Daughter of the Empire Page 12

  Mara completed the formal bow of a girl to her betrothed and stepped forward. Without hesitation her hand fell upon the shoulder of the Anasati's third son and she said, 'Buntokapi of the Anasati, will you come and be Lord of the Acoma?'

  Chumaka muttered, 'I knew it! Just as she stepped from the litter, I knew it would be Bunto.' He turned his attention to Nacoya, who still hid behind her fan, but whose eyes had changed from showing rage to showing nothing. Chumaka felt a sudden stab of uncertainty. Could they all have so grossly underestimated this girl? Recovering his poise, he returned his attention to his Lord.

  In the Lord's place of honour, perched above the silent, stunned ranks of the Anasati court, Tecuma sat at a loss. His bullnecked third son rose and stepped awkwardly to Mara's side, a smile of smug self-congratulation on his face. The Lord of the Anasati urgently motioned for Chumaka to attend him and, as the First Adviser did so, whispered into his ear. 'What is this? Why Bunto, of all my sons?'

  Chumaka kept his voice low. 'She seeks a husband she can control.'

  Tecuma frowned with stormy displeasure. 'I must stop her.'

  'Lord, you cannot. The ritual has gone too far. If you recant your formal acceptance, you must kill the Lady and all her warriors here and now. I must remind you,' he added, looking as though his collar had suddenly grown too tight as he surveyed the fifty Acoma guards only a half-dozen steps away, 'your own soldiers stand outside this building. Even if you survived such a bloodletting -which seems unlikely - you will forfeit all honour.'

  The last remark stung, for Tecuma recognized the truth. Even if he ended Mara's existence now, he would have no moral position left; his word within the council would be meaningless, and his considerable power wasted to nothing. Flushed with ire, he whispered waspishly, 'If only that idiot Minwanabi had killed the bitch last month!' Then, as Mara glanced with apparent innocence in his direction, he forced himself to regroup. 'We must turn her cleverness against her and seize the advantage, Chu-maka. Jiro is still free to make a strong alliance, and Bunto . . .' his voice fell silently. 'I have never thought he would amount to much. Now he will be Lord of a great house. A malleable husband this girl may have gained, but she is an inexperienced virgin from Lashima's order. Buntokapi shall become her overlord, the Ruler of the Acoma, and he is my son. For the honour of the Anasati, he will do as I require.'

  Chumaka watched the unlikely couple return across the dais. He did his utmost to mask his own displeasure as Buntokapi bent his bandy legs and settled awkwardly beside Mara on the Acoma litter. Already his blunt and bored expression had changed to one none present in the hall had ever seen; the boy's lips curled with pride that bordered upon arrogance. Something long dormant in Buntokapi was now awake, that same desire for power which Jiro had shown but a moment before. Only for Buntokapi this was no dream but a thing now in his grasp. From the set of his eyes and the sudden self-assurance in his smile, he would clearly die before he let that power escape him. To Tecuma the First Adviser whispered, 'I hope you are right, my Lord.'

  Looking rumpled under the elaborate layers of his costume, the Ruling Lord of the Anasati did not acknowledge the comment. Yet all through the formalities, as Mara's retainers completed the betrothal ritual and left the hall, Chumaka watched the bows on the back of his master's elaborate robes quiver with outrage. The Anasati First Adviser knew that even if the killwing was wrapped in stifling cloth, it was no less deadly.

  Nacoya fought against fatigue. Age and tension had made the day impossibly long. The lengthy, strenuous journey, added to the heat of the great hall and the shock of Mara's unexpected behaviour, had brought the old nurse to the limit of her strength. Yet she was Tsurani, and Acoma, as well as acting First Adviser; she would be carried from the hall unconscious before she would shame her house by asking permission to retire.

  The traditional betrothal feast was sumptuous, as befitted a celebration for an Anasati son. Yet this occasion was oddly restrained, with no one quite sure what was really being celebrated. Mara had been quiet through the early part of the feast, saying nothing of consequence to anyone. Her officers, Keyoke, Papewaio, and Tasido, sat stiffly formal, imbibing little or no sa wine. At least, thought Nacoya, the evening breeze had come up. Now the great hall was only warm, not roasting as it had been throughout the day.

  Attention centred upon the table where the Acoma sat. Every guest in the house was an Anasati retainer or ally, and all attempted to discern the implications of Mara's choice of husband. To all outward appearances the Acoma girl had traded control of her house for guarantees of security, a move none would applaud, but one not entirely lacking in honour. While the Acoma would be Anasati clients for many years to come, in the future a young Acoma lord might arise and seize his own part in the Game of the Council, forging new alliances; meanwhile, the Acoma name gained the protection it needed to continue. But for this generation of Acoma retainers, Mara's betrothal was a bitter admission of weakness. Chilly despite the summer heat, Nacoya pulled a fringed shawl over her shoulders.

  She glanced to the head table and studied Tecuma. The Lord of the Anasati also showed reserve throughout the feast, his conversation sombre for a man who had just achieved an undreamed of coup over an old rival. Though gaining the Acoma lordship for Buntokapi represented great advancement in the Game of the Council, he seemed as concerned as Nacoya about this marriage, but for different reasons. His son was an unknown.

  Nacoya shifted her attention. Buntokapi seemed the only celebrant who truly enjoyed himself; after a drunken hour of repeatedly telling his brothers that they were no better than he, he had shouted across the table to Jiro that now a second son would have to bow to a third son whenever they met. From the pained and frozen smile on his older sibling's face, those occasions would clearly be few. As evening wore on, Buntokapi had subsided to loud muttering into his plate, nearly immobile from drinking sa wine during dinner and acamel brandy after.

  Nacoya shook her head slightly. Jiro had looked long and hard at Mara after his brother's first pronouncement of superiority; as dinner progressed, it was clear the girl had acquired another enemy. That afternoon, Jiro might have thought he was to be Lord of the Acoma for only a moment, but that brief presumption had been enough for him to feel betrayed, to feel that Buntokapi wore a mantle rightfully his. That Jiro was frustrated by nothing more than unrealized expectations of his own making meant nothing. He blamed Mara. When Tecuma had sent servants to bring the ceremonial sa wine to the guests, Jiro had barely touched his cup to his lips. He had left the first moment he could without insult. Nacoya wearily forced her attentions back to the head table.

  Tecuma looked at Buntokapi a long, hard moment, then spoke quietly to Mara, who glanced at her future husband and nodded her agreement. Buntokapi blinked, trying hard to follow the exchange, but obviously too drunk to comprehend. Tecuma spoke to Chumaka, who motioned towards a pair of servants. As the cooling evening air allowed Nacoya to catch her breath, two stout servants carried the future Lord of the Acoma off to bed. Mara waited an appropriate moment, then begged her leave. Tecuma nodded brusquely and the entire company rose in salute to the bride-to-be.

  The musicians who had played throughout the evening struck up the appropriate tune while Mara bade the guests good night. As she stood with the rest of the Acoma retainers, Nacoya found Chumaka approaching.

  'You're leaving soon?' he inquired.

  Nacoya nodded. 'Tomorrow. My Lady wishes to return at once to our estates so that she may begin preparations for the wedding and the arrival of the new Lord.'

  Chumaka spread his hands as if to indicate this was no problem. 'I shall have a scribe work throughout the night. The betrothal documents will be ready to sign before you depart.' He made as if to turn away, then said something unusually frank. 'I hope for the sake of all of us this young Lady of yours hasn't made a mistake.'

  Taken off guard by this, Nacoya chose not to comment directly. Instead she said, 'I can only hope the gods see fit to bless this union.'
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br />   Chumaka smiled. 'Of course, as do we all. Until the morning, then?'

  Nacoya nodded and departed, signalling for the two remaining Acoma retainers to accompany her. As an Anasati servant guided her to her quarters, she thought upon Chumaka's unexpected words and wondered if he wasn't right.

  Dust rolled under the feet of marching warriors as the Acoma retinue moved slowly to rejoin the balance of their soldiers, who waited in the camp by the bridge that marked the border of the Anasati estates. Nacoya had been quiet since she joined Mara on the cushions of the large palanquin. Whatever the Ruling Lady planned, she kept her own counsel, and Nacoya chose not to ask any questions. Even though she was acting as First Adviser, she could not guide unless asked; but an old nurse could let her doubts be heard. Conjuring up images of Bunto-kapi's crudities at the feast the night before, Nacoya spoke sourly to her charge. 'I hope you can control him, mistress.'

  Roused from deep thought, Mara's eyes focused. 'What? Oh, Bunto. He's like a needra bull smelling the cows in season, Nacoya. All his brains are between his legs. I think he is exactly the man to gain us what we need.'

  Nacoya muttered under her breath. Once the shock of Mara's choice of Buntokapi had worn off, the old nurse had come to sense a larger plan. Mara was not simply giving up her family's control to the Anasati in exchange for preserving the Acoma name. Since the ruse with the bandits in the hills, the girl confided only those things she felt Nacoya needed to know. Almost overnight, it seemed, the sheltered temple innocent had shown she was no longer a child. While Nacoya had doubts, even fears, concerning the girl's stubborn naivete about men, Mara had forcefully demonstrated she was an aggressive player of the Game of the Council.

  Nacoya reviewed the strengths and weaknesses, patterns and powers of the players in the light of her mistress's new commitment. And what she had observed in Buntokapi made her convinced that her beloved Mara might have underestimated him. There was something about the Anasati's third son, something dangerous that Nacoya could put no name to. Dreading how her well-ordered house would fare under such a Ruling Lord, she was drawn from her musing by Mara's voice. 'I wonder what's amiss?'

  Nacoya parted the curtains. Squinting against the brilliance of the afternoon sunlight, she saw Acoma soldiers arrayed along the road where they had camped. But none stood ready to march; instead they faced each other in two groups, with some distance between. Softly Nacoya said, 'Trouble, I'm afraid.'

  Mara ordered her own escort to halt. Pulling aside the gauzy hanging cloth, she approved Keyoke's request to investigate.

  With a speed that belied his age, the Force Commander left the head of the procession and hurried into the midst of milling Acoma soldiers. Both groups descended upon him, several men trying to speak simultaneously. Keyoke ordered silence, and instantly all voices ceased. After two orderly questions he called back to Mara, 'Some difficulty arose while we were gone, mistress. I'll have the story for you in a moment.'

  Heat shimmers danced in the air above the roadway. Keyoke asked questions, received quick replies, and soon had three men stand out. He briskly marched these before their mistress's palanquin. Even beneath dirt, and shining runnels of sweat, Mara could see the marks of a fight upon their faces.

  'This is Selmon, my Lady.' Keyoke pointed to a man with a torn tunic and knuckles that still bled.

  'I know.' Mara's expression was obscured by the deep shade of the curtains. 'One of the newcomers.' She used the term 'newcomers' for all who had recently been grey warriors. 'With only three officers, you left him in command as acting Patrol Leader.'

  Keyoke appeared pleased that Mara was conversant with his management of the soldiers, but his attention never strayed from the three soldiers. 'Selmon seemed able enough, but perhaps I was wrong.'

  Mara studied the other two men. One, Zataki, she had known for years; as a boy, he had played with Lanokota and herself. Mara remembered he had a temper, and ventured a guess as to what the problem was. 'Zataki, Selmon gave you an order and you refused.'

  Zataki lifted his chin. 'My Lady, this Selmon ordered us to stand the first watch while he and his companions rested and ate after the long day's march.'

  Mara regarded the third combatant. 'You are . . . Kartachaltaka, another newcomer. You took exception to Zataki's refusal to obey.'

  Now Kartachaltaka stiffened his spine. 'My Lady, he and the others act superior to us and put the least desirable duties upon us whenever they may.'

  Mara returned her attention to Selmon. 'You took this one's side?'

  Keyoke hastened to answer. 'No, my Lady. He simply sought to intervene and stop the scuffle. He acted appropriately.'

  Mara rose from her cushions. Without awaiting Keyoke's help, she stepped from her palanquin and faced the two men who had fought. 'On your knees!' she commanded. Though a full head shorter than either man, the slight girl in pale yellow robes and sandals left no doubt she was the ultimate authority of the Acoma.

  Armour rattled as both men instantly fell into postures of submission. 'Attend me!' Mara cried to the other soldiers. 'All of you.'

  Keyoke shouted, 'Form ranks!' The entire retinue lined up facing Mara within seconds, the two soldiers on their knees with their backs towards the comrades.

  To Keyoke, Mara said, 'What is fit punishment for such as these?'

  Keyoke spoke without regret. 'Mistress, these men must be hanged, now.' Mara's head jerked as she met Keyoke's eyes. She had not expected the judgment to be so harsh. The Force Commander deliberately scratched his jaw with his thumb.

  Warned by Keyoke's gesture that serious consequences could come of her decision, Mara regarded Papewaio, who looked on, his face an unreadable mask. Then, almost imperceptibly, he nodded once, indicating his full agreement with Keyoke's verdict.

  Mara felt something go cold inside. She knew that if she did not act at once and without equivocation a breach might be fashioned between those who had served for years and those newly come to Acoma service. Steeling herself, Mara addressed the soldiers. Her voice held barely controlled anger. 'There are no favoured men in this garrison! There are no longer any "newcomers". There are no longer any "old guard". There is no one wearing Acoma green but Acoma soldiers. Each of you swore an oath to obey and to give your lives in service to House Acoma.'

  She walked purposefully along the ranks, looked into one rough face after another, until she had locked eyes with each man. 'Some of you I have known since childhood. Others have been with us only a matter of weeks, but each of you bears equal responsibility to wear Acoma green with honour. I have just promised to give that name to another, to ensure that the Acoma will continue to live, and more than live . . . someday flourish!' Now her voice rose to a shout, her fury clearly revealed to each soldier present. 'Whoever dishonours himself while wearing Acoma green dishonours the Acoma' - her voice dropped to a soft, deadly sound - 'dishonours me.' While the men held their formations, their eyes shifted uneasily as they saw Mara turn suddenly to confront the two combatants. Looking down, she spoke to Zataki. 'You were given a lawful order by an officer placed over you by your Force Commander. You had no other choice but to obey!'

  The man fell forward, pushing his forehead into the acrid dust of the road. He uttered no words in his own defence as his mistress turned to Kartachaltaka and said, 'And you struck a brother soldier while on duty!' He duplicated Zataki's gesture of abject obedience to his mistress. Bracelets chimed on her wrists; wrought of costly metal, these were the betrothal gift of the Lord of the Anasati, and that such wealth should be worn as personal adornment reminded the kneeling men of their station. They grovelled in the sun, sweating, as their mistress addressed their Force Commander. 'These two men are guilty of betraying Acoma honour. Hang them.'

  Keyoke instantly detailed soldiers to carry out the execution. For just an instant, Mara could read something in the two condemned men's eyes: a flicker of fear. Not a fear of death, for either warrior would have gladly embraced death without hesitation; it was fear of being condemn
ed to the shameful death of a slave: hanging. With the loss of a warrior's honour, each knew, his next turn of the Wheel of Life would be at a lower station, a servant, perhaps even a slave. Then the proper Tsurani mask was returned. Only by bearing up properly in the face of this meanest of all deaths could either man hope for any mercy when next his spirit was tied to the Wheel.

  Mara stood motionless before her litter, a statue of iron self-control, as soldiers marched the condemned to a large tree with massive branches. The two men were quickly stripped of their armour and their hands were tied behind their backs. Without ceremony or final prayer, ropes were fashioned into nooses and thrown over the tree limbs. The nooses were placed around the two men's necks and the signal given. A half-dozen soldiers pulled hard upon each rope, seeking to snap the men's necks and give them a mercifully quick death. Zataki's neck broke with an audible crack and he kicked once, quivered a moment, then hung motionless. Kartachaltaka's death was more painful, as he strangled slowly, kicking and swinging, but in the end he, too, hung motionless like bitter fruit from the tree.

  Mara's voice was flat as she said, 'Keyoke, home.'

  Abruptly, the sun seemed too bright. Overcome by the killing she had commanded to be done, Mara caught the edge of the palanquin canopy, steadying herself without betraying weakness to her soldiers. She motioned one of her slave boys, who brought her a fruit-sweetened drink of water. She sipped it slowly, striving to regain her composure, while Keyoke ordered the men formed into ranks for the march home.

  Nacoya had kept her own counsel in the shelter of the litter, but as Mara stood motionless, she said, 'Mistress?'

  Mara handed her empty cup to the slave. 'I'm coming, Nacoya. We must be off. There is a great deal to be done in the month before the wedding.' Without further words she climbed back into the litter. As her bearers reached down to resume their burden, she settled into the cushions beside Nacoya and her pensive silence returned. Keyoke gave the order to march, and her soldiers fell into ranks before, after, and on both sides of the palanquin, to outward appearances a single group once again.