The Rival of Gods

Chapter Three: The Wooden Blade

Narcissa had been spending too much time with Sahshir.

She was, officially at least, the leader of the Zigildrazians refugees. What she did affect how their subordinates behaved. And Sahshir was corrupting her, bringing her further and further away from Zigildrazia. King Sahshir had saved and drawn them out of Dinis, but now he was trying to cull their culture.

Even now, many of those who performed Zigildrazia's rites were in prison. They were awaiting execution for destroying an extension of themselves.

Alkela was grateful to him for teaching her sign language. That, however, still did not change his actions. As she opened the door, she walked through. Beyond, she found Sahshir looking through scrolls in his office. He looked up.

"Ah, Alkela, I take it you have the names and evidence for each accused, as I requested," said Sahshir. Alkela drew out the scrolls she had been handed, wondering why she was being trusted with this. Though, for now, that trust was not in vain.

Sahshir took it quickly. "Thank you. I would prefer to look over these if there is nothing else."

Alkela remained where she was.

"Yes, what is it?" asked Sahshir.

Alkela quickly made sign language, making her intentions clear. There had yet to be a place for the Zigildrazian warriors in the tournament. Sahshir raised where his eyebrows would typically. "So, you wish to compete in the coming tournament. Why?"

Alkela pointed out that most New Zigilus' warriors focused on the shorelines. Raiders from Sorn had menaced some of the fishing villages. Alkela had ordered the priests to spread the word of Zigildrazia while there, of course. However, it was anyone's game as to who would win this. "Well, I suppose someone from Zigilus should represent your people. With Narcissa out of the running, it is just as well."

And then Narcissa stormed into the room. She was carrying a sheet of parchment that she threw down on the table. "What is this?"

"Hmm?" asked Sahshir. "I feel it is somewhat self-explanatory, to be honest."

"You're banning me from the tournament," said Narcissa.

"And myself as well," said Sahshir. "As King of Kaltak, I cannot be seen to publically lose at anything. And you, as the leader of your people, have the same restriction. So does Belosh as well. Though I doubt he minds as much as myself."

"Are you insane?" asked Narcissa. "They've got a demi-god on their side! Isamu literally killed an entire army of bandits single-handed!

"We need every warrior we can get, or we won't stand a chance!"

"Yes, and if he wins, I can simply say it was only because I was forbidden from participating," said Sahshir. "If he loses, I can congratulate the warrior that defeated him. Thus assuring my people that he would have fallen to me if he had gotten past them.

"It's all about appearances."

"But I'm the best fighter of my people!" said Narcissa.

Alkela disagreed and made the appropriate signs. Narcissa sighed. "Alkela, you're good at fighting, but I have much more experience."

"Experience you gained because she had to remain behind," noted Sahshir. "You can hardly complain if she wants her own chance at glory."

"What were you even talking about with Belosh anyway?" asked Narcissa. "You went off alone with him while I entertained his personal guards."

"Nothing of consequence," said Sahshir. "Alkela, I expect you to deal the Western Kalthakians a well-deserved defeat. We've already shown them up by defeating Sorn without their vaunted help. Let us do it once again."