A discouraging reaction. Though given the damages from the rebel insurgency, warranted. “What would they have me do? The trainees are children.”
Lokesh, again, is unmoved. “Ask the bhutas to announce themselves. They look the same as you and me. People are afraid of what they cannot see, cannot identify. Require bhutas to reveal their powers. A mark on the hand or forehead.”
Brac recoils. “You want to brand us?”
“This protects you as well,” Lokesh counters, a mocking ring to his tone. “You cannot identify bhutas either, and you destroyed all the neutralizer tonic after the war. What’s to stop an Aquifier from striding up and leeching you?”
“Why not mark the full-mortals instead so we may know who you are?” Brac contends.
“Your Majesty,” says Lokesh, flouting Brac’s outburst, “this is not a radical policy. Your father’s ranis donned henna rank markings to identify their standing in his court.”
“They were competitors,” I say, voice rising. “Bhutas have stepped forward by their own free will. They need not be made into spectacles or targets. When the people ask about their welfare, tell them the truth. They are safe, Commander.”
Lokesh’s enmity molds into steel. “Rajah Tarek would never make such an ignorant claim.”
“Tarek wouldn’t have entertained your impertinence.” I leave my threat unfinished, as we can both imagine the repercussions. Tarek would have waited until Lokesh rallied a crowd and executed him publicly. I am satisfied to deliver a warning.
“The people cannot be silenced.” Lokesh barely restrains his rage, his voice and fists shaking. “You’ll regret welcoming bhutas into your palace.”
My belly hardens. His inflection of speech and hatred for bhutas reminds me of Tarek.
“Are you threatening His Majesty?” Brac demands, summoning a ball of flame. It hovers before him, ready for him to cast.
“A premonition,” Lokesh qualifies.
I incline forward. “Inviting you here was a courtesy, Commander. Suspend your speeches, or I’ll blame you for every individual injured on your watch. Should anyone so much as trip and fall while they’re listening to you, I’ll hold you accountable.”
Brac rescinds his powers and grasps the back of my throne to show his support. I glance at him to step back, but the damage is done. Lokesh’s eyes glint, intensifying his sneer. Brac has confirmed his assertions. My orders will be reinforced by bhutas.
“Good day, Your Majesty.” Lokesh bows and stalks out, the echo of his footfalls dangling in the rafters.
8
KALINDA
Tinley and I ride racing winds into winter’s stronghold. Bracing cold has usurped the north, forcing dormancy over the land.
Chare speeds past the lower hills and up the craggy mountains. A solid wash of heavy clouds hampers my view, and then, like a monster transpiring from the deep, Wolf’s Peak appears. Jaya believed Ekur is located upon this pinnacle of the Alpana Mountains, where land meets the sky-god’s territory. The temple is a gate between our world and the Beyond, a go-between wherein the deities once ruled, free from the woes and infirmities of the mortal realm.