Iraj Returns

The senior men of Nexus sat around a table, pretending not to wait for Iraj. Dinner for all of them would be sent up soon, so they had washed their hands and sat on cushions around a low table. They talked about appalons, which could be trained as bulwark mounts and which could not, and drank water from a carafe while they not-waited.

Iraj arrived in a sweep of robes, with a desert-red night cloak over one shoulder. Thick plates of keratin over his head and back and trumpet-shaped ears made Taylor think of an armadillo.

"I happened to be in the area." He threw his arms wide. "And I thought, why not visit the little maul? He is always so good to Pashtuk, and to me personally. I still have both of my hands!"

Taylor showed some teeth in mirth and threat. "So far, Iraj. You have both your hands so far. You might as well sit since we have another place. I'm having the evening meal brought up."

Iraj detoured to the basin against the wall to wash then sat himself down on the open cushion. From how Iraj eyed the company, Taylor was reassured he was right to exclude women. Iraj was a Calique and, to him, women weren't welcome when shady business was afoot.

"It's lucky you came when you did. Too much later and I would be gone." Taylor tried to prompt him. "What are you doing in the desert, all alone?"

"Sometimes, a man needs to get away. I love my garden. Very much. But perhaps you've heard the saying. A man is freest … "

"… past the garden walls," Taylor finished for him.

"But you seem very free right here! Eating with your spears and hands, while the garden gathers and the women talk. Someone might think you're up to something."

"We are up to something. I'm heading out tonight and wanted to discuss things before leaving. I plan to visit Bitter Spring, and speak to hunters there."

Iraj's eyes widened in surprise. "Do you think the circle there will be any easier than here?"

"Who will know, if we don't try? But hold your thoughts, Iraj. Here is dinner."

Students brought in a wide platter of food: bulgar and herbs with a smattering of vegetables. Laid on top was a trio of venomous snakes, skinned, spiced, and roasted. Smaller dishes of flatbread and pickles rounded out the meal. The cooks had done their best with what was on hand, but it was far from a healthy garden's cornucopia. Taylor invited them all to eat and for a while, conversation was held at bay by hands and mouths working eagerly together. Somewhere, the appalons were feeding too. It was going to be a long night.

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Iraj lounged on one elbow and sipped his water. His people knew how to keep wells clean and get good water from them, but Iraj had acquired a keen appreciation for disciple-purified stuff. "If it is permitted to ask, how are you getting to Bitter Spring?"

"I still haven't decided. We could head north, overland, and take the shortest route. But according to our maps, that might not be the easiest way."

"Then your maps are good. If it pleases you, I could be your guide. I will not require payment for this service, because you let me keep my hands." He waved the intact appendages at Taylor.

Meaningful glances passed around the table. Iraj was up to something.

"And where would you lead our Eldest Brother?" Rector Mika asked suspiciously.

"Through the southern route, of course! There is broken ground in the north, and hard going for the appalons. Go south, and the Spine is your only obstacle. There are many paths through it, and even ground the rest of the way."

"And it brings you close to Pashtuk," observed James. The lector of arms was a big man with an impressive physique. He liked taking advantage of Calique dress to show off his extensive body art. He wore tattoos like they were talismans of protection. He was an intimidating specimen. "What do you really want?"

"Now don't take offense at a lowly spear of a broken garden," sweated Iraj, "I'm only a little homesick! If I could see my home for a few minutes it would ease my heart. And I have heard, from visiting hunters from other gardens, about parties of explorers in the desert. Perhaps they are your people, learning the land. A good thing, but! You have not sent anyone to Pashtuk."

"Or to Saluja, or Sand Castle," Mika confirmed. "You know why. Disciples are rare, and though they're fantastically strong they can be killed. We don't throw them blindly into danger. "

"Ehhh." Iraj made a sign of equivocation. "There is danger, and there is epic danger."

Otavio, who was just as large as James, clenched his fists until his knuckles crackled with ill omens. "Maybe you should pay attention to the danger closest to you right now. You should start making sense."

"You know the taboo that we're all under! Have a little mercy! I'm doing what I can!"

Taylor had an idea. "Hold on. If I said you could be our guide, and that we wanted to pass nearby Sand Castle, what would be your advice?"

Iraj looked like his apprehension would strangle him. "I would say it was a terrible idea, even for disciples. But I could not tell you why."

"And if I said we wanted to pass by Pashtuk, or visit the garden itself?"

"I would say it was ill-advised for normal men. But for disciples? A little care is in order."

"Someone let it slip there were multiple monsters in Pashtuk," Taylor muttered to himself. "We think Darkmaw is holed up in Sand Castle. What's in Pashtuk that's too dangerous for normal hunters but less than … oh no."

Iraj looked desperately hopeful. The other men waited.

"That could be bad." One big monster in Sand Castle. Multiple smaller monsters in the destroyed gardens. It fit. "Darkmaw has children. That's what's changed since Spring. Her children went off on their own. If she's breeding true and all her offspring are as cursed as she is, the whole desert could be eaten alive in another generation or two."

"It is taboo for me to speak of it," said Iraj. "But if you insisted on nearing Pashtuk, I would have no choice but to guide you. I owe it to you, and no one can say differently. But listen, little maul. I cannot help you if the danger comes. I will run away and let it have you, to please the doyennes. If you die then they will praise me. If you live, it won't be my fault."