Inti’s Watcher

  Razan watched Sophie fight Keiko. Or, try to. She was doing better; having a longer knife and using her left hand helped, but she still couldn't attack without leaving herself open.

  Keiko managed a third strike on Sophie’s arm and stepped back. They bowed to each other, and Keiko left the mat.

  At the moment they were the only three in the room, so it was Razan’s turn to spar with the thief. He pushed himself up, getting his knife into position before reaching Sophie. They bowed, then Razan lashed out. She blocked his blade without making any squeak or yelp; a sure sign she was improving. He smiled, trying to get around her knife, but she blocked again. She noticed his smile and glared, her eyes only leaving his face to block a slash, then going right back.

  “Something amusing?” she asked, stepping left to slash at his arm.

  Razan hopped left, avoiding her knife, and reached out to nick her shoulder. “You used to make so many cute noises of alarm when fighting. It is a shame you’ve stopped.”

  Sophie stepped back, giving him a haughty look. “You no longer alarm me.”

  His left hand flashed out. He grabbed her arm, pulling her close. “That means you’re growing overconfident.”

  “No, it means you’re getting predictable.” She kept her eyes locked on his.

  It took him a moment to feel her knife’s point on his ribs. Razan grinned, placing his knife against her throat. “So are you.”

  Her eyes never wavered, which was good. It had taken her quite some time to figure out where to look in a fight, and why, but now she seemed to have a solid grasp of the basics.

  Razan watched patiently as Sophie mentally went over the options. She shifted her weight closer, apparently deciding on something, and Razan prepared himself for an attack. Instead, she continued moving closer until her lips were pressed against his.

  All of Razan’s attention immediately snapped to that touch, and he kissed her. It wasn't in any way a good idea, but he couldn't stop, and her reaction told him she didn't want him to. He felt the knife leave his hand, but only noticed his fingers gripping her shoulder in its place.

  Far too quickly, Sophie broke away. She smiled like she’d won, stepped back, and crossed the knives over Razan’s throat.

  “Ha,” she declared.

  Razan lifted his hands in surrender and stepped away. “That is not a recommended tactic.”

  “Why not?” she asked with mock innocence. “It worked well enough.”

  “It would not work on many people,” he said. “Keiko, for instance.”

  Sophie put her knife away and offered his back. “Well it would certainly do something, and if I’m going to lose anyway…”

  Razan took it as Keiko cleared her throat.

  “Don’t try it,” she called. “All it will achieve is getting you a reputation for kissing men who fight you. Then their goal will be more to grope you than anything else.”

  “Oh,” Sophie said, her face turning red. “No, I don't want that.”

  Keiko smirked. “Also, if you’ll allow me to say… I just won a bet against Iesue. I knew you liked her, Razan.”

  Razan hesitated, then saw Sophie watching him with a worried expression. He realized this was the first time they’d touched outside Drifter’s area. It hadn't come up before, but Razan decided they needed to have a serious conversation as soon as possible.

  For the moment, though, he moved behind her, putting his hands on her bare waist. “Who, Sophie? No, I have no feelings whatsoever for her,” he said, and kissed her neck.

  “Yes, n-nothing between us,” Sophie squeaked.

  “I need to teach you how to hide emotions,” Razan muttered.

  Keiko was shaking her head, a huge smirk on her face. “Sophie, would you like some tea?”

  “Yes please,” the thief said, pulling away from Razan to hurry towards where the kettle was set up. She sat down near Keiko, copying her position. “I thought the tea was just for… samurai.”

  “Not exclusively,” Keiko said. “I make the tea, so I can offer it to whomever I like.”

  Razan sat down against the wall. “Outside our group, I’ve only seen you offer it to… Mel?”

  She nodded. “Mel. I like her. Ujinao is less obnoxious when she’s around.”

  Razan had to admit that was true.

  “And you’re slightly more relaxed when Sophie is around,” Keiko added, handing them each a cup of tea.

  Sophie thanked her, then grinned. “Was he more relaxed around Innoka, too?”

  “Not even slightly,” Keiko answered. “She’d come in and he’d turn into a statue.”

  “Interesting,” Sophie said primly.

  “Honestly, I never liked her,” Keiko said. “I’m not sad she’s gone.”

  “Why?” Razan had to ask.

  Keiko took a sip of tea, turning slightly towards him. “She got here knowing how to fight, and fight fairly well. But she took any suggestion or comment about how to improve as a direct attack. Chimeg is divinely good with her crossbow, but doesn't last three seconds in a fight without it. Saying either of them should learn to use some other weapon or fighting style ended up with Innoka storming off in a rage.” She shrugged. “Mateo has made friends here. Chimeg has people she spends time with. Antoni was actively avoided by most people. Innoka only really conversed with her group members and, after a while, out of necessity, Rani. She preferred watching recordings to learn about people rather than speak to them herself.”

  Razan frowned into his cup. “I… hadn't noticed.”

  “Of course not,” Sophie told him. “You were too busy saying how perfect and beautiful and perfect she was.”

  He flinched.

  “And that’s why she liked you,” Keiko added. “I have no idea why Sophie likes you, though.”

  “Neither do I,” Sophie lamented. “About half the time he opens his mouth I want to beat him with a stick.”

  “Pity there aren't any trees here which would provide those sticks,” Razan said flatly.

  Keiko nodded solemnly, thinking something over. “Sophie, have you tried fighting with a staff?”

  Sophie shook her head. “Rani said I wouldn't be good with one, since I'm not always aware of where my limbs are in the first place. She thinks smaller weapons are best for me.”

  “Let’s try one anyway,” Keiko said, setting down her cup. “Maybe keeping your opponent a few steps away will help.”

  Razan was glad the conversation had turned back to fighting. “If you progress quickly enough, a naginata might be a good weapon for you.”

  “Is a naginata like a halberd?” Sophie asked.

  “That’s… what Lydia uses?” Keiko tried.

  “Yes.”

  Keiko frowned, then got to her feet. “More or less. I’ll bring mine, along with a staff. You can tell us how similar they are.”

  They agreed, and she left. After a moment Sophie glanced nervously at Razan.

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn't have kissed you in front of Keiko.”

  “If I truly minded, I wouldn't have let you,” he replied. “You initiated it, but I accepted and let it continue long enough for you to take my weapon.”

  She turned the empty cup in her hands, thinking that over. “True; you have always agreed…”

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Being in agreement is very important,” he said. “If you agree, I’d like to pull you close and kiss you again.”

  “Now?” Sophie asked, her face going red. “Here?”

  “Yes.”

  “What if someone walks in?”

  “They’d see us,” Razan answered simply.

  “I- Not that- That is- I don't-”

  Razan finished his tea.

  “I’m not- Well- No,” she finally managed.

  He nodded solemnly. “Would you accept if I offered to push you to the ground and kiss you there instead?”

  “No,” she said, starting to smile.

  “Perhaps if I pinned you to the wall?”

  “No!”

  “Ah, if I-”

  She threw her cup at his head, laughing. “Razan, no.”

  He picked it up and held it next to his. “This gives me a better idea. Would you agree to-”

  “No, not agreeing!”

  Razan got to his feet and went to clean the cups. “You will tonight.”

  She followed him, crossing her arms. “What would you like to wager?”

  He grinned.

  At Nop’s request, Peter went into the group area. He wasn't sure he wanted to, but this week’s contest was about to be announced.

  Everyone was in their usual places for the announcement; Razan on the floor by the coffee table, and the women on the couch. They all watched him, which did nothing for his anxiety. Peter smiled nervously as he took his seat.

  “Right,” Nop said, hopping onto the table. “This week, we have a forest trek! We’re taking you to Tr'ond?k, where you’ll climb mountains and cross rivers! It’s summer, so no blizzards this time. Please remember: do not attempt to pet animals larger than you are. Your goal will be to cover as much ground as possible in eight hours. Lunch and water will be provided, but no equipment. Bring anything you like which will fit into a backpack. We will spread groups out, so everyone will have different trials to face. As always, let us know by tonight if you’re joining!”

  That sounded easy enough. Or at least, not particularly dangerous. Peter found himself nodding.

  “It sounds inherently unfair to people who have more mountain in their way than flat ground,” Marie said.

  “Yes, we know and have calculated for that in our scores,” Nop said. “It’s why this isn't simply a race from one line to another.”

  “I think it sounds fun,” Sophie decided. “A nice, relaxing hike.”

  “May I ask why you felt the need to remind everyone to not pet animals?” Razan asked.

  Nop turned to put an image on the wall of what Peter would have called a giant demon horse.

  “This is a moose,” Nop said. “The average bull moose’s antlers would scratch the ceiling here. Some humans wish to befriend them. That is a bad idea.” The picture changed to a bear. “This is a grizzly bear. In spite of how fluffy they look, they are extremely dangerous. Anyone who sees one and expresses a desire to hug it will immediately be bailed.”

  Everyone looked at Sophie.

  “I promise to avoid touching any and all wild animals,” she said with a huff.

  “Good,” Marie said, then turned to Peter. “Any questions?”

  “No,” he said. “Sounds fun.”

  She nodded. “Very well. We’ll join.”

  “Excellent,” Nop said, removing the picture as she grew distracted. “You will be in position… twelve. No serious vertical climbs, but you will have to cross water six times. Please prepare accordingly.”

  “We will,” the captain promised.

  Nop bobbed, then flew to her hole in the wall. Peter wondered if he’d be allowed to leave.

  Apparently he wasn't. Marie got up and held out her hand to him. Razan and Sophie watched curiously. Peter pulled his right arm out from under his poncho and reached out.

  “The other hand, lad,” Marie said gently.

  Hesitating, heart pounding, Peter reached out with his left hand. Metal fingers trembled as he laid his hand in hers, tilting his head down so the brim of his hat hid her face.

  Marie didn't move. Seconds ticked by in silence as he felt his fingers on both hands curl.

  “Why are you afraid?” she finally asked.

  He pulled his arms back under his poncho. “It’s not… real. It’s not right. It’s all wrong. All I feel is pressure. I know where it is, but it’s not there, but it is. I don't know! I want my hand back. I don't know.”

  “You can't have your old hand back,” Marie said, switching to Spanish. “It doesn't exist any more. This is what you have.”

  “It’s ugly,” he muttered, also in Spanish.

  “Wear a glove.”

  “I don't want to.”

  She sat down on the table, her knees nearly touching his, and looked into his face. “Cowboy, I only tolerate such childishness on Tuesdays and Thursdays; will you be good to join the contest on Friday?”

  He froze, then relaxed with a slight smile. “As long as I can complain all day Thursday.”

  “That I’ll allow. Is there anything else you’d like to say?”

  “It feels too heavy, I’m still off-balance. And my little finger doesn't bend as easily as the other fingers. Ebba said to get a casing, and I didn't want to, but she’s right, which is annoying. And my palm keeps itching.” With that last one, he pulled his left hand out and glared at it.

  Marie patted his knee. “Is that all?”

  He sighed, sitting up straight. “Yes, for now.”

  “Good.” She held her hand out again, and he put his metallic hand in hers. “Looks like it won't damage too easily, at least.” She tapped his palm with a fingernail. “This is hollow?”

  “It has wires and things in it to move the fingers,” he explained.

  “Hmm.” She flexed his wrist in several directions. “You’re not afraid of strings or cloth getting stuck in there?”

  “Not really.”

  “How well is it attached?” she asked, motioning to his elbow. “Can you pull on things?”

  Hesitating again, he slowly unbuttoned his shirt’s sleeve and rolled it up. Attached to the wrist were two steel bars which led down to a metal cuff. There were several straps extending from it, going up and around his arm, made of a soft, stretchy fabric.

  At this point Razan got up and moved closer to see. Sophie stayed on the couch, but was watching with interest.

  “I, uhm- These bars line up with my bones, so I can push as much as I want,” he said, touching the two steel bars. “I can pull some, but if I’m climbing I have to keep my elbow bent when I put my weight on it.”

  “Do you ever have to take it off?” Razan asked.

  “Every night,” Peter shrugged. “The longest I can leave it on in one go is three days, they said. So if there’s a long contest I don't have to worry too much.”

  “That’s good,” Marie said. “Won't have to coddle you for anything.”

  “I’d be insulted if you did,” he told her.

  “Will it rust?” Razan asked.

  “They say no, as long as I don't go swimming with it,” Peter answered. “I can wash it or wear it in rain without worrying, though. Something about saltwater.”

  “I think it looks elegant,” Sophie said suddenly. “Very sleek.”

  He curled his hand into a fist and then stretched his fingers out, watching the movement critically. “Yeah, I guess it ain't half bad.”

  Marie got to her feet, frowning slightly. “Peter, we need to know your limitations and how your health is. No one else does. If you don't want to leave the area, I’ll exempt you from our five hours of walking today. Come Saturday everyone will have forgotten about what happened to you in favor of discussing Fox’s new members. At that point I will insist you go back to your normal routines.”

  “I… can walk,” he said. “I need to know what this thing feels like at the end of the day.”

  She nodded. “Good. I also want you three to look over the map for this week. We’ll discuss what we need to bring tomorrow after breakfast.”

  “Yes, Captain,” they all said.

  She waved dismissively, heading for the door. “As you were…”

  Marie hopped her pawn over Ebba’s marble, landing on a two of hearts. Smiling, she took three beans.

  Louis frowned at the table. “A good move…” After a moment he carefully slid his last cribbage peg to the ten of spades, passing Marie’s rook, rendering it inert. He took one bean.

  Already having planned out her move, Ebba moved all her marbles left one card, making her lose one but gaining her five beans.

  “Interesting strategy,” Marie said, switching the two of hearts for the queen of diamonds, which had been under another pawn. This didn't gain her any beans, but it blocked most of Louis’ available moves since he was at twenty-three.

  He cursed, squinting at the board.

  Grace came up while he was still debating and said hello before her eyes settled on the table. “What… are you playing?”

  “Everything,” Ebba answered with a grin.

  Marie nodded solemnly. “Everything.”

  Honestly, they were all playing with different rules, none of which had ever been stated out loud, although after a month Marie thought she knew what most of them were. It was much more entertaining than any other game they’d tried playing.

  “Right,” Grace said slowly, then looked at Marie. “I was wondering if… you’d grant me permission to enter your group area without having to knock.”

  “That’s something I can do?” Marie asked.

  “Aye, and you can set conditions, too,” Louis said absently, still frowning at the table.

  “Very well, as soon as we’re done with this game I’ll grant you permission to enter when Peter is in,” she told Grace.

  Louis turned the card his peg was on over, admitting defeat and losing the game.

  “Thank you,” Grace said, watching Ebba take Marie’s rook with a marble and collecting a bean. “Seriously, what are you playing?”

  “Everything,” Marie repeated, taking three marbles with a bishop, which earned her six beans because she ended on a jack.

  Ebba smiled like a shark, pushing a marble up two cards as she asked, “I take it your relationship with Peter is progressing nicely?”

  “Yes, and that’s all I’m gonna say to you,” Grace answered with a smirk.

  Ebba tsked. “How am I supposed to sell information if you won't give me anything?”

  “That sounds like a you problem,” Grace told her, then said her farewells and wandered off.

  Ebba looked at Marie. “So, have you adopted her yet?”

  Marie moved her knight. “Aye. Nothing worth selling to you, though.”

  “Pity,” Ebba said, rolling a marble left before taking two beans. “Speaking of things I’d like to know: where did you get that very lovely ring you’ve been wearing lately?”

  Louis suddenly became rigid. Marie grinned.

  “For that information I’d like a special tea tonight,” she said.

  Ebba thought it over, looking at Louis. “Agreed.”

  He got up, smiling widely. “Well, as I’ve already lost, I’ll go make sure there’s room for us in the shooting range.” With that, he hurried away.

  Ebba sighed, annoyed. “I can't even wear any jewelry; don't know why he’d think I’d be upset.” She paused. “Truly upset. Not acting for attention.”

  “It’s the principle of the thing,” Marie said softly. And then pushed her knight to take a marble. “What a ring represents.”

  “I don't…” Ebba looked at the table, then got up. “You’ll win in two moves.” She walked after Louis.

  Left alone, Marie packed up the game.

  the people who lived around there called it "Tr'ond?k". Thus, that is the word I'll be using.