Chapter 57
We used the camp the monk and his accomplices had set up. The princess was surprisingly compliant, though she still seemed to expect to be waited upon. Not that she demanded service, she just assumed people would take care of things for her. And it was a surprise every time that didn't happen.
Sleep came easily, though the sun rose far too early for all of us. We set out not long after, with Sati in the center of our group. I was eager to catch up with Yatek and end this whole affair.
Kubek's blessing still seemed to be in effect, and we made excellent time toward the location the minister had indicated. Our arrival was late, however, as the Pure had already left the area in the direction of Bani. When we followed their trail, we encountered the aftermath of the battle.
The bodies of Pure soldiers were strewn about, many having been crushed or wrung out like rags. I saw a number hanging in trees, bound up in vines and branches that had wrapped around them and squeezed. Others bore more conventional wounds.
"Minister," I approached the tiny man, who was overseeing the cleanup. "Did their awakened give you any trouble?"
"Oh, very little. They were nothing like what you faced." He grinned at me, a knowing smirk that somehow still managed to be genuine and cheerful.
"I have a guest I need to turn over to you." It seemed best to be formal about things, although the minister surely already knew. "One of Ramana's daughters was working with the Pure, and I remand her to your custody."
The minister and princess exchanged a long glance. It was clear they knew one another, and that the relationship was not a pleasant one.
"I'm afraid I must inform you, Esur'uk, that the king has no daughter named Sati. But he suspects that your household could use a new servant."
"What?!" Sati's exclamation came after a long moment of blank shock, which was quickly supplanted by rage. "You can't do that, you miserable old man!"
"I didn't." Yatek's reply was simple, and matter of fact. There was no ire in it, and I thought I detected a hint of sadness in his gaze as he turned back to me. Behind me the princess, former princess, began to rage. Myta hauled her away, whispering something in the other woman's ear as they left.
"Now that unfortunate business is attended to, the king has offered you a reward, and a boon. I suggest you gather your things, and then meet me in Bani after. I understand you left many of you belongings at Tarun's estate?"
"I did," I replied to the old sorcerer. "Also I left my goats near another..." I trailed off, as familiar bleats filled the air. I glanced at the minister, who just grinned at me.
"What a coincidence. It seems that your goats made their way here. I'll expect you in Bani in about two weeks. That should give you time for the trip there and back. You won't need Hati and Jito for that trip."
"Thank you, minister. That should be plenty of time." I was frustrated at how thoroughly I'd been handled. Even so, I rather liked Yatek, he reminded me a little of myself. When I headed toward the sounds of Ita and Ina, I found Myta fawning over them. The two animals were filthy, their hair matted, but at least they were alive and well.
"We return to Tarun's estate to retrieve my wagon. See who wants to come with us. Denu and Cata should, at the very least." Myta nodded at my words, and headed off to carry out my instructions. Leaving me alone with an irate demigod.
"Don't think that I will serve you! Fawning over you like that slave of yours. I am still the daughter of a god, no matter what he claims."
"Listen girl. I do not want you here." She opened her mouth to speak, but I talked right over her. "But, you are bound to me now, and there is nothing either of us can do about that, yet. At least, not short of killing you. I assume you'd prefer to avoid that?"
She nodded, resentfully. "I'm no girl. I'm fifty years old, and probably know more of sorcery than you ever will."
"Unlikely," I snorted. "You seem to be proof enough that age alone brings neither knowledge nor wisdom. Does your knowledge include how to solve the problem in front of us? Can you separate our spirits safely?" At the sullen shaking of her head, I nodded.
"So stuck together it is. For the near future, at least. You'll need to make yourself useful."
"Or what?" She snorted. "You've already made it clear you don't intend to kill me, and I doubt my father would be pleased about it anyway. Even if I am disowned."
I rubbed my eyes at her shortsightedness, and for a brief moment imagined taking a switch to her bottom, as my teachers had to me. Her yelp was surprising, but satisfying.
"If you do nothing to help us, we will do nothing to help you. I may not be inclined to harm you, but I feel no obligation to support you either. Welcome to real life, princess."
I walked away while she was still fuming and rubbing her rear. Her emotions were a surprise to me. Anger, certainly, but also an undercurrent of something else beneath it. Intrigue, perhaps. It was yet another thing I'd need to come to grips with later.
Our trip back to Tarun's estate was blessedly peaceful. Denu seemed to have recovered some of her confidence, and I knew that Myta was speaking with her often. I thought she would put the attack well behind her with a little more time, though she'd lost some of her bubbly enthusiasm.
It was an unfortunate fact of growing up, but I was glad to see her still laughing happily with my flame. Her loss of innocence hadn't taken her joy, even if her trust would never be so casually given again.
