Part 30: Mourning

(Author's note: Yes, I am aware the time jumps back and forth somewhat in this chapter. Sorry about that.)


Note: This item has been rewritten and edited. All text in rose is BRAND NEW MATERIAL for this chapter of the story. In addition there are many minor changes to the original text itself. Please enjoy this new, expanded version of Part 30 and be on the lookout for updates to the next parts!


CAPTAIN KHANEF STOOD atop the wall for what felt like the hundredth time, staring south over the desert. The sounds of the great river were soothing, yet he did not notice them. His eyes scoured the sands yet he saw nothing there.

He turned his head to look west. The result was the same.

Khanef let out a sigh and turned to climb down the ladder from the wall, back into the city.

Perhaps tomorrow.

* * * * *

The gate to the Great Red Tribe stood shut and heavily barricaded, and the streets were busy with Kana and Moru hurrying back and forth, delivering beer, food, and linen to various households. The low trumpet alert had sounded the army's return not too long ago, and the Kana had immediately been let into the city. Some carried the dead, who numbered around forty; some assisted the badly wounded, several of whom looked to be near death themselves. A few Kana had had their wings slashed, and bore this humiliation in heavy silence, being ushered back to their respective households to be dealt with as was appropriate. Some had escaped such awful fates, with simple injuries to their arms or legs or ribs, and it was to these patients that the physicians devoted most of their time, as at least they had a good chance of surviving as Kana. From the other households could frequently be heard the high-pitched sound of keening, and every time this noise started up, everyone in the streets fell silent, their stares drifting to the ground until the noise abated, at which they would continue with their former business until the sound should come again. Those Kana who had not been injured badly enough to warrant the physicians' attention patrolled the wall and the streets, more alert than they usually were, in order to quell any outbreaks that might occur.

Most of the Kana flocked around General Mahakhi's great household, though their talk was kept to whispers, and they too hurried back and forth, delivering messages and bandages. Out of the household the second most badly hurt was Captain K'tasai, who had received a deep sword puncture to the ribs; he had been carried to his rooms immediately on descending from his Sha, and Khetai tended to his wound, making certain it was cleaned thoroughly before bandaging it. K'tasai did not speak or even cry out the entire time, wincing only slightly when the wound was stitched up and refusing the poppy he was offered. As soon as Khetai and the other Kana who had been hovering in the doorway drifted away, his little mate Tiths'hit hurried forward to hop upon the bed beside him and placed her head to his breast as he stroked her cheek. His wound was serious enough to keep him out of commission for quite a while, but he would live.

The situation was different further down the hall.

It was here that the lieutenants and several of the captains had gathered outside the door, heads hanging and wings drooping dispiritedly. The Kana lying upon the bed still breathed, but his breathing was short and shallow, and sweat had beaded upon his brow. He drifted in and out of consciousness as the physician changed the linens which had been placed over the wound to his chest. Hope had held out, as he had been brought back to the tribe alive...yet with each batch of bloody bandages the old physician discarded, that hope faded even more. Nehekhi's face had gone pale, dark shadows ringing his eyes, and his breath rasped in his throat. His lappets were damp with sweat.

Mahakhi stood foremost in the doorway, watching the scene in silence. The physician finished changing Nehekhi's bandages, then gathered up the old ones and approached. Mahakhi and the other Kana stepped aside to let him through; he paused beside the general, meeting his eyes and speaking so quietly that Mahakhi had to flare his ears to hear him.

"He is still bleeding," he murmured. "It will not stop. The wound is to his heart...I will get more linens to dress the wound, but this is all I can do." He bowed his head, and Mahakhi let him through. The other Kana watched him depart before turning back to look at the general. He stared in at Nehekhi.

"I cannot believe it," Nehef murmured, brow furrowing. Hiath'ikh lowered his head, squinching his eyes shut and pressing his hand to them; he turned and walked away. The others stared at the floor, disconsolate looks upon their faces.

"Lord...?" Ahai'ikh asked tentatively, trying to get Mahakhi's attention. "Should we..."

"A...A..." They all jerked in surprise on hearing Nehekhi try to speak, his voice weak and quavering; Mahakhi's ears and nostrils flared. Nehekhi winced and turned his head, claws digging into the sheets. His breath hitched. "A...meni..."

The lieutenants blinked. Mahakhi pushed himself away from the door and strode into the room, halting beside the bed and getting down onto his knee. He clasped Nehekhi's hand and the captain stopped writhing, falling still but for his heavy panting; his claws dug into Mahakhi's hand.

"Nehekhi-Kana?" Mahakhi said softly.

Nehekhi managed to turn his head to the side, gasping for breath. His eyes opened a slit, and Mahakhi almost winced when he saw how foggy they were. "M...my M...Moru..." he whispered, unable to raise his voice. "I...must see..."

"You are too weak to go to them," Mahakhi said. "If you move, you may injure yourself further."

"I must...see..." Nehekhi shuddered, and the general clenched his hand even harder, fear flaring up in his breast. "I...promised...my M-Moru..."

Mahakhi's resolve faltered at last and he winced, pain flitting across his face. He blinked the dampness from his eyes before turning his head. "Go fetch Thi'usa and the human!" he barked; Nehef, who happened to be standing nearest the door, jumped and obeyed, pushing his way through the crowd and vanishing from sight. Mahakhi turned back to the captain and clasped his hand in both of his own. The fresh bandages to Nehekhi's breast were already soaked with blood.

"I cannot bring them all here," the big Kana murmured to him, ignoring how his eyes blurred. "But you will see Thi'usa and Ameni-human. I am sorry I cannot do more."

Nehekhi's grasp on his hand had been growing weaker, but now he squeezed it again, and Mahakhi blinked the tears from his eyes. Nehekhi turned to face him again and managed to open his eyes wide enough to meet Mahakhi's, and though they were dull and glassy, Mahakhi could still see the life there. He stared back, unable to speak.

"You have always done...everything you could for me," Nehekhi panted, his voice thin. "My training...General Djiu...my Moru...you did everything you could for them. This is more than you'll ever know."

The tears flooded Mahakhi's eyes and spilled down his cheeks. He rubbed them away, snuffling, clutching Nehekhi's hand in his own. He had never cried at the deaths of any of his men.

"Please look after them," Nehekhi whispered.

Mahakhi nodded. "I promise, Nehekhi-Brother. I will care for them as if they have always been my own. You have been to me as if you shared my blood. I will not ever forget you, Brother."

He saw Nehekhi's own eyes grow wet. "I will not...forget you," he said, in a voice as frail as papyrus, and Mahakhi hated how cold his fingers felt when he had to let them go. The others in the doorway began moving aside as Nehef ushered Thi'usa and Ameni into the room. They saw their master immediately and their eyes went wide; Mahakhi flinched, realizing the news must not have properly reached them yet. They dashed to Nehekhi's bedside and fell down beside him, Ameni grasping his hand and Thi'usa clutching his thigh. Nehekhi moved his head again and his eyes fluttered open.

"Ameni-mate...?"

Tears overflowed Ameni's eyes. "Lord," he choked out, and clasped Nehekhi's hand to his mouth. Thi'usa whined and pressed his head against the Kana's leg.

"Thi'usa-Moru...?"

"I am here, Lord," Thi'usa whimpered. Tears streamed from his tightly closed eyes to dampen Nehekhi's sheets.

Nehekhi sighed and shut his eyes. "Good...I had feared...I would not see you again."

"Of course you would see us again," Ameni retorted, squeezing Nehekhi's hand harder. "You promised you would come back. I knew you would not break your promise. I always knew."

A faint smile came to Nehekhi's face, and he pulled his hand from Ameni's to touch his fingers to his cheek; Ameni shut his eyes and cried silently. "Ameni-mate...sweet little Ameni," he whispered. "So long it seems now, that I've known you...ever since...we met, within the desert...I have grown to consider you my friend. Much more than my friend, sweet Ameni...and I am no longer ashamed to say so. You taught me...that your people have a good heart. But you most of all."

Ameni sucked in a shaky breath, shoulders shaking and face wet.

"Nehekhi-Master," Thi'usa whimpered, not even bothering to wipe away his tears. "I did not believe you...I doubted you...I thought you did not care for us anymore. I did not say goodbye to you...I said such awful things...I am not as strong as you, or as Ameni-Moru...please, please forgive me, Lord..."

His words broke off into a choked sob, and he dropped his head against Nehekhi's leg again. Nehekhi reached out his shaky hand to place it upon his head, and stroked the weeping Moru as if he were a treasured pet.

"Thi'usa-mate...dear little one..." he murmured, giving him the same faint smile. "Since we trained together under Lord Mahakhi...you have been the Kana I loved the most. You still are the Kana I love the most...no matter what they do to your wings...I know you did not mean what you said. I wish I could have stayed with all of you...but at least you will be safe now. This is all I could do for you, and for Tai'ihet, Ki'amit..." He winced and coughed, and the other two's heads shot up, eyes growing wide in panic; he held up his hand and they both grabbed hold of it, their fingers touching. Nehekhi's breathing grew more labored and his face remained pinched with pain as he continued speaking. "Everything I have ever done since I've known you," he panted. "I did everything for all of you. Remember that I loved you this much."

"You still do," Thi'usa cried.

Nehekhi's shadowy smile returned. "And I always will. Ameni-sweet...Thi'usa-mate..." He moved his hand to stroke the face of first one, then the other. "Please tell the others that I say the same of them. Tell Ki'amit and Tai'ihet...they have beautiful little pups, who I hope will grow to be wonderful children." He tilted his head back and managed to force his voice to come just slightly louder. "And tell this to the rest of the Kana...that I am honored to have served with every one of them."

"It will be done, Brother," Mahakhi said quietly.

Nehekhi gave a slight nod, then sank back into the bed. He raised his other hand, clasping those of the two between his own; they pressed their lips to his knuckles, and he smiled at them, his eyes fading.

"My mates," he whispered in a voice like a soft breeze. "Every one of you made me proud...every day I've known you. Even when days were difficult...my dreams were made pleasant by you."

"You honor us, Master," Ameni said softly.

Nehekhi's smile grew, and the light flickered and flared in his eyes again. "And all of you have honored me. I...only wish...this dream could last forever." His smile faded, his eyes dimming with sadness. "But I feel...it comes to an end soon...and with it, my life...here..."

Ameni and Thi'usa cried out softly. In the doorway, Lieutenant Djuta now stepped forward, hand clenching at his side; a glance from Mahakhi, and Resikh's tug on his arm, made him step back. He continued staring in with odd flat eyes.

"Master," Ameni whispered, voice breaking. "Please...please be strong. Please, don't let go."

"You cannot go," Thi'usa whimpered. "You must not."

The Kana smiled again, faintly, his eyes knowing. "Ameni-sweet...Thi'usa-dear...you are good Moru, the best one could ever hope for...I hope that your next master is as understanding of this...as I was..." Tears welled in Ameni's eyes and Mahakhi could feel his heart shattering; looking at Ameni and Thi'usa, he could see their pain more than anyone's. He had never seen Moru so grieved at the loss of their master, and had to avert his eyes with a scowl to keep them from overflowing again. Thi'usa buried his head against his master's breast, smudging his face with blood.

"Please, please, Master," the Moru sobbed. "Please, do not leave me. I cannot live without you. You saved me. Please, do not make me go on alone..."

Nehekhi's mouth twitched; he spoke now as if sleepy. "Silly Moru...you will not be alone...you and Ameni...will have each other."

"But I cannot live without you, Lord...I will die, inside."

"As will I," Ameni added, the tears spilling from his eyes unbidden. "Please, do not leave us so soon." His voice faltered. "I...I don't know what I'll do, without you here. I would be nothing without you. I would be dead if not for you."

The Kana's smile was gentle, understanding, patient. Loving. "Ameni-sweet..." He pulled his hand away to lightly touch Ameni's cheek, caressing his skin. Ameni took his hand and burrowed his face into his palm. Thi'usa did likewise with his other hand. They knelt beside him, sniffling and weeping, the other Kana looking on silently.

"Ameni-mate..." Nehekhi murmured again, his voice growing ever softer. "Thi'usa-mate...both of you...you will find another. Another who can...love you as I did...who will see all that you are worth. All of you...all of my women, my men...I would never have traded one thing, for any of you...dear ones..."

His voice faded slowly away. Nehekhi's grip upon their hands loosened, until his own threatened to fall away; it was only because Ameni and Thi'usa held on to them so tightly that they did not. Nehekhi's eyes stayed slightly open, but they glazed over, and his head tilted to the side so he lay silent. The rise and fall of his breast gently ceased. The Kana in the doorway stared at him in wide-eyed silence.

Mahakhi tilted his head forward, chin to his breast, and shut his eyes so the tears streamed down his muzzle.

Ameni squeezed his eyes shut and gasped for breath. "Nehekhi-Master," he choked out, and when he let go of his master's hand, it fell to the bed with a soft thud. Nehekhi stared through him, and Ameni lowered his head to the bed, weeping.

Thi'usa lifted his head, eyes wide and brimming, to look Nehekhi in the face. "N...Nehekhi-Kana?" he whispered. When no reply came his eyes flooded and his breath started to catch in his chest; he clenched his fists and threw back his head, screaming with pain and fury at the ceiling above.

"NEHEKHI-KANAAAAA...!!"

* * * * *

Within the tribe of no walls, the men went about their business, and the women remained within their homes, and there tended to the children who ran about, tripping and yelling and giggling. The sun shone brightly and a line of Moru made their way up the slope from the river, carrying fish and ducks; some more stood threshing grain not too far from the edge of the settlement, and they laughed and chattered as they worked. Even the Kana wandering the narrow streets were in a good cheer, waving and nodding and shouting out good-natured insults and challenges at each other as they passed. There was no Moru market to speak of, yet it did not matter, as they had all the Moru they needed; there had not been anything resembling a battle in a good long while, but this too was of no real consequence, as they could amuse themselves just as easily with a wrestling match, or some impromptu display of weapons-fighting. Injuries in such contests were rare, and deaths were nonexistent; and that was the way they were used to it being. In the absence of even a wall to protect the small tribe, and a general to lead them, they did not have much interest in setting off into battle, and so passed their time thus instead.

This was why a messenger arriving from the north captured everyone's attention so quickly, and the Kana flocked in his direction, craning their necks with great curiosity. A pair of lieutenants from the lead captain of the tribe had to nudge their way through the crowd, snapping at them to disperse before they could take the scroll from their winded visitor, who was quickly led away for food and drink and rest. They did not open the scroll, which was addressed to a charge of the lead captain; they brought it to the largest household in the settlement instead.

Within this household, almost all was still and dim, most of the occupants being out for the day. The hallways were cool, and a small Kana child toddled about, a huge grin upon his face. He made his bumbling way down the south hall with a sense of great purpose before turning a corner and hobbling along quickly, pudgy arms waving. He let out a gurgling laugh as he went, not being in the least bit lost. He knew where to go.

At the far room at the end of the hall, the door was cracked open, and from within came a soft giggle. The boy toddled to this door and nudged his way inside without any fanfare or attempt to hide himself. Inside was a bed, surrounded by gauzy drapes which floated on the breeze coming in off the river. It was after the noon hour, but the owner of this bed had not arisen yet. He'd been too caught up in more important matters. As the boy waddled his way toward the bed, the female within it, pressed upon her back with knees up and legs spread, giggled and moved. The male atop her pushed slowly and easily, smiling back at her, blue lappets swinging. Every so often they would nuzzle at one another, and whenever he licked at her plump breasts she giggled all the louder and writhed. With her thighs she caressed his hips, and she ran her hands over his wings, causing him to snort and pull his head back, his body stiffening. His smile grew and he nipped playfully at her ear, earning a squeal.

"Nith'khet! You want for me to come so soon and spoil all our fun?"

She started laughing aloud now, writhing beneath him. "Forgive me, Lord...but when we have been at this all morning...I can hardly keep it in!"

The Kana's smile gentled and he stroked her face. She stared back up at him with large lazy eyes, and he leaned down to kiss her, loving the taste of her tongue. "I do this only to pleasure you, little bud," he murmured as his mouth ran along her neck, "else I would not be able to contain myself long either." His look grew crafty and he tweaked her nipple. "But, since you asked..."

He dropped his head and grunted, bucking several times until his seed flooded inside her. Nith'khet let out a small cry and arched into his push. He tossed back his own head now, eyes shut, savoring the tightening of her smooth walls around him; he let out his breath and let his head swing back forward again, flared wings relaxing. He flicked his tail from side to side in pleasure and smiled.

"You are sure you want to finish for the morning...? I'm betting we could last just a little bit longer..."

Nith'khet squeezed his arm. "Lord..."

"Hmm?"

She squeezed again and he opened his eyes to look down at her. She looked back, before her gaze flicked to the side. He turned his head and blinked a few times to see the little boy smiling up at him.

His eyes widened in surprise. "Hy'unti? What are you doing away from your bed?" He tried to make his voice sound stern. "What have I told you about coming here when we are busy...?"

The boy's smile grew and he shuffled his feet. The Kana frowned at him, but his mouth hurt; he could hardly keep pretending to be angry, looking at a face like that. Nith'khet gasped and squeezed his arm once more, however, and he lifted his head to look toward the doorway. A Kana sergeant stood here, scroll clenched in his fist. He gave him a meaningful look.

The lieutenant paused just briefly before lifting himself from his mate and stepping from the bed, pushing the already open drapes aside. Nith'khet hurriedly pulled up a sheet to cover herself, though he doubted it was anything their visitor had never seen before. He didn't mind that the other Kana saw him naked, and leisurely slipped a kilt around his hips, finding a clean loincloth and tying it upon himself, smoothing himself down. The room smelled of sex and musk; he sought out a lamp and lit it.

"Binena?" he said, yawning and scratching between his wings as if he'd just awakened. "What news, this early?"

Binena's mouth twitched. "Apologies, Lord, but it's after the noon hour. You and Lady Nith'khet have been occupied all morning."

Now the lieutenant flushed. Nith'khet giggled and Hy'unti followed suit; she held out her arms to the child and he bounded up into the bed to join her. Though she was milkless, still she coddled him, and when the boy reached for her breast she didn't refuse him, giving Binena a small smile before lowering the sheet. Hy'unti placed the hard nipple within his mouth and started sucking at it happily, as if it flowed with juice. The Kana turned back to his visitor and furrowed his brow.

"Well? There must be some reason then, that you decided to disturb us now of all times."

Binena's humored expression faded into grave seriousness. "There is, Lord; an important one. Perhaps..." he peered back at the female and his son "...perhaps, there is a better place for us to discuss this matter...?"

The lieutenant pursed his lips. "Here is fine. What is it, Binena? In all the time I've known you, I've never seen you so serious."

"This is because the news I bring...is not good news." Binena held out the scroll to the other Kana, who frowned at him before taking it and unrolling it. His eyes scoured the printed words for a moment before he realized what it was. A decree of death; a Kana of great importance had died. He looked down near the bottom for the name.

His face grew pale.

"This..." he murmured, after a moment; Binena stood silent. He lifted his head to look at the sergeant. "...This is...true...?"

"Yes, Lord...I am afraid it is. Lord Nehekhi was grievously wounded in battle with the River Tribe. He did not survive long after." Binena bowed his head. "I bring you my profoundest sympathies, Lord. I know you loved him deeply."

Nith'khet stared with wide eyes. Only the boy didn't understand what was going on, and batted at her other breast playfully. Just that morning, the Kana had entertained thoughts of playing with her lovely breasts himself...now all such thoughts had fled, clearing his mind.

He blinked at first, in some confusion at the abrupt news, before taking a breath and raising his head. He met Binena's eyes.

"He died in battle...he brings me honor."

Binena nodded slowly. "Yes, Lord Tas'eta."

Tas'eta took another breath, and let it out. His eyes were damp, yet he did not weep. He blinked, and they were dry again. His blue lappets hung proudly.

"I will make the voyage to the Red Tribe. To see to the estate of my father."

* * * * *

The funeral of Captain Nehekhi did not carry out as would have normally been planned, as when his body was to have been interred in the caves to the west, it was instead resting in a bath of natron. Mahakhi said not a word against the strange procedure, even though the news of it earned many odd looks from the rest of the Kana. Mahakhi couldn't have explained it even if he'd wanted to.

He sat in his chair and ran one claw up and down the arm, leaning his head on his other hand. Nehekhi had always spoiled the human Ameni, and now it looked as if Mahakhi were going to start doing the same.

His primary thoughts had been on the most basic matters while Nehekhi's body was being removed, and he'd taken one of the lieutenants aside in the hallway to speak with him.

"He has an older son living in the south," he murmured. "The West Oasis Tribe, under the command of Captain Pekhten. I do not know much about him...only that his name is Tas'eta, and he lives in the captain's care."

The lieutenant frowned puzzledly. "An older son, Lord...?"

Mahakhi nodded with some impatience. "Yes, yes...probably around his eighteenth or nineteenth year or so by now. Do not ask," he said when the lieutenant's look grew even more confused; Nehekhi had seemed rather too young to have a son of that age. "I do not know the details. Only that that is where he dwells, and he will likely never receive word of this unless we tell him. I want you to fetch the scribe and write up a letter informing him of the news. Nehekhi will likely be long interred by the time he arrives, should he even decide to come, but we owe him at least this. Go now, and get that settled before word begins to spread."

The lieutenant nodded and vanished. Mahakhi had been ready then to steel himself for facing the rest of his men, who would have heard of Nehekhi's death through the grapevine, when the captain was carried from the room upon a pallet and he noticed how the human still clung to his arm. Another Kana escorted the weeping Thi'usa out and back toward the Moru quarters, yet Ameni was not letting go. Mahakhi suppressed a sigh and stepped toward him.

"You will have to let him go now," he said quietly. "He will be taken to the physician to be readied for interment in the west. I assure you, all care will be taken with him. But you must let them take him away."

Ameni looked up at him with large wet eyes. "Please, Lord," he whispered, his voice quaking. "Please, just let me accompany him. I will not run away, or cause trouble, or interfere. Please, I need to be with him just a little bit longer."

Mahakhi felt a pang. Nehekhi had told him, some time back, of the human's previous capacity for trickery--how he had convinced Nehef to get him to meet with Djuta, by acting as if ill; and how he had even known of the females' trickery of Thi'usa, with their pups, yet had said nothing to him. Staring at him now he felt a nagging suspicion that the human had something in mind, yet couldn't figure out what it might be. His brow furrowed slightly, but Ameni's eyes welled up even more, and he clung even harder to the captain's arm, lip trembling, so that the general had to give a heavy sigh of resignation.

"Very well," he said. "You may follow to the physician's quarters...but if you cause even the slightest bit of difficulty, I will be forced to deal with you myself. You will respect this matter, yes?"

Ameni nodded gratefully, and went with the other Kana as they carried Nehekhi away. Mahakhi had watched them go in silence. He knew the human would never disrespect Nehekhi's death, but still, it had been a very atypical request.

The next day, when Nehekhi had still not been released, he found out exactly what had happened from the chief physician himself. It seemed that the human had gotten it in his head to convince the junior physician to embalm the dead captain, in the manner of the Kemeti; Khetai had refused this strange request repeatedly, yet Ameni's protests of fear, that Nehekhi's spirit would end up lost, homeless, wandering in the desert or in the Duat, had finally convinced the younger Kana to give in. He had had to make up an excuse for the older physician, that the air was more moist than it usually was, and wild animals had been ravaging the area more often lately, so it would be wise to embalm Nehekhi's corpse rather than leave it for the dry air to mummify naturally. The old physician had tried to dissuade them from their plan, yet both had protested so vehemently that such neglect would be dishonorable to Nehekhi's memory, that he had been forced to give in just to silence them. He'd left the body in Khetai's hands, refusing to perform such an abnormal procedure, and Khetai had been busy with it ever since, removing the organs and preparing a bath of natron salt. And so, the day when he should have been taken to the western cliffs and interred, Nehekhi instead lay in the vat of natron, and would probably remain there for quite a while.

Mahakhi had been surprised to hear of this brash request until Lieutenant Hiath'ikh had tried explaining it to him. The other Kana, knowing somewhat more about Kemeti ways from his time spent with them, explained their concept of the ka and how it could not make the voyage to Amenti without a body, and would end up becoming a ghost endlessly wandering the desert. Preserving the body, he said, would preserve a home for Nehekhi's ka to return to from time to time, and he would thus be granted a home in Aalu, the Kemeti paradise, where he would be treated as royally as ever he had been in real life, with lieutenants and sergeants to serve him, and meat always upon his table, and beer within his cup, and as many Moru as he wished to keep him company. This was the reason for the months'-long bath in salt, and why Nehekhi was not now already buried as had been planned.

Mahakhi furrowed his brow at this news, then frowned a little, then nodded and waved Hiath'ikh away. He sat in solitude in his quarters and thought. The human had shown incredible gall insisting that the physicians act against orders, and he could not quite believe that he could be so brazen.

He wishes Nehekhi-Kana to have a happy life in the underworld. So much so that he asks for the sort of funeral of his own people. He is worried for his spirit...he truly believes it will be welcomed into Aalu...?

His brow furrowed again, and his claw stopped moving. The human had been very brazen...yet not for any personal gain. He was that worried about Nehekhi's afterlife, that he'd jeopardized the physicians, and himself, by demanding such a thing.

Mahakhi shut his eyes and sighed. He had not known the human could love a Kana quite so much, yet apparently he did.

A knock came at his door and he called out for the arrival to enter. The lieutenant did so, saluting, and informed him that a messenger had departed with news for Lord Tas'eta. Mahakhi nodded and waved him away. He sighed and sat back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

It will be difficult without you here, Nehekhi-Brother. Already I do not know what to do. You left so much behind you...how shall I take care of it all? You were always rather neglectful of your own affairs...except for your Moru, of course. They will be cared for. But everything else...

With one last sigh he dropped his head and pushed himself up from the chair, wiping at his eyes. No use sitting in his quarters and sniffling like a woman. He brushed his lappets back and strode from the room, telling himself that everything he'd had to deal with following the coups would be nothing compared to this.

* * * * *

The taverns would have likely been closed, had not so many Kana still needed to frequent them. As it was, the atmosphere in each was heavily subdued, almost every occupant sitting with their beer in front of them and a gloomy look upon their face. There was none of the customary joking and good-natured ribbing, and although the beer still flowed freely, it was not drunk with the same spirit as it normally was. Some of the Kana winced and nursed their injuries as they drank, attempting to dull the pain. Others rubbed the dampness from their eyes as they sipped, attempting to dull another sort of pain entirely. They did not talk with each other.

Lieutenant Taka was no exception.

He sat alone in his own corner, eschewing the company of his comrades and staring down at his cup of beer. It was the fifth he had had that night so far, and at this rate, another would likely follow. His head was swimming yet not nearly enough. His reflection blurred and broke apart and he almost nodded off a few times, his head jerking up with a gasp each time he did so. He sighed and downed the rest of the cup, signalling for another to be brought; he fully intended to drink until he passed out, or had to be thrown out, whichever came first. Khesa, the tavernkeep, frowned but waved a Moru forward with yet another cup. Taka took it and drank half of it before hiccupping and taking a breath. He wiped his hand across his mouth and stared off into space.

I do not know what I am to do now. After my first general, there was the second general. After him, there was Lord Nehekhi...now who is there? Am I on my own again, then?

He remembered how the first time he had met Nehekhi had been when he was drunk, when he'd cut off another Kana's ear. He had only been drinking because he'd had nothing else to do after he'd lost his position in the coup. Captain Nehekhi had given him his position back, only to the captain instead. Taka had always been one to follow the leader, and to take orders. The military had trained him to do that. They had never quite trained him how to handle himself on his own. As such, he'd been lost and aimless back then, and he was again now.

He knew he could likely find a position in the household of Mahakhi--most of the others who had served Nehekhi had talked amongst themselves of following this option--yet for some reason, Taka winced with distaste at the thought of it. He hated the thought of being a hand-me-down lieutenant, passed on to the next commander because the first was no more. He'd always prided himself on being chosen as a personal lieutenant, rather than simply being nudged into the role because there was an opening. The first general had chosen him; Nehekhi had chosen him. Even that rabid brute of a second general had taken him on as his lieutenant, although Taka had despised the position then. He was surprised to find that he felt that was tolerable to having no position at all...but then again, it was true. He was a soldier, not a loner, or some item to be pawned off on another; so the thought of serving Mahakhi's household as not even a first or second lieutenant, or of simply setting out on his own, galled him. Neither was a good option right now.

He peered at the other lieutenants sitting in their area, sipping at their beers, and longed for a moment to go sit among them, but did not do so. He lifted his beer and then set it down with a grimace of distaste. Even with as drunk as he hoped to get, he had never much cared for too much beer.

He pushed the cup away and carefully got to his feet, tossing some rings at the counter and swaying unsteadily as he made his way across the room and out into the street. Servants carrying linens and empty bowls still hurried back and forth, the occasional yelp of pain or keening of grief coming from a house here and there. Other than that the street was oddly silent. Taka looked into the alley and considered taking it, just to see if somebody would try to set upon him...it would give him a good excuse to vent his frustration on something...then thought better of it and headed back toward General Mahakhi's house. He scowled at the rutted road as he went, weaving from side to side, shaking off his foot after he stepped in a puddle of Sha urine.

I do not even have my own household. I left all that behind long ago. I should not have relied on the army so thoroughly...I should have at least always had a plan, just in case. I always had a plan before the army. Why did that change?

He slowed his step and stopped in the middle of the road, looking up wistfully at the households lining the main street. The day was beginning to grow dark, and lamps lit their windows with a warm glow; he could almost imagine the normal everyday sounds of chatter and laughter and feasting, and it was only when someone leading a Sha carrying a wounded soldier snapped at him to get out of the way that he finally stepped aside and watched them pass. Taka stared at the moaning Kana as they made their way up the street ahead of him, and rubbed at the pommel of his sword. He should have been in that battle.

My problem is I've forgotten how unfortunate I could have been. I've grown soft letting the army raise me. When all this time, I thought they were making me stronger. He glanced at the houses again, hearing pups chattering within one, and remembered how at that age, he had been picking up scraps in alleys and stealing from the market to keep himself alive. The army had sounded like paradise to him then, an escape, the only escape possible for one with no home to return to. He'd already known how to elude the enemy and sneak about undetected; all he'd needed was for them to train him how to fight. He had not had any sponsors to pay for his upkeep so he'd trained as hard as he could, to earn someone's, anyone's, attention. He was lucky that he'd been allowed to join in the first place, on a trial basis, as their ranks had been thinned recently by the illness. He'd been fortunate in that he'd had such lucky timing, and such skills as he'd had, and that he'd finally captured a sponsor's eye. He'd been fortunate in that he'd completed his training and earned his place as second lieutenant. Although he hated to admit it, he'd been fortunate, even, in that the usurping general had decided not to kill him, and had even promoted him. And he'd been especially fortunate in that Kana's death, and Nehekhi's arrival. His life had not been easy but in some strange ways it had been fortunate.

I suppose my fortune had to end someday.

Taka stared at the house from which the sound of children came, longing to see who and what was going on within, before turning away and continuing on to Mahakhi's house. For now, he would take advantage of that free room and board under the general's roof. Then, he would decide what he should do, now that his safety net had fallen out from under him.

* * * * *

The side court was silent but for the faint rippling of the water in the pool. Captain Tas'hukh stood leaning against one of the columns looking out over the yard. His heart was heavy, and he had wanted to step out there for the past half hour; yet he knew it wouldn't be the best thing to do right now. Instead he simply stood and watched in silence, uncertain what else to do.

Lieutenant Djuta sat on the bench beside the pool, staring into the water, wings slumped. He had been there for the past hour or so, just staring. Tas'hukh worried that dark thoughts might be flitting through the Kana's head, yet he'd done nothing aside from look at the water. He couldn't begin to imagine what he must be thinking.

He is blaming himself for this.

What would I ever be able to tell him, that he'd ever believe me...? He knows I would do anything to ease his pain...he would not accept the truth from me. But he could not have known this would happen...

Why is it I can never comfort you, Djuta, when you need it most...?

Tas'hukh's own wings sank and he lowered his head slightly, eyes downcast. He stared at Djuta a moment more before turning and walking silently away from the columns. There was nothing he could say or do that would make this situation any better. If anyone was to blame...it was he himself.

I would accept the blame for this a million times over, Djuta, just to take this pain from your heart. You know that I would.

If only you would just believe me.

* * * * *

Binena walked alongside Tas'eta down the hallway. He peered at the younger Kana every so often, seeing how he stared at the floor as they walked and blinked once in a while. The sergeant said nothing until they had nearly reached their destination, and then reached out and touched Tas'eta's arm. Tas'eta started and glanced at him as if in surprise. Binena saw that his eyes were wet. He pretended he did not notice.

"Would you prefer me to accompany you...?" he asked quietly. "Or to remain outside?"

Tas'eta opened his mouth, then closed it, furrowing his brow. He looked at the floor, then up again. "Would...would you wait outside? But wait here until we are done? I..."

Binena nodded, not waiting for him to finish. "I will still be here." He took a step back. "He knows already," he said. "I had to speak with him first off...but he wished to wait to speak with you personally." He bowed his head a little. "I will stay outside."

Tas'eta nodded, letting out his breath, and knocked upon the door. As soon as a call came he pushed it open and stepped inside, although he did cast Binena one small last look before it shut behind him. The sergeant kept his place.

Tas'eta leaned against the door a bit, taking in a breath and letting it out. The Kana at the other side of the room, near the courtyard entrance, looked toward him, holding a cup in one hand and a jar in the other; when he saw Tas'eta he approached and held out the cup.

"Here," he said. "I believe you could use it."

"Thank you, Lord." Tas'eta took the cup and stared down into its contents. Captain Pekhten stared at him for a moment, then his face softened and he put his hand on Tas'eta's shoulder.

"There is no dishonor in grieving," he said softly. "When my father died...there were none who could console me for days. It was Binena who finally convinced me to even set foot out of the house again."

Tas'eta looked up at him and blinked. A moment later it was as if his face dissolved, for his eyes squinched shut and the tears started spilling from them, little whimpers escaping him. Pekhten set down the jar and took Tas'eta's cup away before he could drop it; when the younger Kana put his arms around him he returned the gesture, and the lieutenant buried his face against the hollow of his shoulder, crying aloud.

"He did not reply to my last message," he wept.

"You know the way," Pekhten murmured, stroking his head. "It could take months sometimes, with the way things are with that tribe. I'm certain he meant to reply."

"I do not doubt he did," Tas'eta said in a muffled voice. "But still...I did not ever get to tell him. That I became an elite. I was waiting for his reply to tell him. I should have written to him sooner."

"You could not have known..."

"But I should have written him anyway. I thought there would be many more letters." He lifted his head and Pekhten pulled away to allow him to wipe at his running nose. Tas'eta rubbed his eyes. "I did not ever get to meet him," he said, as if just remembering, and then started sobbing. Pekhten took him by the arm and led him to sit down in a chair, where the younger Kana dropped his head into his hands, wings shaking. He knelt down beside him and touched his knee.

"I feel I am the one who must apologize for this," he murmured. "I did not ever take you..."

"I have my own wings, I could have flown..."

"This is a long way, over dangerous land. The messenger who came said he barely made it. If anything, I should have assigned you a detail to keep watch over you along the way." He sighed. "But I could not have known, either. And no matter what you tell yourself, none of this was preventable, and none of it was your fault."

Tas'eta's crying finally began to abate, and he rubbed at his eyes again, tears trickling down his muzzle. His eyes were red and puffy already, and he had to snuffle loudly just to breathe. Pekhten stared at him for a moment before tilting his head.

"How long were you holding in those tears...?"

"I did not want Binena to see them," Tas'eta mumbled, wiping his nose.

Pekhten's mouth twitched, and he allowed himself a small smile. "Trust me, Tas-Kana, Binena will see your tears, sooner or later. There is no hiding anything from him. I know because I tried the exact same thing." He stood up and turned, stepping over to a chest beside the bed. "I imagine that you are going to fly north now, and make a claim to his belongings."

Tas'eta's head popped up, watery eyes wide. "How..."

"You have been begging me to take you to that tribe for years," Pekhten said, looking toward him, and Tas'eta could see the guilt in his eyes; it made him lower his head again, feeling guilty himself. Pekhten gave the same small smile. "If there is anything that will make you disregard my advice, it is this. And I do not blame you." He opened the chest and dug around before pulling something out and shutting it again. He came back and handed it to Tas'eta, who looked at the scroll. "This is to give to their general. It will explain the entire situation, if he does not already know."

Tas'eta's brow furrowed. "But..."

"I wrote several of them," Pekhten said, "a long time ago. Just in case such an unfortunate day as this should come." His smile faded. "I had hoped the day would not be so soon in coming...or that you would have been to see him by then...or at least, that it would not have come in the manner that it did." He sighed. "But as I said...we do not know our fates." He gestured at the scroll. "Your father was a very private person, even in the short time I knew him. I do not know how much he has told the general, if anything. But hopefully this will gain you admittance to the Red Tribe."

"Oh." Tas'eta looked at the scroll again. "That reminds me. The name of the tribe has changed...the letter says it is called the 'Great Red Tribe' now...I do not much understand what this means. If it is not safe to go, or...?"

Pekhten frowned a little, then shrugged. "I assume he would have told you, if it was an inopportune time to travel. I do not think you have anything to fear from them. Nehekhi-Kana would not have passed his time with a tribe of ill intent." He crossed his arms and lifted one finger. "But you will not mind if I harp on you a bit more, will you, Tas-Kana? Even if it is safe there, there are other dangers. Raids have been on the rise all around us...we are fortunate in that we have little that others would want. But I have had thoughts even of putting up a wall around this tribe, sometime..."

"A wall?" Tas'eta echoed, eyes wide. He had only ever visited walled tribes, and had always found them rather odd; the thought of a wall surrounding the little West Oasis Tribe was even stranger.

Pekhten nodded. "Which is why you must not be too surprised if you return and find one standing around us!" he half-joked, then fell serious again. "But in all honesty...if this were not about Nehekhi, I would ask you to remain. I do not like these times..." He fetched himself a chair and sat down opposite the other Kana, locking his fingers between his knees. "For example that stranger who pestered us a long while back..."

"Oh yes!" Tas'eta blurted out, then flushed a little. "You mean the one who came out of the desert, all a-tatter."

Pekhten nodded. "That is the one." He frowned. "I have never trusted an Apsiu with no lappets. And barely a belonging on his person, other than his kilt and his sandals and his dagger." He glanced over his shoulder toward the courtyard, as if looking for the stranger, and Tas'eta had to look too, out of curiosity. The only thing there was the pool, rippling in the sunlight. "He was just one, but you would do well to keep your eyes open. He caused us no real trouble, but there may be others like him. I do not know; perhaps he lost his tribe. Perhaps he deserved more pity than we showed him, but there is only so much we can do." He looked at Tas'eta again. "Make certain you go well prepared so you do not end up looking like him. Your lappets...?"

Tas'eta blinked, then ran his hand under one so Pekhten could see it better. West Oasis Tribe--Captain Pekhten--House of Nehekhi--Lieutenant Elite Tas'eta. Pekhten smiled on seeing it.

"I see you changed them already."

Tas'eta flushed and lowered his lappet. "It...it was only because they might not believe my claim," he murmured. "That is all."

Pekhten's smile grew. "It is because you are proud of him, Tas-Kana, as well you should be. And I was growing tired of you wearing about those lappets that insinuated you were of my house. It is about time you wore the right ones."

"I am of your house," Tas'eta protested.

Pekhten wagged his finger. "You were raised in my house. There is a difference."

"But you are as much my father as Nehekhi-Kana is--was. You've treated me as if I am of your house, at least."

"Because Nehekhi-Kana was too lazy to drag you back home with him," Pekhten said, and this at last earned him a watery smile from the younger Kana.

"He did not ever have the chance!" he exclaimed. "Because he was too busy doing Kana things, and you probably would have locked me up and kept me for yourself anyway." Yet he said this in such a way that Pekhten could tell he too was joking. His own smile grew and he waved at him; Tas'eta got to his feet, and Pekhten approached and clasped his arm. Tas'eta stared at his grip as if not knowing what it was.

"You are a Kana now," Pekhten said softly. "You will take your father's place in your house. And with luck, you will become as great a Kana as he was. I've always coddled you; I should at least treat you as a Kana, now."

Tas'eta stared at him until his eyes watered. A moment later he was hugging the captain again, chest hitching. Pekhten stiffened slightly, as if surprised, then returned the gesture as he had before. Tas'eta sniffled.

"I will always come back," he murmured. "I'll go to see to my father's estate, but I will always come back here, because you are my father, too."

From his position he couldn't see the way Pekhten blinked, then shut his eyes before the tears could spill from them. "Tas-Kana," he said quietly, and patted the youth's shoulder. After a moment or two they parted, and Tas'eta rubbed his eyes once more. Pekhten put his hands on his hips.

"Now, you will speak with Binena to get all the particulars sorted out--? I know you take after me at least, in that you do not always think of the little things..."

"Yes, I will speak with him," Tas'eta said in a feigned sulky voice. "He waits outside, and is probably wondering if I will ever emerge again."

Pekhten grinned. "Well, best go see to him then, before he gets antsy. He will likely have everything prepared as it is, knowing him. Take a change of armor and clothing, too, lest you end up like..." He trailed off, then frowned and lifted his head to look at the ceiling, scratching his chin. "What did that scruffy wanderling call himself again...?"

"Djiu?" Tas'eta prompted.

Pekhten snapped his fingers. "Yes, that was it. Djiu." He made a face. "Take an extra pair of lappets, lest you end up like that unfortunate fellow. Wandering in from the desert with no lappets...no wonder he was having such poor luck finding a new tribe." He lowered his head to look at the youth again. "Binena will know what to bring. Have a talk with him concerning what we've spoken of, and make certain to check with me once more before you leave. I may think up another warning or so before then."

Tas'eta nodded and bowed, crossing his arm to his breast. Pekhten nodded in return and the lieutenant turned to the door, pulling it open. He glanced uncertainly at Pekhten before he exited.

Pekhten noticed his look and gave a faint smile. Tas'eta saw the pride in his eyes, and felt it rise a little in his own. He turned away and shut the door behind him.

* * * * *

Binena had a short time in which to say farewell to his own young son, and to head to the Moru quarters to give one more goodbye, before he would leave with Lieutenant Tas'eta. He looked vaguely at the murals upon the walls as he made his way down the hall; usually he enjoyed looking at them, but today his thoughts were distracted. It would be Tas'eta's first time so far away from the tribe, nearly on his own; the messenger had already departed, though of course Binena would be going along with the lieutenant, just in case. Tas'eta was no dullard, but he was still somewhat naive of the way of things; that was the fate of being raised within such a peaceful tribe, Binena assumed.

His sandals made a soft snikkting noise against the tiles. He had kept an eye on Pekhten as they grew up, and now his guardianship had passed on to Tas'eta. He would never have gone so far as to claim the youth was much like a son of his own, yet they were close, and Tas'eta had grown up hearing stories from the older Kana, of glorious battles and hard-won peaces, of Kana and Moru both honorable and devious, and of faraway tribes which had always made his eyes light up with curiosity. He knew that someday the boy would have to fly from the tribe. The older he'd grown, the stronger the urge had become to leave, and to see what else lay out there.

Binena just wished it had not come at such a poor time.

He sighed and started to slow his step as he neared the Moru quarters, and reminded himself to bring along the packet of letters he had been saving over the years. Captain Nehekhi had never been a prolific writer, but he had never lacked in words for his son, and by now the letters were so heavily read that he had to handle them carefully lest they fall apart. They were the things Tas'eta loved to hear the most. Even now that he was grown he never grew tired of having Binena read the letters to him, or of reading them over himself. Many were the times Binena had caught him running his fingers over the words as if he could feel them, when he should have been studying or training. If not for him, the young Kana never would have completed any of his lessons. Binena smiled to himself at the thought. Even if he never would have completed his lessons, Tas'eta still would have been lucky enough to make something of himself. He had always been a lucky Kana.

His smile faded once more and he stopped outside the door, his fingers upon the handle.

I suppose all our luck must end, someday...I knew it could happen, and might in times such as these, but still, of all the things that could happen...he did not ever get to meet him...

No Kana should go without ever meeting his father...

He sighed and opened the door, stepping inside and letting it shut behind him. He politely ignored the few Moru who dwelled here as he sought out one in particular--Pekhten had never been much of one to keep many Moru, being satisfied with one or two mates, and the same could be said of most of his men. The Moru quarters were not large, but neither were they crowded, and instead of straw the Moru here rested upon simple mattresses stuffed with the material. Several of them had even set up a senet game and were playing it together. Binena looked about before spotting the one he sought, and he gave the Moru a slight smile when the other recognized him and approached. Binena crooked his elbow and an arm looped about his own, and he led the Moru to a quiet corner of the room where they turned to look at each other. He reached out to caress the face before him, and leaned forward so their foreheads touched.

"I have heard bad news," the Moru murmured quietly.

Binena nodded. "I will have to go away. Perhaps for a while. Tas'eta-Kana will journey to the north to see to the funeral of his father."

An unhappy frown creased the Moru's face. "His father, then...? He has died...?"

Binena nodded slightly. "Yes...a good Kana he was, too. I met him only once, and he was quite young then, but I knew he was honorable. These are sad times for honorable Kana. They are always taken away, in battle." He met the Moru's eyes. "There has been some sort of change within the tribe, so that another is now in command. I will have to explain it all to Tas'eta as he read only what he wished to read. The Red Tribe, East Tribe, and Palm Tribe joined with one another under Mahakhi-Kana, and all Kana serve him now."

"Palm Tribe...?" The Moru's brow furrowed, looking troubled.

The Kana nodded again. "I would have to assume that Captain K'tasai's men took part in the revolt, since he commanded most of the army." He paused. "You have any message? Any you wish to send?"

The Moru faltered, eyes averting. "I...I do not know. It has been so long, I doubt he would even remember me by now..."

Binena touched the Moru's face. "Of course he will remember you...do not be foolish. I ask only because of what has gone between us. I know you still feel for him. This does not anger me, sweet one." He kissed the Moru's forehead, softly. "You could never anger me. I am only saddened that I may not take you along." He paused again, and tilted his head. "You are certain you have no message to give...?"

"I do not know," the Moru said miserably. "He never noticed me anyway..."

"Things may change, yet. And you may always be wrong."

"Still, I...I cannot think of what to say. Please, do not tell him anything. Do not let him know I exist." The Moru's eyes filled with tears. "It will be better, this way, that he does not ever know how I felt."

Binena sighed. "Very well...though I do believe, you would have been better off, telling him...you have any other wishes, then, before I must leave...?"

"Yes..." The Moru draped slender arms about Binena's shoulders, and touched their muzzles together, voice dropping to a murmur. "You said you would be gone long...so let us be with each other once more, before you go...and I will carry the feeling with me, until you return to me."

Binena smiled gently and brushed his fingers against the Moru's face. "Dear one...I could never forget this feeling, and neither could you. Still, I will gladly grant your wish, for it was my own, and if it keeps you happy while I am away..."

The other Moru were used to him, and so did not mind. They did not mind when their companion stood pressed gently against the wall, back arching, the Kana embracing and thrusting slowly, murmuring in one velvety ear. Hands ran up Binena's hips, over his buttocks, squeezing softly, urging slowly. Binena sighed and nuzzled at his love's neck, giving a gentle bite, nibbling on the Moru's ear, licking against the sleek fur, swaying oh so tenderly in blissful coupling. His own hands slid down his mate's body, over lithe arms, over smooth hips, over lean thighs, and up again, to softly cup the warmth and wetness that rested there, touching, caressing, relishing the low moan that his fondling brought. He sighed. He grunted softly. He climaxed.

With this, his lover gasped and tightened and did the same, his own penis quivering and spraying in release against the wall before him.

Continue:

"Part 31: Mistake" 


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