The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

40. Bold and blamished

The day of my father's funeral was cloudy. In contrast, today the weather is so horrifically pleasant. Somehow, I would have wanted it to rain and thunder to reflect my mood, for the tears to get lost among the raindrops.

It's sunny and bright, like Paisa was. And I am the only one crying. 

I haven't stopped since last night. Salma undertook a great effort to make me look at least human, if not presentable. She dressed me in funeral white, combed and braided my tangled hair despite my reluctance. I refused any type of paint on my face. She gave in, knowing it wouldn't last long.

A big crowd gathered on the streets and around the pier in the public square, so many people I don't know and can't count. I don't think most of them knew her, yet, when a noble figure dies, it's in part also a spectacle. It was the same with ym father and Imelda; peopel swarmed the streets, so many I have never seen before. 

"Why are they here?" I whisper, not sure to whom.

"The common folk? For the food," answers Laini.

She is standing by my side. The Emperor, the Empress and Prince Dair are further up front. The Alsayid advised this. Maybe the common folk doesn't buy that part with four wives... Who would have thought?

"Food..." I sigh.

"Yes, whenever there's a royal event they get food. There are often fights because of that. And because there isn't enough."

A look at Laini. I had no idea she cared in the slightest to know these things.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I didn't think you would know such things."

"I am not deaf or dumb. If I was forced to assist those meetings, so that Paisa being there didn't appear odd, I also listened since I was there. This will likely stop now."

The funeral pyre is being carried to the centre of the Plaza by the Five Elites,  followed by the fifty soldiers of the Dark Esquadron, who divide to keep the crowd away, together with other soldiers.

Their faces are expectedly stern except for Emir's. Emir's gaze is lost.

Another crying fit descends over me. Yes, life at court will change, most of all for me. Yes, everything will be more horrible, and one of the very few persons who ever helped is dead.

I look at the pyre for a long time, until I realise what is wrong with it. Paisa was not manab; she was not a believer of the Faith of Zenith. This funeral is wrong. I hickup and slip into another crying fit. 

Laini lets out a muffled shriek and covers her mouth. She looks at me in a strange way.

"Stop crying. It will annoy him, and he will punish you." The tone of her voice is a bit different. Then she grabs my hand, and I am surprised. "It's going to be all right. You have to be strong. I will miss you so much."

"What?"

Laini presses her eyes shut and moves her head left to right a few times.

"Go away," she whispers. "Yes, I promise, just go away."

My mouth gapes open. She breathes heavily.

"What...?"

"Nothing."

"This wasn't nothing." I think for a bit. "I know you have a link to the dead. Paisa told me you can see their memories. And since nobody reveals everything or as little as possible here, you might be able to do more." I frown at her. "Tell me the truth!"

She looks at the pyre.

"When they are recently dead, I can see and hear them. Most I can cast away and ignore. Regular people. But there are magic holders; if they are strong and willing, then I cannot cast them away. But this. This didn't happen before. I guess it has to do with Paisa's power when she could get into you and feel what you felt. Great God..." There is fear in her voice.