[This chapter contains references to mass death, missing children, and emotionally intense themes. Reader discretion is advised.]
The room went silent. Some gasped, some slammed their fists, some jumped out of their chairs. Salīa stayed still.
She knew how tallying worked here. Magi of designated villages use census stones, which were orbs resembling colored glaze that lifted once an intention was set. She knew of it from her youth with the demon hunt, but there was never a need for it in recent years.
The intention here would be to count how many human bodies are without souls, isolated to the given time of the attack, to prevent the previously dead from being included.
It could even account for bodies that have burned to ash. This was the fastest way to collect tallies. Yet it still took time, and while it would mostly get the bulk of its numbers before sunset, it's likely only to be complete within the next day or two.
Once complete, the census stones collected would pass through the census scrolls, and the given names would be inked on them.
Yet those not accounted for or hidden names would deliver as smudged ink. This would mean loved ones would still have to identify bodies if they could, to be sure.
"These are just starting numbers?" Othu asked, rubbing his eyes.
"Yes."
"I see. You are the zazi chief, or were before all this, right?"
Chief Raino nodded.
"It's true that Pasang is to help zazi with enlightenment?"
"Yes."
"And do you feel enlightened?" Bana asked bitterly.
"Enough," Salīa said.
"Of those kids missing, two are my niece and nephew," Simo said miserably. "Of those injured and dead are some of my closest friends and neighbors. You must understand that while Bana's anger may be misplaced, it's not coming from an unseemly place."
"I understand. But Chief Raino is not to blame. Barriers were made, stopping the apprentices from communicating with him at Pasang.
Every part of our customs and rituals that we've used to protect this land was countered. If you build a home with all the metals and woods to form it, all the gates to keep it, and talismans to protect it. Yet somehow the house still blows away.
When you've done everything you can to guard your home, and it fails against unforeseeable threats, then are you to blame?"
Bana clenched her fists.
"You are surely not some ruler, but a stupid bastard child!" Bana got up.
"Bana!" the rest of the council warned.
"Yes, I would be to blame!" Bana shouted. "It is my fault. If I have a baby and let it swim, but do not watch it. Is it my fault if it drowns?"
"In that case," said Othu, lifting his owllike gaze. "It would be."
"Exactly," Bana snapped her fingers at Salīa. "Our strongest guardian, as you like to call him, said it himself. Senai, Silio, and Sana.
Our most protected villages were the ones first compromised. That means that these invaders were able to come into our land, eat our food, talk with our people, study us so deeply that they got us at the jugular and left us in ruins while snatching our young.
If not our protectors, then who, your majesty, if not, the strongest guardian of our land do you presume we should blame?"
Salīa felt her nerves swell at her throat. What should I say? What would mother say? What could anyone say to this?
"I take all blame," Chief Raino bowed. "You are right, Bana. Had we observed more efficiently, this might not have happened."
"Exactly. Excuses of warriors. Your lack of battle has made the lot of you lazy and indulgent."
"Stop," Salīa stood up, gritting her teeth. "These zazi have battled plenty when called to. Chief Raino is the most experienced in this. And you insult our guardians because they aren't constantly flicking xiras around to amuse you?
Is Salazā not meant to be a sacred land made strong with the pillars of peace, unity, freedom, and love? And you're upset that that's what our land has been representing all these years?!"
She was yelling too now, and Chief Raino gave her a shake of the head, letting her know he did not need to be defended. Yet she couldn't help it, it's like she could feel the volatile and vibrant lifeforce of every being in this room right until those at the edges of the land.
"I agree with her," said Lefu. "Our zazi have always been some of the greatest warriors of the realm. They do not need to constantly demonstrate this."
"Being attacked during Pasang is unfortunate timing, and since the dates of Pasang change annually and are not publicly disclosed for our protection, we can only assume that our invaders were either extremely observant or talking with those who know our ways too well," added Letu.
"In other words, Salazāhns. Most likely even officials. The precision of this could not have been achieved without the advisors of our land. Or do you disagree?"
It must have crossed everyone's mind. For this council was already trading slights and dubious glances at any pocket of silence.
Though loyalty has been a renowned, long-standing quality of authority in Salazā, as everyone has been picked meticulously for centuries.
What are the chances that such streaks would really be broken as soon as I step up to rule?
She looked to Chief Raino's who stared plainly at the bickering members, his eyes narrowing as if he too had suspicions and was evaluating them in his own way. I guess that answers that. No surprise, though. I've always had about as much luck as I do testicles.
"We can discuss who inside our land might be a traitor later. Let's think of who outside our land might want to invade," she said, sighing deeply. "Are there any lands we've had tensions with as of late?"
"Your mother did not speak of any, nor have we been made aware of any," said Keanu.
"How about lands with each other?"
"Not that I know of. I've heard of a conflict with Timbana and Raan."
"But that's on the other side of the realm. Are we in conflict with them?"
"No," said Chief Raino. "Timbana and Salazā are still great allies from our last records. Raan is struggling with inter-land conflict with rebels, yet none under our name."
"Have any of these lands asked for our assistance?"
"I'm not too sure, but we haven't been asked to send any zazi out."
A hand lifted.
"There have been small battles here and there with Priea and smaller lands, yet mostly over land ownership, territorial disputes, and tariff disagreements. Nothing, including us either. Nor have we been called to assist," Othu said.
"But Priea is our ally, still?"
"Yes."
Good. I remember having a memorable time in Priea and everyone being so kind. But what of the smaller lands?
"I'm assuming Priea is winning in these battles?"
"Always," said Eli. "As you know, Palosa is a great ally of Priea, so with united guardians, these smaller lands are not at an advantage besides dark weaponry and armor here and there, and use of illegal magic. Yet those who've used it are executed."
Well, that is what happens if you use magic after it's been banned.
"Why battle? Does Priea seek larger territory? It's quite a large land. And I didn't think the king of Priea was that hungry."
"We don't have much knowledge on it either. Your mother might know more."
Undoubtedly. She always knows more. It's not just a thought, but a fact. Yet it would've helped if she could've shared some of that with me.
"Anything else?"
"There's word that Bhuan might be planning to battle Palosa," Buhle said so softly it almost swept into the silence.
Everyone's head turned, except for the twins and Bana.
"It's just a word."
"Quite a strong one," said Simo. "Where did you hear this?"
"Sometimes here, sometimes there."
"Always with the 'sometimes here, sometimes there.' Never a real source," said Eli. "And forget of it, your majesty. There's been word of Bhuan and Palosa butting heads since before you were born, since before I was born, and I'm about to be sixty."
"Are you sure we shouldn't worry?" Buhle whispered, sniffling again. "Two upper lands at each other's throat is—"
"Not our concern for now," Eli spoke over her. "Palosa is our sworn ally. Bhuan is our sibling ally. If we put ourselves in the middle of what's probably just some air for words, we might end up in another Three-Threaded War."
It is true that Bhuan and Palosa battled centuries ago and had a lot of lingering tension and resentment built off their land's almost opposing natures, yet they were said to resolve that when royals of both lands married into each other some years back.
It's best not to linger on hearsay for too long.
"That's pretty much all that's known in terms of conflict," said Chief Raino. "We're on good terms with all the other lands. The only thing that's different is the rumor that Amari is opening up."
"It's no longer a rumor after that letter," said the twins in unison.
Salīa had learned this much.
Amari had gone into seclusion all those years ago on her first Noblas Veiros. And it was only three years ago that an announcement was sent to the lands announcing their reopening to host the ala-bala tournament since it was their turn.
Yet not many believed they would, as they hadn't even seen a person from Amari in such a long time, let alone been able to enter the land.
The following year, an announcement came to remind them that they'd be looking forward to hosting the best ala-bala players and creating a stadium for all who'd want to see. Yet still, people could only wonder.
While Salīa was away, an announcement came some moons ago while she still spoke with her family. It read as an official invite welcoming all with a date and details of the tournament, and that teams should be ready.
It even publicly apologized to the crown of Khī, Palosa, for disregarding its rules, and promised to repent and explain its isolation. It said that it would no longer separate itself from the rest of the realm and wanted to create a beautiful spectacle and exquisite design for the ala-bala tournament to be the most thrilling they'd ever known.
All royals got personalized invites with gifts galore to welcome them and acknowledge them in a way greater than any other land ever had when hosting.
This was quite a bold declaration. Amari was a very wealthy land, if not wealthier than Timbana and Palosa put together. So plentiful gifts and hundreds and thousands of invites were not much for them to fret over.
Yet for a land so proud to apologize in such a manner was quite significant.
Many thought this land was using ornate and elaborate displays to hide that they had been suffering since their isolation. Though it was hard for anyone to imagine such, since this land had been infamous for how rich it was.
The child within Salīa couldn't wait to finally see Amari once she heard all this. Yet now, as much as this urge still stirred within her, such things didn't matter with her family missing.
"What do you think, your highness?" asked Keanu. "Do you believe they'll really open their lands?"
"I think it would be wonderful if they did. Yet even so, it's our own land we should think about. Fortunately, Amari has always been an ally of ours, and we've always been an ally of theirs, so their status of isolation or connection does little for our standing."
Bana tsked.
"You don't think so, your highness? I don't mean to be unkind, but do you really think things are always as they seem?"
"Yes, because things always seem the way that they are to me."
A smug smile appeared on Bana's face.
"If that's so, then who attacked us?"
Salīa didn't pay much attention to the political landscape of Khī before. Mostly because such things didn't seem exciting or necessary. As far as those of Salazā knew, Salazā was an ally to all. To each upper land, lower land, smaller land, isle, island, and everything in between.
There hadn't been a single battle including Salazā in over three hundred years. The last was the Three-Threaded War, and that was the last war Khī had ever had.
And it's not that Salazā was upset with any other land; it was just that its people got dragged into a merciless battle that was mostly between Palosa and the extinct Gazma, quite a far distance from home.
But once the Salazāhn heir, Salīa I, also known as the last Protector, was killed in the crossfire, both heirs of each land put down their swords and called a truce. This was because Salīa was an ally to all, and so all lands of Khī took the loss personally.
Salazā had always been respected as an important land in the realm, despite some trying to tarnish its name and people.
As Salīa got older, she truly started to understand it more in the magnitude of gifts, letters, invites, and visits from nobles and royals.
Apparently, this land was even considered the crown of Khī once upon a time.
"That's a question of whose weight cannot stand on one's shoulders alone," said Keanu.
"Are you hoping she might lick one of your horns if you feign to be wise?" quipped Bana.
"You are being unseemly now," Simo warned. "Do not disrespect our ruler."
"Lower lands and outlanders."
Everyone turned to the deep voice that spoke. It was Othu, who looked only to Salīa.
"What did you say?" Salīa asked.
"He's saying we've only covered upper lands. The isles also are also favorable to us. So, we should look to the lower lands," said Eli. "To simplify it, the eight lower lands are in harmony with their supportive upper land, except for Raan.
So, the lower lands in question will be smaller or unofficial lands often homed by outlanders."
Salīa felt her heart pick up again. It brought her back to the time when so many outlanders died just because she opened her mouth all those years ago.
Chief Raino looked to her, then stood.
"The space is open for all who'd like to share their thoughts on this," he said, then nodded to her. "We'll take it from there."
And so, they all spoke, even if briefly.
Bana was the first to and even interrupted others. Yet Salīa didn't interject even once as the debate went on. It was no shock that the council unanimously suspected outlanders to be the black masks.
And even she couldn't fully defend them. The dead black masks all looked different in size, tone, and features.
No distinguishing marks bound them either. Though seeming as if apart is exactly what groups outlanders together. Often viewed as the odds and ends of the realm that couldn't quite fit into an official land.
All with different tongues but overlap with the traveler's tongue of vagarī, and those from gloomier backgrounds often traded baba tongue.
They might move together or alone, but neither way binds them. From neither here nor there, and so this allows them to be everywhere and yet nowhere.
The common conclusion the council came to was that outlanders made a decision to come together in an unofficially organized group as rebels.
That fills a temporary space of the who.
But now what will they decide is the why?
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