Dreams of Imahken

The quarreling lovers’ voices echoed from atop the bridge, but they were hardly the interest anymore. Sator clutched his rifle, pushing Tyza behind him as the fox emerged from the dark crevice.

“What is that I see?” The fox gleefully pried, skulking towards them, “a weapon, I reckon?”

Sator pointed the weapon in question at the fox.

The fox stood on its hind legs and put a paw to his heart. “Good sir, I have but a trifle to say, before you kill and skin me, if I may?”

They stared in fearful confusion as the fox’s smile grew wider.

“As you eavesdrop on them, I eavesdropped on you! Whose home do you think you wandered into? Alas, riches abound through this tunnel. Such adornments would suit you well. Or perhaps a jest you seek, to make those two speak?”

Sator stomped forward to intimidate the fox. “Damn fo-”

“Aye, hush!” The fox held a claw to his mouth. “To brush.”

The fox darted beneath a bush as Tyza glanced up, noticing a curious glance over the edge from her brother. She yanked Sator back before he was spotted.

“Fine, fox,” Tyza hissed from another bush. “How do you know of our wager?”

“I heard from a ledge, not to my fault, lovers sat upon an edge, too enthralled to halt.” The fox returned to standing on two legs, holding out his paws to stay their embarrassment. “For water was I away to the bank, when through the winds you whispered a prank. He desires unity through lovers’ strife, she wishes her kin free for his life. I desire interjection for but a projection, a specter to test, then to you the rest.”

Sator and Tyza shared a glance, unsure of how to proceed.

“Think if needs be, then summon me.” The fox darted back into its cave, its shining blue eyes fixed on them from the darkness.

Tyza angled away from the fox. “No, no, no, and positively no. I would not, could not, trust a hair on that fox. Never for now and all eternity.”

Sator narrowed his eyes at the fox, then turned back to Tyza. “Who’s to say the fox will let us go, or Illus and Anilee, with no quarrel? In that fox’s eyes is a game, one we cannot win presently.”

“I see no benefit in bargaining with this fox. He seeks to terrorize, not discern truth. We have no grasp of its abilities, Sator. It’s a blasted talking fox!”

“Ty,” Sator pulled her even closer, “do you think such a creature will take kindly to rejection? I see no reason for him to let us-”

The fox whistled at them lightly, emerging from the cave. “Time is now dire, I must inquire. What of the talk? Shall we all stalk?”

Sator strengthened his tone. “We agree to your bargain, and no more after.”

“A specter to test, then to you the rest.” Its eyes leaked blue haze for a blink, then above they heard Illus and Anilee remark at something.

Illus disappeared from where they could see him, so Sator followed the fox with his eyes, watching it leap up a tree and peer through the leaves at Illus and Anilee. Its gleefully wretched face slowly grimaced, a low growl before it leapt down to the forest floor. The fox paced in circles, muttering to himself.

“Enticed he is not by such an alluring specter, but what man does not wish to taste Enae’s nectar?!” The fox bared its teeth at Sator and Tyza.

“What, did he not take to your mirage?” Sator’s rifle was still trained on the fox.

The fox smirked. “No, such a sight will not do, yet I wonder if she will work on you.” Shadowy blue smoke wafted from the fox’s eyes again, and suddenly a woman stood before Sator. The masked woman from the mosaic. The mask, made of ivory and adorned with geometric golden and blue designs, stared stoically at him with glowing eyes. Her flowy blue dress gently waved like it was made of water. Sator’s mind clouded for a moment, stepping closer to the woman, who beckoned him with a provocative finger wag.

Tyza followed Sator closely, cautious for his sake. She thought his mind lost to the specter, and her suspicions were confirmed as Sator lowered the rifle, ignoring the fox to approach the woman.

She grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. “Sator! Sator!”

He blinked, his eyes slowly refocusing on Tyza. He glanced at the false woman, then back to Tyza, then raised the rifle to the fox again.

“What are your specters, fox?! What malevolent tricks are afoot here?!”

The fox’s creeping grin soured now that Sator’s mind was free. “You ask for tricks to conspire while you refuse a moment to admire. What good is a joke if you break the yolk?!” Its eyes thinned, face growing more serious. “Such resolution is promising, you should know the treasure of the king.” It stepped back toward the hole in the wall. “This tunnel to riches it leads, artifacts of heroes whose deeds, long lost to bygone ages, whose worth surpasses all wages. A risk to your life indeed, to never again worry for feed.”

The fox stood on its hind legs, pointing into the cave.

Sator began stepping forward, but Tyza grabbed him, pushing in front of him. “What’s down there, fox. Speak no lies to us any longer.”

It grinned horrifically at them, every word like a curse, every sentence an omen. “Blackened halls, beds of bone, creaking walls, nothing known. Wanderers all gone lost, into the catacombs embossed. I speak no lies for everyone dies who dares bleed to sate greed.”

Tyza approached the fox, glancing down the stairs into pitch black. “Has anyone made it out alive?”

“One was lost and saved by luck, one returned with a bit of pluck. None freed a treasure by my eternal measure.”

“Tyza,” Sator held her hand, “I think it’s time we go.”

Tyza saw before her a chance to escape struggle, all in one tunnel, a maze, but she wondered what she could do differently from all others before, salivating at the thought of the riches below. She let Sator pull her away, her mind clearing from the temptation of wealth.

“We will return tomorrow, fox,” Tyza declared.

The fox’s mouth curled up. “Ye best take time to prepare. The treasure is not going anywhere.”

Soon enough, they were back to the mural where they left their bags earlier, presumably of the woman named Enae.

Tyza pulled Sator close, hunger in her words. “Imagine it’s telling the truth, we could find riches enough to never be poor again. What say we peek in tomorrow, a probe at most, just to know what to expect?”

Sator whispered, wary of the fox’s eavesdropping. “Do you not wonder what has caused so many explorers to not return? Promises of riches. A mad fox making mirages. Mirages which sway the mind.”

“You can’t be blind to the potential of-”

Sator pressed a finger to her lip, checking over his shoulder. “I am blind to nothing at the moment, but has the treasure not blinded you the same as the woman blinded me? The fox is cunning, Tyza. It knows our desires and our fears more than it should.”

“Then what do we bring back, Sator? The surface is all but picked clean with time.”

“The fox can trick eyes with his magic, but he can play on only one’s emotions, it would seem. Or perhaps that is a deeper trick so we underestimate it. So long as we are together and cautious, we may be safe. And as for the treasure, what can the fox do against an organized group of men prepared to delve into catacombs?”

Tyza’s light eyes brightened. “We return with them, claim our riches, and get paid a finder's fee by the military for any magical artifacts or items of great power.”

Sator pulled Tyza into a passionate kiss. “Give it til next year and we’ll be filthy rich darling, I promise you that.” He glanced around, excited breaths taking hold of them both. “But we must be cautious now so we may live to tell about such things.”

She pressed her hands to his chest, watching behind him as he did for her. “How long do you think they’ll be off?”

Sator checked the barren camp and chuckled, “Oh, Illus, you sly man. He’s taken their bedding with him.”

Tyza scowled. “I just… ugh. That woman is more devious than he knows. I pray he sees it and pushes her off the mountain.”

Sator raised his eyebrows at her. “You’ve been awfully… violent about her recently.”

“Because I’m seeing more of her than she’s ever let me see and it makes me sick how she seeks to drive herself between Illus and everyone around him. I tell you that woman is rotten to the core.”

“I think she may just be a sheltered, spoiled, immature, rich girl. Illus sees that and wants to help her become more worldly.”

Tyza rolled her eyes at him. “Of course. All men think they can fix a broken woman until they’re on their deathbed wishing they never had. You don’t hear how women talk behind men’s backs. I’ve seen many like her, women who isolate and destroy decent men like my brother.”

Sator shrugged and started setting up their tent.

Tyza joined him, pressing the issue. “Is it wrong to care about my brother?”

“No, Ty. We can expose her all we want, but in his eyes, leaving her is throwing away the past five years. It would be like if one of us up and left. We would be lost, aimless. That’s why I gave him the advice I did.”

Tyza halted. “What advice?”

“Eh, to be more distant and really show her what him pushing her away looks like.”

Tyza stared at him wide-eyed. “You want him to make Anilee desperate?! Are you an idiot?!”

“What’s the harm? Ty, he’s a smart-”

“And she is a conniving woman who will do anything to keep him under her control!”

“What is she gonna do to him?”

“She may try to get pregnant! Trap him!”

Sator stopped building the tent. “Ty, I think you’re overthinking this-”

“He-!”

“Ty! Ty! Let me finish.” Sator sighed, pausing out of frustration. “I forgot what I was gonna say.”

Tyza calmed her tone. “We had close calls before marriage, and that only took six months for us. What do you think five years of her denying him will become when she suddenly opens up, Sator? Five. Years.”

“To that,” Sator resumed building the tent, “Illus has held out for five years. If he catches onto her game, he won’t budge.”

Tyza paused out of frustration and shook her head. “Why do I even bother worrying? Oh no,” she waved her hands in the air, “I’m Illus, I accidentally knocked up a beautiful and rich woman and I have to marry into a fortune now! Oh, the humanity! Maybe I am overthinking it. This whole bargain is stupid, cruel even.”

“Look, Ty, what he does now is on him. We’ve done our parts. I think he’ll have made up his mind once he gives her enough of a scare and sees her true colors.”

“She’s probably terrified to go that far. Marriage? Kids? I doubt she has any desire for those.”

Sator smiled at Tyza and silently built the tent.

“We might be able to start soon, though, don’t you think?”

He glanced up at her. “Let’s focus on surviving for now.”

“But…” her spirits fell seeing Sator brush that off. “Sator, why not?”

Sator sighed, reluctant to give an answer.

“Unless you want me to trap you.” She playfully bit her lip at him, only to be met by furrowed brows. “Satty, we-”

“Ty!” He tried reining his temper in. “We’ve already… we’ll talk when the payment for this comes in.” He sighed, “dammit, that fox’s pelt would solve everything.”

Tyza dropped her gaze to the overgrown cobblestones and helped him build the tent.

After tending to their cuts and bruises, Tyza and Sator explored the surrounding ruins. Across the bridge was the lone mountain. In the gully was the cave. Their side, though, expanded far north to another river. They found a deep amphitheater. Rows of seats surrounded a vast open center, all of it overgrown, a lake formed in the center where fish swam calmly beneath lily pads and algae. Next to the amphitheater was a covered gazebo, the only place which still had a roof. Makeshift walls were strung together by thick, rudimentary rope like a patchwork house. Beyond that, an orchard of pear trees littered with granite columns, but the house enticed them more.

Sator pushed aside a shoddy door, glancing inside the dim shack. The room opened to a comfortable space with a granite bench and in the center a burnt bronze brazer. Rusted cookware was stacked in one corner while torn, decaying, and ruined clothes, bags, and leathers were hung from the walls. A cracked clay pot filled by dried fish slumped in the corner, no lid to be found. They both walked in and investigated the shack.

“I can assure you,” a woman’s gentle voice emerged behind them, “there is nothing worth taking in here.”

Standing in the doorway was the woman Sator had seen before, but wearing a floral azure night gown instead of the flowing robes of the fox’s specter. He felt no compulsion.

“Sator!” Tyza covered his eyes and pulled him away.

“I’m no specter,” the woman smiled, “no swayer of minds. Have you seen all you wished to see in here?” She stepped aside in the doorframe.

Tyza and Sator exchanged a glance, then stepped out of the house. The woman leapt effortlessly to the roof as they emerged, keeping a close eye on them.

Tyza stopped Sator and turned to the woman. “I presume you live here.”

“Aye.”

“We’re explorers…” she trailed off, still unsure of what she wanted to say.

“Same as those atop the mountain, but closer, I warrant.”

Tyza disliked that she couldn’t read the woman’s face through the mask. “We’re looking for artifacts, if you have them. We’re willing to trade some supplies that may be of greater use to your survival here.”

“Survival.” She chuckled quietly to herself. “What can you offer?”

Tyza turned to Sator, who was clueless. Sator checked his belt, then thought about what he had in camp. “Do you need a canteen for water? A waterproof bag? A collection of expensive dresses?”

“I already searched through the wretched one’s dresses,” the woman said. “Awfully gaudy and impractical, though I could use the fabric. The waterproof bag interests me, as does the canteen. What are they made of?”

“The bag is beaver skin, durable. The canteen is aluminum.”

The woman pondered for a moment. “What is it you desire, then? Presumably a relic?”

Tyza responded without hesitation. “Yes! Please. If that is an acceptable ask.”

The woman crawled down through the chimney cap in the center of the roof with astounding speed and landed next to the fire pit. She closed the door on Sator and Tyza, then emerged from the roof holding a dusty emerald-encrusted golden chalice.

“Bring the bag and canteen, and this is yours.”

Sator hesitated for a moment. “How do we know that cup is real?”

She frowned slightly. “Your wealth is quite different from my wealth. After all, what good are gems and gold to me here? I reckon both of us are making out quite handsomely to our individual needs. ”

“Very well.” Sator nodded, not wanting to sour the deal, then set off.

They ran faster than they ever had to camp. After retrieving the bag and canteen, he rushed back to the woman. She stood atop the roof silently, gesturing toward the shack. They hurriedly left the items inside. When they turned to her, the chalice was already soaring toward Sator. His fingers fumbled and juggled the polished gold and emerald chalice. When it settled in his hands, he swallowed, unsure if it were real, if the woman was real. His eyes met hers again, and she nodded.

Tyza’s eyes lit up and she hugged him tightly, turning up to the mysterious woman. “We can’t thank you enough.” Then a thought crossed her mind. “We will be off shortly, but is there a path through or over the roses without getting…?” She gestured to her sliced and bruised arms.

“Have you tried asking politely for them to part? They may appreciate an apology, too.” The woman’s warm smile comforted Tyza as she spoke.

“Wait, you live here, so-” Sator raised his hand as if to keep her in place, “the fox- can you tell us how to be rid of it?”

She lowered her head. “I am heartily sorry. All I may say is that I may not speak of the fox’s ways. What I will warn is this temple will be resealed soon, so be gone before the rivers flood. I only ask one kindness from you as you depart. Speak what you will of the ruins, the roses, the mountain, even the fox, but do not speak of me.”

He hesitated, a little put off by the secrecy, but afraid to pry further. “It’s no worry. Thank you.” Sator nodded slowly and turned to Tyza. “Were we just talking to somebody?”

Tyza side-eyed the woman. “I don’t recall. It’s a miracle you found that just lying about.”

The woman’s smile returned and she crawled back down through the chimney cap.

On the way back to camp, Sator spied Illus and Anilee atop the mountain, two little ants glowing golden in the sunset, sitting close together. “Seems they made up.”

Tyza wrapped herself around Sator’s arm, eying the expensive chalice in his hand with a wide smile and joyous dewy eyes. “I don’t care about them right now. They’ll be fine.”

They retired to their tent for what would be quite the lively night.