The carts arrived without warning. No visit was expected, with the wheat-grass still green and the eona bean stalks dry and withered, there was no reason to come to their estate. The only trader it might have been this late in the season was Ewin, but he had come a month before. Anyone sensible was sheltering and resting until the sun dropped lower, wagon secured on the side of the road with draft animals resting in its shadow, maybe a roll of cloth stretched over poles if there were many of them. Now, with the sun just past its zenith, its light felt impossibly heavy, baking the flat, red dirt of the Outlands and filling the air with dust.

Dyn hated it. It pressed on his skin, his eyes, filled his lungs with each breath until the only thing he could feel was heat. The world around him felt smaller, suffocating weight pushing in on him from every direction. Even inside, it crept through the closed shutters, filling the ceiling before falling upon his shoulders, pulling sweat from his back and forehead and armpits. He wished he could lie on the stone floor and become one with the cool granite, and envied Kifa and his grandmother, who spent most of the afternoon dozing in the shaded garden or a brass tub filled from the well. He was allowed respite at noon for a short time but after that, he had lessons.

This afternoon, they had been practicing mathematics after sleeping through the worst of the day's heat. It was a topic Dyn mildly enjoyed and didn't find very challenging. Scholar Mallin knew to keep him well hydrated and out of the sun, otherwise he'd be dealing with a particularly sluggish and irritable student, or worse. Once, at 8, the boy had become especially frustrated by some question he found too challenging and bit the scholar in retaliation. Although he was now twice that age, there was still a feral edge to him in the heat, as if one more difficulty and he'd snap, fall into instinct, a sudden need to escape or smash something. So, by carefully restricting difficult or unwelcome lessons to the cool morning air and pausing often for a drink or platter of fruit, Scholar Mallin kept his student seated at the table.

It wasn't long, however, until Dyn was bored of the lesson. Half way through the many repetitive calculations Scholar Mallin believed was necessary to reinforce learning, drifting between disinterest and full dissociation, he glanced out the window and spotted the wagons coming up the road. It was a suprise to them both and he had run off to notify his grandmother, who had told him she would be ending her nap only once they'd arrived. After that he couldn't concentrate, and it had been easy to persuade Scholar Mallin to cut their lessons short and watch them approach.

They now sat on a low wall at the front of the estate, speculating on who could possibly be visiting. Whoever they were, they were incredibly slow. They were certainly slower than Ewin, his sleek wagon pulled by a thin yet strong pair of elinei, the fastest on the Outland dirt if you believed his boasts. These travellers moved at a crawl, when they moved at all. They seem to be having trouble, stopping often for long periods of time. Dynil fidgeted, digging a groove in the dirt with his sandal. Damn. this was even more boring than his lesson. Maybe they could go back inside? He was unprotected in the sun and would have preferred to be sat back in the cool, stone-walled dining room. He kept quiet though, unable to stop himself growing more and more curious. And irritated.

Who the fuck is coming here now?

At first, they were visible only as a steadily growing cloud of dust moving up the road from Afis Dynon. Then, two carts came into view. Wide and heavy, each towed by a trio of broad akizhi, their thick fur darkened with sweat in the hot sun. It become clear the animals were causing the issue, likely unhappy about the conditions and the bulky cargo.

"From home." Decided Scholar Mallin. "They likely overloaded the barge and were unprepared when transferring to land vehicles. See, I've never seen carts shaped like that. They look newly made, perhaps roughly as well. For certain not any kind of Sumani craftsmanship I'm familiar with."

"They don't know how to mind akizhi either. They shouldn't be out midday in this season. Maybe a new trader?" Dyn squinted impatiently against the bright sun.

"Perhaps. Although not one who's done the proper research. I can't believe the construction of new carts was a wise investment"

Dyn considered that.. Either way...

"They'll need water. I'll prepare some buckets. Would you like anything from the kitchen Scholar Mallin?" Dyn stood and stretched, turning back to the house.

"Thank you Dynil. Doesn't appear they will arrive at all soon. I believe they've stopped again. Fetch a sweetmelon. And a knife, please."

Dyn retreated to the courtyard, pausing briefly to breathe the cool air of the shaded archway. He filled two large buckets from the central well, sweating heavily along his collar from the weight of it. He drew a third, small bucket for himself and the Scholar, before collecting a sweetmelon and knife from the kitchen cellar. Placing the load in a flat-bottomed barrow he returned to Scholar Mallin just as the wagons resumed their approach.

"Thank you, young man." Scholar Mallin sliced along the soft amber rind, peeling it back in a practiced motion and exposing the vivid orange flesh beneath. He cut two long segments and handed one to Dyn. "I was thinking, perhaps it's a scholar, collecting knowledge on the nearby peoples.""

"Don't you send your findings regularly? Can't they just read them at the academy?"

"We've had visitors before who want to discuss matters with me in person. Although none all the way from Dynia"

"I think a scholar is more likely to know what they're doing, at least ask advice on how to travel here?"

"I have known many of my peers to focus overly on their goals and forgo practical considerations. Not all are as patient or sharp-witted as myself." He winked at Dyn, who rolled his eyes.

"So, a terrible trader or a reckless scholar. I guess trader. I can't imagine a scholar being so idiotic. Also, why would they need those huge wagons?"

"Ah, you underestimate how accustomed Dynians become to their increased carrying strength. They don't usually pack with the focus on frugality. A scholar could require many instruments, and they use engravings in Basan due to the wet conditions - at least they did when I left. Those are heavy. I can certainly see one of my esteemed colleagues pushing their apprentices to organise this foolhardy expedition, if they were allowed little time to prepare."

"So you say. I still can't believe it. We've had some unpleasant scholars here before. Rude and arrogant, sure. But they've all at least listened to what we said. I can't imagine not one person told these people they were making a mistake. That's blind hubris."

"Hubris!" He barked a laugh. "Excellent word choice. I've met plenty who fit that description." He smiled slyly at Dyn. "How about a wager?"

"Sure." Dyn sat up eagerly. "If it's a trader, then no lessons for today or tomorrow. And they're not replaced by chores or duties. I get to do nothing."

"Very well. And if it is not a trader, we spend today and tomorrow's lessons on Dynian mythology." The scholar rubbed his hands together in mock glee.

Dyn groaned. "You don't even want to do that! That's just being cruel."

"Fine, fine." He relented, chuckling. "You have sole meal preparation duties for the next three dinners. I will retire after our lessons with a blanket and a cup of tea and watch you sweat in the kitchen."

"Deal."

----------------------------------------

Dyn spent the next few minutes daydreaming of the upcoming day, after he won the bet. He'd join Kifa in her usual spot in the garden, napping in the shade of the red birch with a book and no responsibilities. Scholar Mallin continued with the sweetmelon, occasionally passing segments to Dyn and humming softly. It was a complicated tune in the Basan style, the scholar producing various tones that bounced around each other before crashing together in pleasing dissonance. Dyn tried to join in but his sound control still wasn't very good. |He could only make two different notes at once, and it was difficult keeping them separate to the scholar's. Eventually, he lost patience and stood up.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"Right, I'm going to meet them. Those akizhi need a drink and they're moving too slow." They'd made some progress but the animals were obviously exhausted, and he could see two figures trying to encourage them forward. They were tugging on the reins, and they would soon find out what the usually placid creatures did when their limit was reached.

"Good luck. Be Kind." Scholar Mallin called as Dyn stood and took hold of the barrow, storming down the road, hot and annoyed. The two handlers - if they could be called that - hailed him as he approached.

"Greetings young man! We have travelled far to reach this place. We're having a little trouble with..." A tall Dynian woman called out to him but Dyn didn't give her more than a glance. He ignored her, striding purposefully past her towards the akizhi. A shorter man stepped reluctantly out of his path and peered at the barrow.

"Ah. Water. Now that's a sensible lad. It is rather warmer than we anticipated." Dyn bristled, but didn't respond. He would save his judgement until he inspected the animals. He dropped the handle of the barrow and approached the nearest akizh.

She looked tired. Their journey through the heat had exhausted her, and her tawny fur was heavy with sweat. She had leather reins and straps across her shoulder and front thighs that allowed her to pull the large wagon. They hadn't been properly tightened but were otherwise the standard equipment. He had seen them pulling from the front as they tried to encourage her forward, which had likely pulled her head in an uncomfortable way.

But had they done worse?

Lifting his hand to his eyes, as if shielding them from the sun, he blurred his vision. The space in front of him taken up by the animal shifted, the backdrop of red dirt and blue sky dropping away to darkness, and the animals shape became a well of twisting colour. He searched it with a glance, mindful of the visitors watching his back, looking for anything that signalled foul play. Everyone experienced it a little differently, when they Saw. Some said a creature became a mass of moving pictures. Others heard music, or felt emotions pass through them. Dyn just understood. He looked at the animal and meaning came to him. It infuriated his father. It was very difficult to refine something that came with instinct rather than technique. But he improved with practice, and he had been taught well enough that he read the akizh in moments.

Ah. Not been harmed.

He sighed, his shoulders relaxing. Tired, hot, thirsty, bored and a little hungry, but no pain other than aching feet and slight chafing where the loose reins rubbed against her shoulders. In fact, she regarded the man and woman with bemusement. Silly little buzzing things that tried to hurry her with pats and bribes. He placed a hand on the crown of her head, allowing his fingers to blur, hidden in her fur. Drawing from inside himself, impatience and purpose flowed through his arm to his fingertips, drawing a line down past her brow, the bridge of her nose, her jaw, to rest at her shoulder. He pushed gently.

Come on. Not far now. One last little bit.

The akizh stirred, huffed, then walked forward to the bucket, lapping at the water before continuing down the road. The two other animals attached to her wagon followed her lead, and then so did the other wagon. The party was underway once more and Dyn turned to the two handlers with kinder eyes, smiling. Useless. Idiots. But not cruel.

"Sorry. I just wanted to make sure the akizhi weren't hurt. We watched you coming and I got concerned. I thought they might need the water." Dyn shrunk from the width of his previous indignance, his shoulders dropping, back hunching slightly in polite modesty.

"Very considerate young man! The water seems to have worked a treat." The woman exclaimed. The man grunted in agreement, and they all began walking alongside the wagon.

Dyn looked at them closer now. They were definitely from Dynia. They still wore the stiff, yellow clothes that was woven from the mountain grasses, with overlapping rectangular panels that slid over each other and rasped as they moved. Anyone from the Outlands had switched to the superior Sumani clothing long ago - wools and leathers and furs. The woman was certainly Felldana, with her bronze skin and willowy frame, with a lack of strength to her arms and legs that marked her as a Citizen of Danala. She was young to middle-aged with an eager smile and easy manner.

"I'm Ellith, that's Adir. Do you live at the estate?" The man, Adir, was shorter and older. He had Felldana colouring, but was broader, some muscle built from labour, although now hung loose, in the process of degenerating. He'd likely grown up outside of Danala, perhaps along the lake edge, and lived a life using his own strength before being awarded citizenship to the city. He regarded Dyn with more reservation than Ellith. He suspected he'd been upset by Dyn's ease at restarting the wagons' progress. A man who liked to think himself capable and didn't enjoy being proven otherwise. His father was the same.

"Yes, I'm Dyn. Dynil Lythdin. My grandmother is the estate owner. Oh, and um. 'Greetings is offered to visitor, now guest, soon friend. You are ever home in the Lythdin Estates.'" He recited the traditional Felldana welcome, although skipped the sweeping bow that usually accompanied it. It didn't seem appropriate on the roadside.

"Thank you, young man. Considerate, polite and a deft hand with stubborn beasts. A wonderful traditional name, too. You'll not forget your heritage wherever you are. I will congratulate your parents." Adir warmed to the show of deference, wounded pride momentarily forgotten.

"Ah well, I never knew my parents, so I would direct those congratulations to my grandmother and Scholar Mallin. It is just us three at the estate, and they taught me all I know." Dyn laughed, slightly forced. It was going to come up eventually. To his relief they followed his lead and joined the laughter.

"Well, now I am excited to be greeted by Ma Lythdin even more so." Ellith commented. After a moment of silence, Dyn could hold his curiosity no longer. He looked over at the wagons. Solidly built flat beds of wood, a large freight container taking up the majority of the space with small cabin-like rooms attached to the front. So far there had been no movement, but he was certain they were occupied.

"You've come from Dynia haven't you? May I ask why you've journeyed to our estate?" Ellith and Adir exchanged a glance and then grinned at Dyn.

"Well, perhaps it's best to keep that a surprise. But we have been travelling with our master, very important in Danala, who is very interested in something you are rumoured to possess. You'll find out soon." Ellith told him conspiratorally and winked. Dyn raised his eyebrows.

That could be a trader?

Although a scholar was more likely to be someone important in Dynia. Any famous trader would surely have already made a trip down the river. And he couldn't imagine they had any valuable possessions at the estate - other than the knowledge they'd gained from his father.

We've given as much of that as allowed already.

Dyn's mind raced as they exchanged further remarks, on the heat of the season, the dryness of the earth, the dark shape of the forest on the horizon and the journey they'd had so far. He learned they'd taken river barges down from Danala to Afis Dynon, where they'd built custom wagons ready to travel to the estate and for the return journey to mountains. Dyn gave some tips, to travel by night, or at least morning and evening, and how to tend to the akizhi so they would be most comfortable. It wasn't long until they reached edge of the estate and Scholar Mallin rose to greet them.

"Hail, travellers from the mountain! It is rare to have new visitors from our homeland. I hope young Dynil has extended the promise of hospitality?"

"Hail, Scholar. First Son Dynil has been incredibly helpful and courteous. We approach as guests, and I feel a friend already." Ellith and Scholar Mallin did do the formal bows, with sharp, precise movements. Both seemed impressed with the other's form, and she continued. "I am Attendant Ellith and this is Attendant Adir". During the introductions, the Felldana man had begun scaling the side of the first wagon and Dyn went to stand with Scholar Mallin. A voice muttered in his ear, although the scholar did not move his lips.

"All well?"

"Yes fine. Just tired, not hurt." Dyn muttered in return, his back to the visitors.

"Good. Any idea who is on the wagon."

"No clue."

Scholar Mallin turned to Ellith. "It is rare to receive visitors at such a time in such a season. I admit, young Dynil and were becoming increasingly curious as to why we've been graced with your presence."

"You shall soon see. Let me make my master aware of our arrival. It has been a long journey." Adir nodded down to the scholar from the top of the wagon before knocking firmly on the cabin door. There were some muttered words Dyn couldn't quite hear, and then he turned with a flourish.

"Kind hosts, we travellers from Danala have come far to hostile lands, seeking that which you alone can give us. We hope this to be a fruitful opportunity for all. It is my immense pleasure to present to you..." A pause then as they all waited for the occupant to emerge.

That was a lot of fanfare for a trader

Dyn's heart sank as Scholar Mallin shot him a look that said: better start chopping boy. However, it was no scholar either. A silk draped figure stepped into the sunlight and a dawning dread began to rise [Dyn]]'s chest. The colours. The insignia. He recognised them from his lessons and the bitter tales his grandmother told him. He felt Scholar Mallin freeze at his side and inhale sharply.

It couldn't be.

Why had they come here? He turned to Scholar Mallin with wide eyes and stepped closer to his side, seeing the same shock mirrored in his expression. And then Adir's strong proclamation confirmed it.

"The Jewel of Danala; High Warden of Stormguard; Elhena of the Five Tribes. I present to you First Daughter of Dynia, Elysandri Ahelihedd."

Dyn stopped breathing. So did Scholar Mallin, though only for a moment before folding into a deep bow. His voice spoke in Dyn's ear.

"Calm, child."

Dyn shook, eyes wide. His fear led to easy conclusions; warnings spoken his entire life.

"We will not let them harm you. They are not here for you. They do not know. They cannot know. You must bow now."

His voice was firm, his lips closed, the words for Dyn's ears only. They shook him to action, and he managed to fall into a stiff bow.

The pale girl felt the sun kiss her bare arms and looked down on the trembling boy, amused. The overwhelmed outlander faced with the splendour of royalty, no doubt.

Scholar Mallin, hands shaking slightly, felt his lips twist with his own amusement, despite the poor timing. He sent Dyn a whisper.

"Not a trader, then?"