A New Piece

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The Kaban Wilds – The Jenowin Plain

  After traversing some rather unremarkable ruins, Eidos finds herself staring down a desert. Here, the sun beats down upon cracked earth as a strong wind blows spiraling plumes of dust into the air.

  Dazir off to the northwest, shiny tower off to the northeast, and beyond that the Tacribians… Filled to bursting with ingrates and liars. I guess we should head to the one rats’ nest we haven’t visited, if for no other reason than for variety. Yip yip, body! Time to move.

   She stumbles across the burning span of desert, one lazy step after the next. Diminutive dust clouds dance to the rhythm of her footfalls, and eventually all join to form a wispy cape heralding her approach.

  Hours pass before she notices a mirror cloud rising off in the distance. Straining her eyes against the dust and sun, it is difficult to make anything out for certain among the shimmering waves of burning air. Perhaps it is a person moving its way towards her, or perhaps it is merely a mirage born of heat and thirst.

  The rusty traveler… okay, body, activate the Techne.

  Instinct compels Eidos. Instinct becomes will, will then becoming thought. An image slowly forms, burning out lines from the void. A circle manifests, weaving an intricate tapestry of lines, never crossing, as they traverse dimensions linking paths among them. And soon, the Glyph is fully formed, completing the reaction. Concentrating on the Glyph of the Occult, Eidos executes the Techne of Hidden Mind.

  As the flickering shape draws nearer, Eidos sees that it is clearly no mirage. The figure is dressed in dusty robes, patched and mended so many times that the original fabric is hard to discern. Every stitch of thread, every scrap of cloth is dyed some shade of red. It walks with the aid of a large wooden staff, and a wide-brimmed hat obscures its features.

  It approaches…

  And then simply walks right past Eidos, just as though she were not there at all. Neither mere indifference, nor a simple case of scornful neglect, rather it is perhaps best described as complete and utter ignorance of presence. The square perceives not the cube occluded in a buried third dimension, on a plane above its awareness; likewise is Eidos wholly beyond this desert wayfarer’s perception.

  Guess I avoided another nasty encounter with him.

  As the figure melts away off into the distance, Eidos turns to face her chosen destination. She sets off across the desert plain toward the silvery spire. But as the day wanes, her strength is sapped from her body. And yet still, she keeps a steady pace. The setting sun and the bone-chilling gales do little to halt her progress.

  Onward she marches, through the night, until the dawn delivers her to her destination.

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Tambul – The Gates of Tambul

  Waking from her walking stupor, Eidos rubs the sleep from her eyes. Shuffling feet traverse the cracked, peeling skin of the earth, while cloudless skies offer no shelter from the sweltering heat of the morning sun. Water flows through these flats like wisdom from an idiot—and appears to have done so for centuries. No fauna, no flora, not even a dried out tumbleweed in sight.

  Stuck in a dying world… But I guess even paradise would be torturous if it repeated forever.

  Then, through the heat-born distortions clawing their way skyward, she spots a massive bulwark rising up from the ground. Hundreds of buildings hide behind these walls, shyly poking the tips of their roofs above the ramparts. The blinding spire Eidos chases juts up near the fortress’ seam with the canyon’s edge; and beyond it, spanning the canyon, is the massive bridge that, even from this close distance, looks to be floating midair.

  As she nears the walls, her eyes center upon wooden doors roughly twenty paces wide and several times her height. Reinforced with bands of iron, the giant doors devoutly stand as unmoving guardians.

  I’m guessing this is Tambul—think Rada said something about them being hospitable. Maybe I should ‘Hidden Mind’ myself from them, just in case…

  The familiar pattern of the Glyph comes to mind as she once more executes the protective Techne. Though its effects may lack the overt glow a Glyph such as Luin displays, Eidos still feels the difference, like some metaphysical curtain shielding her thoughts from view.

  Lightly scratching her belly, she saunters up to the gate. Yet at her arrival, the helmeted visages of two watchmen appear atop the wall. They study her closely, silently inquiring about her intentions with their gazes.

  They can see me? Why didn’t it work on them?

  At her approach, the gates immediately begin to grate the earth beneath their feet, opening with a raspy moan. A handful of spearmen stand at the entrance, but do not block her passage. Neither the guards atop the walls nor those within them ask her name or purpose, though all present watch Eidos with attentive stares as she passes through the gates.

  The heavy wood once more grinds against the desert sand as the gates to Tambul close. Before Eidos is a large courtyard bustling with activity. Contrary to what the towering walls and mighty gates suggest, though, there is a scant and ill-equipped military presence.

  For the most part, the life of the townsfolk dominates the environs. Market merchants peddle wares; men pull carts transporting foodstuffs; women haul buckets of water and sacks of soil; children play, running about with great frivolity; older folk engage in lively conversation; and at the epicenter of all activity is a large, marble sculpture—some depiction of an unnamed hero slaying an unusual beast.

  Many within proximity to the gates take notice of Eidos. Some pretend to go about their business while cautiously drawing nearer to regard her, but none approach overtly. One of them in particular, a youthful, red-headed girl, stands staring for a moment, only to then run off down the street with great urgency.

  “Hello there, stranger!” comes a sudden hail from a gentle yet enthusiastic voice. “Care for a drink? It can be thirsty work travelin’ the desert alone!”

  Eidos turns to search for the source of the invitation. Some ten paces off, a well-fed water peddler waves an eager arm, its flab desperately trying to keep pace with the vigorous motions.

  Might as well see what these people are like… probably just like the Dazirans and Tacribians.

  Eidos stands there blankly staring for a moment. The lady’s hand stops waving and her enthusiastic smile fades into a slight frown of disappointment.

  Hurry up, body! They’re going to think I’m a half-wit if you just stand there.

  Her feet jerk into motion, carrying her towards the lady. The water peddler’s enthusiasm reignites into the perfect storm of excited smiles and inviting hand waves.

  “It’s not got the kick of a good Jinn-Liquor,” she says, handing a cup to Eidos, “but water’ll get the job done!”

  “Thanks.”

  “Y’know, stranger,” she continues, “here in Kabu an outsider is rarer than a kind-hearted Jinn.” She regards Eidos with curiosity. “Wasn’t always that way, but has been for the past two decades or so.” She begins to look off into the distance as if recalling an irretrievable past.

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  The talkative type… but at least, she’s friendly.

  Suddenly spinning back to face Eidos, she adds, “Not that we aren’t welcomin’ of foreign folk, mind you! It’s just hard to get here, is all! And the only thing you’ll find once you do get here is boredom and sand! Really difficult for a curious one such as myself to live in this place where not much happens…”

  “Why don’t you move, then?” Eidos asks.

  The water peddler stares at her, incredulity slowly dropping her jaw. Suddenly, a burst of heartfelt laughter, “Bahaha! Biracul’s balls, you’ve a sense of humor, traveler! No, my kind’d make a hearty meal for the draugnir and buzzards, is all! I wouldn’t dare leave Kabu to go explorin’ like some obese Torma, ha ha!

  “…But you, my intrepid friend,” she says with a wink and a nod, “you’re different, aren’t you? I imagine you’ve loads of stories from beyond these stuffy walls!

  “Say, if you’re interested in an equal exchange,” she says pouring another cup of water, “I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this boring place!”

  If it’s so boring, why would I want to know about it?

  “Sure, why not?”

  “Haha! You’ve made me happier than a Suyuti in a goatpen, stranger!” The peddler becomes flustered, “Oh, what to ask, what to ask? Oh! I know! But first, as a sign of good faith, here’s somethin’ few yet know…” she leans in and lowers her voice. “Logira is unhappy with Khlutt’s war-mongerin’, and is plannin’ on challengin’ him for leadership of the Tacribian League! Mark my words! Someday soon, blood’ll run on the stones of the Dawn Fortress!”

  Logira and Khlutt? The two people who exiled me? It’s a world of intrigue out there… would they change if they knew how pointless it was?

  Still leaning in closely, she asks, “So, tell me, you been to the Dawn Fortress yet?”

  Yes, and it’s not much of a tourist attraction, so stay away.

  “No, this is the first town I’ve seen,” Eidos replies.

  Ah yes, my body is just as ignorant as the rest of these people.

  “A pity. I’d dance with a Jinn to know more of Khlutt’s plans…” she looks down at the ground while biting her thumb. “We’re a bit on the edge of a cliff here. What happens at the Dawn Fortress in the next few days will sculpt the future of Kabu itself. Either they succeed and Dazir falls, or the other way around.”

  Last time they died from a poisoned ‘gift’ Khaa had me deliver to them… this time, he can do it himself if he wants, though I half hope that bastard drowns in it this time around.

  “No towns, huh? I gotta ask then, where have you been?”

  “Some place underground. Lots of stairs. A gate. South of here,” she says thinking uttering complete thoughts too tiresome.

  I sound like an idiot.

  Puzzled, the water peddler asks, “What kind of jinnlickin’ misadventures did you get yourself into, hun?!” Then a spark, a flame, a conflagration of understanding. “…you don’t mean Old Tacriba out at the edge of the plain, do you? …but no one’s been out there since Ark sealed it off! What in Biracul’s name were you doin’ out there?!”

  “That’s just where I woke up,” then half-distractedly she adds, “And other people have gotten out there.” She yawns. “A fellow in red. Traveling that way as I traveled this way.”

  Shock and disbelief tug at her warm smile, twisting it into a concerned frown. “Mifas’cul.”

  That was his name, wasn’t it? Didn’t Khaa call him an ‘ally of Dazir’?

  The water peddler’s tone soon grows grave, “Pakahron will want to know about this.” She moves to leave. “Oh, but this news of yours is worth two from me, so consider this the other half of the payment.

  “Dazir’s Librarian was seen wanderin’ the Valley of Bones a few days ago, but hasn’t been seen since… and given how that place is about as welcomin’ of people as a Daziran is of criticism, next he’s seen, he’ll probably be fit to join the Bone Pile himself, if you catch my drift.” With that she winks, smiles, and rushes away, disappearing into the crowd.

  Nicer than your average local… Well, let’s get moving, body. Yip yip!

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Tambul – The Atrium

  Her feet begin to shuffle deeper into the township, and as she pushes forward, Eidos attracts the attention of many a passerby. She strides down the street through a cloud of speculative whispers and inquiring gazes. Nearing the marble sculpture, it becomes clear that it is a fountain, jets of water both misting and bubbling from underneath.

  Must be nice to have an extravagant fountain while your neighbors die of thirst…

  Suddenly, an elderly man calls out to her, as he waddles her way.

  “Greetings… stranger…” he says, struggling to catch his breath from the brisk walk that brought him here. “You’ve entered… the township of Tambul, and… I… am its mage-leader… Pakahron…”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’ll be… fine… shortly…” He inhales deeply several times, trying to regulate his chaotic breaths. “That’s better. Sorry to make you wait.

  “As I was saying, you’ve come to the Cradle of Kabu! And here, Biracul’s children greet you, stranger,” he says with great aplomb.

  “Thanks.”

  Cheer slightly fading into concern at her lack of enthusiasm, he adds, “Yes, well, I wanted to say that you should fear not, for though we’ve never met before, you’re among friends here!”

  “That’s nice.”

  Trying desperately to keep the conversation flowing, he says, “I must say, you don’t have the look of a Daziran, and only a Jinn could cross the Duskfangs and survive…”

  “Don’t think I’m a Jinn, or a Daziran for that matter.”

  “Well, yes, both are unlikely, but in any event, when some of my citizens witnessed your arrival, they informed me immediately, so that I could perhaps learn more of our new visitor. Care to share where you hail from and what brings you to Tambul, stranger?”

  “Not in particular.”

  “I’m afraid I must insist…”

  “I don’t want any trouble.”

  “A noble aspiration!”

  “Looking to avoid anything needing too much effort, really…”

  “Oh… Well, even still, these are uncertain times… and as the leader of this township, I must determine whether your words are at odds with your thoughts.”

  “They’re not.” Wait a moment… is he going to do what Logira did to me during the trial?

  “I wish that I could trust you, my friend. But my people have a right to security and they look to me to provide it. I ask that you allow me to use my Truesight to look into your thoughts.”

  “Sure, doesn’t matter to me.” Thanks, body; can always count on you to say something stupid.

  “Then I shall proceed…”

  “Wait… could this go wrong and mess up my mind or something?” It doesn’t matter; just get it over with.

  Apprehension creases his brow and droops his puffy cheeks. “Admittedly, it would be within my power to alter your mind.” Raising a finger in the air and adopting a reassuring smile, he adds, “However, you needn’t fear, as I’ve sworn an oath in Biracul’s name to only use my abilities for reading thoughts, and only when given permission to do so!”

  “You know what? Doesn’t matter. Go for it.”

  The mage is dismayed at her lack of concern, yet curious to see what manner of secrets nestle within her evidently thick skull. Placing his fingers on her temples, he says, “Then I shall proceed…

  “Hmm… Your mind seems free of taint and deformity… But how peculiar… The structure of it, it’s… unlike any I’ve witnessed before. Frankly, your mind more closely resembles a Neverborn’s than a human’s… Though you’re undeniably human…”

  He pauses. “…Yes, all I could see was your journey here across the plain, your exploration of the abandoned Tacribian hold, and then… nothing. As if you were newly born.”

  “Well, I could’ve told you all that—glad you saved me the effort, though.”

  “Be that as it may… you’d sooner find the Ruby Jinn telling the truth than an adult newborn… you are a mystery indeed, Eidos. But an ultimately harmless one, as I detected not a drop of malice in your thoughts.”

  “Great. What now?” I guess we walk around and talk to random people.

  “Well, you’re free to explore our humble town, but if I may, a suggestion.” He clears his throat and continues, “Kaleki, Tambul’s resident Librarian, is well versed in history. Perhaps she has heard of individuals that shared your condition. You would do well to seek her counsel.”

  “Is it far?”

  “The Archives are past the Residence District, near the Hydroponics Facility.”

  “Sounds far, but okay. Maybe I’ll find my way there. Thanks.”

  Staring an unasked question at her, he says, “Yes. Well, I have my civic duties to attend to. May Biracul guide you, stranger,” and then waddles off into the crowded atrium.

  Okay, so now we walk around and talk to random people?

  Feet shift and Eidos is carried deeper into the atrium.