Part 23: Memory

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 23 and be on the lookout for updates to the next parts!


IT SEEMED LIKE this was a night that would never quite end. The hours dragged themselves out one after another, the stars slowly shifting over the Kana city. Even the most boisterous of taverns were now silent in the deep twilight that came not long before dawn. The only signs of life outside the great households were the guards pacing atop the walls, and even their dark shapes nearly blended in with everything around them, just another part of the night.

Most of the lamps in the household of the general had long been doused as the occupants slumbered in their various rooms. There was at least one who did not sleep. Lieutenant Djuta lay upon his back, one arm behind his head, staring up at the canopy over his bed. His mate Rithukh'het lay beside him with her head upon his breast and her arm over his middle. He gently stroked her back as he stared. She slept now; he had given her good reason to catch her rest, with how long and furiously he'd ravaged her on returning to his rooms; it was a wonder none of the guards had come by to see what was going on, with the cries she'd let out. He thought of the years he had put off taking a mate of his own, the years wasted, when he should have been siring children; even common Moru aspired to father Kana! Yet for some reason the thought had never been too important to him, until now. He dimly hoped he had not been too vigorous with his new mate, and that one or more of his seed would take to her soil.

He glanced down at her face, eyes shut in a deep sleep, breath whistling from her slowly and evenly. Her face was peaceful enough, yet she bore bruises upon her arms where he'd grasped hold of her rather brutishly during the night; he winced on seeing them. He rather wished he'd been a bit more patient, now, but she seemed none the worse for wear. He supposed she would need to prove her hardiness, if he wished to ever have a pup by her.

A pup... He briefly shut his eyes. Hup'khit. His first, and last, mate. What had happened with her, surely, had been a random occurrence, fate, something he could not have controlled. Just because she had died bearing his child did not mean any others would. And he had never been one to buy into superstition or curses. Still, he dreaded ever being proven wrong. He opened his eyes and looked at the Moru again. She had had pups already. She was old enough, and her frame seemed right for childbearing. Just to settle his mind he reached down his hand to lightly squeeze Rithukh'het's hip, testing its girth.

Rithukh'het gave a little gasp and opened her eyes. She lifted her head and looked around a bit, then blinked at him blearily a few times. Once she seemed to recognize who he was she relaxed again, and gave a wide yawn. He smiled at the sight of all her teeth.

Rithukh'het sat up and rubbed at her eyes. "Master to wish for more nesakh'ai?" she murmured sleepily.

Djuta shook his head. "No, this is all right, Rithukh'het."

"Hakh'tua?"

"No, no. Get your rest. I was merely carried away last night, is all."

She laid her head back against his breast and rubbed her cheek against him with a small smile. He was surprised to see a familiar smile like that, so soon. "'Carried away'," she echoed. "To be what one gets without enough nesakh'ai."

Djuta blinked, then laughed and hugged her to him, enjoying her soft feel. Her smile grew and she snuggled to him more closely. "Perhaps you are right. Still, I apologize if I wore you out at all. You slept well? Please, rest a little longer, before the day grows too light."

"Sleep well with little. Old master often carried away." She put a hand to her mouth and giggled and he smiled at her again, stroking her face gently.

"Well, your new master believes he's had enough for one night, so you can get as much rest as you need."

Her smile dimmed a bit, and he worried that he had insulted her. It had been so long since he'd been in a female's company that he wasn't certain how to act. Rithukh'het placed her head against him again and lightly ran her fingers over his belly, staring up into his eyes with a frown of concern.

"Master...you worry? To come back, and nesakh'ai...much of it. But your eyes...far away. Somewhere else."

Djuta's own smile faded. He stared at her for a moment, wondering how she knew. She met his eyes and didn't waver; he looked away first, blushing a bit in embarrassment. Outstared by a Moru, and a woman at that.

"To think of him," she blurted out, before he could speak. "Big Moru with the torn wings. To worry you?"

Djuta was silent as he stared at the canopy anew. He stroked her neck. When he spoke, he did so softly, absently, as if not even aware she was listening.

"He knows me...from somewhere," he murmured. "Yet I do not know him. I cannot understand how he knows me so well, why he speaks to me as he does...I had thought he was after the human, Ameni, but now I believe he used him merely as a way to get to me...for whatever reason..."

Rithukh'het tipped her head with a puzzled frown. "Moru to know you? Former Kana...served in army together?"

"If this we did...I cannot recall his face...yet I recall the face of every Moru and every Kana I have ever been with. Why do I not remember him? Who is he and how does he know me?" He shut his eyes and growled softly in frustration. "I will go mad, trying to figure this out..."

Rithukh'het pushed herself up again, still trailing her fingers up his breast. She tilted her head to the side.

"Master's master, perhaps to know," she suggested. "Ask? Lord-General to command armies--to know much, and what not to know, to find out."

Djuta opened his eyes and gave her a look. She stared back at him. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. After a moment he smiled.

"Rithukh'het-sweet," he said, reaching up to touch her face. "This is most strange...yet you are smarter even than many Kana I know."

Her large dark eyes blinked, then she flushed. She lowered her gaze, but he could tell she was pleased with the compliment.

He sat up, taking her hands and setting her aside. She watched him as he got out of bed and to his feet, stretching and fanning his wings, rubbing a kink out of his neck. He stepped to the far corner of the room and bathed briefly, pouring a bowl of water over himself and shaking the droplets from his ears; he felt Rithukh'het's stare on him, and from the corner of his eye saw how she leaned forward on the bed to stare at his wings with glazed eyes as he fanned them, yet said nothing of it. He dried himself off and found his clothes, which he had discarded at some point the previous night, tossed to the floor, and pulled them on, smoothing himself out. He felt something tucked into his belt and pulled out a small packet, looking at it curiously. The poppy powder the physician Khetai had given him several hours ago. He'd intended to take it, to sleep better, yet it had turned out sleep was the last thing he'd needed time for. He tossed it onto a table and tightened his kilt. He turned back to his watching mate, approached the bed, and playfully squeezed one fat breast, earning a squeak before Rithukh'het's arms went up to self-consciously cover herself; she gave him a look that was half-offended, half-amused. He smiled and pecked her cheek.

"With hope," he said, "we will get carried away tonight."

Her eyes widened, then she giggled and blushed. Djuta smiled, then turned to the door and pulled it open, striding off down the hall with a purpose.

* * * * *

"Ameni-mate...please, what bothers you? You have been so silent all night."

Ameni likewise stared upwards, not at a canopy, but at the ceiling in the Moru quarters. He blinked and turned his head to the side to see Thi'usa leaning over him with concern in his eyes. They had both sated each other with hakh'tua last night, their bodies tangled together and mouths probing, yet for some reason Ameni had been left unsatisfied. Looking into Thi'usa's concerned eyes he couldn't say this. He averted his gaze, and when next Thi'usa spoke he could hear the hurt in the Moru's voice.

"Why do you not speak to me, Ameni-mate? What have I done to offend you so?"

Ameni kept his eyes averted. "You've--you've done nothing, Thi'usa-Moru." Memories of the feeling of Bakh'asu thrusting inside him--and then of Djuta--flashed in his mind, making his ears go red; he was grateful for the dimness. "Nothing at all."

"So why do you not look at me when you speak? What bothers you? Why will you not simply let me know this?" Ameni did not answer; he then heard a shuffling noise, and turned to see Thi'usa pushing himself to his feet to stand over him. The sight was such that for a moment the human cringed back. Thi'usa's wings flared out and he clenched his fists, his face contorting; Ameni knew there was still some Kana in him, and knew also that, despite his size, the Moru could easily hurt him. Yet the look in Thi'usa's eyes was not one of rage. If Ameni had to give it a name, he would have called it despair. His heart clenched in his chest.

"You think I don't even notice?" he cried. "You have someone's scent all over you! TWO people! Lord Djuta, and that--beast from the market who you wanted so much!"

Ameni sat up. "I did not want him for this reason!" he retorted, his ears burning even more. "I--I can't explain it. I just wished to know his story. And now I regret bringing him here more than anything!"

"And so this is why you smell of him?"

"He overpowered me!" Ameni shot back. He noticed now the rest of the Moru lifting their heads and looking at him in curiosity, and felt like sinking into the floor in humiliation. He had not wanted anyone to know what Bakh'asu had done--yet Thi'usa was hardly leaving him any choice. This response didn't seem to do much to placate the Moru; instead his brow furrowed even more, disbelief on his face.

"This happened--? And you would not speak to me?" His wings flared. "Why would you not tell me this, Ameni-Moru? We have been through things together--you thought I would be angry with you over this?"

Ameni flushed. "I did...I did not wish to speak of it! Remember how you were after those dogs took us? You turned away from everybody. Why am I faulted when I do the same--?"

"Ameni-mate, you must speak with Nehekhi-Master! He is the only one who can take care of this."

"The dumb Moru is going to be dealt with as it is. There's nothing more to be done."

"Not him--the other one! Djuta!" When Ameni's head shot up he saw Thi'usa's lip curl back in a snarl. "Not even a Kana elite can get away with such things! Nehekhi-Master will see to it, believe me!"

Ameni stood up now, clenching his fists. "What?" he hissed, then lunged toward Thi'usa in a threatening manner, making the Moru jump back. "Bite your tongue! Djuta-Kana NEVER hurt me, not once! He has been better to me than ANY other I know!"

Thi'usa's scowl returned. "And so what is this you're saying--? You carry his scent on you, too! You are saying he did not force you as you just claimed--?"

"It was that Bakh'asu dog! Djuta did no such thing."

"Then why do you have his scent all over you--?"

Ameni opened his mouth, then closed it. He couldn't believe how hot his face felt. Every other Moru in the room stared straight at him. He couldn't meet Thi'usa's eyes; a tense moment or two passed, before Thi'usa lowered his fists, his wings sinking. He blinked a few times, and the look on his face was indescribable.

"And so this is it," he said, his voice dropping. "This is the reason why you will not speak to me. Why you have been so quiet lately, and always asked to leave. You have been passing your time with Djuta-Kana."

"It was not like this," Ameni insisted.

"Perhaps not so, but things have obviously changed!" Thi'usa shot him a look and Ameni was surprised to see that his eyes had filled with tears. "I hardly care that you had nesakh'ai! That is the least of things. But to turn to him all these days, when you will hardly even speak to me anymore--? Especially now! You would rather have kept yourself in silence about this Moru dog, than talk to me? I suppose Lord Djuta knows of it all already--?"

Ameni had to avert his eyes again, wishing more than anything that he'd stayed with Nehekhi. At least the Kana hadn't been in such a mood as this.

Thi'usa noticed his silence, and his eyes grew. "He DOES know--?" he cried; then he flung his arms up and ground his fists against his eyes. "Everything we had! I felt I could tell you anything, Ameni-Moru--and I felt you could tell me anything. Even if I could not always understand you, I welcomed whenever you would talk to me. I have always been here for you. Now when you need someone the most, you forget about me. I have even been in this same situation as you--yet you would rather turn to some strange Kana, instead."

"He is not a strange Kana! Lord Djuta has helped us ever since those dogs took us. Don't you remember--? How it was his plan that we seek revenge on them, when no others might have followed through!" Ameni clenched his fists again. "He knows where I have been! This is all! He realizes I am human, and he treats me as such."

"You are MORU!" Thi'usa yelled. "You stopped being human the day you came here!"

Ameni flung up his arms. "This is EXACTLY the reason why I chose not to speak with you! You hardly know WHAT I am! I suppose this is fitting considering you hardly even know what YOU are!"

The comment shot out of him, faster than he could take it back. As soon as the words left his mouth he heard a collective intake of breath and the Moru all around him started to turn their faces away as if not listening anymore. He glanced at them in confusion, then looked up at Thi'usa. The look of devastation on the slave's face was such that he could almost feel his heart caving in on itself. He cringed, wishing he had never opened his mouth.

Thi'usa lowered his arms. "If this is the way Ameni-Moru wishes it to be," he said in a strangely quiet voice, his eyes glimmering, "then so it will be. You do not wish to even let me know what is wrong. You know that I have always been here for you when you needed me, Ameni, and you have always been there for me. I do not believe I would have ever made it after--after what those dogs did to us, if you had not been there alongside me. Yet if you must move on now, to another, then who is Thi'usa-Moru to hold you back. I will gladly set you free, if this is your wish."

Ameni shut his eyes and rubbed at his forehead. "No, Thi'usa. You would never need to set me free because you never kept me captive! The whole time I've been by you, it was my own choice!"

"And now you choose to move on without me."

"I never chose this! And I did not mean what I said--it is just that--"

"Please do not lie to me, Ameni-Moru." Ameni felt a jab when Thi'usa met his eyes again, his stare sorrowed yet resigned. "If you cannot tell me why we can no longer speak with each other, why I cannot help you anymore, I accept this--but please do not lie to me. I have never lied to you. But I do not know anymore that which makes you happy. If you think I could not tell, this night, your unhappiness being with me..." He lowered his head, and Ameni's heart twisted even further. "This is not your fault. Only your choice. If Djuta-Kana can bring you more comfort than I can, then you deserve to be with him. I will not be bitter or angry with you, Ameni-Moru, but you cannot keep me from my grief. I have loved you, most deeply, as much as I could, but apparently this was not enough."

Ameni held out his hands, pleading. "And I loved you too, Thi'usa! I still love you!"

"Please...please, do not say this." Thi'usa bared his teeth in an expression of pain. "I let you go as I sense you wish. Do not make this difficult for me. Already my heart is breaking."

"Thi'usa-mate--"

"We are not mates anymore, Ameni-human. I know you love and turn to another before me. There is nothing wrong with this. As I said, it is only your choice." He turned away. "Let him make you happy, Ameni-friend. Happier than I could. You deserve the most happiness, for all the happiness you gave me. I only regret I could not give it in return."

"Thi'usa!" Ameni cried, stumbling forward a step. The Moru had already walked away, his wings hanging low. At the other side of the room Ki'amit and Tai'ihet sat curled beside each other, holding their pups; they stared at him as he approached, and reached up to coax him down when he reached them. Ameni swore he heard a soft sob, and his heart felt ready to tear from his chest. The two females glanced at him with wide eyes as if to ask him what on earth he had done; then they had turned their attention back to their weeping mate, touching him and murmuring softly. Ameni was left alone on his side of the room, feeling even colder than he had felt before.

He wrapped his arms around his middle and sat down abruptly, lying down upon his side and squeezing his eyes shut. He ground his teeth and cursed himself with every foul name he could think of. He couldn't believe what he'd just done, the pain and emptiness he now felt inside.

Thi'usa-mate...I am sorry!

* * * * *

Mahakhi sat upon his chair and drummed his claws against its arm, a dark look on his face. Djuta stood before him, with Resikh, their arms crossed to their breasts. The general had been occupied, as he often was, with one of his females when they'd arrived, but not overly so; he'd waved them in without complaint, and the Moru--Djuta didn't recognize her--sat curled up on the edge of his bed, her tail flicking lazily as she stared at them. Her large eyes and slender limbs reminded Djuta of Hup'khit, and he had to look away.

"And so," Mahakhi stated, drawing his attention again, "you say this one who is causing us all such grief knows you from elsewhere?"

"I believe he must, Lord," Djuta replied. "I see no other reasoning. He knew about my life before I joined your tribe, things I have told very few. I do not know how he could be aware of this otherwise. I thought perhaps that you would know him from somewhere, or perhaps you could assist me in finding out, as his actions are the entire tribe's concern."

"Hmph." Mahakhi grunted and drummed his fingers. "Well. I do not know him." Djuta's stance faltered a bit. "Of course, this must have been back when you served under that old captain of yours...what was his name?"

"Tas'hukh, Lord," Resikh was the one to answer.

"That's right, Tas'hukh-Kana. Gods, it has been ages since I've heard of him. If you're looking to find out who this mutt is, perhaps he's the one you should be asking. Have you inquired of him as to who this Bakh'asu may be?"

Djuta flushed and averted his eyes; Resikh peered at him but said nothing. "Lord...Lord Tas'hukh and I have not been in contact in many years."

"He is alive, still, surely?"

"I believe so, Lord. Though I would know even less than you."

He lifted his head when the general rose to his feet, stretching his wings. "Then I will just have to send a messenger and find out for myself. It is about time I had an excuse to do that anyway; if our tribes are allied, he should at least make an appearance, or respond to one lousy letter. I will have my scribe pen a note, and ask of him who this annoying Bakh'asu is, and end the mystery forever." He made a face. "The stupid brute. Why you bought him in the first place I have no idea. I have no more use for a male Moru, especially of that disposition!"

"He was intended as a gift for the Moru Ameni, Lord, though the two...hum...do not appear to have taken to each other very well."

"A gift for Ameni?" Mahakhi blinked, then frowned. "Well...Lord Nehekhi will have to hear of this, soon enough. I had thought you intended to keep him for yourself. For whatever reason. Perhaps if Nehekhi does not want him we may foist him off on that idiot Ukuti again. 'Twould serve him right for selling such an inferior Moru, and not giving proper warning..."

"Yes, Lord."

"I will send out a messenger before the new day is through. Your old tribe has not changed its position these past years, has it?"

"I do not believe so, Lord, though again, I could not be certain..."

"What is its name again?"

"The Shore Tribe, Lord."

"Very well. I'm sure with a little asking around they may be found quickly enough. Then we can move on to more important things, like how to get everyone to quit squabbling over which city post they will preside over. Dull, dull, dull!"

"Yes, Lord." Djuta bowed. Mahakhi waved his hand dismissively and he and Resikh turned to the door as their general gestured again for the female to come to him. She hopped out of the bed and trotted toward him with a wide smile as the two lieutenants exited the room.

"Brother?" Resikh whispered as they walked. Djuta looked up at him and saw his frown. "What bothers you so greatly? You haven't acted yourself since you all came back from the marketplace."

"It shows this much?" Djuta murmured.

Resikh's ear flicked. "Of course. I would not ask if it did not. This Moru truly bothers you that badly?"

"Not the Moru. Rather why I don't know who he is. Or where he knows me from."

There was a brief pause. Djuta cocked his ear, expecting Resikh's next comment.

"...I am rather surprised you consented to contacting Lord Tas'hukh so easily, Brother." He said it almost hesitantly, as if not wishing to offend. When Djuta didn't reply he added, "I know how you feel about him. Or rather..."

"I know," Djuta sighed, rubbing at his eyes. "It was better than getting into an argument. I have made such a deal of this that Mahakhi would not be happy with me refusing, now of all times. Just let him send his messenger. At least he's not sending me. Then if Lord Tas'hukh knows, he can send word back and get this all over with. I wish I had never wasted my money on that dog."

Resikh stared at him from the corner of his eye. Djuta tolerated this as long as he could before wrinkling his muzzle at the other Kana. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Resikh stared at him a moment more, then turned back to face the hall. "Did you take Ameni-human back to his master, by any chance?"

"Of course I did. I would hardly leave him wandering around on his own!"

"You did not meet Nehekhi himself, did you...?"

"He was at the door." Djuta's ears flicked. "Why are you asking this?"

"Mahakhi was too preoccupied to notice it...but you have his smell all over you." When Djuta's spine stiffened and his head jerked around to look at him with wide eyes he clarified. "The human. I truly thought you noticed..."

Djuta felt his ears start to burn. He quickly turned away, picking up his pace, but Resikh matched it. "Has anyone else?" he asked in a low voice.

Resikh shrugged. "It depends how many people you have crossed. Perhaps Nehekhi did not notice, if he didn't step out of his rooms...and like I said, Mahakhi was a bit busy with his own Moru to notice." He got an odd look. "So you two...?"

"I do not wish to speak of it," Djuta said in a voice which effectively stopped the question. He had not felt quite so embarrassed in a long time, and they both walked so fast now as to almost be jogging down the hallway. "I did not think things through...much like every other decision I've made in the past day or so." He made a face. "I suppose there is something you wish to say of it..."

Resikh rolled his eyes and shrugged with a sigh. "Am I your babysitter, now?"

"It certainly feels like it, sometimes."

"I put up with you far more than most others would. If I were any other Kana, you'd be walking by yourself by now."

"You're starting to sound like Nehef now."

Resikh let out a bark of a laugh. "I am only surprised you have not joined his company yet. First a human, then this big ugly Moru--you are headed in a downward spiral."

Djuta drew in on himself, huddling his wings closer to his back. He saw the look on Resikh's face change, his amused expression fading; when the other Kana flushed slightly and turned away he felt a pang of guilt and lifted his head.

"I am sorry," Resikh murmured. "I should not have joked about that."

Djuta sighed. "You are hardly the first, Res. I am only surprised more of the Kana around here haven't asked me about that brute..."

"I should not have joked. I know what..." He trailed off; when Djuta looked at him sharply he lowered his head, ears flaring and eyes averted.

"You have his scent on you," he said, simply.

Djuta flinched, mortified. "But..."

"I do not think anyone noticed," Resikh hurried to say. "Your female...Rith-something? You smell more like her. No one should notice unless they walk right next to you or something."

"I bathed! How is it you can sense all these things--?"

"Maybe it is because I am in your company all too often. You see? No one else should notice." They both fell into an awkward silence; Djuta had never wished his destination were not so far away. He stared at the floor and ground his teeth, feeling suddenly like pouring a hundred buckets of water over himself. When Resikh slightly touched his arm he almost jumped.

"I know you," he said softly, Djuta's ear twitching. "And I know that you would not..." He trailed off again; they walked on several paces, then he murmured, "If you do not wish to speak...I can take it up with Mahakhi myself, or I can convince 'Hef and Ahai'ikh to take care of it on their own..."

"I am fine," Djuta said; Resikh met his eyes and he didn't look away. "The dog will get what he deserves and more," he stated. "You do not need to dirty your hands looking after me." His stare drifted. "Rather I am more worried about Ameni-human. I do not think he is faring well..."

"That dog went after him, too--?"

"He was the first one. I should never have brought that mongrel here."

"If not Ameni-human, then someone else. He would have just kept it up. Now at least he's contained. And Lord Tas'hukh should at least be able to send a yea or a nay and then perhaps Mahakhi will slice his head off." He stood up straighter and grasped Djuta's arm, attempting to look a bit brighter. "Look--you say yourself that you are fine. So what's done is done. It's obvious he's a haughty brute. I would suggest us going down and giving him some trouble for a while, but I do not think you are up to that. So why do we not stop by Khesa's for a drink or two? Perhaps I can finally get you drunk, and then you can wake up in much more pleasant company for a change. And let everyone who is a captain and up deal with this dungball."

Djuta couldn't stop his mouth from twitching at Resikh's silly suggestion, and he saw that the gesture seemed to lighten Resikh's mood somewhat. "Perhaps another time," he said, hating how the other Kana's smile faded. Djuta made certain to grasp his hand and squeeze it briefly before letting go, casting a look back at Resikh as he went. Resikh seemed confused; Djuta smiled as much as he could muster and waved slightly. "I believe I would prefer to preoccupy myself otherwise at the moment. I hope you do not mind, just this once."

Resikh stared after him a moment, then shrugged and let out a sigh. "Very well then, Brother. Do as you wish. But try to at least let me know you are still alive by the end of the day."

"I will. I know how pissy you get when I am out of your company for too long." Resikh gave him an exaggeratedly disgusted look and Djuta laughed. "I'll be not far, just thinking. To try to sort this all out."

"I'll let you know as soon as Lord Mahakhi sends his messenger, and if you are still wandering around thinking by then, what Lord Tas'hukh has to say about it."

Djuta nodded one last time as he continued on his way, leaving Resikh behind him. "Thank you much, Brother."

* * * * *

The sun had not quite risen fully yet, but already the great Kana city was stirring with life, merchants making their way to their stalls, Moru traders opening up their tents, armorers and blacksmiths throwing open their doors. Soldiers who did not stay in their barracks all night now trudged to training, yawning widely. From the far end of the settlement the barracks lieutenants could be heard yelling out orders for the trainees to awaken and meet in the yard for the morning exercises. A few Moru delivered drinks of beer and light breakfasts of bread and figs to the guards upon the walls before returning to the taverns they served. Slowly, the tribespeople began to trickle out into the streets.

The household of General Mahakhi had been active all night because of the Moru Bakh'asu, and several of the guards trudged to their posts grumbling at the lack of sleep. They were not the only ones who were lacking sleep, although this was not an unpleasant thing for everybody. Mahakhi himself had not had much sleep, but that was not stopping him from pursuing his current goals. At the moment the slender female he'd been busy with earlier lay upon his bed clutching his arms, squirming and giggling loudly as the big Kana bounced atop her, his hips pressing hers into the bed. He puffed and snorted as he thrust, and when he came he made certain to squeeze her breasts as he knew she liked. She squealed and arched and he sighed as his fluid emptied into her. At least if he was not going to be getting much sleep, he should have something entertaining to pass the time, as he'd reasoned when he'd selected her from the Moru quarters.

When she had finally relaxed he pulled himself out and lay down beside her, leaning on his elbow and tickling her thigh so she blushed and covered herself with another giggle. He smiled at her widely. She was young, but certainly not inexperienced, and her good spirits helped to raise his own after the night's unpleasant events. "You enjoyed this, little one?" he inquired; when she nodded his smile grew. "Well, I am glad that you did. I suppose it was about time I spent an eve--or rather, a morning--with someone new." He yawned and stretched one wing, rubbing at his eye. "I must admit I feel negligent asking now, what is your name again--?"

"Bikhthet, Master!"

Mahakhi puffed his chest. "Well little Bikhthet, you were most delectable. I enjoyed spending time with you." He leaned down to kiss her and she giggled anew, even rubbing at his ear before he lifted his head again. "I hope you don't mind terribly if I do not accompany you back to the Moru quarters. But I'd like you to fetch back Thi'usa for me--do you know him?"

The Moru nodded. "Yes, Lord--the pale one with the wing?"

"That is he." He pecked her cheek again, and swatted at her behind when she stood. She let out a tiny cry and jumped. "Go along and tell him to come straight to my rooms, like a good Moru."

"Yes, Lord!" Bikhthet hurried to slip on her shift, and trotted daintily for the door. She cast a coy look back at him as she went and he smiled, seeing her blush. She disappeared. Mahakhi lay back and sighed again. He drummed his fingers against his belly as he had against the chair arm earlier. He shut his eyes.

It has been a while since I have fathered a nice strong Kana...even Thi'usa's pups do not have wings. Perhaps that little pretty can give me one. I wonder how Thi'usa's pups are doing, anyway...?

He allowed his thoughts to drift to the slave, and flared his nostrils. It had also been a while since he'd been with him. He envisioned the Moru in his mind, and even though he had just finished nesakh'ai he felt himself stir.

Thi'usa-Moru had long been one of his personal favorites. Which was why he was glad that Nehekhi now lived within his household, and that all of their Moru lived together; after what had happened with the robber Kana, he supposed it was only fitting. He knew Nehekhi and Thi'usa loved one another, yet he loved Thi'usa as well, and liked when the slight Moru would keep him company, whether they coupled or not. Thi'usa had always been beautiful, whether as a Kana or as a Moru. His brow furrowed a bit when he thought over how he had not been able to prevent them from flaying his injured wing. What would have happened had not Nehekhi bid on him when he had...?

His door opened softly, a dim shape coming inside; the general was too preoccupied with his thoughts to much notice the downcast look in Thi'usa's eyes. He smiled in the Moru's direction and turned to swing his legs from the bed, parting his knees; he lifted the front of his kilt and touched his still-damp sheath. "Thi'usa-sweet, I've thought about you all the night. I doubt any of you got any sleep, or time for anything else! Please come, make me happy. Then I will make you happy."

Thi'usa said nothing, but obeyed. He approached and knelt down before Mahakhi, slipping his kilt up over his hips and leaning forward, running his tongue along Mahakhi's sheath. Mahakhi shut his eyes once more and murred appreciatively as he grew hard and erect, the Moru putting his mouth around him. Thi'usa had the softest mouth he knew. And his cool fingers caressing Mahakhi's swollen testicles was like a balm to his fevered skin. He sighed and tilted his head back, allowing Thi'usa to do as he wished.

By the time he felt ready to come again, he was slowly shifting his hips up and down, up and down, feeling Thi'usa's hands running up and down his thighs. He gave a soft shudder when he released and just barely heard Thi'usa swallow as he pulled away. He blinked his eyes open to see the Moru wiping his mouth silently, staring at the floor. Mahakhi smiled at him, then frowned with puzzlement at the expression on his lover's face. Usually when they were together, Thi'usa was happy to be with him; now he seemed saddened, preoccupied. Mahakhi pushed himself up and reached forward to touch Thi'usa's cheek. The Moru almost flinched away.

"Thi'usa-Moru?" Mahakhi's frown grew. "What is wrong?"

Thi'usa's eyes lowered even further. He said nothing.

Mahakhi sat forward, putting his hand under Thi'usa's chin and gently forcing his head up to look at him. The Moru didn't meet his eyes. Mahakhi touched his neck.

"Please, Thi'usa-mate," he said softly. "What bothers you? I don't believe I've ever seen you in such a state. You have had a sorry day because of all that commotion? Were you worried for your master?"

Thi'usa's eyes filled with tears. Mahakhi sat up, ears flicking in consternation, then leaned toward him again and shook him slightly.

"Thi'usa! You could never keep the truth from me. What is it? Who brings you such sorrow?"

"I...it was Amen...Ameni-Moru." Thi'usa sniffled and lowered his head.

"Ameni-Moru?" Mahakhi looked confused. "But...you two are so close. What has he done, that you should look such? Please, tell me."

Thi'usa sniffled again, and then blinked as the tears started falling from his eyes. "Amen...Ameni-Moru...for some reason, he does not want to be near me anymore. He does not wish to speak to me. I told him I knew. He tried to make excuses--but I can tell. When I was with him last night--he was not happy. He will not tell me what bothers him. And he goes to another to let out his pain. He...he is hurting, yet he does not wish to speak to me of anything anymore. If he cannot trust me with this, with what can he trust me? If he does not trust me, and I cannot comfort him, then he does not l-love me..."

He trailed off and dissolved into tears. Mahakhi blinked again; Thi'usa leaned into him, burying his face against his former commander's breast. Mahakhi put his arms around him as he sobbed brokenly.

"Hush, hush, Thi'usa-sweet," he murmured, stroking his head. "There must be some sort of misunderstanding, is all. Ameni-Moru would never tire of you, I am certain of it!"

"B-but--he would not t-tell me w-what b-bothered h-him...I h-had to force it out of him...and even then, he did not wish to t-talk..."

"There may be many reasons for this--do not assume the worst of it. I have seen the looks you two share. Remember! How upset you were, when you would not be with your mates?--you turned them away, though you did not stop loving them. Perhaps this is the same with Ameni-human, and he needs his time to think it through. Hush about him not loving you. We all have things that will trouble us, that we cannot find the words for."

Thi'usa sniffed and sat back, rubbing at his eyes. He blinked up at Mahakhi with a pleading look. "B-but--he does find the words--but shares them with another! I had thought we could talk of anything--why then can he speak with another, yet not with me--? I am replaced..."

Mahakhi smiled gently and stroked his face. "You are worrying over nothing, sweet one, I am certain. Perhaps he does not wish to trouble you. Or perhaps he needs his distance. If you were to be around me all of your days, I am certain you would tire of being in my presence! And I know for a fact there are things you will never discuss with me, yet does this mean you do not love me? Your mates were confused when you turned them away. Now you are feeling how that is. Besides, Ameni is a human, and who knows what strange things they must feel from time to time. Mayhap this is where his difficulty lies; no matter how long he has been with us, he is still not one of our kind. He is bound to need his space, or to seek out a diversion, every so often. His problems cannot be with you...they must be with something else. Allow him to have his space, why do you not?"

Thi'usa's look grew pained. "But if he cannot trust me..."

"'Tis not always about trust, you know that. Perhaps it is merely awkward for him, who knows. Hush now. I will figure something out to get you two back together. There is simply too much there to toss it all away over a mere misunderstanding." He brushed the tears from Thi'usa's eyes and stroked his fur. "Now, you are feeling better?" he inquired as Thi'usa sniffled and rubbed at his damp nose.

The Moru nodded reluctantly. "Y...yes...a little...thank you, Mahakhi-Master..."

Mahakhi nodded. "Of course, of course...Ameni-mate must have much on his mind at the time, so we will leave him alone until the morrow. I will tell you what, sweet--I have to send out a messenger today, yet after that my day should be free to do with as I wish. Why do you not spend it with me, to distract your mind? I hate the thought of you being by yourself all the day."

Thi'usa seemed slightly relieved; Mahakhi was troubled to see that he was upset enough to wish to keep away from the Moru quarters, yet said nothing of it. "Yes, Lord...I will stay."

The big Kana nodded once more and smiled. "Good, good. I will prepare a nice soft spot for you, right beside me, and you can wallow the entire day in my bed! No, you need not undress yourself, sweet one; sleep is what you need right now, and plenty of it. I must leave soon, but not for long, and I am here right now. Come. Join me, now..."

* * * * *

"My sweet-mouthed precious Moru...come to your master, so we may spend the eve together in the garden...if you please...?"

Djuta stirred uneasily. A great column blocked his path; looking around it, he saw a small courtyard in lamplight, the sky grown dark in dusk. The lamps were set up around the pool in its center, leaving an opening where the small set of steps into the water led; their light flickered in a soft breeze. The air was thick with the scent of the flowering trees. A shadow of movement came from the far end of the court and Djuta's eyes shifted. A well-dressed Kana entered the courtyard, escorting a Moru slave; he saw how the Kana smiled at him kindly. This was a good master, not a brutal master.

The two of them stopped beside the pool, and the Kana stepped forward, his hand touching the Moru's neck as his lips pressed to his slave's. They stood that way in the lamplight for a time, the master's hands lightly sliding down his slave's body to his hips. The slave wore only a kilt and sandals; though he wasn't large and husky, neither was he small or weak, but well built, lean and strong. He bore wings, even, one of them slashed open at the bottom; as Djuta looked on the Kana stroked them, and the Moru trembled, letting out his breath. His tail rose.

The Kana smiled at him, said nothing, but gestured him forward. They slowly shed their clothes and descended down the small steps into the pool. The Kana reached his arms up and out to welcome the Moru in with him; his slave walked down the tiled steps into the water, into his master's arms. They embraced, mouths meeting; and they slowly sank into the water, their lips sucking softly. Djuta watched them in silence, an odd feeling settling over him. They swirled about in random circles, this way, for a while; after some time spent thus the Moru turned himself about and the Kana embraced him from behind, resting his head upon his shoulder, their eyes closed. At first it looked merely as if they were resting, until their movements--the Kana murmuring and stroking the Moru's breast, the Moru jerking and crying out softly at the air--showed that they were making love. They still rested in the water, only their heads and shoulders visible; but the Kana's labored breathing and his slave's slight jerking motions as he slowly thrust made their coupling all too evident. The soft noises they let out echoed off the courtyard walls and into the night. Djuta could just stare at them, still with that uneasy feeling, as if he felt he shouldn't be watching. Yet he couldn't turn away.

The Kana slowly guided his slave to the edge of the pool, and they continued mating there, leaning against the tiles, the Moru moaning softly as his master pushed and murmured. Djuta stared at the look of near-drunken desire in the Kana's eyes, the slight smile that came to his face as he moved, his hands caressing his slave lovingly. After another moment or so of this their expressions changed, growing tighter, their motions a bit more hurried, deeper. With a slight splash the Kana pushed himself up onto his toes, rising so high in the water that Djuta briefly sighted his tail, high and quivering, buttocks clenched tightly; both of their wings fanned the air as the Moru threw back his head and cried out in climax. Djuta almost forgot to look at the Kana's face; when he did, he saw the smile of pleasure, of release, of utter joy and relief. They settled back into the water for a few moments, panting, the Kana turning his slave about to kiss him tenderly. Their mouths tasted each other, hands running up and down each other's sides, for a while before the Kana reluctantly pulled his mouth away. He continued smiling at his Moru, his eyes loving.

"Come, my sweet, my everything." He briefly nuzzled at his slave's neck. "So many rewards you deserve tonight...for all you have done for me..."

They made their way to the other side of the pool, back to the steps. The Kana climbed out first, and Djuta sucked in a breath. Water cascaded and dripped off his older but lean and beautiful body; his fur was a mixture of gold and bronze, the lamplight making him glisten like some godly statue. He turned his head to the side to smile back at his slave, who now also rose out of the water, naked and dripping. He took his Moru's hands, brought him forward and kissed him; stroked his chest lightly, and guided him to the edge of the pool. There they sat down upon some cushions that had been prepared, and the Moru rested his head in his master's lap, the Kana stroking his face. Djuta knew they waited to recover themselves for an evening of hakh'tua, the master's favorite pastime; perhaps he himself would even mouth his slave, if he saw fit. His eyes were soft, very unlike a Kana's, full of tender love and desire. He spoke softly as he stroked his slave's skin.

"You are my favorite," he murmured, "and always shall be...so much you have done for me, without ever one complaint...that I feel I may never find a way to repay you, my sweet one..."

There was a pause, then the slave lifted his head to look up into his master's eyes. When he spoke, his voice was just as quiet as the Kana's; he spoke the Kana's tongue, not the stilted one of the Moru slaves, and his speech was flawless, educated, just like that of a well-bred warrior.

"There is one way," he said softly. "One way you may repay me, Master...yet it is a high price, and I do not know if you would accept it..."

The Kana's eyes brightened and his smile returned. "Yes, yes! Of course! For you, any price. I cannot begin to name the things you've done for me, since I brought you here; the way you have made me feel about everything. How everything makes sense when I am with you. You have made me happier than I can ever say in words. For this, no price is too great."

The Moru lowered his head. The way the lamps were set up threw his face into shadow, so Djuta could not clearly see him, yet his voice was familiar.

"I am afraid..." he spoke, so softly that both Djuta and the Kana had to flare their ears to hear him. "I am afraid...I have the one price that will be too great, Lord..."

Djuta watched the slave lift his head and rise to his feet. The Kana still sat, staring up at him with a curious look. Djuta could see only the slave's back, water still glistening in his fur, as he turned to his master and spread his wings. The Kana's look grew radiant; Djuta could tell that the sight of his naked Moru, wings spread, pleased him greatly.

But then the slave bent into a crouch, wings stretching as wide as they could and giving a mighty flap, and a moment later he had risen into the air as high as the smaller trees, and then rose higher, and higher, up above the level of the column tops. The Kana gasped and fell forward onto his hands, gaping up at his ascending slave in shocked disbelief. Djuta watched him as well, eyes wide.

The Moru hovered in flight for just a moment, before descending again to slowly land on the ground. His wings folded back in on themselves but he stayed in his crouching position, as if bowing, and did not move further. The Kana gawked at him in astonishment, his eyes large and round. He pushed himself upright and spread his arms wide, stammering.

"B-but...how is this! A Moru--flying? This does not happen...!"

The slave spoke quietly. "I am not Moru, Master...I have never been Moru. I have been wounded, yes, but I have always been Kana, as you are..."

The Kana's brow furrowed in confusion. "You--you knew that--that you could still fly--?"

The Moru nodded slightly. "Yes. This I knew. It took time, to regain my ability; but it was never lost from me. I have never been Moru."

The Kana stared at him for a moment, looking utterly bewildered, before spreading his arms again. "But why--why did you never tell me? When I bought you--? When I brought you back with me--? You had every chance! Before you shared my bed--? You have been my slave for fully a year! You could have flown away, proven yourself Kana any time you wished! Why then did you stay here, stay Moru--?"

The Moru--Kana--bowed his head, respectfully. "I did not tell you...because you were a good master to me, as good as you were my commander, and I loved you for this."

The Kana blinked and sputtered. He pushed himself to his feet; the other did likewise. They stood staring at each other, still naked; the Kana began flushing red, his glance darting about, embarrassed. It was as if the vast difference between their places had been removed, which, Djuta realized, it had. They stood almost as equals now, divided only by their rank. When the first Kana spoke, his voice was quiet now.

"Then...if you are Kana...this means that I am not your master. No one is your master. You are...you are free, then."

The other bowed his head.

"Yes..."

The first Kana drew himself up, as if struggling to regain his composure. His jaw set. "I will not keep a Kana as a slave," he stated. "This goes against law. This goes against everything I believe in. I cannot understand why you never told me...yet it doesn't matter now. You are free." He paused, and Djuta saw his eyes. They held a strange mixture...gratitude, sorrow, confusion, resignation. He lowered his head again, and his wings sank slightly.

"I am sad that I lose you now, sweet one...but happy, that you gain your life back, through me. Though I was glad you came into my hands, I was never glad that you lost your freedom. Should I have had to choose, I would far rather that you would be free, and never set foot within my household, than that you would be Moru, and stay with me always. I am grateful that I have known you...but if you had only told me, I never would have named you my slave. You never deserved this."

"Lord," the other Kana said, raising his hand. "I was not once unhappy here, you must know that."

"Yet as long as you are Moru you will never be truly happy." He paused, then the faintest ghost of a sad smile came to his face. "I know already there is another who waits for you, out there..."

"Master--"

The first Kana lifted his head again, his eyes stern. "No," he said. "This is not what you call me. You have said yourself, I am not your master. My name is Tas'hukh. I am a captain in the Kana army. You are not my Moru. Your name is Djuta...lieutenant in the Kana army..."

Djuta gasped and opened his eyes. He sat up, blinking and looking around himself in confusion before everything began to right itself. The courtyard with the tall columns was gone; the pool, the tiled steps, his former captain and the Moru slave...himself...were all gone. Instead he found himself seated upon a mudbrick bench in Mahakhi's own courtyard, which was nowhere near as green and leafy as Tas'hukh's had been, their tribe being in a drier part of the land. The water in the pool rippled softly under the growing sunlight and he let out his breath.

I came here...to try to remember. The courtyard. This is where he would take me. He looked up at the columns and his brow furrowed. Yet I have never forgotten that...and he was always good to me. Why have I felt so afraid of this place...?

He found his hand was clenching at his breast, and he forced his fingers to loosen. He rubbed his forehead and lowered his legs from the bench to place them on the ground. He sat this way for a few moments, trying to still his rattled nerves; the dream had seemed so real. Every detail had been just as he'd remembered it, like a vision. Yet he had not dreamed of Tas'hukh ever since leaving his old tribe. And when he had had reason to think of him, and his courtyard, the thought had never filled him with such dread as it had up until now...

And I do not understand...what this has to do with the Moru. Bakh'asu. Why am I thinking of Tas'hukh now? I do not even know if he remembers me...

Some part of his mind knew this wasn't true--there was no way the captain could have ever forgotten him--yet he didn't wish to ponder it too much. He continued rubbing at his head, mild confusion settling over him. At least the courtyard's influence seemed to have abated, even if he still didn't understand what it had been about, nor what had caused it...staying here any further would be pointless, if that was the only memory he would retrieve. He scowled to himself as he rubbed at his eyes.

I suppose that messenger will just have to have better luck than I...though I certainly hope whatever comes back, proves to be the end of this great mess...

"Lord Djuta?"

He nearly jumped when a meek-sounding voice caught his attention. He glanced behind him at the entrance to the courtyard to see a dim form standing there, seemingly hunched in on itself. He blinked a few times before he could recognize the features, and frowned.

"Ameni-human...?" Ameni took a tentative step forward into the light, keeping his eyes downcast and clenching his hands together in front of him. "What are you doing out here?"

Ameni blushed. "I...I was looking for someone to be with for a while. I thought of how kindly you've treated me. I wished just to come and sit with you."

Djuta stared at him for a moment. Even at this distance, he could now see the pained look in Ameni's eyes, and knew something had happened, even if not what. His own eyes softened and he moved aside on the bench, touching his hand to the seat beside him.

"Come, Ameni-human. I do not turn away a friend."

A look of relief crossed the human's face, and he came forward quickly. He sat down beside the Kana and immediately leaned his head against his arm. His posture was such that he seemed smaller than he really was, almost like a frightened child. Djuta put his arm around him and held him close. Their heads touched and they stared together toward the water. By the time the sun at last shone fully into the courtyard, Djuta still cradled Ameni close, the human now sleeping, tear-streaked face pressed to the Kana's breast, while Djuta stroked him and stared off into space. He forced his fingers to keep from clenching again as he mulled over all that he had been told, all that he now knew, all that he still did not know. He would have to know. Before the entire household fell apart.

His eyes narrowed and his ears flared as he stroked Ameni's head.

Bakh'asu. I will find out who you are. You will pay for this pain.

* * * * *

A few guards dawdled in the hallway outside Mahakhi's war room, murmuring to each other. Their chatter died down as Nehef and Ahai'ikh paced by and entered, then resumed again, though they pricked their ears to try to hear what was being said. There had been much activity in the house, so early in the day, and now the general's two lieutenants had been called away from their duties. Word had already spread of the strange Moru and his propensity for trouble; the guards quietly made bets over what was going to happen next.

"You two," Mahakhi gruffed at Nehef and Ahai'ikh, when they saluted. He stood with his arms spread out, an armorer taking measurements around his chest and waist. "I have some unpleasant business that needs to be taken care of, and I promised to get it over with before tomorrow. I'm going to need one of you to fly upriver a ways and meet up with the Shore Tribe."

"Shore Tribe?" Nehef echoed, frowning. Ahai'ikh seemed just as puzzled. "We have not had contact with them in ages, Lord...we do not even know if they are still allies."

"I do not know if word has even reached them yet of the changes in our own tribe," Ahai'ikh added.

Mahakhi waved his hand, making the armorer scowl. "Just inform them when you show up. It hardly matters. What I wish you to do is seek out this Captain Tas'hukh--he was Djuta's old trainer--and ask him about this Moru named 'Bakh'asu.' You remember that stupid brute we rousted from Djuta's room. Well, he seems to know a little more than is good for him and Djuta will simply go mad if he does not find out how. Perhaps Tas'hukh can take a tiny break from his schedule to assist in this, and then I may slice off the dog's wings, or put him to work hauling Sha droppings, and move on to more important things."

"Why do you not simply be done with him as it is?" Nehef asked before Ahai'ikh had the chance to silence him.

Mahakhi gave him a glare. "Because I want to know what this mutt's business is with my men!" he snapped, making the lieutenants cringe. "NO Moru sets foot in this house and does such things as this mongrel has done! If he has such a grudge against any of my men, then it had best be a damned good one! And then he can claim he has said his piece, BEFORE I strangle the life out of him myself!"

"Yes Lord," both lieutenants said.

"Anyway! They should be located in the same place as before; I've already had the cartographer dig out the map." He gestured at a scroll lying on a small table nearby, and Ahai'ikh picked it up. "You do not need to pack food as the flight should take only a day or so, top speed. There are no other tribes along the route so you should not be in any danger. The general's name...I forget his name, if he is even still in command, but just mention my name, and what became of T'uris, and Lord Djuta, and that should be good enough to gain entrance. If that does not work then make up some sort of honor I'd like to bestow on his tribe or something...you should be able to think something up. The stupid dog, we have not heard from their tribe in years."

"When should you like us to go, Lord?" Ahai'ikh asked.

"Preferably immediately. And I need only one of you to make the trip. Ahai'ikh, you will get yourself outfitted with a waterskin and set out as soon as possible."

Both lieutenants blinked. "But--Lord!" Nehef protested as soon as he'd regained his voice. "Why does he get to go--?"

Mahakhi snorted and lifted his arms again, seeming to lose interest in the conversation. "Because he is better at dealing with authorities, whereas you are likely to simply make some sort of asinine joke at the captain's expense. And I am hardly inclined to send two Kana for a job that may be admirably performed by just one." He nodded at Ahai'ikh, who flushed and saluted, then turned to leave. Nehef huffed and barely saluted himself when Mahakhi nodded him off as well, then darted out after his comrade.

"The nerve!" he groused, jogging to catch up. "I never am allowed out of this place! Even DJUTA has more fun than I do! And now for all of my years of devoted service, I'm told to stay behind and babysit while YOU get all the glory!"

Ahai'ikh rolled his eyes. "'Glory'? The way I see it you would take two flaps and keel over in exhaustion. Admit it!" he snapped when Nehef started huffing again. "You do everything you can to get out of heavy work. That's why you wished for this position, isn't it?--all this pampered keeping watch of the general and his house. Well, feel lucky you do not have to fly for a day or two straight!"

Nehef grumbled. "As I said, I would do the job much better. It's obvious you are not so inclined!"

"I have to go fill a waterskin. DO NOT even think of something vulgar to say," he added, just as Nehef opened his mouth to speak. "Mahakhi told me to go and so that is it. If I am not back in two or three days, you can have all of my material belongings."

He continued walking while Nehef halted with a frown. After a moment the first lieutenant scowled.

"You have no more material belongings than I do!"

He shot a dirty glance at his departing comrade, then looked back toward Mahakhi's doorway, then huffed and turned to head in the opposite direction. He was so irritated that he failed to see the little group of guards standing behind a column nearby, several scowling and handing over rings, several grinning and receiving their money in great cheer.

Continue:

"Part 24: Jealousy" 


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