Forsaken

TW: Violence

The cold weather was the hardest for Kinah to get used to. She knew that House Klav preferred the colder worlds, the Emissary Maid of the 3rd Order did not realize what cold was. House Nevakev from where she had come loved the temperate. This was not temperate.

It was early morning when Kinah had gotten out of bed, combed her pale red hair and created the intricate single braid down the back of her head. Once that chore had been done, she quickly donned her under skirt, top, and then layered two pull over robes over her head and then cinched them with her belt that displayed the three kovek ribbons she had earned through her career. Mistress Ulia of the Mournful Song Estate had warned her early on to use layers as the weather on Valkis was finicky. Kina had learned the first day that she had not layered enough when she thought she had.

Quickly exiting her room (for she discovered 3rd Order maids of her cohort were given personal rooms here), she made her way down the stairs and out into the frigid morning. Kinah's breath escaped in cold puffs of white as her feet followed a deep red sandstone path that wound through the lush grass and under the heavy evergreen trees. The trees were fascinating as they were trimmed in such a way that their branches created a natural cover for those on the paths if the rain, wind, or goddess forbid, snow swept through. Unlike her previous estate where everything was kept close to each other, Mournful Song Estate was spread out among the land with paths connecting them together. The only people she ran into were the guards standing half asleep and only alerting when she got close. A quick nod between them was the only communication.

Once Kinah had made it to the main pathway which was much larger, she saw the 2nd Order maid Tuv with her head dress firmly clamped on her head with a bow around her chin to keep it on.

“Good morning, peer Kinah,” Tuv said as she motioned for her to walk with her. “Hopefully you slept well.”

“I did. I believe I've adjusted to the weather.”

Well, the sun does not come up for another two hours, so I want to show you the proper way we handle the torch lighting as per our lord's preference. Mournful Song Estate is famous for its ambience and respect for the ghosts that haunt her lands.”

Ghosts. Yes. That was something that Kinah had not expected. Though she did not truly believe in the spirits of the long lost, House Klav was very dedicated to finding a balance between the living and the dead. There were multiple temples on the property that she had to learn to properly maintain so not to disturb the spirits sleeping.

Tuv began her explanation of the torches and how they were supposed to be handled. Kinah tried to focus as the breeze tried to steal her breath. Kinah tightened her belt a bit more to keep the body heat in as she also tried to remember the pattern of lighting that she was being told. It was the words that seemed to change into a strange, strangled choke that caused Kinah to abruptly stop and turn to look at her peer.

“Peer Tuv, are you—–”

The chill and drop in Kinah's gut were not from the weather. Tuv stood there, gasping as deep red blood poured from her throat. The 3rd Order maid's brain barely registered the shadow standing behind the unfortunate maid keeping Tuv's wrists pinned to her hips letting her quickly bleed out. The shadow gently lowered the now dead maid into the pool of her own blood.

Kinah gasped and stepped back as the masked shadow moved into the light. It was humanoid because the lower portion of his face was covered with a metallic mask, his upper and lower body covered in metal on top of an inner armor weave. The person held a knife in his hand. The terror that shot through Kinah caused her to step back with a stumble.

“Ashkatula,” the hoarse whisper of a terrified girl escaped Kinah's mouth. ‘Assassin’.

The assassin stepped forward as the sound of running feet in the woods reached her ears. Kinah knew she was dead but there was a deep desire to run.

“Hold your ground, maid,” a voice behind the assassin said. It was female but synthesized. Another similar dressed person stepped forward though the dull golden belt told Kinah that she was the leader of the attacking party. The Emissary maid froze in place.

“What is your rank and position?” the assassin demanded.

“Emissary Maid of the 3rd order. Recently transferred from House Nevakev,” Kinah barely got out, her mouth dry from the terror.

“I see.”

There was silence that was palpable while the sound of screams began to reach her ears. “Wha...what have I done to warrant death, arch-wraith?” Kinah ventured as she watched the woman's eyes study her.

“It is simple, Maid. You have been forsaken.”

Kinah did not know if she could have gotten colder but she did. Forsaken. The Estate had been Forsaken by the Empire. The maid fell to her knees unable to stand any longer.

“What has this estate done to offend the emperor?” Kinah cried, tears streaming down her face. Why she was still alive, she had no idea.

“It is not this estate,” the Arch-wraith continued with a hint of kindness in her voice. “The House Klav has been forsaken by Emperor Morek for treason against House Vaesh. All Estates have been struck. Your High Baron has already been executed by the Ashkatula. Now, your estate must pay for his crimes.”

Kinah slumped.

“But. You have an opportunity to live should you take it,” the Arch-Wraith offered.

The maid looked up, the tears now flowing freely, her mind thinking of her brother somewhere on the property. The reason she transferred.

“If you help me identify, locate, and access the estate so that the will of the emperor can be carried out, I will grant you one request that is within my power. You may use it to save your life. If you do not wish to accept, I shall end your life here as painlessly as I can.”

“I accept,” Kinah blurted quickly, a plan forming if she was fast enough.

“You swear your allegiance to the Ashkatula and carry out my orders?”

“I do.”

Silently, the assassin approached and tied a golden ribbon quickly around Kinah's left arm. “Wear this and no Ashkatula will touch you unless I say. Take me to the lord of the estate.”

***

What happened next was bloody. One of the instructions that was provided to Kinah was that if she saw anyone 2nd order or higher, she was to point them out. The first time she saw Yukin, the 2nd order technician and she pointed him out, she saw the betrayal in his eyes when an Ashkatula materialized behind him and slit his throat.

Kinah had become the specter of death to the house, but she dutifully carried out the instructions cause she needed it for her plan to work. Kinah became responsible for the deaths of those who had taken her in as a friend.

Closer to the manor they got, the more bodies they come across. Kinah tried to tip toe through the blood spilled and coating the once beautiful stones while the Arch-Wraith simply stepped through it as if it did not bother her. The 3rd order maid noted a tall stranger wearing dark robes but no armor following. His face fully covered in a smooth helmet with no features. She did not know who he was, nor did she want to know.

As they got through the side veranda into the main house itself, the stench of death and blood filled her nostrils. She immediately vomited on the floor and the Ashkatula patiently waited. It was the scream and a body come running around the corner that got Kinah's attention. It was Asa. The Estate maid and someone she became best friends with. She saw Kinah as she tripped over a body and fell into her arms. They both went to the ground on their knees as Kinah locked eyes with her soul mate.

“Kinah! What are you. We got to go—–” She was cut off as the Arch-wraith stepped forward.

“Kinah?”

“I'm right here, Asa,” Kinah said kindly holding her friend’s hands. “I'm right here.”

“They're killing everyone.”

“We've been forsaken.” The look of astonishment and then horror told Kinah that Asa realized what she was doing.

“Kinah...no,” Asa begged.

“I'm right here. You're not going to be alone.”

The tears flowed freely from Kinah's eyes as she gripped her friend’s hands tight. Asa saw the gold ribbon and gripped tighter.

“Save me. Please! Give the gift to me,” Asa begged.

“I…I can’t.”

The realization sunk in and the anger and betrayal on her face.

“You choose your brother over your lover?” Asa demanded bitterly.

How was Kinah supposed to answer? It was only a moment, but the treacherous maid finally spoke to the Ashkatula who had been more patient than Kinah had ever expected.

“First Order.”

The look of betrayal was cut short as the sharp dagger pierced the side of Asa's throat. Her friend jerked instinctively from the attack, but Kinah just whispered softly to her friend as her eyes dulled slowly, the blood coating Kinah's hands. Blood that she had shed.

When the soul of her lover departed her body, Kinah laid her gently on the ground and placed her hands on her chest in respectful pose and then stood scrubbing the tears out of her eyes smearing the blood across her face.

“Let's go.” Kinah growled and the Arch-wraith said nothing else.

***

It was at the security field that stopped them but unfortunately for those who were hiding inside, Kinah knew the code. The look of show on Lord of the Blue Yisuf Klav told him that he thought the field was going to be up. The Arch-wraith strode in with her assassins with bloodied Kinah by her side. Mistress Ulia stepped forward to defend her master but saw Kinah and the ribbon, her eyes understood. Kinah saw her own brother, a 1st order Technician standing with the family shocked to see Kinah.

“I'm sorry,” Kinah said to the mistress.

“Do not be,” Ulia said with a sad smile. “You were offered a chance. the goddess must have a future for you.”

“Lord Yisuf,” the Arch-Wraith called and the man stood, his wife and three daughters cowering behind him. Only he and the desk separated the killers.

“How DARE you attack us, assassin,” Lord Yisuf demanded. “Your crimes will be punished.”

The silent robed man with the mask stepped forward and walked over. He was unarmed but he only approached enough to hand the scroll he produced to the Mistress.

“I am your inquisitor. By order of Emperor Morek. For treason, attempted sedition, and other crimes against the sovereign ruler of our great empire, House Klav has been forsaken. As required, all leadership will be terminated, your bonded servants of 4th order and below will be re-appropriated to other houses, and your lands will be given to those houses loyal to the emperor...except for Mourning Song Estate. She will be abandoned and deconsecrated, to stand as a decaying warning to any other house that thinks of rising up against his sovereign.”

Duke Yisuf shook as he fell into his seat, his wife and children beginning to cry knowing it was also their death warrant.

“Arch-wraith,” Kinah started, and the woman turned to look at her. “My Boon.”

“Speak.”

Before Kinah could, her brother shouted.

“Kinah! No!”

“That technician is my brother. I wish to use my boon to save his life.”

“Kinah! Don't.”

“Then—–”

Before the Arch-wraith could complete what, she was saying, Kinah's brother threw himself forward with a shout of rage and struck out at the Inquisitor. Before he could even connect, an assassin slipped in between them and plunged his dagger deep into his chest. Ruk fell back with a grunt and Kinah screamed running to her brother.

“Why? You could have lived.”

“Save yourself,” he choked out before passing away.

“Kill the family,” The Arch-Wraith said.

As the assassins stepped forward and Duke Yisuf reached for the paperweight, Kinah stared at the cowering children. If she remembered, an eighteen-year-old, a seventeen-year-old, and a thirteen-year-old. Kinah had no reason to live anymore.

“Arch-wraith.”

The assassin looked at her again as the assassins hesitated for a moment. Kinah had to decide and she pointed to the thirteen-year-old in her mother's skirt being held tight.

“My boon. I ask for the life of the youngest.”

The assassin seemed to be surprised by the request.

“Really? You have only been here for a few weeks. You have not had a chance for loyalty with this house. Would you not want to spare your own life?”

“She is thirteen. The age of accountability is fourteen. She should not die for sins she is not accountable for.”

The assassin looked to the inquisitor who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

“Lord Yisuf. This maid who has earned the kiss of the Shadow, is offering her boon to your youngest. Send her to this maid and she will be spared. You will be offered this only once.”

Yisuf did not hesitate. He ripped the daughter from her mother who was screaming and pushed her into the arms of the waiting maid.

“Close your eyes,” Kinah whispered then covered the girl's ears. The three assassins made quick work of the Mistress, Duke, and the rest of their family. Kinah did see the look of thanks from the lady of the house before her life was taken from her.

Scooping up, the girl, Kinah fled into the other room and curled up against the wall, so the poor child did not witness any of it. Kinah ran. She ran as hard as she could until the cold air ripped the energy from her lungs.

She found herself at the edge of the estate, within the meditation paths that the estate used to use. She had been clutching the girl tight to her chest and finally slumped onto a marble seat by the trickling creek.

Kinah looked at the girl, her face streaked with tears though none were flowing now. She looked up into the 3rd order maid’s eyes, searching for something.

“I’m sorry,” Kinah whispered not sure what else to say. The girl reached out and took the 3rd order maid’s hand and held it, both unsure of what to do next.

Silence and the sun. That was what came next. The warm rays made them both blink and painted the surrounding deep green with brilliant orange and yellow. The birds had begun to sing, filling the deathly silence, seemingly marking the end of the violence that was behind her.

“What happens to me now?” the young girl asked, speaking for the first time.

“I don’t know,” Kinah answered. “You live. You’ll need to find purpose for your life.”

“And you?”

Kinah tried to smile at the girl but they both knew her life was forfeit now. The maid felt a gloved hand gently lay on her shoulder. The Ashkatula had finally come.

The young maid looked at the figure passing her, the inquisitor had stepped forward holding his hand out to the only survivor of Mournful Song Estate.

“Come with me, child.”

The girl gingerly took the Inquisitor’s armored hand and took a few steps before looking back to Kinah.

“What’s your name?” the girl asked. “I want to remember you.”

“Kinah.” she answered, the tears starting to stream down her face. “Yours?”

“Abiva,” the thirteen-year-old responded before following the inquisitor away.

Being left alone with only the sun, the birds, and her executioners, Kinah sighed.

What else was there to do? She couldn’t run. She could barely fight, and she gave up her only chance to the one who had just left. The girl got off the seat and went to her knees removing the ribbon from her hair. Wordlessly she wrapped her wrists together in the ribbon in the ceremonial bow of the dead, preparing her body for the Rite of Dust so that the god of shadow, Erit, could take her to whatever fate she earned.

“I beg of you to please give me my rites,” Kinah said, her voice wavering as she sensed them surround her. “I deserve that much.”

She closed her eyes. Kinah hoped to take the blade to the heart and not have to bleed out like the rest, but it was not in her power anymore.

“Do you want to die?” the Arch-Wraith asked.

What type of question was that? Kinah wanted to snarl that at her murderer. No one wants to die. “No.” she was able to get out.

“You are a 3rd order maid. The death warrant is clear that you are stripped of all your rights and that you must die.”

Yes. Kinah knew all of this. Why was the assassin still talking instead of just getting it over with.

“You…impressed me, Maid Kinah. That is not an easy feat.”

The girl’s eyes popped open and looked up at the assassin who had removed her lower face mask showing the weather, scarred expression of the Ashkatula leader. Kinah’s heart trilled for a second. Soldiers and assassins wore masks so that the gods would not know who was committing such heinous crimes or that was what they believed. If her mask was off, there was a chance she would live.

“It is a technicality but if you pledge yourself as a heshut to House Gijol and the Order of Ashkatula, I shall let you live. You will return to our estate to become one of ours.”

“The contract…”

“It says you must die at the hands of the Ashkatula. It doesn’t say when. You will die as one of our heshut…in essence by our hand one day. Do you accept?”

The sun brightened Kinah’s face, and she nodded with just a bit of hope.

“I accept, xixihanvash.”