The Evilest Thing
Year of the Golden Gilled Boar, 1983, Veeratha, Naesu 6th
Deadlines, I hated them. They were only convenient if you’re the one setting them and if you had to set them, it probably is because something more inconvenient is to come if you don’t. Thing about it is, it’s not ideal to just meet a deadline. You had to deliver before it was due, in case something needs to be added. She surpassed my expectations.
I could have kissed her then. If we were a thing, that is. But we were not so a thank you and a stupid smile was all I could manage. Not even a hug. Oh well.
I have learned bits and pieces of things in this world, but I was not confident about navigating or travelling alone. While I wasn’t sure if Hanni would have been able to make it, I was certain she could handle it better than I, so I asked her.
As I started to piece together a better plan, I could not help but feel selfish. Though it wasn’t my intent, sending her out alone did seem like it. It’s not like in the modern world where one could just hop town to town, stay in a motel and head out the next day.
Heading out like she did was something that presented a ton of uncertainties. While some towns had hospices where one could stay for the night, I doubt she would have stayed in one. Thinking about it in a room, with all my needs met, it made me feel just that. Selfish.
But she made it. One day earlier than I estimated. In a manner of speaking, my heart sang when I saw her again.
“… wish you would reconsider elim. The kingdom be damned, we are the only family left. You and I.”
“Ye quit yer worryin’ Jak. I can do this without involvin’ ye or yer precious kin’dom.”
“Since we’re here to talk about that, you mind sharing your plans, Litoc?” I asked.
“We’re ‘ere ‘cause ye said ye’d come up with somethin’ better. There’s nothin’ better than seein’ ‘im dead an’ that’s what I’m ‘eadin’ out fer.”
“Are you saying you don’t have a plan?”
“Not sayin’ that. Don’t be puttin’ words in my mouth Jorj, ye knowin’ better than that.”
“Cousin, indulge us, ailian. If only so we’d know, I’d know what to do after your plan fails.”
“Ha! Yer thinkin’ I’ll fail. Just ye wait Jak, I’ll show ye. I’ll show ye all.”
“What are your plans then?” Jakeli pushed.
I let them against each other. It was fun watching the two. Answering but not answering, trading quips and jabs. It could have gone one a whole day and the original question, what Litoc’s plans were, would still not be answered. Politcians through and through, the both of them.
“… so many thin’s ye don’t know ‘cause yer always locked up in these walls listenin’ ta people scratch yer tiny balls.”
“And there’s so many things you’re not aware of because nobody scratches yours. Now enough deflections cousin, tell us what you’re planning and how you plan to do it.”
“I came ‘ere to ‘ear what Jorj ‘as ta say, an’ only ‘cause ‘es proven ‘imself ta me.”
Credit where credit is due, Jakeli was holding pretty well considering the insults Litoc was throwing around. While royals and nobles can be rude, or crude, Litoc, having spent almost all of his adult life with common folk, had the upper hand. I asked him to stall and stall he did.
“How about you let us in, cousin. If you’re sure it won’t come back to Silaron, the kingdom can only benefit from your success, wouldn’t it?”
“Have ye lost yer mind? How can you ask ta be involved then not be involved? That’s the problem with ye people. Ye always go on ‘bout ‘elpin’ the people without thinkin’ o’ them!”
Jakeli was doing his best while trying to get Litoc to spill the smallest of details but he was not going to get answers. I knew that. Litoc was a talkative sort but always guarded. That and his ability to weave and dodge through a conversation ensured a fruitless conclusion to the meeting, if getting information from him was the goal. Fortunately for me, it wasn’t so I let them at each other while feigning interest in the conversation, eyes wandering around the prince’s temporary quarters.
“Sorry to interrupt,” I said, “but you answer me one thing? I want it straight. How many people can you move on short notice?”
My question was to Litoc but it was the prince who answered first, with a question.
“What kind of people?” He asked, catching my emphasis.
“Combat ready. Speaks Khevernaki, preferably.”
They looked at me then each other while they considered my question. Litoc’s gaze lingered at me longer. The prince, even if he wanted to hide things, would not have any reason to do so, given there was only three of us. Litoc however, needed to protect his organization’s information.
“How soon?” The prince followed up.
“Let’s say tomorrow.”
“Jorj, I don’t know what the wavin’-”
“It’s just a question Litoc.”
“Ye can’t be askin’ me, us, somethin’ like that an’ say it’s just a question!”
“I’m asking it. And before you go complaining again to derail this conversation, no, I am not answering why. Not until you tell me your plans. For now, consider it as it is. Just a question.”
“Five to six draks. I’d say half a draki at the most.”
“Litoc?”
“Two at the most. One if we need ta go at once.”
I pretended to consider their answers while I listened for the sound of footsteps outside the door. Though it was true that I needed that information, I was not ready to deliver what I had thought of until I piqued their curiosity then turn it another way, then back.
I would rather just go and assassinate the king, but it’s worth trying. Promise me, if it fails, we’re going home.
Hanni’s words rang clear in my head as I prepared myself for my reveal. It wasn’t elegant or masterful but it did have a hint of suffering in it and it needed all the theatrics I could conjure up on such a tight deadline. If it failed, if I failed, I was ready to go the following morning. I did, after all, promise Hanni.
“That would be enough,” I spoke when I heard the sound of footsteps, “I’m thinking, three draks. Fighters, all of them. Can move fa-”
There was two knocks on the door. A soldier peeked in after.
“You Highness, food is here.”
“I did-” he looked at me and I nodded, “Right. Send them in.”
Both Jakeli and Litoc stood up. The prince stretching, Litoc heading for the window. Three maids in aprons came in all bearing trays. Hanni came in last, she had a smaller tray which she placed on the space on the table beside mine and promptly sat. Two of the maids went out, one remained, fidgeting. Jakeli signaled to dismiss her and she would have gone had I not gestured for her to stop. Jakeli looked at me with a question written on his face. I nodded at the girl. She turned towards Litoc.
“Ora, is there anything else you need?”
Litoc visibly stiffened hearing the sound of her voice. He turned slowly, face leading. I could have sworn his face went white for half a second before color came back as recognition set in.
“Adai?”
“Ha, ora. It is I.”
I’ve seen him run before but not as fast as he did this time.