Taha lived for nothing beyond her knives and finding ways to use them.

It had taken years of training to achieve the finesse she wielded now. Hurling one knife, she tossed another after it faster. Both knives bounced off one another and sank into two different targets. The crowd cheered as Taha drew out two more knives, spinning them around.

Hurling three at once, she shot one into three more targets in the archery range. Leaping back, she spun in midair to land on her hands. Cartwheeling back, she gained more and more distance. From there, Taha landed and hurled her knives again, this time at one target. Each landed in place so that soon four knives had become a symbol.

The cross of Kulat.

There were cheers, but not to the same degree that Taha would have liked. Halting, Taha took her second belt of knives from Rokas. Tying it over her empty belt, she turned to the people. "Would anyone care to present a target for me to shoot? Any target."

"Are you certain you should be using such weak techniques, Taha?" asked Rokas. "Surely you could do better."

"Always save your best trick for last, Rokas," said Taha. "You don't want things to end in an anticlimax."

"Ah, I see," said Rokas.

Several more targets were provided. Taha followed their shots again and again, making increasingly difficult shots. As she did, she enjoyed the crowd watching her progress starstruck. But she also noted a bird's sound and that the wind only came into this target range from the left side. She was wearing no great colors, only a brown tunic and pants, but that alone was good for her. Checking her hair buns to make sure they were still tied up, Taha smiled.

"People of Kulat, thank you for your time! Thank you!" said Taha to them. "It has been a true honor to perform for the people of this city! However, I am getting to the end of my act!

"So, this last technique I attribute to Tamar, Goddess of the Winds!"

A convenient gust of wind added credibility to a made-up god. Taha liked the feel of the wind on her face as she always had. Rokas set up the targets. Taha smiled, drawing out the daggers and juggling them in her hands. She was catching them again with a winning smile to the crowd. "For this last act, I will make two throws and hit eight targets!"

"Impossible," said someone. "No one can do that!"

A bird was chirping in the trees above. That was an opportunity.

"Oh, a doubter, are we?" asked Taha. "Well, by all means, doubt away! Rokas, thank you for the blades!

"Since you doubt me, I shall do my target practice blindfolded!"

Incredulous sounds came from the people. Taha took a moment to memorize her surroundings. On cue, Rokas came up behind her and tied the blindfold. From there, he turned her around to draw up the suspense. Within the darkness, Taha heard people holding their breath. And then she heard the birds chirping and the slight feel of the wind.

Luck was with her as always.

Taha turned into position, drawing out eight knives and holding them by the handle in a cluster. Hurling them, she then hurled the ninth knife after them and waited. This was the moment where she either botched the entire thing or succeeded.

She'd done it before in practice. Never in front of a crowd.

And then roaring cheers rose from all around them, and Taha drew off her blindfold. She smiled as she saw that every dagger had connected. She'd known she could do it!

"She did it!" said one.

"Thank you! Thank you!" said Taha.

Next, things shifted to the questions. Taha enjoyed being asked questions and liked answering them in turn.

"Where did you learn techniques like that?" asked a man.

"I was chosen to be a Priestess of Tamar," said Tamar. "However, the path she set before me led me here rather than as a priestess."

"Then you were among her chosen?" asked a woman. "You aren't blonde. Your hair is as brown as any of ours."

"My ascension as a priestess was called off to demonstrate her techniques," said Taha. That was technically correct. "Now, next question, please."

"Does Tamar have a side in the coming war? Will she side with us against Tarasif?" asked another.

Great, now they wanted to know how the cult was going to pick sides. "I don't presently speak for Tamar. Next question, please."

They finished their demonstration and were paid very, very well for their time. Together Taha and Rokas returned to the main city, counting their money. Kulat's capital of Kulat was a small city, not comparable to Tarasif. But it was well known for having many villages around it. Each one was dedicated to a different god, so Taha avoided all of them.

Some of the priests might have contacts in Tamar.

"Alright, we did it!" said Taha. "I told you I could get us honest work, Rokas."

"Maybe, but I would much prefer to put my fighting skills to work in the wars," said Rokas, examining one of his hands. He was deadly with those, but he'd never gotten used to traveling like this.

"Not gonna happen for a while," said Taha. "And your parents have shut the door on that, haven't they?"

"I take your point," said Rokas sadly. "We made a huge amount with that act, Taha. We could likely make good money here."

Taha shook her head. "No, we're moving out today, Rokas. Pack everything."

"Why?" asked Rokas, surprised.

"People are starting to ask too many questions about Tamar," said Taha. "I must keep my connection with the cult front and center for the act.

"But the way I see it, sooner or later, someone will figure out I'm not in Tamar's good graces."

"The Cult, you mean?" asked Rokas. "Or the Goddess?"

"Tamar, the cult, same thing, really," said Taha, shrugging. "Anyway, sooner or later, people will figure out I don't believe in gods."

"Why don't you believe in gods, anyway?" asked Rokas.

"Because it's ridiculous," said Taha. "The wind acts the way it does because that is how nature works. There is nothing outside of nature."

"Well, how do you do all these things then?" asked Rokas.

"I've trained to throw daggers," said Taha. "It's a very difficult technique, and I learned it. You might as well say that you know how to punch and kick because Elranor taught you to."

"He did do so through my trainer," said Rokas.

"No, your trainer taught you because he knew how to fight, and your family hired him," said Taha. "He knew how to fight because he'd been trained. And the technique existed because people learned it was the best way to kill people with your bare hands."

"My techniques are not meant for killing. They are meant for fighting," said Rokas.

"Whatever you say," said Taha. She'd never seen the point in using a skill if you wouldn't use it whenever possible. "I don't believe in anything I can't see."

"And how do you account for miracles and magic?" asked Rokas.

"A result of people believing they will work," said Taha as they neared the boarding house. "The 'Gods' everyone sees are mass hallucinations. They are a result of the collective unconscious. Or an elaborate hoax.

"Doesn't matter to me.

"They do not exist.

"Anyway, it doesn't matter what I believe. We've got to get out of here and fast. Tamar will be after us soon." They found their room, got their things together, and left after paying their fair.

"Have they tried to kill you?" asked Rokas.

"No, but I did walk off with all their secrets. So clearly, I must have angered them," said Taha, though a part of her said she was being ridiculous. "I doubt they'd take a humiliation like that lying down." What humiliation, said the same part. Their techniques were being advertised all over. "We've got to keep heading toward Tarasif."

"Why Tarasif?" asked Rokas.

"Nobody believes in gods there anymore. I figure it'll be a good fit," said Taha.

"And what will we do when we get there?" asked Rokas.

Rokas could always be relied on to ask the right questions. "I think I could teach knife-throwing. Or maybe join the military.

"Still, we've got to keep our eyes out for a proper mark."

"Mark?" asked Rokas.

"Well yeah," said Taha. "We don't want to join as ordinary infantry; we've got to make a good impression on the right people."

"Well, what do you have in mind?" asked Rokas.

"I don't know, but I'll know it when I see it," said Taha.

And they set off.

Rokas was an excellent woodsman, quickly leading them across the country by many secret paths. They soon got over the border without being seen and headed over a few days through the lands of Tarasif. These places were very prosperous looking. But the number of gruesome executions was slightly disturbing. Taha had always figured that persecution would decrease if you got rid of religion.

Instead, there was someone being executed for some crime or other at every crossroads. Taha didn't much like the blood and screaming, while Rokas looked sick at several points. She was glad he didn't throw up, though; it would have wasted their food. Not that they ate anything when nearing a crossroads after that point.

At each village, they would demonstrate their skill with knives for pay. Then they would seek hospitality from villagers. Eventually, they came within sight of Tarasif, and Taha smiled. It stood upon the horizon, the walls reaching high. Many great temples rose high above their walls.

"So, there's Tarasif," said Taha, liking the look of it. There were sure to be real opportunities there. But opportunities for what? She'd need an in. "We'll stay at one of the villages tonight."

"Why?" asked Rokas.

Taha pointed to one of the villages, smaller, with a smaller wall but nice houses. "Because that village has some very nice houses in it. Someone is staying there, and they have some pretty heavy weaponry. I've always wanted to get a look at Tarasifian blades."

"So what do we do?" asked Rokas.

Taha considered it as she walked toward it. Coming to the top of a hill, Taha considered how to get an in. She decided she was sick of wandering and wanted to get some real authority. She could make her status as an atheist obvious and toe the line, but Rokas wouldn't like that. And anyway, atheism was in Tarasif, even if no one would admit it.

No, the real opportunity was by siding with religion. If someone wasn't in a favorable position, they needed all the help they could get. Getting in at the start of a new era would only take a conversion. Taha was going to be old one day, far from now, and she'd like a means of arranging retirement. Setting up a new religion or renewing an old one would be a good way of getting that. So long as she was in charge, she wouldn't have a problem.

Then she saw her.

She was a radiantly beautiful girl with long brown hair. She was very slim, wore the clothes of a warrior, and trained in a field. On her brown was the symbol of a bird taking flight, the symbol of Jaha. The sworn enemy of Tamar.

"Hmm, that girl down there is pretty cute, isn't she?" mused Taha, calculating her chances.

Luck was entirely in your control, contrary to what most thought.

Luck was simply being prepared to take opportunities when they came up. Everyone got opportunities, and the more you took, the more you got.

"That is a man, Tara," said Rokas. "And they crucify people for that kind of thing in Tarasif."Wait, it was a guy? From a distance, she'd thought it was a she. Come to think of it, his frame was masculine, and he had the muscles. Still, a very handsome guy, so it made no difference to her.

"Oh, really?

"Doesn't matter. Luck is with us."

"I thought you didn't believe in luck," said Rokas. "Or destiny or anything."

"Luck is a skill," said Taha. "Anyone can be lucky. You just need to be aware of what you have and be ready to take opportunities when they show up. Take the right chances, and you'll get more options like them.

"That's the secret to achieving greatness.

"People who are nobodies are nobodies because they choose to be that. They don't have the guts to be exceptional. Let's go talk with our friend down there."

"Taha, didn't you hear what I said? In Tarasif, they crucify homosexuals. We have to be careful," said Rokas. "I was lucky just to get thrown out of my home in Kulat."

"Will you relax," said Taha. "Nobody cares about the law. It's just the way rich people keep poor people from murdering them for their stuff. So as long as you are with rich people, you can do whatever you want. Rape, murder, theft all go away when you have power. There's no such thing as sin for a powerful man.

"Trust me; if we play our cards right, you can lead whatever lifestyle you want."

"I don't want to lead whatever lifestyle I want. I want to lead a good lifestyle," said Rokas.

"Then you can lead that instead," said Taha with a shrug. "Now come on, he's not at home here, or he wouldn't be alone. His clothes are good, so he's rich, and he's wearing a sword, so he is a warrior. Still trying to figure out why he's bearing the symbol of Jaha, though.

"Let's see if he works as a mark. I'll go down there alone; you stick around here. Best not to overwhelm him."

"I concur," said Rokas. "You are overwhelming enough by yourself. Still... Taha, that symbol on his head is only ever born by one person. The Avatar of Jaha."

"Isn't that usually a girl, though?" asked Taha.

"It is always a girl," said Roka. "There has never been a male one."

"Eh, well, that's something I can start a conversation with then," said Taha.

Then she made her way down, drawing up a knife and peering at her reflection. It was one of the Tamar sets she'd gotten for making it as a priestess. The magic in it made it so she could see her reflection, provided she maintained it, which she did, of course.

Drawing out a comb, Taha straightened out her features. She wished she weren't so ordinary-looking. She was pretty in a down-to-earth way, and she hated it. Taha had always wanted to be stunning. To turn heads wherever she walked. But the gods didn't bless peasants with that appearance because they didn't exist.

Taha hated them all the same, for the most part.

Finishing her preparations, she crept up behind him. He was doing very elaborate move sets with his sword. "Excuse me, are you the Avatar of Jaha?"

The boy, though he was about Taha's age, whirled around with a start. He halted as he saw her and quickly noticed the knives at her belt. He lowered the blade but glanced around and noted Rokas. His guard was not dropped.

Smart.

"How did you know?" asked the boy.

"Well, you've got this sort of strange look about you. And, well, I almost thought you were here when we first ran into each other," said Taha.

"I assure you, I am not Jaha," said the boy, sounding faintly offended. "Merely her Avatar."

Taha nodded. The practice of Avatars happened a little under a century ago, right? It was after the Incarnation of the Land was shot dead. All the gods had wanted one to act on their behalf. Although some stories argued Jaha had avatars before them. "Right, so uh, what brings you out here?"

"I could just as easily ask you the same question," noted the boy.

"I'm a performer looking for a change of careers," admitted Taha. "My name is Taha, no last name. I'm from a land far to the east of Kulat."

The boy paused and seemed to look her up and down. "I see. And where is your companion from?"

Taha pretended to be surprised. She didn't want him to think she was too competent. "Oh, um... my companions, right! Uh..."

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"I am quite keen of eye," said the boy.

Somewhat arrogant, she could use that. But for now, she focused on looking slightly comical. It's something you couldn't do when stunning and brave. "Right, well, Rokas is from a noble family. Because of some... unfortunate misunderstandings, we ended up traveling together."

"And you are the leader?" guessed Nendas. There was an incredulous note in his voice.

Taha was actually flattered he'd considered the possibility. But that didn't make it a good thing. "I'd prefer to think of it as a partnership. Rokas, he knows you're there."

Rokas came down to meet them. "I might have expected as much. Stealth and deception are of no use against the gods."

"I am not Jaha," said Nendas. "Is there something you want from me?"

"Actually, we were hoping we could be part of your entourage," admitted Taha.

"To what end?" asked Nendas.

"Well, you seem to be in need of one," said Taha. "And we are in need of an employer. Working with an Avatar of Jaha would also give us certain protections."

"My situation is different," said Nendas simply. "I will be going into war, sooner or later."

"With Kulat?" asked Taha. "Well, that works out perfectly. We've spent some months in Kulat. Rokas has explored much of the wilds, and we know the secret ways."

"What makes you think we're going to war with Kulat?" asked Nendas, more sharply than he ought to have. He was kind of out of touch with ordinary people, wasn't he?

"Well, everyone in Kulat seems convinced there is a war coming," said Taha. "The general opinion is that Tarasif is going to launch an invasion eventually. In fact, that's part of the reason why we left.

"When one has a controversial opinion, it's usually not a good idea to be in a country at war. You usually get used as scapegoats. Ordinary people hate taking responsibility for their own screwups. It's easier to just point at someone who can't fight back and blame them."

"And what controversial opinion did you have?" asked Nendas.

Taha considered the best possible answer. And it was the truth without implication Rokas. "...Let's just say that I don't have the same faith in the gods that other people do."

"She's a sound atheist," said Rokas.

"Rokas!" said Taha, turning to him incredulously. "We aren't supposed to be making that public knowledge!" The comical effect was important, though, and this helped.

"Atheism?" asked Nendas. "I was aware that such a belief system is theoretically possible. I didn't think anyone held it."

"Eh, atheism is more of a lack of a belief system in the face of insufficient evidence," said Taha. "All of the cults I've gone through are pretty weak." However, a part of her mind seemed offended. She'd learned a lot from Tamar.

"I am the literally Avatar of a God," said Nendas. "You are standing right in front of me."

"Yeah, and since you believe it, and everyone else believes it, it would hardly matter if you weren't, would it?" asked Taha.

"You said yourself said you mistook me for Jaha," said Nendas, voice incredulous.

"Technically, I mistook you for a girl, and Rokas pointed out the brand on your head," said Taha. "Ironically, that was after I realized my error.

"We... um... kind of figured it would be more flattering to mistake you for a deity than a girl."

"So you lied to me," said Nendas.

"I didn't lie," said Taha. "I embellished the truth to make it seem more palpable."

Nendas stared at her. "Do you know what a lie is, Taha?"

"Yes," said Taha. "Of course, I know what a lie is." She tried to look like she'd been caught in the act. It helped with the comical, everygirl appearance.

"I don't think you do," said Rokas.

Time to prove her worth. "A lie is a statement that corrupts the truth. It misrepresented reality in a way that harms the interests of the person you are speaking to. Not all deception is a lie.

"A parent tells their child that monsters will get them if they misbehave. But they don't mean it literally. It is a story that does not fit neatly into reality but imparts certain essential truths. It is a metaphor. Usually for the inherent character flaws that come with perceived misdeeds."

Nendas eyed her for a moment. "So, you lied to me, then.

"And by your definition, you have lied to me again to cover for your previous misdeeds.

"What do you want? Money? Some position of influence?

"Answer that honestly, and I'll consider it."

He was good. But he was also in desperate need of subordinates, as Taha had counted on. This was why you never joined the side everyone thought would win. Not if it was possible to turn things around. Opportunities came from hardship, and stronger powers did not endure hardship. How to answer?

"...To tag along with you until a better opportunity comes up, honestly," said Taha, looking down at her feet sadly. "We don't know this place very well."

Nendas nodded. "Very well, you may do so, so long as you do not misuse that position. Your actions will reflect on me. If you disgrace the name of Jaha, your throat will be cut, and I will watch your body fall like a felled tree to the cold earth. And that is no metaphor."*

That was... unexpectedly brutal. Taha kind of liked it, and it was a perfectly reasonable threat to make. Fear was an important part of the motivation.

However, at that moment, a young girl rushed up from behind. "Jaha..."

"Yes, what is it, child?" asked Nendas, sheathing his sword.

"My mother is sick. Could you help her?" asked the child.

"Of course, I will help her," said Nendas, and his tone was... different, like he was a different person. "Lead the way, and I shall use my power to aid her.

"Both of you follow me and watch."

And he walked back with the girl to the house. There Taha saw the light emanate as he laid his hands on an ill woman and healed her. One of these days, the usual miraculous sleight of hand, she really had to figure out how they did that. It seemed like a good trick to know, especially since the pain instantly cleared up.

"By the grace of peace, let the chaos in your body be stilled. Let harmony be returned," said Nendas. "Now, child, she will live. But you must repay this kindness to others. Lead me to any others who might need such help."

"Yes, of course, Queen Jaha," said the girl.

However, Nendas ended up getting dragged into a whole set of other engagements. He was soon healing people left and right and looked almost all-loving.

"...That's not acting, is it?" mused Taha, noticing his composure change.

"I do not believe so. He seems almost two people," said Rokas.

Either way, this was an interesting situation that could get them all killed. Taha watched it happen and saw Nendas standing alone. He seemed to be in another place entirely, and Taha moved toward him.

"...Are you alright?" asked Taha.

"My name is Nendas," said Nendas quickly. "Now, I have work to do."

And then the healing began.

*I have no explanation I can prove for this particular turn of phrase. Tanith translated all of this before she ever went to Gel Carn. Thus it is impossible that she referred to her encounter with Gail Arengeth. Even if she had, I see no reason why she would bring it up in this context.

Reincarnation or divine influence, perhaps? Nendas eventually finished his work while Taha and Rokas watched.

They seemed intent on following behind him, which he needed clarification on. Why would they just appear out of nowhere and want to join him? He suspected Taha wanted something out of all this. But it might have just been that she wanted what she said she wanted. She was beautiful in a tomboyish way, but that did not influence the matter.

The threat of death hadn't scared them off, though. Making it had messed with his head, and he had a headache still. Using Jaha's healing powers helped a bit, but he felt it wasn't him using them.

So, Nendas reluctantly decided he had to seek blessing from King Samrasa. So he went before them. "Now, I will introduce you to Ralign, King Samrasa's Captain of the Guard. If he allows you to accompany us, you may. Otherwise...

"Well, I suppose you could tail me miles behind."

Nendas would benefit from having someone to assist him.

"That seems the only other option, Nendas," mused Rokas.

Rokas was speaking to him as an equal? Nendas felt a sense of offense at that. "That is..." However, Jaha reminded him that he was not a noble anymore. "Nevermind, I'm not technically part of the Hasafa Clan right now anyway."

"Why not?" asked Taha.

"The Avatar of Jaha belongs only to Jaha, just as the Hasafa Clan does," said Nendas. "One cannot have any other allegiance." Who were they to speak so freely? Rokas looked like he might be a noble of some sort. He had the facial features and build of one who eats well growing. But what would he be out here?

"Then why are you traveling with King Samrasa?" asked Taha.

Nendas swallowed his pride. "My allegiance to Jaha obligates me to serve King Samrasa. I am her chosen servant by divine right. And to Hasafa. I serve them loyally because I do so in Jaha's will."

"Couldn't you admit you became the Avatar for the perks?" asked Taha.

The question was one that Nendas found infuriating, but he remembered that he was the Avatar of a God. He must speak to everyone as an equal. Jaha would not want him to be unpleasant with others. "I became the Avatar because people asked me to. And you'd do well not to speak out of turn while meeting with Ralign. I am already disliked and don't need to be hated."

"Don't worry, we know when to keep our mouths shut," said Taha.

At that moment, Ralign showed up. He came up to them, looking furious. "Nendas, what have you been doing? The villagers are talking about you performing miracles! What kind of trickery is this!"

Trickery? Was he accusing the Goddess Jaha of trickery? Nendas had done as she ordained. "...I am the Avatar of Jaha. It is my purpose to do what she tells me to do."

"So you decided to start miracle-working without my permission?" asked Ralign.

"I was not aware you wished the people housing us ill, Ralign," said Nendas. "Is not Jaha the patron deity of King Samrasa?" Technically anyway, that had been a condition for the alliance.

"Yes," said Ralign.

"And isn't it better if people believe in her?" asked Nendas, who was not willing to renounce his faith for his own life.

"You know damn well the truth, so I see no reason to tell it to you again!" said Ralign.

Nendas guessed that Ralign hated Jaha and wanted to see her religion fail. He didn't care that Nendas had healed those people because he helped a religion by healing them. Ralign would have rather all die horribly than let a priest appear good.

So Nendas decided to bait him. "...I must admit to ignorance. What is this truth you are talking about? And why do you presume to be able to counteract an order from Jaha herself directly?"

Ralign stiffened, and several of his men murmured. "One of these days, Nendas, you'll go too far. When you're screwing while crucified, I'll be somewhere smiling."

"I do not understand what I have done to wrong you," said Nendas, keeping his face stoic. "Did not King Samrasa request I accompany you?"

"For reasons beyond my comprehension, yes," said Ralign.

"And doesn't King Samrasa know full well what the Avatar of Jaha does?" asked Nendas.

"Of course!" said Ralign.

"And did he instruct me that I was not to heal sick and injured people?" asked Nendas.

"He did not," said Ralign, setting a hand to his sword.

Nendas mirrored the motion but did not take hold of his sword. He thought that this was going to get bloody soon. Nendas decided it would be best to spare Ralign after defeating him. Although Jaha reminded him that defeating him would be difficult. "Then I do not see what grave crime I have committed to make you hate me so?"

"Worthless brat!" said Ralign, drawing his sword.

His sword was out, and Nendas stepped away from the blade as it fell. It passed within inches of him, but Nendas probably made it look easy. With another strike, he moved out of the way, dodging and weaving without drawing a blade. Ralign was good, his stance was excellent, and he was getting many near hits.

Even so, Nendas probably looked stronger by not having his sword drawn.

Finally, a soldier ran forward. "Please, stop this. No killing!"

"Do no harm to the Avatar of Jaha!" said a man.

"I agree," said Nendas, halting. "This fight has no meaning."

"Enough," said a voice.

Nendas looked up to see King Samrasa approaching them. "Ralign, Nendas, you do our hosts a disservice. Nendas, a word."

Nendas walked with Samrasa to one side. As he did, he examined Samrasa's movements to see if he might run him through. Samrasa was wearing a sword, after all. However, Samrasa halted and talked. "I presume this was about miracles?"

"As far as I can gather, King Samrasa, yes," said Nendas.

Samrasa paused. "Very well. I should have foreseen this.

"Suffice it to say that Ralign and his associates are hostile to religion of all kinds. They have had several bad experiences with the worst aspects of religion. I expect you to tolerate them."

"As you wish," said Nendas, meaning that Ralign was allowed to run roughshod over the faithful. Any objection would make a stir and therefore was bad.

"Now, regarding miracles, I know you mean well," said Samrasa. "And you have not done anything wrong, so much as... unfortunate. We are at a critical stage in the development of Tarasif. We hope to remove some of the problematic religions.

"If Jaha starts performing miracles, other cults will do the same. It will reinvigorate support for the worst aspects of religion."

"You wish me not to perform any further miracles on behalf of Jaha?" asked Nendas, allowing himself to look disappointed. He must appear the picture of youthful recklessness, desiring to please him.

"I ask you to appeal to convince her that the timing would be most unfortunate," said Samrasa. "And I must insist."

Nendas bowed. "...As you wish, my King. I will do as you ask."

"Now, who are these you've brought with you?" asked Samrasa, taking him toward Taha and Rokas. Taha was scrutinizing things.

"Two individuals who wish to join my entourage," said Nendas. "I have no idea why, but I don't want to humor them. I wished to get your permission." Technically, he did not need to ask; he had to appear subservient.

"Do as you like, of course," said Samrasa. "But remember that you are responsible for them. Any wrongdoing on their part will reflect on you."

Nendas nodded. "I understand."

And he ended up left alone with Taha and Rokas. And Nendas was very glad for their company. Some of the looks the soldiers were giving him were downright murderous.

"...Wow, so he's about to do a purge, huh?" asked Taha.

"You don't know that," said Rokas.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Nendas, letting surprise into his tone.

"Well, it's just... I think King Samrasa is about to kill many people," said Taha.

"Why would you think that?" asked Nendas.

"Well, that's why he doesn't want you doing miracles," said Taha. "He's about to tear down some temples or something. Whatever it is, it'll offend religious people. So he wants religious people to look as bad as possible.

"So, he intends to tear down any good works you perform."

"Taha is it wise to say this-" began Rokas.

"Let her speak, Rokas," said Nendas. "I need people that speak their minds. Not people who mindlessly obey." Taha shared many of the beliefs of his enemies and would be valuable for that purpose.

"Good, because I don't mindlessly obey anyone," said Taha. "But I was mostly done."

"...Can either of you fight?" asked Nendas.

"Yes, very well," said Taha. "One of the rites of passage in my old cult involved killing by stealth. And another involved just killing." How did she not have any scars?

"Rokas, you are from Kulat, yes?" asked Nendas.

"I am," said Rokas.

Nendas nodded, seeing an opportunity. "Very well. Tell me everything you know of the place, and then prepare to tell King Samrasa. The understanding of an educated and well-traveled noble could be invaluable.

"And we must be valuable if we are to survive."

"Sounds good to me," said Taha. "This is way more interesting than throwing knives for fun. So let's go for it."

That was why this commoner had chosen Nendas as a mark. She'd known he was in no position to refuse and that she could speak as an equal.

Still, Tarasif awaited.

On the King's company went, drawing nearer to the other villages. As they walked, however, Ralign motioned to the village. Several black-robed monks were walking to heal them. Their heads were unshaven, marking them as belonging to the sect of Elranor. Most religions expected men to shave their heads and beards.

"Look there, the worshippers of Elranor," said a man.

"Why are these religious folk out in such numbers?" asked Ralign. "There must be a reason for it. Shall I-"

"No, Ralign, you shall not," said Samrasa. "We'll speak directly to them and see how they account for their actions."

At that moment, a baldheaded monk approached, though he had a long beard. Samrasa moved forward and nodded to him. "High Priest Surras, what are you doing here?"

"I saw your party approaching, King Samrasa," said Surras. "I thought it best to explain to you why your order was disobeyed personally."

"Very well then, what happened?" asked Samrasa.

"We detected several diseases growing within the populace," said Surras. "It began to spread through several villages at an alarming rate. If left unchecked, it would have spread to the city, and many would have died. Such a thing could have compromised Tarasif to our enemies.

"So, the temples united in healing all we could. We are nearly in control of the situation."

"As good an explanation as can be made. I will pardon the defiance," said Samrasa, nodding.

Surras departed, and Samrasa looked to the men. Uneasy murmurs came from them. They did not understand why Samrasa was tolerating this.

"See now the serpent in the grass," said Samrasa. "The God of Healing is indeed benevolent to heal us of disease. Especially given who his chief ally is."

"His chief ally is Laevian," said Nendas to Rokas and Taha. They might not have known.

"I know; we both studied," said Taha.

Nendas was surprised by this. "How? I took you to be of common blood?"

"I educated myself," said Taha.

Nendas had always been taught that to learn; one must have a master. "How is such a thing possible?"

"Just find teachers and get them to teach you," said Taha. "When they have nothing else to teach you, throw them away and find another. Rinse and repeat. I've had more mentors than I can count."

"Don't you have any loyalty to your masters?" asked Nendas, amazed at her flippant dismissal.

"I wouldn't know," said Taha. "I haven't had a master before you. I've got an obligation to you, but I don't know if I'm loyal. If I am, I'll stay loyal; if I'm not, I'll betray you. You can't know anything about yourself except when looking back."

And so they walked.

Nendas found himself intrigued and horrified in equal parts by Taha. "How did you end up here anyway?" he asked.

"Long story," said Taha. "But the short version is that I was raised in a place with a sky and trees. That and a lot of thugs with delusions of grandeur. Everyone had their place, and society would only be good if everyone knew their place. I was the daughter of a farmer whose family had become quite rich. Over generations of hard work, they'd amassed quite a fortune.

"Meanwhile, there was a family of greater rank than mine. Except, the one in charge of it had squandered a lot of his money fighting wars. So they were actually a good deal poorer than me.

"So, I was going to be married off. So I ran off."

Nendas stared at her incredulously. "You were going to be married to a Lord? And you decided you wanted to marry for love?"

Taha laughed at that far louder than she ought to. "Nothing of the sort.

"I don't care about love or enlightenment or the power of friendship. But I learned a valuable lesson from my parents; This entire social order is nonsense. It's just a lie agreed upon, so people who are in can rob and steal while killing people who are out.

"That way, they don't run out of things to steal.

"People with the guts to do it take whatever they can and give nothing back."

That was... considerably more selfish than Nendas had been expected. He briefly wondered if he should part company with her. But he considered that being alone with only Ralign for the company would be worse. "So you abandoned your family?"

"Why not?" asked Taha. "I had a dozen sisters who could marry in my place. And if I had married the Lord, I'd have been a curiosity. A trophy of sorts. I'd have children and maybe come to love my husband and have grandchildren. And then I'd be forgotten.

"I could live a 'good' life, but I'd have no power. I wouldn't exist."

"I take it this is why you decided to approach an Avatar of Jaha," mused Nendas.

"Well, you are dedicated to alternate perspectives, aren't you?" asked Taha. "The way of Jaha is that all beliefs are but elements of a greater whole. All ideologies and desires ultimately comprise the same, greater and final peace."

"Provided they know their place, yes," said Nendas.

Taha laughed hysterically at that line again. Rokas somewhat joined in, but Nendas did not allow himself to. They got several looks from the other men.

"That's good. Very good," said Taha. "But I knew my place. I just didn't want it. I was educated by my parents, like all my sisters. I learned everything I could. When I exhausted one source of knowledge, I looked for more. I learned all kinds of things about farming. And I began to see things that could be improved.

"When people wouldn't listen to what I had to say, I found ways to convince them to make them think it was their idea.

"I knew my place, Nendas. I became my place.

"And I decided that wasn't who I wanted to be. So I let my younger sister marry the Lord and became something else."

Nendas considered how to react. Perhaps to ask about who her family had been. She had to have some remaining loyalty to them. "Who was she? This sister of yours."

"I don't know," said Taha. "I've forgotten them all. Why should I treat it any better if the world doesn't want me to be more than a face in the crowd? My Mother, Father, siblings, and town... they're just backstories.

"None of them matter anymore."

"And what do you want? Why are you doing all of this?" asked Nendas.

Taha looked up at the vast gates of Tarasif as they rose up before her. "I want to grow in power and prestige to a level beyond comprehension. If there are no gods, then I want to become one. I know I'll never get there, of course, but I want to get as far as I can for myself."

"And what will you do when you've gotten as far as you possibly can?" asked Nendas.

"Well, after I've made my ladder and gotten to the top?" asked Taha. "I guess I'll pull the ladder up after me"

"Would it not be better to let others climb up after you?" asked Rokas.

"Of course not! I had to work hard to get everything I am!" said Taha. "What I am was built from nothing. Why should the simpering and ignorant masses get an easy way to success? My success is because of my own efforts. People should have to work for what they get.

"If people follow me up the ladder, they'll just wreck the place. They are peasants, after all."

Nendas stared at her. "Aren't you?"

"Being a peasant has nothing to do with rank. It's all in the mindset," said Taha. "Don't try to define me as a noble or a merchant or an artisan. None of them apply.

"Taha is."

"Taha is a very sick person," noted Nendas with a laugh, finding her too outrageous to even feel angry.

"By all means, try to cure me, Nendas," said Taha, drawing pleasantly near momentarily. "Or send me away." And she stepped further away. "Rokas and I can find somebody else to work for. No skin off my nose."

"I'm not certain that is possible," said Nendas. "But your insight might be valuable."

Soon they neared the gates and walked through them. A great crowd came out to greet the King, who waved to the people as he did. Nendas walked a little ahead but listened to Taha and Nendas' conversation.

"Are you sure about this, Taha?" asked Rokas.

"More than ever," said Taha. "This is going to be good. Risky, but good." As they passed into the city, Nendas looked at the buildings and people. Most buildings were in good repair, and the streets were remarkably clean. Many people were very interested in seeing Samrasa pass by. Nendas noted alms being given out to the poor.

"Wow, Tarasif is very nice, isn't it," said Taha. "Huge buildings, never seen anything bigger. However, Kulat had a few that compare.

"Have you been here before, Nendas?"

Why did she insist on speaking to him so casually? Because she lost nothing by him sending her away. And Nendas gained very little. He was going to have to find a way to instill some obedience in her. "No, but my Father should be here. Once I arrive, I will meet with him..." His gaze turned to a hill overlooking the city, and on it was a horrible sight. "More crucifixions.

"Why does King Samrasa persist in these?"

"Eh, it's nasty and good for making a statement, I guess," said Taha. "Maybe he worships Baltoth in secret."

"Baltoth?" asked Nendas.

"Yeah, Baltoth is really big on order," said Taha. "His whole thing is order above all else, and he runs his pantheon. The sort of person King Samrasa might follow.

"So, Ralign has been giving you nothing but dark looks since we started."

"What of it?" asked Nendas, noticing one now.

"I think he might try to have you killed," said Taha. "He seems to hate your guts; I don't think you're all that convenient for the King Samrasa, and even if you are...

"He's reckless."

"What are you suggesting?" asked Nendas.

"Don't do any more miracles; avoid Ralign like the plague and watch your back," said Taha. "Also, stay in a different building than Samrasa. Set yourself up somewhere else.

"It'll make it harder for you to get arrested."

"You have experience with this?" guessed Nendas.

"Oh yeah, I watched a lot of stuff like this go down when I was in the service of Tamar," said Taha. "The royalty in were always killing each other off. You think I learned knife-throwing for fun?"

"I'll keep it in mind," said Nendas.

He really needed to meet with Father. And also spoke with Jaha.

At least Taha was easier company on the eyes than Ralign.