LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 1.19
Nila was getting used to the crowd. She and Nene claimed seats at the long parallel tables along the main street of Kumhar. The sun had set and numerous bonfires had been lit in the night. People were getting food and drinks at the stalls, chatting loudly, singing and playing cards and dice.
Nene kept talking about life at the monastery. She tried to stick to funny episodes, such as her arguments with sister Liaria, while avoiding religious issues she feared would reignite tensions between her and the sisters. Nila did the same, sharing mundane memories of her village, her family and especially Adanara. It was no secret that the two of them were very close. Based on those stories, Nene began to reevaluate her opinion of the witch, despite her being a minion of the Evil One. Just like any other human being, she had cried, laughed, played and suffered, but above all she had made choices dictated by her desires and needs. Her conduct was unforgivable, but at least Nene could have tried to understand her better, rather than judge her under a single wrongful action. The Church would have called her blasphemous for even considering such a thing rather than purging the witch on sight, but clearly, the Church didn't know everything. Her education was somewhat lacking, and she wondered how her Order would have reacted had they learned of Jiriel's existence.
«Everything’s fine?»
Nila looked at her apprehensively. They were sitting next to each other at the end of a table. They were alone, allowing them to have a quiet conversation and a certain degree of intimacy. Nene woke up from her thoughtful state and smiled.
«Yes. I was thinking that… I owe your sister an apology. I mean, I was in the wrong too»
Her words seemed to move Nila. Her eyes became moist and she came closer, too close for Nene to feel comfortable.
«Nene… I-I'm so happy that… Thank you»
Nila hugged her. She stood still, overwhelmed by weird emotions. Strange, unknown thoughts came out of nowhere, the desire to be with her more, to reciprocate her kindness and affection with ease.
«Still, she needs to calm down», she muttered as offended, trying to wash away the embarrassment.
«You're right. I-I'll see what I can do, okay?»
She nodded. She rested her head on Nila's chest and felt her breathing quicken instantly. Was she uncomfortable too? If that was the case, why were they both indulging in such behaviour? Nene was overthinking again. She closed her eyes, enjoying the pleasant sensation. The sounds all around became indistinguishable, shouts and laughter a mere backdrop to Nila's heartbeat.
Footsteps behind them startled them both.
Nila immediately recollected herself and pushed her back. Nene felt horrible, empty and lacking something. It took her a moment to refocus on her surroundings. She turned slowly, numb as if after a long sleep, and was faced by none other than Adanara. The witch, unlike her sister, wore the same clothes she had at the tavern, the typical breeches and jacket of the inhabitants of Kumhar, presumably borrowed from Sevika. Something about her was different. Her usual frowning and contemptuous expression were gone.
«Ada?»
«Hi…»
Her voice was unusually soft. Her aggressive tone and cutting words seemed to be a thing of the past. Had Nene misjudged her or was there more to it?
«I-I was afraid you wouldn't come», Nila said.
«Well... I... I waited a bit for the hangover to...»
«Are you better now?»
«Yes. Sorry, Nila. So many things happened. I wasn’t... I need some time to collect my thoughts… about everything. I should have told you about it but, you know… I'm the elder. I have to act tough»
Adanara struck a strutting pose. Nila laughed, got up from the bench and hugged her sister, who smiled.
«Okay. Take your time. I'm here for you»
Over her sister's shoulder, the witch glanced smugly at Nene. There it was, the real her. She did the same. Sevika wasn't there to protect her again, but she was fed up with that hag’s manners. She was ready for a fight, even if it meant getting a beating.
«Sorry for earlier»
Adanara’s words completely stunned her. It was too sudden, her tone annoyed rather than apologetic. Yet she had apologized. It was Nene’s chance to do the same and maybe make things right.
«I'm sorry too. For everything. I shouldn't have... given you titles without knowing you»
«Oh, my…», she grumbled. «I didn't come to make friends, mind you. But my sister likes you, so I’ll have to tolerate you, at least»
«Ah, here you go. Good old Adanara»
«So what? And don't say by name. If you don't call me "witch", "hag" or something, you make it sound weird»
«F-forgive her, Nene. She has a hard time being honest»
«I am honest! Do you really think I'm going to like the nun just because you two were… were…»
Adanara's face turned purple, a mixture of anger and embarrassment. Nila sat down abruptly and turned her back to her sister.
«Y-you shouldn't spy on me»
«I wasn't spying on you!»
«Oh yeah? What about b-before, at the tavern?»
«I was just… I was worried! You know she's armed!»
«An Inquisitor does not hurt the innocents», Nene replied.
«“Innocent” is a vague word, according to your Church»
«Stop it!», Nila snapped. «P-please»
Nene and Adanara exchanged a fiery look. Could they hope to tolerate each other by their affection for Nila? It was unlikely, but they had to try. Nene hoped the witch was willing to do her part.
«You should eat something», she suggested. «They have pork at the counter over there»
«Meat?! Are you out of your mind? I don't have any money!»
«Meat is commoner’s food here. Also, everything is on the mayor tonight»
Adanara sought confirmation from her sister, who nodded. Incredulous, apparently angry, she headed briskly towards the stall of the annoying butcher and her poor son.
«I-I think she likes you»
«Really? So how does she act when she doesn’t like someone?»
Nila smiled and covered her face. Nene grabbed her hand and looked into the eyes.
«Have I... Did you fight because of me?»
«N-no! Not at all... i-if Ada keeps being stubborn... I don't care, that's it»
«Good. Well, I was wondering if...»
«Nene, w-would you come and visit me tomorrow too?»
She had been predicted. The fact they had the same thoughts gave her confidence, knowing she wasn't the only one feeling something.
«Yes, gladly»
They sat in silence for long moments. Nene's mind couldn't process a single coherent thought. People all around had become less noisy as they were busy eating. It was bizarre to share the table with so many strangers. Pork was the most popular among them, and Nene realised her hands were still greasy.
«Sorry, I made a mess of you», she said, withdrawing her hand.
Nila held her. She looked at her with a face carrying strong emotions. Nene stared like a moron, unable to speak.
«It’s fine»
Adanara reappeared, clumsily carrying several bowls, mugs and even some bags hanging from her belt. She sat next to Nila, away from Nene, and put everything on the table. She poured the contents of the bags around: way more food than they needed. The witch looked at them triumphantly.
«They gave me everything for free! People here are weird. A guy stopped me and asked me to heal his father's back. Who do they think I am?»
The bags contained biscuits, dried fruits and small objects coated in sugar. Nene had never seen any before. They looked like little white gems and were inviting. She wanted to try one, but was she allowed to? She doubted Adanara would have shared her loot with her, and she didn't feel like asking where she got it.
«Here»
The witch handed a mug of foaming beer to her sister. She took one for herself and began to bite into some pork ribs. A third mug stood alone on the table.
«What about this?», Nila asked.
Adanara nodded towards Nene, then went back to feasting on that delicious, greasy meat so prized in the Principality. Nila handed Nene the third mug with a smile. She accepted it in disbelief.
«Thank you», she said.
Adanara did not respond. Meanwhile, Nila began to help herself. She picked up a small sugary gem and looked at it curiously.
«What’s this?»
«Dunno. An old lady gave me some. She said kids love them»
«Nene, d-do you want some?»
Unsure whether to feel offended by the offer, she took one. The little gem was hard and sticky. She smelled it, then tried to lick it. A sweet flavour filled her mouth. It reminded her of honey, an ingredient used only by nobles to sweeten bread and biscuits, which Elora sometimes received as gifts from visitors to the monastery. She put the sugar gem, too hard to chew, under her tongue and savoured it slowly.
«It’s good!», she muttered. «Try it, it's sweet»
«Granny was right, then»
«Ada, s-stop…»
«I'm just kidding»
Adanara looked at her greasy hands. Nila took out the handkerchief she had been lent and looked at Nene, seeking her approval. She nodded, so Nila handed it to her sister, who looked elated. If only she had known the handkerchief belonged to the "nun"...
«Anyway... Why all this? Isn't it early for the solstice?»
«They are celebrating Pranav's recovery», Nene explained.
«How do you know? Are you a big shot in town?»
«The Emissary told me»
«Oh... so... they're celebrating us?»
«Yes. I was told that the mayor wants to grant us citizenship and offer us a job»
«Yeah, as if…»
Adanara got moody all of a sudden. Nila didn't say a thing but made it clear to Nene to quit the conversation. She popped a sugar gem into her mouth and shut it.
«It's okay, Ada. W-we're safe here»
«You think so? Do you think the Church won't come looking for us? Looking for her?»
«W-we must have faith in Father Cosco»
«If I may...», Nene interjected. «The way the Inquisition acts, in the event of... disappearance of an Inquisitor on the field, is to send other agents to look for them. But no agent would ever dare leave the borders of the Principality»
It was a fact: no one was coming for her. Would they archive her disappearance as “fallen on duty”? When news would have reached the Citadel, her teachers would have been ashamed, Elora would cry...
«Hear that? Cosco's letter will k-keep us safe»
«They don't trust anyone. Nila, I'm worried about the village! Maybe... we screwed up, and now they'll take it out on them!»
«B-but... We had to escape»
«The Knights are bigots who don't trust anyone, it's true. But we are taught never to arm an innocent person. I think you are safe, and so is Dena»
«What if you're wrong, shorty?»
Nene sighed after receiving yet another gratuitous comment on her height. She was pissed, she wanted to leash out on Adanara for her attitude and short-sightedness. Had the witch crossed unknown lands, almost killed an Inquisitor and committed the worst of blasphemies, only to then realise that her actions could have had serious consequences? Nonetheless, Nene had to reassure her. She didn't want to spoil the moment and the fragile hope of reconciliation. She held back the urge to explain that even by going back, Adanara could have done nothing against the Knights. Dena's only hope was the Church buying into Father Cosco's lies.
«Adanara I understand that you don't like the Church. I'm sorry. The Emissary helped me figure that I… I probably misjudged you. But believe me, the Inquisitors are not the ruthless killers you think they are. They will not lift a finger on the people of Dena»
The woman jumped to her feet and walked towards her. Nene instinctively stood to attention. Was she about to be attacked again? She readied for a fight. She clenched her fists, waiting to counterattack.
«You better be right»
Adanara held out a hand to her. How was she supposed to react? She stood staring at her, bewildered.
«Sevika taught me that's a local habit. You shake hands to make a promise, or when you make a deal»
«A deal?»
«Yes. We promise not to jump at each other's throats»
Nene hesitated. The simple thought of making a deal, however innocent, with a witch caused her mixed feelings. She sought comfort in Nila, who was lost in admiration for her sister. Resigned, Nene huffed and grabbed Adanara's hand.
«Okay. I promise»
«Me too. And you, stop it! You know I'm doing it for you!»
Nila couldn't hide her smile. Adanara gave her soft slaps on the shoulders. She began laughing. Nene picked back her mug. She sipped a little beer while enjoying the scene. It looked like the way actual sisters expressed affection. Their blows were deliberately harmless, unlike the punches she and sister Liaria had exchanged in the past. It seemed absurd given the recent events, but for the first time in a very long time, she felt she had friends.
The mayor was standing stiffly on the stage. Up there, above the crowd, he looked more like a newsboy than a governor. People completely ignored him, yet another oddity in that city beyond the borders of the Principality, where authority was perceived completely differently.
«Friends, welcome!», he shouted.
Nene looked up at him. Most of those present did not do the same, and Sonhir's anger was visible even from afar. He took a breath, swelling like a bellows, then exploded.
«I'm up here! Listen you fools!!!»
The chatter diminished. Finally, people noticed him. It took a few moments before silence fell and the mayor could continue his speech.
«Thank you!», he said sarcastically. «So, tonight we celebrate the recovery of one of our fellow citizens. Pranav, cook at the tavern at the well’s alley, had been cursed by the Fury two years ago»
His words caused a disorderly chatter. The topic of the Furies made everyone nervous, and, unlike the Church, people out there had no idea how to handle the emergency.
«Well, our guardian Jiriel's research has finally produced results. Pranav is safe and sound and has resumed his work at the tavern! Hurray! Where are you? Oh, there you are!»
Pranav poked his head out of the crowd and stood up. Everyone around him cheered and raised their fists in the air. The man stood up on the table, waving in every direction. He was welcomed with laughter and whistles of disapproval, someone even threw food at him.
«Welcome back, old man!», the mayor kept going. «Now, in case anyone missed the news, Pranav's recovery was made possible thanks to outside help»
«You better credit us, I thought they would give it to that angel», Adanara grumbled.
«A few days ago, three foreigners arrived here from the distant Principality. And with miraculous magic, they returned Pranav to his family and all of us. Girls, where are you? Come up here, don't be shy!»
«D-does he want us to go there?»
Nene stood up. She thought it rude not to participate in local habits, although that ceremony was unnecessary. From her perspective, she had done her duty, albeit with dubious methods, and Pranav's gratitude was enough of a reward. Adanara, however, anticipated her and took Nila by the hand.
«Nila, don't you understand? Maybe... maybe they believe us!»
«You're right, but... d-do I have to?»
«Please, I need you! I would never have done it on my own!»
«Okay then»
The two sisters headed towards the stage, leaving her behind. Nene followed. The people around them began to notice them, to clap and shout. The noise grew louder and louder.
«Come! Come!»
The mayor applauded along with the rest of the city. Nene began to feel lightheaded and confused. She followed the sisters until they were under the stage. There, a man pointed out a ladder leaning against the side of the structure. One by one they climbed while the crowd got even louder. Whoever had told people about their exploit had surely exaggerated the matter. That, or the Furies were such a menace to those folks that they were genuinely relieved.
«There you are! Come closer, come closer»
Seen up close, Sonhir face was reddish, not only because he was screaming like a maniac, but also because of some booze. Adanara hesitated to face her former captor, so Nene stood alone beside him. Then, she made a terrible mistake and looked all around. She was high up, totally exposed and hundreds of people were watching her. Her entire body stopped moving, sounds became muffled. Bonfires' light merged with the dark colours of the night, in a mess of shapes that was difficult to distinguish, until she felt something heavy on her shoulder.
The mayor held her firmly close to him. She held back the instinct to run away and looked at the crowd, stunned.
«... of legends. The monster hunters of the Church. Lady Luck sent us one straight to our doors. Hurray!»
Whistles and shouts arose from the crowd. The people closest to the stage began banging their hands on its top. A boy jumped up on a table, brought his hands to his mouth and howled. Nene shivered: they were celebrating her... Were they? Why did she feel at the centre of some bestial, blasphemous ritual? There were too many stories about how, beyond the borders, the world was out of control, without rules and dominated by the Evil One. It wasn't the case, it couldn't. It was just a cultural thing, simple euphoria and perhaps too much alcohol.
«Besides her, two other strangers have shared their knowledge of the Furies with us. Thanks to their studies, we no longer have to fear them!»
«The witch!» someone shouted.
«The witch?»
Adanara and Nila finally came out in the open. The euphoria quickly waned. The cheering was replaced by chatter. The boy dancing over the table was called to sit down by some of his friends. The air became full of tension.
«Yes, yes», the mayor said. «I guess you all remember the nightmares and sleepless nights. But remember that, even in the past, when our ancestors got saved by the Furies, it wasn't exactly painless. Many supported the cause of Holy Arianna, some at the cost of their lives...»
Hearing the Saint's name in that remote place, Nene regained control of her emotions. How was it possible that Arianna was also known there? She had lived over a century earlier and had been excommunicated. Had she gone hiding in that very village?
«... But these three, Adanara, Nila and Nene, can heal the Furies without consequences. Isn't that something we should celebrate? Don’t you think?»
It was Pranav who broke the silence. The man got up onto the table once more and spread his arms to call for attention.
«Hurray! Long live the Holy Witch!»
His words made Nene's stomach twist. A witch… holy? Adanara had nothing holy about her. She had given up her soul to the Evil One in the past. Comparing her to someone like Arianna, like Elora, was simply unacceptable. However, the people of Kumhar seemed to disagree with her. Gradually a chorus spread, repeating Pranav's words.
“Holy Witch”, “Holy Witch”, “Holy Witch”
«Holy Witch! Holy Witch!», the mayor chanted.
Nene turned to Adanara. Her sight was even more shocking than that heretical chorus: the witch was in tears. She was clinging to her sister, sobbing. Nila caressed her back, also about to cry. Unable to process what was happening, Nene watched, praying that that madness would end soon. The mayor approached the sisters. He shook hands with both of them, gleefully, and distributed loud pats on the back. He did the same to Nene, crushing her hand and vigorously hitting her shoulder, leaving her in pain.
«Friends, calm down! We're not done yet. As mayor, I am happy to appoint you as citizens of Kumhar!»
Another round of whistles and applause rose. The mayor almost dragged Nila towards the edge of the stage and forced her to face the crowd. Adanara followed while still crying.
«Now that you are a citizen, you have the right to start a business in town, own a house, use river water for irrigation, and even get protection from our city guard»
«C-can we... stay here?», Nila asked.
«Of course you can! We would all be happy if you did. In fact, you are invited to my office tomorrow. I have a job offer for you, one suited to your unique abilities»
«Is she okay?»
«I don't know», Nila replied. «Nene?»
Nene almost didn't notice that Nila had taken her by the hand. They were back at the ladder. She stood dazed and faltering, looking around. A group of people carrying drums, flutes and other musical instruments never seen before had gathered there. They were hoisting their equipment onto the stage and a man was looking at her from below.
Was Adanara a Saint? It was insane to even think about it. No, she wasn't! A witch couldn't be. A servant of the Evil One was no hero, unlike Elora who had been blessed with a unique connection with the Archangel.
Nila grabbed her by the armpits and lifted her. She came to her senses just in time to realise she was being passed to the man at her feet. He took her by the hips and brought her to the ground.
«Sorry, girl, but we're in a hurry. We have to play. Eat some bread to get rid of that hangover, or you'll regret it tomorrow»
«I'm not drunk», she muttered.
«If you say so…»
The man returned to his companions, helping them move the instruments with surprising agility. He went up and down the stage carrying loads as if it were nothing. They headed back. Nila kept shaking her with a worried look.
«Are you okay? N-Nene?»
«Yes… yes, all that noise… made me dizzy»
It was mostly a lie, but she needed some time to think. The Emissary had already shown her once that the Church didn't know everything, so she had to discuss with her before drawing conclusions, even though her instincts told her that the whole "Holy Witch" thing was nonsense.
They went back to their places at the table. Adanara chased away some children who were helping themselves with their sweets. Nila handed Nene one of the few remaining cookies, still looking apprehensive.
«Eat something, you'll feel better»
«Thank you»
She bit into the biscuit. The sweet taste calmed her a little, although she couldn't ignore what just happened. She would have loved to go back to chatting with Nila, but she was ultimately obsessed with Adanara being considered a Saint. As luck would have it, Oto appeared from the crowd and sat to her side.
«Here you are! I've been looking for you!»
The boy threw a bag of sugar gems on the table and popped one into his mouth. Then he extended it towards Adanara, which was the furthest from him. The witch accepted with a wary look.
«You are?», she asked.
«I’m Oto. Hi»
«He's Nene's friend», Nila elaborated.
«Come on, have some candies», he said.
Nene took a sugar gem. His presence made her feel at home, so she calmed down a little. She smiled.
«What did you call them?»
«Candies. Haven't you ever seen a candy?»
«No», she admitted. «We don’t have those where I’m from. They are good»
«During Carnival, the Knights give some to everyone!»
«The Knights?»
«Yes. They're just costumes. At Carnival, everyone wears a costume»
«A-are you talking about a festivity of some sort?»
«Yup»
Suddenly the noise diminished. Not even the mayor had managed to obtain such silence during his speech, which drew Nene's attention towards the stage. Up there, a very tall man, wearing a white mask, stood motionless. Behind him sat the minstrels they had crossed earlier. The silence became almost absolute, to the point that Nene could hear the sound of the bonfires crackling and the wind blowing.
«That's Kadaj», Oto whispered. «He’s from very far away. He’s a famous musician»
«What’s he carrying?», Nene asked.
«The violin, you mean?»
The man held a bizarre instrument similar to a lute but with a much more sophisticated appearance. He rested it on one shoulder, supporting it with only one hand. In the other, he held a small wand. When he brought it closer to the instrument, the last faint voices vanished. The sound he produced sent a shiver down Nene's spine. No one dared to breathe, to make a sound. The bizarre music from his unusual instrument put her in a good mood. Whatever was tormenting her just a moment before could have waited at least until the next day.
After a few minutes of performance, the masked minstrel bowed to the crowd. At that signal, the people of Kumhar began to applaud, and the street was again filled with yelling and laughter. The mysterious Kadaj sat down among his colleagues as they continued to play. Many people got up from the tables and ran towards the bonfires on the sides of the street. Everywhere she looked, Nene saw people dragging others at the fires.
Oto jumped up and grabbed her hand.
«Dance with me!»
«Huh? Wait… I've never danced! Where are we going?»
«Hey, kid, can I keep these?», Adanara asked, holding the bag of sweets.
«Yes, but don't eat them all, please», he replied. «Come on, I'll teach you!»
Oto wouldn't take a "no" for an answer. The idea of dancing around a fire with heretics wasn’t enticing, given the stories Nene had heard back home, but Oto just stood there, staring at her, with a pleading look and the most innocent smile in the world.
«Okay... but… I don’t know how»
«Me neither!»