less. It certainly explained Shay's sensitivity about her past and her appearance. Ezzy didn't even know mixing the species was possible. Ezzy had only read about their savage neighbors to the south in books. A nomadic race, from what Ezzy remembered, that controlled a section of land just as large as Ven Khilada, bordered by the Skyfall Mountains to the west, the Unyielding Wall to the east, and the coast to the south. The Soushade Hawkpurses were the only ones allowed into their territory for trade, and from what Ezzy had heard, being allowed onto their land didn't guarantee safety. How had Shayua even been conceived, let alone make it out of the south to grow up in Lurthalan?
Ezzy hoped if they became close enough, and after she had finished hunting down those responsible for the downfall of her family, Shayua would tell her one day.
"Is this it?" Nolan was standing underneath a sign containing a sword embedded in an anvil.
"The sign looks about right. I didn't see any other signs that would indicate a blacksmith's shop."
"Let's go in and take a look then. I would love to be done with this for the day so I can go back to the inn and enjoy a nice, hot bath."
The inside of the shop was wide open in the middle, allowing Ezzy to see all around the store. Racks lined the walls, their contents ranging from simple blades and long swords to rakes, hammers, and an assortment of farming tools. A few shields and random pieces of armor were scattered about as well, but those were probably more for show than to actually sell. In the back of the room sat a small anvil and forge, a fire bellowing inside and belching smoke up the chimney behind it. The room was windowless, various candlesticks provided the light, and a solitary door in the far wall probably led to Syla's living quarters and the back of the building.
A woman was working the forge, a hammer in one hand and a short sword in the other. The sword blade glowed a fiery red and sparks flew off of it as she hammered the metal. Syla Trane. She didn't seem to notice as they entered, giving Ezzy a chance to get a good look at her. A short woman, Syla's braided auburn hair rested on her back. Her face was a rosy red from being so close to the fire, which accented chubby cheeks and a pronounced, pointed nose. Soot and dirt had turned her tan pants black. A sleeveless black apron showed off arms chiseled from years of hammering away on metal. She looked young, but Ezzy's mother had said that Syla had worked for their family for years. Years spent in this bizarre little village. Not wanting to startle the woman, Ezzy moved more into her line of sight and waved a hand to get her attention. Dark green eyes looked up from their work and regarded Ezzy with a blank expression for a moment before she put down her hammer and the blade.
"You're new..." Her tone was a mixture of surprise and something else Ezzy couldn't quite place. "The only time we see new faces 'round here is when the caravan comes through town."
"Syla Trane?" Ezzy didn't want to say anything until she was positive this was the woman she was looking for.
"Yes, that's me. How can I help you?"
"My name's Esmerelda Ciantar."
"Ciantar..." Syla looked like someone had walked over her grave. She took a step back, bumping into her tools and knocking them over. "I recognize you from the few times I visited your family home. Of course you were younger then. I can't believe you're here."
"My mother told me you could help me. We're looking for someone."
For a moment, Ezzy thought she would have to repeat herself. Syla stood there, staring at her, frozen by whatever was rattling around in her mind. Then the woman spoke.
"We shouldn't talk here. Come on back into my house. One of you, go lock the door first."
The woman left the room, exiting through the back door. Ezzy glanced at Nolan and received a shrug. Shayua was already sliding the latch into place. Ezzy wasn't sure what kind of reception she had expected, but this certainly was not it. She had already come this far though. Not the time to back down now just because of a feeling. Trying to leave her unease behind, Ezzy made her way through the back door.
A narrow hallway with wood paneling running down the walls contained a staircase to the right, leading up to the second floor. On the far end of the hall sat three doors, one straight ahead that probably led outside and one on each side. Syla was standing in the doorway on the left, waving Ezzy forward. Ezzy complied and found herself in the kitchen.
A small stove sat against the far corner as well as a few counter tops. A single table, just big enough for one, sat in the middle of the room along with a chair. A few racks suspended from the ceiling, but they were mostly empty. Everything made of metal in the room appeared brand new. The racks were free of dents and the surfaces of everything else gleamed like freshly polished silver.
"I don't have much to offer in terms of food and comfort, but I do have some tea from Wethrintir I can prepare."
"That sounds good," Ezzy said from the doorway. A nudge at her back signaled Nolan and Shayua's arrival. They shuffled into the room and stood around as Syla prepared the tea.
