NOVEL WEB Chapter 1.29
Warden Kora looked majestic, everything about her person conveyed pride and confidence. As the guide of the Cloud Folk, she carried a great responsibility on her shoulders and had the qualities to handle them. Yet, after learning of Adanara's method, who could heal the damned, she had retreated to a corner of her home, crouched with her knees up to her chin, observing the horizon.
Nene gathered her companions to discuss what to do. They needed her help, and she needed theirs. In theory, it was an ideal situation, if not for one detail.
«You can’t be serious», Nila said.
«The way Kora describes it, I think that’s the only plausible thing», Nene explained. «There aren't many types of gigantic horned reptile-like creatures in the Church’s bestiaries»
«Perhaps Jiriel could help us?», Adanara suggested.
«She would be eager to see this “dragon”», Oto replied. «But for some reason she doesn't want to leave Kumhar»
«How dangerous is this thing? How big is it?»
«I don’t know. We are talking about legends, fictional stories. Furthermore, let's not forget that he was a Warden of the Cloud Folk, another thing mostly unknown to us. There’s no record of such a powerful monster»
«You're the expert, aren’t you? Think of something!»
Nene looked towards Kora, who seemed rather lost. She wasn't sure what relationship she had with her master, but remembering how meek Sevika's cousin had been during his treatment, she wondered if there might have been a way to replicate the same scenario.
«I'll try to talk to her»
«You?»
«You just said I'm "the expert", didn’t you?!»
She and Adanara exchanged glares. The witch, however, did not object, so Nene approached the Warden. She sat next to her and immediately felt uncomfortable: she had been raised to be almost reverent towards her teachers and the Prioress, and Kora reminded her of one of those authority figures from the monastery.
«I think I have a plan», she explained.
«I fear a disaster will fall upon us»
«Yes… about that… I recently witnessed something the Church had never documented, and I think it might be right up our alley»
«Please, go on»
Kora sat down cross-legged and regained her composure, if only partially. She was visibly tense. For reasons Nene didn't understand, she was trying very hard to hide her emotions, with little success.
«It's just a theory: the Church teaches that the damned over time become beasts, out of control, and yet... I saw an exception. A man, damned for a couple of years, mostly harmless. He even seemed to understand simple words and gestures. I think the reason is… he somehow recognized his cousin. I think Moka might recognize you the same way»
«How far-fetched is your theory?»
«A lot», she admitted. «But I'm afraid it's our only chance. If it’s impossible to subdue Moka, we must make him cooperate»
«If you're wrong, many will die», Kora explained. «The dragon will be free. He will kill us all, after which he will be free to roam the world»
«Yes... well... It's just an idea. We could work out a plan around it»
«If I free Moka it will be a disaster, if I don't free him the invaders will force us to perish or leave, and in trying to seal him I have condemned my people to starvation...»
The Warden closed her eyes. Nene did not envy her position of responsibility, in a scenario where any of her actions, or lack thereof, could lead to the end of the Cloud Folk.
«I'm sorry. I will think again, don't despair»
«Do you really believe I can tame the dragon?»
«I don't think anyone else can do it. I… assumed you two were very close, in the past»
Kora stared at the floor for long moments. Her decisions had repercussions on the lives of all members of her people, perhaps even beyond. If a dragon under the influence of the Evil One had begun to roam those lands, first the Cloud Folk and the Lightbringers would have fallen, then Kumhar. Then…
Nene wished to be able to count on the Knights of the Church. With their support, they could have set up ballistas and gathered an army, as in epic tales, to face the beast. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. On top of that, she wasn't even sure she could trust Kora, given her feelings for her master.
«We can try», the Warden finally said.
«Are you sure?»
«Only three of us will enter the cave. Me, you and Adanara. If we fail, you two will flee, and I will collapse the cave using the gift of flame»
«Wait... Wait a moment... without you, your people...»
«Warden Tera will soon return from his initiation journey. If both Moka and I perish, he will take over»
«I don't like this plan», Nene confessed.
«You will be in enormous danger. Choose wisely. It's not your war, after all»
Enigmatic as always, Kora promptly rose to her feet. She picked up her spear and without saying another word, disappeared downstairs. Nene returned to her companions, greeted by their eagerness to know what she and the Warden had discussed. She summarised the plan they had just developed. With every word, Adanara became more and more nervous. She couldn’t blame her at all since she felt the same way: terrified.
«No», the witch finally said. «Let's come up with a better solution»
«I-I agree», her sister added. «It’s too risky»
«Also, Kora said she doesn't fully understand how the prison built by spirits works, right? We might not even be able to get the dragon out of there»
«We can dig», Oto said.
«To dig you need workers. And if we bring more people down there, they'll all be in danger»
«W-where did Kora go?»
«I don't know», Nene admitted. «She seemed upset. I... I'm not sure we can rely on her»
«What do you mean?»
«I'm afraid she might do something rash if we carry out her plan. She seems very emotional when it comes to her master»
«You speak as if you know her...», Adanara lamented.
«None of us know her. This is insane!», she replied. «Sorry… sorry, but…»
She couldn't finish the sentence. Having such an episode after just accusing Kora of being emotional sounded downright hypocritical. Oto rested a hand on her shoulder, looking worried.
«I'm going to sleep», the witch grumbled.
The woman retreated to a corner of the house and hid completely under her blanket. Nila watched her helplessly, then looked around for Nene. Sensing that she wanted to talk to her, she spoke first.
«I'll think of a different solution», she said.
«Yes», Nila agreed. «I b-believe in you»
«I'm not good at these things...», Oto admitted. «A dragon doesn’t sound like a wild animal. We can't...catch him with a trap, can we?»
«I wish I could answer that…», Nene sighed. «I don't know anything about it. We only know that Kora had to turn to those spirits to lock him away. I hate to say it but... I fear the undertaking is out of our reach»
«Let's go back», Nila said. «It's not worth it. Ada has already learned something from Kora, maybe that's enough. M-maybe Jiriel can help her understand magic better now that she gets the basics»
«But… wouldn't that be dishonest?», Oto asked.
«E-e-even so... what other choice do we have?»
Nene felt a sting in her chest. Seeing Nila change her attitude like that reminded her of Dena, reminded her of a part of her personality that she was desperately trying not to see. As kind and good as Nila was, she was capable of the unthinkable, should the need arise. She had experienced that first-hand in the past, and being on the other side of the same events gave her the chills. She no longer felt resentment towards the sisters, but she pitied Kora, who was on the verge of being abandoned to herself. At the same time, she couldn’t entirely disagree with Nila, whose intention was to keep her loved ones safe.
«We should take a break», she suggested. «We're starting to lose our minds»
Nila looked down and bit her lower lip. Oto nodded.
«Where is that animal you told me before?» the boy asked.
«Y-you mean the giant insect?»
«Yes, where did Kora put it?»
«In that bag over there, but... please, don't take it out»
Oto ignored the request and approached the bag. His curiosity had taken over his reason. Nene, not very anxious to see that abomination again, grabbed Nila, her face pale, by the hand, and headed towards the trap door that led to the lower storey.
«We haven't had a look around the village yet!», she said.
«Y-yeah, good idea»
They went down the rope ladder into that sort of sanctuary for the Cloud Folk. The walls of branches intertwined with flowering plants gave the place an unreal atmosphere, a refuge from everything bad in the world. Nene took a deep breath of the scented air and forced herself to leave the dragon business behind her, if only for a few moments.
She noticed that near the elevator they had used to get up there, sitting on the ground on a cushion, there was one of the hunters who had escorted them the day before. She recognised him as the one who had lit the way with his vial containing a will-o'-the-wisp, but she couldn't remember his name. Next to him, a child was lying on the ground, his eyes closed. Both were naked, which seemed to be normal custom among their people. They seemed to wear clothes only when strictly necessary, or as some sort of expression of their status, as in the case of Kora, who always wore her cape and often something akin to a crown. The two hadn't even noticed their presence. They seemed absorbed in prayer, so Nene hesitated to approach. Nila, on the other hand, dragged her along.
«Hello», she said. «Goro, was it?»
The hunter slowly opened his eyes and smiled at them. After a quick glance at the child, he stood up.
«That’s me. How is your fellow? Is she still hurt?»
«Oh, she’s f-fine. Kora healed her ear as if it were nothing»
The man sighed. He looked once again at the child, who was in such a deep sleep that didn't even notice the adults talking around him. He looked so peaceful it was enviable.
«I saw Kora leave. Has something happened to her?»
«Do you know her well?», Nene asked.
«We grew up together. Our parents shared the same roof. She's a little sister to me, kind of. I can tell if something made her angry»
His tone wasn't accusatory, but it was clear he wanted to know more. After all, he was on the right track, since they were the cause of the Warden’s moodiness, albeit indirectly.
«I'm not sure we can tell you about it», Nene explained.
«Warden’s secrets?»
«I don't know the customs of your people», she admitted. «I don't want to risk doing her wrong. I hope you will understand»
Goro laughed. His deep voice boomed through the sanctuary, above the whistling wind. The sleeping child didn't bat an eyelid.
«I understand, but it’s not hard to imagine. When Kora is in a bad mood, it's about Warden Moka. She hasn't been the same since... since we lost him»
«She told us the story», Nila said. «I-I'm very sorry»
«These are rough times for us. I'm sorry you came to visit just now. Once upon a time we would have burnt incense and danced to give you the right welcome, but... Kora's state reflects on all of us»
«Is he okay?», Nene asked, pointing to the child.
«He is meditating. He's good at it, don't you think?»
They nodded in unison. Whatever it was, it was an important aspect of the Cloud Folk’s culture, and it was not their intention to offend.
«My mother told me a story about humans, and I would like to know if it's true»
«What is it?»
«Are there really humans who can destroy a monster just by touching it?»
«Sounds a bit too much to me. Could you be more precise?»
The hunter pointed to Nene, or rather, her cloak, specifically the silver threads woven into it.
«She says she has heard stories of humans wearing clothes that shine in sunlight, that use amulets to destroy monsters»
Nene pulled the silver cross from her robes. The sight of that unusual object caught the man's attention, who stared at it with eyes wide open.
«What is it?» he asked.
«The Inquisition cross. At the mere touch of it, the damned possessed by the Evil One, by... "he who whispers", suffers unbearable pain. We use it to protect ourselves from those monsters»
Goro covered his mouth with both hands and took a step back. He remained deep in his thoughts for a moment, then finally spoke again.
«Can you save our Warden?»
«I'm not sure. Kora told us about his… transformation…»
«Ascension», Nila corrected her. «W-we were just discussing this a little while ago. But now we were t-taking a break...»
«Please, save Moka», he begged. «Please. Without him and Tera, Kora is… lost. She used to smile and play with children, but now... Please»
«I'll do what I can», Nene replied. «Unfortunately it's not a simple task. The Warden lies imprisoned and is very dangerous»
Goro frowned, displeased. He was apparently very close to the Kora and had hoped for an easy solution to their problems, but the reality was harsher.
«Of course. I’m sorry. I will be grateful for any help you can give. Bring our Wardens back, and you will be considered friends forever»
The hunter helped them start the mechanism that moved the elevator. The previous day Kora had made it look simple, but in reality, that machine was extremely heavy to move. Nila and Nene had to combine their strength to lower it down. The system did not allow the basket to fall downwards, on the contrary, it had to be pushed, and it was very heavy. They arrived at the base out of breath. The elevator descended into a sort of cage, a structure where three distinct walkways converged, each one leading to a different one of the platforms forming the bizarre suspended village of the Cloud Folk.
The sight fascinated Nene once again. That place was incredible, and teeming with life. They found themselves in the centre of a sort of crossroads, where people of all ages were coming from every direction, most of them carrying bags or bundles of branches. The Cloud Folk were understandably wary of them, and most gave them brief glances and tried to keep their distance. A woman, forced to pass by them, hugged the newborn she was carrying in her arms and turned her back to them.
«S-shall we get to one of those platforms?», Nila suggested.
«Yes, better move from here»
They walked along a plank walkway, about thirty metres long, which led towards a small structure leaning against a smaller branch of the tree, on which stood a single hut made of intertwined twigs. The walkway swayed slightly with each step, and Nene began to feel dizzy halfway down. She held onto the rope netting at the sides of the bridge and slowed her pace.
«You ok?»
«We are very high up...», she replied through gritted teeth.
Nila turned pale. It was a mystery how she had managed to ignore the height until that moment. All of a sudden, they were both one step away from panic. Nene advanced very slowly, turning occasionally to make sure Nila was following her.
They met a trio of children who looked at them amusedly. The children ran past them, and soon the walkway began to shake violently. Then, loud noises came from behind them. They turned and saw that the children were stomping on the walkway. One of them was holding on to the ropes, trying to make the structure swing as much as possible. They laughed and gave them mischievous looks, all while pretending not to see them.
«S-stop it!», Nila told them.
The brats ignored her and got even more agitated. One of them started making an impression of her, and the other two laughed louder. Until a voice thundered from the hut.
«You idiots! Stop it!»
A hulking man ran towards the catwalk. His heavy footsteps made everything shake even more. He ignored Nene and Nila and rushed at the children, who fled screaming. The man chased them shouting, and shortly afterwards he disappeared into the distance together with the noises and the tremors. Nene, almost on all fours, gathered her courage and rushed towards the platform. When she reached the bottom she fell to the ground and tried to hold back the nausea.
«We're alive», Nila sighed, collapsing next to her. «W-we've only been here a day, but I m-miss the ground already»
She tried to answer, but a retch wouldn't let her. She breathed for a few moments, feeling lightheaded.
«We were told to wear hats to protect ourselves from the sun. We left them at the sanctuary», she remembered.
«Do you want to go back and get them?»
Taking Nila's hint, she nodded in denial. She stood up again, on that fortunately stable platform, and looked around. The gigantic guy had left his hut in a hurry. Through the doorless entrance she could see that several objects were scattered on the ground, probably spilled everywhere in his eagerness to chase after those children. The rest of the platform was mostly empty, except for two enormous clay pots filled with soil, from which two small trees emerged, barely a metre tall each. The entire platform was surrounded by a fence made of beams, between which a thick network of ropes was woven, to prevent accidental falls.
«Looks like a dangerous place to live in, if you ask me», Nene commented.
«Kora said that once upon a time there was only the shrine. They w-were forced to take refuge up here»
«The view is breathtaking if nothing else»
She sat down between the two pots, on the edge of the structure. The fence made her feel safe, unlike the walkway, and she dared to peek below, towards the pastures and cultivated fields. Nila did the same and finally smiled again.
«Unbelievable, uh?», she said. «A-are those sheeps?»
«I wonder how this place looks when it rains...»
Nila laughed. She grabbed her father's metal flask and took a sip, then offered it to Nene.
«Really? A-are these your concerns?»
«I slept in the rain once on my trip from the Capital. It wasn't pleasant»
She grabbed the flask and immediately recognized the smell of alcohol. She looked at Nila perplexed, but Nila smiled at her and she felt about to melt. She hid her embarrassment by taking a sip of Kumhar's disgusting alcoholic drink.
«Nene, I-I'd like to… ask you for a favour»
«What is it?»
«I'm w-worried about my sister. I'm not talking about her ear or the Evil One... I mean...»
Nene crawled closer to her. She handed her the flask back and tried not to sound shaky.
«You can tell me if you want»
«Let’s see… Where do I start? A-after both Mum and Dad… d-died, I started studying under Master Ezio. Ada on the other hand... She took it poorly. T-that's why she became interested in Dad's strange books and contraptions»
«I thought you helped her too, to perfect the cure»
«Y-yes, of course, but I-I would never have done it, if it were up to me... The past is the past, I think. Now... I'm afraid that Ada sees Kora as... you heard her, right? She c-calls her “master”»
«Yes. Is it… bad? Adanara has finally someone to look up to again»
«Not really, but…»
Nila turned to her and grabbed both of her hands. She got terribly close, to the point that Nene felt her breath on her skin.
«I'm afraid that to get Kora's approval she'll do something stupid. Help me. Let's convince her to give up. I don't want you two going into that cave. Please»
«I don't want to go there either, but... I don't know what else to do»
«Let's leave», Nila whispered. «W-we don't have to stay here»
«What about your sister's training?»
«M-maybe we could… um… stall a bit?»
«Do you want us to deceive Kora?»
Nila frowned. She looked like a totally different person, and dead serious.
«I’d rather not, but... I-I just want to protect my sister»
«Did you tell yourself the same thing in Dena, when you tricked me and then captured me?»
Nila's expression went from furious to pathetic. Her eyes clouded with tears and she became red in the face. She released her hands, turned away from her, and didn't dare look up.
«W-why are you telling me this?»
«Listen, I'm not angry... not anymore, and believe me, I understand what you're saying, but... You don’t sound like yourself anymore»
«No, y-you don't understand. I only have her left. I can't lose her too!»
«We'll find a smarter way to help Kora», she replied. «You'll see»
They remained silent for a few moments. Nene pretended to take in the view, while instead processing her feelings. Part of her was disappointed in Nila and her way of thinking, while another part pitied her. It wasn't fair to judge someone so desperate, but given their track record, she couldn't help but wonder if she could trust her. The everyday Nila had made her fall in love, but the Nila willing to do anything to protect her sister worried her. Nene had already once been labelled a threat to Adanara and had paid the consequences dearly. Was it about to happen again? Who was the woman sitting next to her? She felt like she had known her all her life, that she could trust her, yet the truth was completely different. They had met a few weeks earlier and, although their relationship had changed a lot since then, perhaps it was too early to assume that she actually knew Nila. The idea that the sisters, or at least one of them, were hiding other secrets would probably have robbed her of sleep that night.
«Sorry», Nila said.
«Uh?»
«I-I'm sorry. I lose my mind when it comes to Ada... You're right, w-we can find a better way, to help Kora w-without taking too many risks»
«We would never put your sister in danger if we can help it», she reassured her.
«What about you?»
«Me?», she asked, surprised.
«I-I'm worried about you too»
Nila came to her side again. Her behaviour was different, less straightforward. She looked embarrassed as she drummed on the wood of the platform, still looking at the ground.
«Well, I don't want to take any unnecessary risk either, if that's possible», she said.
«F-for real? I mean... Well, sometimes it looks like you... You don't fear the consequences, so to speak»
«You saying I'm reckless?», she smiled.
Nila finally looked at her face, and let her understand that she was being serious instead. Nene tried to think about her words but got nothing out of them. She was sure she was a reasonably cautious person.
«W-when the hunters chased us into the forest, I was afraid you would do something silly», Nila said, holding back tears. «That you would have said "Go! I'll throw them away" and t-then...»
«The me you imagine is much more heroic than I actually am», she observed.
«It wouldn't be heroism! I mean… N-Nene, you…»
Nila sighed loudly. The sound was lost in the wind that was constantly howling up there. The journey was testing everyone's nerves, but Nila in particular was definitely on the edge. There was something that made her extremely susceptible, and Nene was eager to find out. She grabbed Nila’s hands.
«What are you trying to tell me?»
«Words fail me...», she admitted. «Fine. I-I'll just tell you. Nene... do you value your life?»
She thought for a moment before answering that unexpected question. Whatever it was, Nila was taking it extremely seriously and she wanted to do the same.
«Yes, I do»
«Hasn't the Church taught you that... it's not that important after all? I mean, Father Cosco s-said some… horrible things during masses»
The Church taught that human life was sacred but inferior to the salvation of the soul. In a way Nila was right, and any sane person in the Principality would have willingly given up their life in exchange for salvation. The entire Church and the Inquisition above all were based on that principle. Nene was in deep conflict with the teachings of a lifetime and found herself questioning yet another one: the purge was no longer necessary thanks to Adanara. Or perhaps, on the contrary, her work consisted of trading a precious soul with a less significant life. She had always thought that there were scenarios in which it was worth giving up one's life, but all of a sudden, she doubted. Perhaps there was some truth in Nila's words, and even something more.
«I'm certainly not going to throw it away for no reason», she muttered.
«This is exactly what I'm referring to... W-what is a "reason" for you?»
«I don't know. I admit that I've reevaluated many things since I met the Emissary, but... I mean, I don't have what you and Adanara have, you see? I have no home to return to»
Her throat got stuck. Saying those words out loud made her realise their depth. She had grown up in the monastery, in the Church, and then she had turned her back to them, forever. She was an orphan who wandered the world aimlessly, her only guide being an angel with a childish personality and nothing more.
Nila got on her knees, facing her. She looked extremely serious, almost reproachful, when she grabbed her by the shoulders. Nene, taken aback, tensed, but gradually relaxed when she realised Nila was pulling her towards her. She rested her head on her chest and let herself be cuddled.
«You just said something horrible», she scolded her, her voice trembling.
«Did I?»
«You said you have no home. What about Oto and Jiriel? About… me?»
«I didn't mean… I care about all of you. I do»
«And we care about you. You are important. Keep it in mind»
Nene smiled, but at the same time felt like she was on the verge of tears. She no longer understood her emotions. Nila's speech barely made sense to her, yet for some reason it was hitting her deeply, stirring up something that even she wasn't sure she could interpret properly.
«I'm not used to this», she sobbed. «I have always thought that... I was worth as much as I could offer to the Church»
«You are no longer their tool», Nila reassured her. «You are free. And among friends»
«Yes… Thank you»
She relaxed every muscle, basking in that embrace she so desired. Was it true? Did she have friends? Could she leave everything behind her and live? She looked up to find Nila smiling affectionately at her and suddenly her mind wandered elsewhere, into unknown territory. She wanted her body as well, she wanted more than the affection that was being offered to her. Those unusual thoughts left her confused and unable to express herself or act. She hid her face against Nila's clothes, stifling a scream before it left her mouth.
«W-what's the matter with you?», Nila giggled.
«Nothing», she lied. «I'm hungry»
Her voice muffled by the clothes pressing against her face made that embarrassed statement sound even more silly. Nila caressed her head, apparently in a good mood again.
«I've taken a burden off myself», she said. «Thank you, Nene. In exchange, y-you can have some of the honey I b-brought»
«What?! We mostly ate stale bread for days, and you were hiding honey?!»
«I didn't hide it! W-well, maybe I did, but… n-no one asked me. Don't tell my sister!»
«I will keep the secret, don't you worry. If you give me some»
Nila gave her a playful slap on the shoulder. Nene had by then witnessed the two sisters' fights enough times to understand that it was their way of showing affection, however unusual.
«Shall we go back?»
«I don't want to…», she complained.
Nene lay down on the ground. The late afternoon light was gentle through the foliage of the large tree. The cool wind whistled beneath the platform, the sound that echoed gave her the impression of being able to perceive the void that separated her from the forest at the giant's feet. Nila's face peeked into her field of vision, smiling, her hair blowing in the breeze.
«Since when have you been so w-whimsical?»
Nene folded her arms, feigning being pouty, but failed in doing so. She smiled back.
«Since you’ve been spoiling me», she replied.
«It’s just a little honey, come on»
Nila had misunderstood, but she didn't insist. She preferred to enjoy that moment of tranquillity.
Worries about Warden Moka were once again arising. Perhaps that conversation had helped her clear her mind, as she felt she was one step away from finding a solution. Of course, she would have to discuss it with Adanara.
She sat up lazily. She looked around, amazed for the umpteenth time by that village hanging from the tree. The brute who had rescued them had not yet returned to his hut. The other Cloud Folk were beginning to retreat to their homes.
«Okay, let's go back to the others»
«It’s time already?»
She looked at Nila and felt uncomfortable again. She didn't allow her thoughts to wander a second time, but she couldn't erase the memories of that day. For a moment she wondered if her feelings were even acceptable, what Mother would have thought of them. She took a vow: to decide for herself on the matter. Exploring something she was completely unfamiliar with was scary and exciting, and, for the first time in her life, she didn't want someone to guide her. She would have done well to ask someone for advice, though... But who?
«We could come back here tomorrow», she proposed.
«Let's go see the pastures», Nila answered. «From up here t-they look huge, I'm curious to see them up close»
«Okay. Tomorrow we will go to the pastures. As long as they allow us... How do we get down there?»
«We'll ask Kora»
«Right. And now… the catwalk…»
There were no children in sight. The two walked uncertainly along the shaky walkway, back to the Warden’s sanctuary.