2.24 In Which the Dark Lord Gets to Know the Neighbors

2.24 In Which the Dark Lord Gets to Know the Neighbors

What? Lord Seiji, thats not a beastman, said Mimi.

Whhe isnt? I pointed at the fallen man, who was still partially curled up and wincing in pain after the tumble hed taken. Look, hes got the ears and the tail and everything.

Exactly. Ears and tail, nothing else. Thats just a halfbreed.

Dont call people halfbreeds, I blurted in annoyance before my brain caught up with my mouth. Thats not just rude, its nonsensical. Having dual parentage doesnt make you half a person. If anything, the opposite.

A good point, Lord Seiji, my apologies. Mimi, or Lady Miriami, was smooth and discreet as all the young aristocrats Id taken in. It was funny how they all had abundant skills in outdoor survival, social maneuvering, and basically nothing else, but they were definitely easier to talk to than the more rough-mannered lowborn Id been hanging around with. I mean, this fellow clearly has human and beastfolk parentage. Wolffolk, to judge by the tail.

Isnt that a fox tail? said Nazralind.

Well, if hes not a beastfolk, what the hell do they look like? I demanded.

Theyre beastfolk, Aster said uncertainly. Um. Folk who are like beasts. I dont know how else to describe it.

Sakin, grinning as usual, cleared his throat. For example, Lord Seiji, the local catfolk: picture a cat the size of a man, walking upright like a man, with limbs arranged like a mans. Thats a catman. Furry all over, animal heads, fluffy tails, and some weird musculature especially in the limbs. Plus big ol bappy paws for feet. So yes, this guys half-human. Maybe more than half, by the look of it. Which also explains why hes faffing around alone in the forest, dressed like a hobo.

Oh, let me guess, I sighed.

Yes, Im afraid halfah, that is, individuals with dual parentage are usually not accepted by either kind, Nazralind said, grimacing. Human settlements chase them out. I dont know exactly how the beast tribes deal with them, but Ive heard its more or less the same.

Poor guy. Sakin was right: his clothes were threadbare, ill-fitting rags which had clearly been scavenged and were not going to serve him very well in the coming winter. His mane of black hair looked like it had never been combed in his life, much less cut. He wasnt dirty, though. The clothing was stained, but he had the clear complexion and shiny hair of somebody who bothered to bathe when he could. I guess there were fresh water sources out among the khora, after all.

I was starting to feel bad about all this. The guy had the tense, livid expression of somebody who was terrified and determined not to show itand also, that had been quite a drop and I was pretty sure hed landed right on his tailbone.

Well, then. Heal. Pink light flashed in the dimness, and he twitched, jerking upright. His furry ears straightened up fully, then laid flat against his skull, and I despised how adorable that was. Sorry about the rough greeting, friend, but in my defense Here we are in a bandit camp we just cleared out, and there you were lurking in the khora overhead. What was I supposed to think?

He just stared at me, squinting suspiciously, then glanced at several of the crossbows pointing at him. His whole body was obviously tensed to springbut by the look of him, hed much rather run than fight. It was clear that only the fact he was surrounded by armed people prevented him.

Whats your name? I asked.

The wolf-eared boy narrowed his eyes to slits, staring at me in cold silence. Yellow eyes just like a wolfs, I noticed, though this being Dount that didnt prove anything. Asters eyes were almost the same color; Dountol lowborn in general had light irises in every shade I knew from Earth, as well as tones of red, yellow, and purple.

You know I can just kill you, right? I prompted. His tail bushed up but he didnt otherwise move. A few of my followers gave me dubious looks, but I just kept talking. Pragmatically speaking, thats what I ought to do. Youre an unknown quantity spying on my business in the middle of the night. In fact, killing you outright wouldve been a lot easier than knocking you off that perch. So you can tell from the very fact that youre still alive that I do not intend or want to harm you. I held up one hand. However. As Im sure you can see, our business is not the kind that does well withwitnesses. So help me out here, buddy. Lets have a pleasant chat, determine where we stand, and decide how to resolve this in a way that lets you go about your business and doesnt require me to do something Id rather not. Kay?

One pointed ear twitched sideways, twice.

I inclined my upper body in a very slight bow. My name is Seiji. And you are?

Finally, I got an answer. Grudgingly, but it was progress. Im Sato.

Sato, I said in surprise. Huh. Thats a Japanese name. A surname, but still

I have no idea what that means, he said tersely. Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

Sure, it was probably a coincidence. It was just two syllables, after all; that might pop up in almost any language. Still I couldnt help looking closer at his hair. Lowborn hair was black and always curly, with a glossy sheen when clean; elven and therefore highborn hair was yellow, but very stiff and coarse in texture and didnt shine under light the way European blonde did. This guy had straight, black hair that was thick and, despite its disheveled state, glossy. Like mine.

Probably a coincidence. But I was certain Virya had not told me everything about how this game of hers worked, and I had my suspicions about that Vanderhoen character whod turned up to advise the King of Fflyr Dlemathlys and started implementing reforms that smelled to me suspiciously of modernization.

Hes not bad looking, though, Keffin piped up in the momentary pause which fell as I considered this. I never actually met a halfbreed before.

Lord Seiji just said not to use that word, Kastrin muttered at her. Id already decided not to make a thing of it; the noblewomen were one thing, but the former whores were only socially adroit when they chose to be and made an effort, and Keffin was Well, she was more fun than studious, as she immediately proved.

How about it, cutie pie? she cooed at Sato, striking a pose: one leg out, hips cocked to the side, leaning forward to give us all a nice view down her neckline. Wanna share some quality time? Let me pet those ears and Ill rearrange your whole view of the cosmos.

For my part, I had to clench my eyes shut for a moment against a flash of remembered panic, the lovely expanse of Keffins cleavage triggering an instinctive clench of horror and grief from something Id seen while healing in Cat Alley. At least it was a brief and minor flash this time, hopefully gone before anyone noticed my stiffening up.

Id been a few days; good to know my mind was still unraveling. That was what passed for comforting familiarity for me anymore.

Keffin, I said aloud, do you mind? We are working, here.

What? I was! Im justoh, right, new job. Sorry, Lord Seiji! Force of habit.

A mixture of groans and cackling ensued from her comrades; Kastrin gave her a particularly scathing look, and Adelly (lightly) swatted the back of her head. Poor Sato looked absolutely bemused by this exchange, on top of still being quite reasonably afraid for his life.

So, anyway, I said loudly, what brings you out here to skulk in the khora over our heads, Sato?

I saw lights, heard voices, he answered, still terse. This gang was bad news. Pays to keep track of what theyre doing.

So you crept onto a khora branch right over the camp? Points for balls but not sense, there. You do know these bastards were eating people, right?

I know. Im not sorry theyre gone. But I could tell it wasnt them from a long way off. Figured itd be smart to see what was happening. Specially when I realized it was you guys.

That last bit was delivered with a scowl and a biting tone that seemed more personal with the rest.

Why, I said mildly, whatever is wrong with us guys?

What a fascinating country this Japan must be, Minifrit commented smugly. Here, Sato, I believe we have a winner. Dark red should even be a decent color for camouflage, at least in this kind of khora forest. The blue one would also work for that, but it would be too baggy on you. Try this on, see how it feels.

Sato took the coat from her and shrugged into it, eyes wide. It was a pretty standard lowborn-style work coat, deep maroon in color, with the standard wide cuffs, high collar, and knee-length hem. This one appeared to have a fleece lining that would be very handy once it started snowing.

Its new, the wolf boy whispered, his ears twitching violently, and I had to control my face lest it betray sentimentality unbecoming a Dark Lord. Poor guy had never owned new clothes in his life. I could tell because this was the exact expression and tone the Gutter Rats had all had when we put them in fresh clothing.

We are blessed with a supply of fabric and leather, Minifrit said. We have people working to supply winter clothing for everyone; there is enough to share. So that was probably not made by a professional tailor, but I didnt bring out anything that isnt serviceable. It should last for years. The leather will be stiff for a while, but itll soften as you wear it. And please return the next time you find something to trade for, she added, looking him critically up and down. Before the snow starts, ideally. Just look at the state of you, boy. You need some proper shoes at least.

Its long, Sato observed, twisting and watching the drape of his new coat flare with his movements.

Yes, thats the common style, Minifrit answered. The extra drape will help keep your legs warm. HmI suppose it might be an impediment moving through the khora if youre not used to it. We dont have many garments of highborn cut, but I could see if

I like it! Sato stepped back, protectively wrapping his arms around himself. I I like it. Its perfect. Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Minifrit, I agreed. Excellent work.

The only kind I do, she said, inclining her head and looking somewhat more pleased with herself than usual.

And she was correct, I added, turning to Sato. Anything else you find out that I might want to know, feel free to come back and Ill compensate you well for your time. In fact, if you want to actually come inside to do business, Ill throw in a hot meal. Not to trade for, just to talk over. Thats just basic hospitality.

Hes serious, Nazralind added when Sato looked openly skeptical. He even feeds that horrible goblin who peddles information.

Naz, I said, exasperated, I just got finished making a point about how we dont discriminate here. If you have problems with goblins, please keep them to yourself.

Hey, I have nothing of the kind! she protested. Ive been shown great integrity and frankly amazing compassion by goblins, and I certainly know what its like to be despised and cast out by the society of this country. When I call Maugro a horrible goblin, I mean it very personally.

Yes, feel free to stay awhile if you do visit again, Keffin purred, slinking up to Sato while he was distracted and winding herself around his arm in such a way that it pressed right into her bosom. Ill make sure to show you all our hospitality.

Sato made a very entertaining high-pitched noise and jumped away from her.

Heel, Keffin, I ordered. Man, I was glad Id left Junko in my room; her usual greeting probably would have sent the high-strung wolf boy fleeing for the horizon. I got the impression it wasnt just girls, he didnt seem accustomed to talking with people at all. It made sense hed be nervous about the prospect of living in a fortress full of them, even if he wasnt convinced we were all doomed. Speaking of which Sorry about her, Sato, shes harmless. Now then, if you are satisfied with our end of the deal, shall we move on to yours?

Oh! Yeah. Yes, this is Its great. He nodded earnestly. Thank you. Okay, Ill show you. The nearest one is

Sato edged away from the group. Sakin subtly shifted his feet, preparing to spring, and Kastrin casually reloaded her stinger with a sleeping dart, but I made a soothing gesture at them. Satos nervous demeanor did suggest hed been looking for an opportunity to flee the whole way back here, but after watching him all this time I suspected he wasnt actively planning to. He was just nervous, generally. For someone like him, accustomed to being alone in the forest, just the fact of being surrounded by armed people had to have been terrifying. Sure, he might run off on us now that he had what he wanted, but the coat wouldnt be a huge loss in the worst case scenario. And more importantly, extending trust in this scenario was a deliberate and strategically motivated decision on my part.

Besides, between Biribo and Kastrin, the boy wasnt going anywhere unless I chose to let him.

That way. Sato pointed off into the darkness. Sorry, got a little turned around. I usually stay off the road and away from the fortress, specially at night. But its this way.

He stepped off the path with no more ado, the rest of us hurrying to keep up. Sato picked his way through the darkened forest floor with the ease of somebody very much accustomed to it, though with me holding up a Firelight it wasnt that much harder for the rest of us. It didnt take many steps to demonstrate he wasnt trying to get away; in fact, not far in he paused to look over his shoulder and let the rest of the group catch up.

You live in this area? I inquired as we moved. You have some relation to the cat tribe, then?

Sato gave me a mistrustful look, ears swiveling backward for a moment, but he then relented. The lad seemed altogether more amenable now that hed been treated fairly and benefited from our association. Which was good; my plan was working.

None of the tribes want anything to do with a halfbreed. My mother was wolf tribe. Their land is south. They hunt me if I even go into their hunting grounds. Cat tribe is gentler. Theyll chase me away from their village but they dont mind if I roam here. Not very competitive about foraging, either. The last few years, at least, he added in a mutter, his ears flattening again. Its been pretty good hunting. Havent found out what their manners are like during a lean year. Theyve been getting more nervous since you showed up, you know, he said accusingly. Hunting parties yell and throw stuff if I get close to them. Used to be hunters would talk, sometimes trade. Now theyre tense, scared.

Well, they have nothing to fear from me, I said lightly. So long as they continue to mind their manners, that is. Personally I would much rather be on friendly terms with the cats, but theyre so standoffish.

You should tell them that, Sato muttered.

Its hard to strike up a dialog with people who run away at the sight of you. And Im concerned going too close to their village would just rile them up.

Yeah, he nodded. Yep.

So far, so useless. I mentally shifted the cat tribe back to my list of problems to be dealt with when the more urgent ones where settled. The cats were many steps below Lady Gray, from whom I still had not heard a peep.

Our guide didnt take us far at all; I could still see the well-lit walls of North Watch through the khora branches when he stopped, pointing wordlessly up at the trunk of a large khora growth. I raised the Firelight, catching a glimpse of what he indicated, but that didnt help a lot in the dimness so I dismissed it and cast a Light Beam directly at the target.

Affixed directly to the khora somewhat above arms reach, shaded from rain by one of its hard fan-like growths, was some manner of totem. It took me a few seconds of puzzled staring to recognize that the main piece was the skull plate of one of those shellback animals that were hunted around here. I had not seen one in person, but they were used for meat and akornin. On it was painted in vivid blue pigment an elaborate sigil which, thanks to my Blessing of Wisdom, I found I could read despite not even knowing what language it was in. Actually it was more reminiscent of a kanji than the alphabetic script the Fflyr used: the symbol could mean protection or warning depending on context. Long, colorful feathers had been affixed to the skull in a fan-like arrangement hanging downward from it.

Aw, balls, Sakin muttered.

What am I looking at? I demanded.

That, boss, is a Shylver totem, Biribo explained. The local dark elves use them to communicate with the beastfolk without having to actually talk to them. Theyre secretive and standoffish people, but also an elf is an elf and elves generally wont lower themselves to consort with whoever they think is beneath them. No offense, Naz.

None taken, she shrugged. When youre right, youre right.

Ive seen totems like this before, said Sakin. They mark off areas the dark elves dont want the beast tribes going near.

Theres more of em, said Sato, pointing off into the darkness. If you go through the khora in the daylight and look carefully, youll see them. They make a ring around your fortress.

I drew in a long breath, letting it hiss through my teeth. Sothis means

Boy was right, boss, Biribo said seriously. The dark elves know were here, and they dont want anybody messing with us. Probably because theyre still deciding how they want to proceed. One things sure, though: they are watching.