The Anthology of Threefold Fates: The Anthology of Fates, #1

By Elizabeth Cullinan

Tahm is the daughter of a king, yet despite her privileged upbringing, she struggles with her mental health and a dark power that feeds off of her suffering. When the enigmatic Wren arrives in court the pair form a fast friendship that blooms into a tentative romance. But their relationship is tested when Tahm spirals out of control, forcing her to flee her homeland and leave Wren behind.

Athaeru is a transgender woman seeking a sense of belonging, both among her people and within herself. She undergoes a dangerous ritual to align her body with her spirit, but still finds herself on the outside of society looking in.

Though born a girl, Bennet has always wondered if there isn't a different way to be. After bandits destroy their home, Bennet is taken prisoner. Tormented by their captors and their past, Bennet must do more than survive: they have to fight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Cullinan
• Release date: Jul 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201203382

Elizabeth Cullinan

Elizabeth Cullinan is a transgender woman living in New England. A life-long lover of fantasy, she was raised on the works of J.R.R. Tolkein, Susan Cooper, and Ursula K. Le Guin, but never saw her experiences fully reflected in them. Drawing on the stories she loved as a child, she writes for others who have struggled with their gender, sexuality, or mental health.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Excerpt

From The Initiate’s Primer, 144th Edition. Edited by Arch Master of Records Varus Tibius.

Above all else, it is imperative that a Recorder hold fixed in their mind one simple premise: Truth is impossible. Objectivity is impossible. That is not to say that they are not worthy goals. Corroborating the stories our sources tell us is the most essential lesson an Initiate learns, and for good reason. However, the search for Ultimate Truth, for Pure Objectivity, is doomed to failure. We are limited, frail beings, and our abilities of recall and perception are flawed and narrow. To tell the Truth of even a single second would require Recording the testimony of thousands and is thus impossible. So set Truth and Objectivity in your mind as ideals, then never think on them again.

The Recorder must rely on agreement between sources as well as their own judgment in deciding what to Record, but the story of what has happened must be preserved. There are some who might rejoin that the story can be found in histories, but that is not the story. That a child was born in this year in this place, or that this war broke out between these nations in that year and that place is not the story.

The historian pursues facts. The Recorder pursues life. When we Record, we preserve the words of those who were there. Although their words may not contain all there is to say, although there are memories that will never be shared with a Recorder, words that will forever remain Unwritten, this too is life. Recorders are the historians of life. Record what is given to you, and the outline of what has been omitted will be revealed. Tell the story and truth, as much as mortals can know it, will follow.

CHAPTER 2

Unwritten Words

First Impressions

Master Recorder En Ta’a was thinking. He’d had just over two weeks to think about what he wanted to say, but as the days passed to the rumbling of carts and the squelching of mud, he found himself no closer to an answer. The line of research that had brought him here was solid, but even so, before coming, he had exhausted every other avenue. Why was he coming here last? Did he suspect all along that the answers lay here in Arun, on the very western edge of the world? Did he fear the prospect of this conversation? En Ta’a shook the tension out of his shoulders. He was getting more irritable by the minute. He hated hesitating. He hated people who hesitated. Why was he doing so now? Probably because there was no good way to say So your daughter was a madwoman who slaughtered countless innocents, tell me about that. Especially to the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the known world. En Ta’a drew a long breath and began to walk towards the High Ruler’s keep.

As he approached, he considered the stark differences between this… structure and the massive keeps in the Northern Kingdoms. The Kingdoms had castles, true castles, built of stone and impregnable to assault. What stood before En Ta’a now was little more than a hall on a hill. There was a ditch surrounding it, spanned by a single bridge, and at the top of the embankment was a thick palisade wall. Through the open gate ahead, En Ta’a could just make out the grounds within. They were flat for the most part, and a path from the entrance led across them and then up a small hill to the hall, itself made of a mix of stone and wood. Overall it was not a highly defensible structure. But then, the Isinu did not often concern themselves with defense.

At the gate, one of the guards held out a hand, stopping En Ta’a.

What your business in the keep? she asked in broken Common, her voice stern.

I am a Recorder. Master Recorder En Ta’a, he said in Isini, and the two guards exchanged looks.

And what does a Master Recorder want here? asked the other guard.

Sources. I am writing a Record.

On?

En Ta’a hesitated. Why was this so difficult? Tahm Hashim Sahi dol Arun.

The air seemed to freeze at the sound of the name. A stony silence descended as the two guards glared at him. En Ta’a was used to this sort of treatment (finally familiar waters) and simply stared back placidly. Though the ferocity of their gaze was somewhat novel.

En Ta’a sighed. I don’t have time for this. He reached beneath his tunic and withdrew a small medallion, engraved with his name and the sigil of the Great Library of Highgate. I invoke the Right of Record. I am Recording the story of Tahm Hashim Sahi dol Arun, daughter of High Ruler Sahi Okk Tarim dol Arun. This Record has been authorized by Arch Master of Records Anu Nol and Council of Masters, of which I am a sitting member, and I formally request an audience with the High Ruler. The guards made no move. Immediately. En Ta’a added, his tone icy.

The guards shared a look, then the woman shrugged. Your funeral. Amri! she called over her shoulder. A young man appeared from within the gate. Run ahead and tell Lord Sul that Master Recorder En Ta’a requests an audience with the High Ruler. About Lady Tahm.

Amri’s eyebrows shot up, almost disappearing beneath his shaggy hair, but he turned and sprinted away without a word.

The woman gestured for En Ta’a to enter, and the other guard stepped aside. En Ta’a bowed stiffly at the waist and made his way inside. This was going to be much worse than he had anticipated.

En Ta’a made his way slowly to the keep. He was not as spritely as the young messenger, and he wanted to give the household time to prepare. And himself time as well. He was pleased with his performance at the gate. In all honesty, he hadn’t been sure when he started talking that the Isinu even honored the Right of Record. Despite his success, he chalked most of it up to luck and tone, two things that could get someone surprisingly far in life.

En Ta’a was greeted at the door of the keep by an older man who bowed as he approached. I am the steward, the man said. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master En Ta’a.

Thank you, En Ta’a said, returning the bow. And likewise. I must say I was not expecting such a welcome.

The steward’s face darkened. You must understand. Lady Tahm… he hesitated. Her passing left a mark on this household - one not fully erased by time. I know the High Ruler… Well. It is not my place to speak of such things, especially to a Recorder. If you would like to follow me. The steward gestured towards the open door.

Entering, En Ta’a found himself in a large hallway, set on either side with doors. At the end of the hallway was a set of massive pair of them, flanked by guards, that doubtless led into the great hall where the High Ruler held court. The steward gestured for En Ta’a to follow him and began to walk down the corridor. However, just before passing through the double doors ahead as En Ta’a expected, the steward stopped and knocked on one of the side doors. There was a brief pause then a muffled voice came from within. Enter.

The steward opened the door and gestured for En Ta’a to enter. Once En Ta’a was inside, the steward closed the door quietly behind him, leaving En Ta’a alone with a large man seated on the far side of a desk.

Silence descended. After a moment, En Ta’a decided to speak. Hello, my Lord. I am En-

I know who you are, said the man in thickly accented Common. And I know why you are here. But what I don’t understand is why you are here.

I beg your pardon, my Lord. I don’t-

You want to write about my sister. But why her? There are a thousand other stories for you to scratch at. Why do you have to come picking at this particular old wound? Do you think it has not hurt enough?

My Lord- I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.

The man reached down to his waist, and En Ta’a caught his breath. But instead of the blade En Ta’a expected, the man simply began to glide around the side of the desk. Rounding the corner, En Ta’a could see that the man had lost a leg sometime in the past and now moved with the help of a wheeled chair. The man maneuvered himself close to En Ta’a. Even seated, the man was almost the same height as him. He glared into En Ta’a’s eyes for an uncomfortable minute. It was all En Ta’a could do to maintain eye contact. Sweat began to dew his spine as he waited in silence for the man to speak again.

The man grunted. Hmph. I am Sul. Son of Hashim and High Ruler Sahi.

Well met, my Lord, En Ta’a bowed.

Ill met more like, Sul growled. Why are you here?

In all honesty, En Ta’a knew very little about Tahm and even less about what her family knew about her. He gambled. Because I have heard of your sister. She is said to have been a butcher. Insane. Possessed by demons.

Sul stiffened and opened his mouth to speak, his face flushed.

En Ta’a pressed on. But I believe none of that. Because I have not heard the Words of those who were there. I am here because I want to know about the real Tahm. Because I want her legacy to be a matter of truth, not conjecture.

Sul looked at En Ta’a, appraising him. A long moment passed before Sul nodded. Very well. You will have your Record. You will have my words. And I will speak with my fathers and my brother so that you may have their words as well. But I warn you; they may not be as understanding as I am.

Thank you, my Lord. En Ta’a bowed again. You are very kind. I understand that it will be difficult for you all, and I appreciate anything you can tell me.

Hmph. Steward! Sul called in Isini. The door to the room opened immediately, and the steward appeared. Find Master En Ta’a a room in the keep. He shall be staying with us for some time. Accord him every courtesy due his station.

Yes, my Lord. The steward bowed.

Master En Ta’a, Sul continued in Common, turning to face the Recorder again. We will begin tomorrow. I must make some arrangements first, but then I will tell you the truth about my sister.

CHAPTER 3

Being the Record of the Scourging of the South. Part 1. Recorded by Master Recorder En Ta'a in the year 1141 OTE. As told by those who were there.

How I Became Acquainted with the Scourging of the South

The event known as the Scourging of the South occurred in the 1135th year Of The Empire (OTE) in the Eastmarch province of the Salerian Empire. The Scourging, as it is colloquially known, is common knowledge in the South, but in the North, it turned few heads. I speculate that this was for two reasons. Firstly because it had little to do with affairs of the North outside of some small effect on trade. Secondly, the relationship between the Salerian Empire and the peoples of the North has always been fraught at best, leading to no small amount of pointed mutual indifference, at least popularly. The Empire has a long memory, and it has neither forgotten nor forgiven the Imperial separatists who fled those lands to found the Northern Kingdoms. In addition, the Isinu of the Old Forests and the White Mountains still maintain their ancient tradition of raiding the coast of the Empire. The Northern Kingdoms turn a blind eye on these activities, leading many in the Empire to count the Kingdoms as complicit. It is for these reasons I feel that this event, so calamitous for the people who experienced it, is even now known in the North to only a relative handful of scholars, merchants, and sundry.

I first encountered the topic from one of the latter, a mercenary who had served in the conflict. I shall not reveal their name as per their request, especially since I would not consider them to be a reliable source (they offered few details or specifics and only the broad strokes of the conflict). They were cagey about which side they had fought for, which leads me to suspect that it was the losing one, and from what they told me, they had good reason to fear recrimination, for the crimes of that party seemed numerous. While I gathered only a small part of the story from them, it was enough to pique my interest. In the end, it was the tale of a soldier, and it left many questions unanswered, not the least of which was the identity of the leader. According to this mercenary, she was a highborn Isinu woman possessed of rare magical talent. Since I was near the Western Reach at the time, I resolved to make the journey to the Old Forests and the lands of the Isinu and Record what I could learn about her.

In the Beginning

The High Ruler of the Isinu, Sahi of the Arun tribe, had been elected as a young man in the year 1108 Of The Empire. By the time of the Scourging, he had ruled for nearly three decades. He was widely considered to be kind and just but also a peerless warrior. His election had been challenged by Chief Ossa of the Inahu Ahn tribe. As is the custom of the Isinu, the challenge was decided through single combat between the Sahi and Ossa, who was by all accounts defeated easily. Sahi allowed her to live, and thus she was stripped of her chieftainship and lived in self-imposed exile until she died of old age. Sahi besting Ossa in combat was considered a good omen by many and helped strengthen his rule from the beginning.

The new High Ruler Sahi was shortly after married to Hashim of the Inahu Ahn tribe. Hashim being Ossa’s nephew, the marriage reaffirmed the allegiance of the Inahu Ahn to the High Ruler. In the years that followed, Hashim, as one who could bear children, produced three that lived. The eldest was Sul, born a year after the High Ruler took the throne. A year later, Tahm was born, and two years after Tahm the youngest, Sheihan, came into the world. The children had all the benefits of their fathers’ station and received the best education available. Or perhaps it is better to say that the children had access to the best education available.

It was noon on a fine summer day some thirteen years into High Ruler Sahi’s reign, and all in the keep were absorbed in their duties. All save the three figures scurrying down a side hall.

Come on! hissed Sul, We’re going to get caught if you don’t hurry up!

Sul, Tahm complained, We should be in class! Where are we going? She and nine-year-old Sheihan piled into the nook that Sul was hiding in.

Huh? Sul replied distractedly, We’re going into the city. I thought that was obvious. He motioned with his hand. Okay, it’s clear. Let’s go.

But why? Tahm hurried after him.

It might be fun! Sheihan said hesitantly.

Tahm rolled her eyes. Double recitation sounds fun to you?

It’ll be worth it, Sul said.

It better be, she replied.

Soon they were out of the castle proper and into the grounds surrounding it. Crossing the open field, they moved directly to a small drainage gate set in the west side of the curtain wall and began to squeeze through. Being the oldest and largest, Sul was starting to have a hard time with that particular maneuver. Once through, the trio descended into the protective ditch that surrounded the wall, picked their way through the refuse thrown down into it, and up the other side. With that, they were in the city.

Arun wasn’t large by the standards of the Northern Kingdoms and the Salerian Empire, but for three children looking for adventure, it was the world. It sat on an inlet on the western coast of the Western Reach, as the Kingdoms call it, on the very edge of the world. However to the Isinu it is the largest port in the Old Forest, and with High Ruler Sahi’s election, it was their current capital. Sahi’s ascent to the throne had been contested on the grounds of his brash reputation. These many years later, it was clear to everyone in Arun that Sahi’s apples had not fallen far from his tree.

Ugh. Gods, Tahm scraped some mysterious lump of matter from her shoe and retched. I swear that that pit gets worse every day.

Yeah! said Sheihan. It’s disgusting!

Well, it is summer, Sul said coolly. It probably does get worse every day. He looked around. Now come on. We have to hurry. We’re going to be late.

Tahm stopped in her tracks. What.

I said ‘We’re going to be late.’

Late for what. Tahm’s voice was tinged with threat.

Sheihan looked from one to the other, and Sul shuffled his feet, averting his eyes from Tahm’s glare. Tahm was not as large as he was at this point, but she could best him easily in a fight, as she had proved time and time again.

I told the Hazon Nimh boys to meet us in the abandoned warehouse a bell past noon, Sul said. His face darkened. They were saying… he glanced at Sheihan, bad… things… They were saying bad things about father.

What were they saying! Sheihan complained. I’m old enough to hear!

Tahm shook her head. It doesn’t matter. She glowered at Sul. Okay. But next time you take us to a fight without telling us first, I’ll pound you.

Sul nodded vigorously. Yes! Will do! Sorry!

Something clicked in Tahm’s head. Wait! And just how is this going to be worth it?!

Um… Sul looked uncertain. Satisfaction?

Tahm sighed and rolled her eyes.

They made their way to the docks and began winding their way through the narrow alleys and paths among the warehouses. Just as the bells in the city were tolling, they came to a large, dilapidated building. A fire had claimed it years before, and being on the periphery of things, it was neither worth rebuilding nor demolishing. As such, its owners had left it to molder. Sul led them to a gap in the wall where the rotting boards had been pulled away, and they made their way inside to find their rivals already waiting.

We were just beginning to wonder if you were coming, one child sneered. He was Hazon, the oldest of Hazon and Nimh’s four children. But Sul, Tahm, and Sheihan couldn’t help but notice that there were six arrayed against them.

Shit, Sul muttered.

What? Oh! Hazon looked around him. So we brought back up. He laughed. I guess stupidity runs in the family. I can’t believe you’d show up to a fight without thinking about the odds.

At least we have honor, dog! Tahm spat. You’re just trash whelped in trash.

Hazon flushed with anger. We don’t all have the luck to be born into nobility. He sneered the last word, letting it drip with sarcasm. "Last chance to run back to your castle, little zarahish!"

Zarahish is a word that translators frequently mischaracterize. Some academics translate it as prostitute, coward, or slave, but to do so implies a view that the former and latter positions are specifically looked down on in Isinu society. Among the Isinu, prostitution, like in the vast majority of the known world, is viewed simply as another profession while indentured servants (slaves as such do not exist in Isinu society) still have all the fundamental rights of free peoples. More precisely, zarahish refers to someone who is too cowardly to stand up for themselves, someone utterly spineless and without self-respect. Thus if they were to be asked to perform any task by another, no matter how loathsome the endeavor, they would acquiesce almost immediately. The Isinu despise those who bend to the slightest pressure. Interestingly enough, they are fiercely protective of people who cannot defend themselves. It is a distinction that may seem arbitrary to outsiders but is fundamental to Isinu society.

In any case, Hazon had issued a challenge and grievous insult. On occasion, Tahm could display surprising bursts of speed and strength, and she did so now, her brothers close on her heels despite her agility. Tahm’s fist connected squarely with Hazon’s nose, crushing it. Blood sprayed out, and he was sent sprawling. On either side of him, Sul and Sheihan crashed into the assembled boys, laying about them with blows. Knees, fists, feet, elbows, and heads were all fair game, and soon a cloud of dust rose where they brawled. Tahm knelt on Hazon’s chest, beating him about the head and shoulders with her fists in a blind fury until two of his brothers heaved her off of him. She kneed one of them in the groin while Sul pulled the other to the ground by his shirt collar, stomping on his stomach for good measure.

The opposing gang melted under the three siblings’ assault. The backup fled first, then three of the brothers began to back away, limping and breathing hard. Hazon was unconscious on the ground where Tahm had beaten him. Blood was leaking from his nose and a cut below his eye, and blue and purple bruises were already beginning to form all over his face. Tahm began to move for the retreating children, but Sul held her back.

That’s enough, he said. Let them go.

They didn’t go far, only to the other side of the building, and there they prowled, waiting for the siblings to leave so that they could reclaim their brother.

Sheihan wiped blood from his nose, and Sul spat out a gob of red onto the ground. Tahm was unbloodied but not unhurt. She had taken a kick to the chest and was still struggling to keep her breath. Beyond that, each of them sported numerous bruises, welts, and scrapes and were covered in dirt.

That was their condition when they got back to the castle and were promptly dragged before their fathers. The children stood in silence in front of them, heads hanging.

What’s all this then? Sahi asked, his voice tinged with weariness.

It’s not their fault! Sul cried, looking up. I dragged them into it! They didn’t even know where they were going.

Sahi raised an eyebrow. That is not less damning. That just means that they were naive as well as reckless.

Sul blushed and fell silent.

We helped our brother! piped Sheihan. Loyalty isn’t naive!

They aren’t mutually exclusive, Hashim remarked dryly. He turned his gaze on Tahm. Well? You’re the only one who hasn’t said anything.

Tahm was looking at the floor still, tears running down her face. I’m sorry, she whispered. I missed class, and I-I beat that boy so badly. I j-just got so angry. I’m sorry I missed class.

That’s a little more like it, Sahi said.

Will you send a doctor? Tahm begged. Please send a doctor to see to him. It was Hazon Hazon Nimh. That’s who I… hurt. She trailed off.

Sahi and Hashim exchanged a look. Ah, Hashim sighed. You’ve fought with them before. Their mother doesn’t like your father is that right?

Yes, mumbled Sul. They say mean things about you both.

And Hazon called Tahm zarahish! cried Sheihan. He deserved what he got!

Tahm turned and pushed Sheihan. No, he didn’t! He didn’t deserve that! She turned back to her parents. Please! You have to send a doctor!

Sahi held up a hand. Don’t push your brother. And yes, I will send a doctor. He pinched the bridge of his nose and looked over at Hashim.

Hashim took up where he had left off. Sul, you are smarter than this. Tahm, you are better than this. Tahm hung her head and let out a small sob. Hashim sighed. And Sheihan, you are too young to be brawling in the streets. Hashim held up his hand to stifle Sheihan’s protest. No. I won’t hear it. All of you. No more fights. There is a time and a place. Now it’s time you learned patience and maturity. You must step back from insults. They mean nothing. If you must vent your frustrations, do so in the training yard. Now go get cleaned up before dinner. Your teachers will decide what the consequences of missing their classes will be.

Yes, father, the three muttered, and they turned to go.

Tahm, Sahi called out. Wait. I want to talk with you. He turned to his husband. Hashim, would you see that the other two get treated?

Of course, Hashim kissed Sahi on the forehead. Come on, you two. Bath first, then the doctor. He ushered them out of the room and closed the door behind him.

Sahi and Tahm stood in silence for a moment before he spoke. Talk to me. Tell me what’s happening.

W-what do you mean… she trailed off. Am I a bad person? Her voice was almost a whisper.

Oh, darling, no. No, of course not. Sahi knelt in front of her.

Only, I try to be good. I try to be nice…

You are one of the kindest, gentlest people I know.

Then why did I hurt that boy so badly! I didn’t mean to! I just…! Tahm trailed off, tears forming again in the corners of her eyes.

Just everything went foggy and red, Sahi said.

Tahm nodded.

Even the best people have rages. Sahi sighed. They come from inside of us, and sometimes they don’t have anything to do with who we are as a person. Sometimes… sometimes they just happen. There is much that comes from within us that we have no control over.

The tears that had threatened began rolling down Tahm’s face. Am I broken? I feel broken. I feel… bad.

Sahi scooped her into his arms. You’re not bad. And you’re not broken. Listen. When Hashim gave birth to you, I saw the most beautiful, gentle soul within you, and I have seen that soul every day since then. It’s the best people that feel the greatest pain. If you felt nothing, then maybe you would have cause to fear. But you do feel. You feel so much. You are good. You are good.

Tahm held Sahi and wept into his shoulder for a long time. Eventually, when she had exhausted herself, Sahi took her back to her rooms and had a hot bath prepared for her, and then she slept.

CHAPTER 4

Unwritten Words

Making Amends

Tahm hovered nervously by the street corner. For the first half-hour, she had pretended to be engrossed in the shop windows. For the next, she ate a roll sticky with honey and nuts. After that, her imagination failed her, and she gave in to peeking around the corner every few minutes. When her target finally did appear, she immediately pressed herself up against a building, her breath coming fast and shallow. She closed her eyes and tried to settle her breathing but almost immediately abandoned the attempt and peered around the corner again. He was coming this way. Shit shit shit shit shit. Footsteps. Drawing closer. Shit. She turned her back at the last second as he rounded the corner, shielding her face from view, and he walked past without noticing her. Turning to watch his receding back, Tahm plucked up her courage and called out.

Hazon!

Hazon stopped and turned. Wha- You!

Tahm grimaced. Me.

Hazon glared at Tahm through his one open eye. The other was still blackened and swollen shut, his face a mass of bruises. "What do you want, zarahish?"

Tahm immediately felt the heat rise to her face. She opened her mouth to retort but closed it again with effort. I didn’t come here to trade insults, she growled.

And just why did you come? To gloat?

Tahm gritted her teeth. No. I didn’t come to gloat. I came- I came to apologize.

Hah! Apologize? Gods, you really are a little weakling, aren’t you?

Hot tears were beginning to well up behind Tahm’s eyes, but she choked them back. Strong enough to beat you! She bit her tongue. She wasn’t there to rise to his bait. Shaking her head, she continued. Look. It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry I hit you. I just- I lost control. I hope you’re feeling better.

Hazon was growing red under his bruises. Fuck you. And fuck your apologies. Get the Hell out of here before I call my brothers.

Tahm couldn’t hold back her tears any longer, and they began to roll down her cheeks. I just wanted to make sure you were alright!

Go to Hell, he snarled.

Fine! I don’t know why I even bothered.

That makes two of us. Now fuck off, Hazon snapped.

Tahm turned and stormed away.

Back at home, Tahm sat on the floor of her room and fretted at the edge of the rug. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Why was she like this? Why did Hazon have to be so mean? She just didn’t understand. She tried to do the right thing, but it never seemed to work out. She’d lose her temper, or the other person would or- or- or something! She always messed things up. And it’s not like Hazon owed her forgiveness or anything. She had made a mistake, lost control, and there was no making it right. She fucked up. That’s what she was. A fuck up. A stupid fuck up. So what was even the point? Why shouldn’t she just be like Hazon, bitter and angry? That’s how she felt. Why not-

She gritted her teeth and punched herself hard in the leg. Bad thoughts! She didn’t like thinking like that. It reminded her of how thin the line between her good and bad moods was sometimes. Why did everything have to be so… slippery? She felt like she was walking on ice. One false move and she’d slide this way or that. One way she’d get angry, another she’d get sad. She hated being angry. She hated being sad.

Why couldn’t she just be happy?

Why couldn’t she just be normal?

CHAPTER 5

Being the Record of the Scourging of the South. Part 1. Recorded by Master Recorder En Ta'a in the year 1141 OTE. As told by those who were there.

Wren

During these early years, an adventurer from the Far North crossed the White Mountains and appeared at the High Ruler’s court in Arun. The Isinu believe that the Far North is home to terrible demons, and thus the humans who live there, the Imannu Var, are thought to have great power or perhaps be demons themselves. As such, most of the Isinu treated her with respect bordering on fear. That this newcomer was only a year or two over the age of maturity made her appearance all the more remarkable. On arriving in Arun, she almost immediately requested an audience with the High Ruler and pledged herself to his service on the spot. Driven by curiosity and an innate respect for her unique heritage, he accepted. Even so many wondered what had brought her there.

Tahm first encountered the newcomer some days after her arrival. Tahm was sparring with her friends on the grounds when she saw her. She was taller than Tahm was if slighter. She appeared human, but there was an otherness to her. Maybe it was her eyes. Tahm had never seen anything like them. They were grey and clear and intense, as though they could see for miles. Maybe the Imannu Var weren’t human after all. Even so, her face... her face made Tahm’s stomach flutter.

Hello! Tahm called in Common, waving her over. You’re Wren, right? My father’s newest sworn sword?

Wren hesitated. Yes... lady?

Tahm blinked. Then burst out laughing. Hahaha! There’s no need to call me ‘lady.’ I’m not anyone’s lady! I’m just Tahm.

Heh, Wren chuckled nervously. I have never been in a king’s... home before. Sorry if I do not know how to... do. Or speak right. Common is not my first... speak.

Psh! Don’t worry about it. We don’t have elaborate ceremonies like the Empire or the Northern Kingdoms. She suddenly realized that she had been talking too quickly for Wren to follow. And I’ll try to speak more simply. Sorry.

... It is… good.

Tahm laughed