Six Words [Chapters 21-22]

Hey peeps!

So, I read a lot of this story out loud, and while I love the honorifics, I did eliminate 2 and change 2 (so that they didn't sound so much alike.)

I need to remember this is being made into an audiobook, and I can't have them sounding nearly identical, so I changed the standard honorific ten to kain, and and the warrior honorific tsin to zar.

I'll list them here (just in case anyone was curious):

Honorifics

-lin (Family, Loved Ones)

-kain (Generic, showing someone respect) [ten]

-mya (Generic, someone of higher social standing, humble)

-tii (Close Friends)

-nox (Lords, Judges)

-zar (Warrior) [tsin]

-chu (Babies)

-rah (Scholar)

-cho (Elderly person)

-erah (Ruler, Emperor)

-aiah (Lover)

-ves (Property, Slaves)

-glot (A burden, Disgraced, used to be in jail)

Chapter Twenty-One

“Every prefecture in the Tze Empire has two Ring Warlocks to govern it.”

- A quote from ‘Varinth’s Beginnings, a History Book’

            I made my way through the western forest without trouble. No spirits or demons crossed my path, and for that I was thankful.

            Just as the Eye and the Molar were lifting in the sky, bringing the oppressive heat with them, I emerged from the tree line. The farmers around Wist Castle were already about their business, tending to their crops. They were smiling and chatting, even as I emerged from the shadows and made my way down the dirt paths toward the front gate.

            The crops…

            They were all a bright green—far different from the sickly yellow I had seen when I had arrived. My apology to the spirit of the land had done wonders.

            I kept the red elk antler held in my hand as I jogged by the many farmers. They gave me strange glances, but none of them moved to stop me. I probably looked mentally unwell. I had bandages on my shoulder and my right hand, and my white clothing was dirty from the forest.

            Plus, what kind of castle servant snuck out at night? Only those with the death wish.

            “Aren’t you excited, Rimon-ves?” the Warden asked. “Imagine all the possibilities—all the essence you could absorb and make your own.”

            “You seem rather obsessed with power,” I whispered as I made my way to the wall. Instead of heading inside, I waited for a pair of farmers to load a cart. When they went in, I would sneak in behind them.

            “You’re the one obsessed with power. Or have you forgotten the six words you picked to summon the attention of a felheen?”

            I shook my head. “You don’t understand. It wasn’t really power I wanted—I just wanted to control my own destiny. I wanted… the capacity to change things. I had never had that before.”

            “Hmm.”

            The Warden didn’t seem amused by my answer. What did he want from me? Did he secretly hope I was a psychopath ready to pave my future path with blood and bone?

            Once the farmers were ready, and their oxen was tethered to their cart, I hurried over. They walked through the castle gates, and I went in with them. They carried piles of feed, and barrels of beans, and it was easy to slip onto the cart and sit between them.

            After a short distance, I slipped out of the back of the cart and headed for the second inner wall.

            I’d speak to Ketsu, make myself look presentable, and then—

            “Is that Rimon?”

            I stopped and turned.

            Jin, Mazun’s lieutenant, rushed over from his post near the gate. He carried his spear, but his grip was as loose as his jaw. He went straight to me, his eyes widening.

            “Did you just come into the castle from the outside?” he whispered, his tone harsh. “Mazun is going to kill you! Or maybe the demons will do that for him. Why do you keep sneaking outside?”

            “You saw me get off the cart?” I heaved a sigh. “Please don’t tell Mazun.”

            Jin was so lean and tall, he basically towered over the other soldiers. I should’ve known he would’ve spotted me.

            “I won’t tell him—but only if you promise that you won’t sneak out.” Jin pointed at me. “You’re in grave danger whenever you’re outside of the castle. Can you imagine what Garrain-nox would say if you were already dead by the time he returned?”

            I kept jogging toward the second gate, nodding as I went. “I promise. No more sneaking out. Thank you!” I half bowed my head and then continued straight forward

            Jin stared at me as I went, his lips pressed together in a disbelievingly thin line. Obviously, he didn’t think I was taking this seriously.

            But I had been honest. Once I was lord of the castle, I could as I please—so no more sneaking. First, I had to declare myself as such. One step at a time.

***

            Making my way into the keep was also a hassle. The two guards from yesterday were back, and they both glared at me as I went inside. I picked up my pace once I kicked off my sandals, and I went straight for Ketsu’s room, beyond the grand reception halls and tea room.

            When I reached my destination, I slid open the door so hard it clacked into the place. Ketsu, who had been sitting at his table, leapt from his pillow seat on the floor, his eyes wide, one hand gripping his robes.

            “W-What’s going on?” he asked.

            “I need you,” I stated. “Come. To my room.”

            Once we were away from prying eyes and ears, I could discuss everything with him. Not here. Not where others would listen.

            And perhaps it was because I issued a command, but Ketsu immediately began moving around his table. I didn’t wait for him—I turned, jogged down the nearest hall, and searched for a potted plant. Any would do.

            I found a vase that held a small indoor tree, and I scooped that up into my arms before I headed to the stairwell. It was awkward holding a pot and the antler, but I made it work.

            “You’re excited about something,” the Warden mused.

            “I’ve made decisions,” I said as I climbed the stairs two at a time. “I don’t need any more advice. The kind of Ring Warlock I want to be is clear in my mind.”

            The fourth story of this massive castle was quite the trek, but my enthusiasm made the climb effortless. Although, I was sweating and breathing heavy by the time I reached the top—I just didn’t feel it as much as normal.

            The moment I arrived on the top floor, and turned to head to my personal quarters, I jerked to a halt. If I hadn’t been paying attention, I never would’ve seen the two dozen spiders hiding on the ceiling, their brown, fuzzy bodies blending in with the color of the wood.

            The spiders writhed and crawled over each other, each as large as a human fist, their long legs far fuzzier than their bodies.

            But then they spotted me, their hundreds of black eyes all on me in an instant.

            They stopped moving.

            “Uh,” was all I managed to say as I gathered my thoughts.

            One spider emerged from the group. It was larger—twice as big as the others—and it rubbed two of its legs together in my direction.

            Was that how spiders showed happiness?

            “You’re the one I saved,” I whispered. “The one I gave the life essence.” I glanced around at the other spiders, all of whom watched me intently. “Is this your family?”

            The main spider, the biggest one, continued to rub its legs.

            “They’re all monsters,” the Warden whispered to me. “Siblings. They had the same demon mother and human father. Don’t you know? Spiders lay hundreds of eggs each time they reproduce.”

            With my antler and potted tree in hand, I crept over to my room. The door was locked tight, and it took some fiddling for me to reach the key that I had tucked into my pants. Once unlocked, I pushed the double doors wide and stepped inside.

            Several of the spiders followed, including the big one. They scurried over the ceiling, down the wall, and then in through the door. I stood in the middle of my room and watched as they spread out over the walls.

            The large one came down to the floor and made its way over to me.

            I set the pot and the antler down on the only table in my room, though I had to clear away some ink and paperwork to make room. Once my hands were free, I turned to face the monster spider.

            It rubbed its legs together.

            “I’m happy to see you, too,” I muttered. “But I don’t think you and your family are allowed in the castle.”

            The spider stopped rubbing its two front legs.

            I knelt so that I was closer to the gigantic arachnid. It had grown so large… Was it because of the essence? It had to be.

            “Do you have a name?” I asked.

            The spider didn’t move. It didn’t answer. It just stared.

            I held out my left hand. “If you don’t have a name, then I’ll call you Kumo. That was the name of a spider in the Teachings of Shoki. He was a guardian to the underworld. Do you like it?”

            The spider, Kumo, rubbed his hairy legs together once again.

            “Didn’t you just say you were going to reveal yourself as lord of the castle?” The Warden scoffed. “Doesn’t the lord make the rules? If you want to keep the stupid insects, you can.”

            I supposed he was correct. Ring Warlocks always got to make the rules of their realm. But it wouldn’t be a very popular move to allow monster spiders to roam wherever they pleased…

            Before I could say anything else on the matter, I heard Ketsu climbing up the stairs.

            Kumo and the dozens of smaller spiders all hurried back to the ceiling, their skittering silent. Then, right before my eyes, they seemingly vanished. The ceiling wasn’t covered in hairy spider bodies—it was just a ceiling.

            The Warden chuckled. “It’s their magic. When they remain motionless, they can shroud themselves in invisibility.”

            Ah.

            That was… a little disturbing.

            Ketsu finally arrived in my room, his face drained of color. He took a moment to compose himself, by removing his glasses, cleaning them on his robes, and then slicking back his dark brown hair. Finally, he closed the doors behind him.

            When Ketsu turned in my direction, his gaze was on the floor, as though he didn’t want to make eye contact. He maintained that posture as he walked over, his gait slow.

            “Rimon-nox,” Ketsu said. “You… wanted me?”

            I nodded. “Yes. First off, I want you to arrange for me to speak with all the administrators and bladekeepers tomorrow morning. I’ll reveal myself as lord then. Second, I had a question about my magic.”

            Ketsu snapped his eyes up to meet mine. “That’s what you wanted? To ask me to set up a meeting and to inquire about magic?” He hardened his expression. “You could’ve made that clearer. For a moment, I thought you were going to be just as sadistic as Garrain.”

            “I’m nothing like Garrain. Forget him. Just answer me a few things. You said people tethered to me had access to my magic. Have you tried it for yourself yet? Have you used magic on anything?”

            “No.” Ketsu crossed his arms.

            “Never? Not on anything?”

            “Of course not,” Ketsu said, flatly. “You said you wielded death. Why would I ever use it? I’m a historian.”

            I gestured to the potted tree. “Okay, fine. Sit here and wield my magic against this living tree.”

            Again, because I was issuing a command, Ketsu immediately did as I instructed. He took a seat on a pillow and then leaned forward to examine the tree. He breathed deep, and then exhaled, but the plant remained filled with life and vibrance.

            “Nothing happened?” I asked.

            Ketsu narrowed his eyes. “Garrain’s magic was different from yours. Let me attempt it again.”

            This time, Ketsu reached out a hesitant hand and touched the plant. When he breathed this time, the essence in the small tree was sucked away in an instant. The green leaves withered, the bark paled and grayed—the tree was dead in a matter of seconds.

            “What is this pain?” Ketsu scrunched up his face, his eyebrows knitted. “What is this agony?”

            I stared at the small potted tree. It didn’t have much life essence, did it?

            “Very little,” the Warden replied, clearly privy to my thoughts. “A small fraction of essence when compared to a much older, larger tree.”

            Ketsu fell over on his side, groaning like he was being tortured. “The horror… The night has forsaken me.” He writhed and shuddered and gripped his robes, his fingers twisting into the fabric.

            I just stood there and watched as he lay on the floor, practically weeping.

            “You’re so dramatic,” I muttered.

            Ketsu scoffed, though he didn’t sit back up. “How can you say that? Have you used your magic? The pain of the tree is now my own.”

            “I used my magic in the middle of the woods,” I snapped back. “And I killed multiple trees, and some owls, and insects, and I still wasn’t as debilitated as you are.”

            “I. Am. A. Historian.” Ketsu forced himself back up into a sitting position, though he still hugged himself as though he might fall apart. “Perhaps warriors are used to this, but I’m not. This is hideously painful!”

            “You should calm down.”

            Ketsu turned away, his shoulders bunched. “Why have you done this to me? What kind of cursed magic do you wield?”

            “After you rest, the life essence you’ve taken should be absorbed into your own.” I placed a hand on my chest. “That’s what happened to me, and I want to know if it’ll happen to everyone I have in my servitude. Please, Ketsu-rah, listen to me. The tree’s life will bolster your own.”

            Those words caused Ketsu to grow still and silent. For a long moment, he said nothing, clearly mulling over the situation. Then he glanced back at me.

            “Your magic… enhances you?” he whispered.

            I nodded. “And I think it’ll enhance you, too. If you can handle it.”

            “I… see…” Ketsu relaxed after that, his pain obviously not bothering him too much. “Wait, you said you’re going to reveal yourself as lord tomorrow?”

            “Once I sleep again,” I muttered.

            “Then I shall make sure you have a proper outfit. And a plentiful meal.” Ketsu stood, brushed himself off, and then gave me the once over. “And a bath.”

            “Heh, thank you,” I said with a smile.

            “And have you finally decided what you’re going to do about Garrain’s consorts and family?”

            Although it had taken me a lot of deliberation, I finally had. “I’ll deal with everything—including Garrain’s family—in the morning. Please just have everyone gather in the audience hall, so I can speak to them all at the same time.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Pieces of the moon once fell onto the Tze Empire.

In those craters are the only source of lunar metal.”

- A quote from ‘Varinth’s Beginnings, a History Book’

            When I awoke in the morning, I felt better than I ever had in my entire life.

            I sprang from the pillows of my massive bed, my body limber, my veins filled with energy. I had eaten and rested all of yesterday, preparing myself for this moment, both magically and mentally.

            Now I needed to shake off my old life as a servant. I had to hold myself with all the honor, dignity, and power that befitted my new station in life.

            As a Ring Warlock, I was lord of Wist Castle. If I ruled it properly, it would flourish and prosper. This was now my home—a place that was under my care and governance.

            “Maybe you could rule more than just this castle,” the Warden whispered as I headed for my closet.

            I laughed as I opened the secret door. “First I have to rule this place well.”

            “Feh. Don’t limit yourself, Rimon-ves. I’m eager to see you shatter the status quo.”

            I didn’t really understand what the Warden meant, since assuming the role of lord was the exact same thing every Ring Warlock did since the beginning of the Tze Empire. What status quo was I currently shattering? Very little, unless he meant the fact that a man from a brothel somehow got ahold of a ring. I didn’t think so, though.

            Ketsu had left me an outfit to wear for this momentous day.

            It was an open robe top, made of jade and inky silk, with a gold sash for the belt. My pants were woven from some of the softest wool I had ever touched, and then dyed midnight black. Images of dragons had been stitched into the sides, but they were done in a different shade of black. They were subtle yet beautiful.

            I removed all the bandages from my body. The injuries on my arm were closed and mostly healed, and I wanted everyone to see the ring I wore. The black metal practically glittered in the light.

            Once dressed, I combed my hair and then tied it back into a tail. Since my hair was uneven from a sloppy cut, a few strands hung down around my face. A real lord wouldn’t look so disheveled, but I couldn’t fix my hair in time for my announcement.

            I patted myself down, still marveling at how much better I felt.

            Did I really have all the agility and grace of a red elk?

            It felt like it.

            I glanced up at the ceiling before leaving my room. Spiderwebs hung in the corners. It was the same in the hallway when I stepped outside. Kumo and his many spider siblings were obviously setting up residence.

            It didn’t bother me. The monsters seemed respectful, and I appreciated that. If they wanted to live up here with me, on the fourth story, I didn’t see why not.

            I headed down the steep stairwells, my heart hammering as the echoes of conversations wafted up from the lower floors. Many voices mingled together, which told me Ketsu had done as I commanded. Everyone was being gathered for my announcement.

            No one was in the halls when I stepped off the last step. The bluster of conversation came from the largest room—the audience hall. What had Ketsu said about it? That was the seat of the Ring Warlock’s power? Where his throne was?

            A door to the audience hall slid open and out stepped Ketsu. The morning light from our two suns streamed in through the rice paper windows, giving the entire castle a gentle glow of summer that truly highlighted the chestnut brown of Ketsu’s hair. It was different—most people had black.

            “Ah!” Ketsu said when he spotted me. He motioned me to the door. “Come. You can enter here. Everyone is waiting, and the keep’s soldiers are positioned around the four corners of the building.”

            “Why?” I asked. “Are you expecting someone to attack the keep?”

            Ketsu shook his head. “Oh, no. I’m expecting people will try to flee once they hear of your magic.”

            I clenched my jaw and said nothing as I walked over.

            Ketsu smiled as he slid open the door to the audience room for me. “Don’t fret—I ordered the soldiers not to allow anyone to leave without my explicit instruction.”

            I stepped inside, fully prepared to take over this castle.

            The number of people in attendance shocked me, however. There had to be more than fifty individuals, which was far more than I had expected. Wist Castle only had ten administrators, and five bladekeepers, after all.

            Well, two of the bladekeepers was dead, so three for now.

            But for some reason, the bladekeepers had brought their lieutenants, Garrain’s consorts had brought their children, some of the craftsmen from the second ring were here, and I suspected a few of the castle servants were in attendance as well. Ketsu must’ve summoned them all to really get the word out.

            That was fine.

            They would all get to hear the announcement.

            There was a seat at the head of the audience hall—a throne, really—and it was elevated on a dais, with cushions and low tables surrounding it. No one was sitting at the throne or the tables, however. Everyone was all milling about, speaking to one another, questioning about why they were here.

            To my surprise, Yuna was also in attendance. She stood by the far wall, furthest from the Ring Warlock’s throne, her hair half over her face. I wondered if she had gotten her medicine, but I shook the thought away.

            “What is the meaning of this?” Kaito yelled. He pointed at Ketsu. “You said my father had arrived! Where is he?”

            “I said no such thing,” Ketsu snapped. His expression was icy and precise. “I said the Ring Warlock of the castle was here, and that he wanted to make an announcement.”

            The whole room fell silent as the implication of his words settled on everyone.

            I strode to the throne. My footfalls were the only noise in the room, and they sounded like the crashing of boulders were each step, that was how quiet it was. When I stepped up onto the dais, gasps fluttered around the room. Then, as I sat, there was a shout of outrage.

            “What is the meaning of this?” Kaito stormed his way through the group, until he was only a few feet from me. “You can’t possibly be—”

            I lifted my right hand so that everyone in the room could see the ring.

            Shocked gasps, followed by another wave of intense silence. The wide eyes from everyone in attendance almost made me chuckle. Most of them recognized me—and their expressions slowly shifted to horror as they no doubt thought back to how they had treated me.

            Ketsu stepped over to the side of the dais, his expression so smug, I would swear he was enjoying himself.

            “Allow me to introduce to you the new master of Wist Castle.” Ketsu motioned to me with a bow. “Rimon-nox is the Ring Warlock, the ruler of the northern half of Rovik Prefecture.” Ketsu stood straight and adjusted his glasses. “He’s been observing you all for the last few days. I hope, for your sakes, you made a good impression.”

            The whirlwind of mutterings, whispers, and susurrations filled the audience hall. Most individuals backed away from the dais, their bodies pressed against the walls farthest from me. I spotted several of Garrain’s concubines as they huddled with their children. No one looked more frightened than they did.

            But not Kaito.

            He stayed rooted in his spot, only ten feet from me, his face growing red with rage. He turned to his lieutenants and then motioned them over with a jut of his head.

            I stood and stepped off the dais.

            Ketsu turned to me. “Rimon-nox, I think—”

            I held up a hand, interrupting him. “You should back away just a little bit.”

            “R-Right.”

            I had never seen the man move so quickly. He practically leapt over to the nearest wall, giving me plenty of space.

            Kaito’s four lieutenants all strode over to my location. They didn’t have swords, but they all carried knives in their hands. And when Kaito pulled his blade from its sheath, the room went silent for a third time.

            “That ring wasn’t for you,” Kaito practically shouted, his anger fueling his volume. “When my father finally grew old, the ring was meant to fall to his heir. I’m the one who should be the new Ring Warlock, not some dirty whore that still has mud stains on his knees from kneeling!”

            He gripped his weapon, and the shining silver edge really was unlike anything I had seen before.

            “The lunar metal will cut right through your body if you let him swing,” the Warden said with a chuckle. “Not that I’m worried about you—but just keep it in mind.”

            “Katio,” I said, giving him no honorific, “out of everyone I observed in the castle, you were by far the least impressive. I’ve done the world a favor by killing Garrain and taking your place as the next Ring Warlock.”

            The man tensed as he held his sword in both hands. “You bastard. No Ring Warlock is powerful in their first few days. You’ve made a mistake showing your face here.”

            Kaito and his four loyal lieutenants all lunged for me.

            I exhaled, freeing my magic, but also trying to contain it. Some piece of me knew that if I was too reckless, I could accidentally kill everyone here. I didn’t want that.

            Instead, my sphere of death was like a shield. Kaito and his men passed through it—and then crumpled. They hit the beautiful wooden floor gasping their last breaths, their skin withering, their face shriveling.

            The life essence of five warriors flooded into me. I rocked back on my heels, but I managed to grit my teeth and remain standing. I couldn’t afford to appear weak. If the other bladekeepers saw me collapse, I was certain one of them would try to end me.

            No.

            I remained standing.

            And the five men? They were all dead, their bodies rapidly decaying.

            The final clatter of their weapons falling from their boney hands was the only noise in the audience hall.

            No one moved.

            I took a deep breath before shouting, “Anyone else want to contest my right to the ring?”

            It was a challenge I issued to the whole room.

            Not a single person answered it, their wide eyes all the five corpses before me.

            That was what I thought.

            “Since I am the new lord,” I said, projecting my voice for everyone to hear, “I’ve decided to make changes. Some of you will be invited to stay and rule with me. Some of you will be asked to leave. And others of you…” I turned my attention to the bodies at my feet. Then I glanced back up. “Will discover how powerful my death magic really is.”

            “Death magic?” someone whispered.

            “The night has forsaken us,” a woman replied, her voice shaky.

            No one dared to run. Yet. They were all probably still in shock. That was fine—I didn’t want them to run.

            I held my ground. “Mazun-zar, step forward.”

            The crowd before me practically parted. Everyone leapt out of the way to allow for Mazun to pass, as though they were afraid of invoking my anger for even a second.

            Dressed in ceremonial bladekeeper garb, with his sword at his side, Mazun strode forward. He held his head high, but I saw the sweat dappling his skin, and the way he nervously kept a hand on the hilt of his weapon.

            When he drew close to Kaito’s withered corpse, Mazun carefully stepped around until he stood directly in front of me.

            Everyone in the room was still.

            I stared Mazun in the eyes, and he didn’t hesitant to return the gesture. We stared at each other for a prolonged moment, his breathing shallow.

            In a low whisper, so that no one else could hear, Mazun said, “I apologize, Rimon-nox. For calling you a whore when we first met. I—”

            “Enough,” I said, my voice equally as quiet.

            Mazun silenced himself.

            “I want to make you the bladekeeper in charge of the castle’s keep, but first you have to prove yourself to me.”

            Mazun’s brow furrowed, his attention keenly on me. He said nothing—he just waited.

            “Kill Garrain’s consorts and children,” I said, no emotion in my words, “and I’ll promote you to the keep. Refuse, and I’ll slay you the same way I did Kaito.”

            No one else was part of this conversation. Ketsu was still in his corner, safely out of my range, and the rest of the people in the room dared not venture too close to eavesdrop on our whispering.

            But everyone knew we were having a conversation. They all waited with bated breath, watching, wondering.

            Mazun mulled over my ultimatum, his gaze falling to the bodies on the floor more than once. Finally, after a tense moment, he forced himself to relax.

            “Kill me,” he said as he met my gaze a second time, nothing but hate in his eyes. “I refuse to stain my blade with the blood of children.”

            Relief washed over me like a wave. I exhaled and smiled, my chest unknotting itself and my anxiety bleeding away.

            With a smile, I said, “Thank the darkness. Mazun-zar, I just wanted to test you. The bladekeeper I have at my side—the one who watches this very keep—has to be someone I trust. Now I know that someone is you.”

            Mazun’s eyes went large, but only for a second. He recovered himself quickly, a smile creeping across his face. “You… were testing me?”

            “Mazun-zar,” I said, loud enough for everyone to hear, “You will be the bladekeeper at my side. The one who resides here in the castle. Do you accept?”

            Mazun bowed deeply at the waist. “I do, Rimon-nox. Thank you. I’m honored you would recognize my skill.”

            The voices in the room shifted. People whispered and pointed; some even spoke words of optimism.

            Not everyone was going to die—that was the conclusion they came to.

            Unfortunately, not everything was so simple.

            “Garrain’s consorts, step forward.”