Descending Fire 9, Realm Year 768 (part 1)

Vermilion Legion Temporary HQ / a requisitioned hotel

Port Calin

General Ejava opens the door to her room. "Cathak Shima, do come in please."

She sits on an armchair as I give her a salute. "General, why was I summoned..." I look around. "...here?"

She smiles. "I heard you were friendly with the commander of the magitech unit."

"Very few people know of that fact, general." I'm not even sure if 'friendly' is the appropriate term.

"Like the fact that you're a sorceress?"

"I am not a sorceress." Where did she hear about that?

"Sure you are. I have seen the reports on your training mission. I know how you were able to construct those walls so quickly. And I know that Nellens Winters has never learned to cast Raising the Earth's Bones."

"Raising the Earth's Bones is a standard military spell."

"Which makes you a sorceress."

"In the lightest sense of the word, yes." Why does she need to bring this up?

She chuckles. "Magic is a tool, Shima, just like a daiklave. Being able to wield it is nothing to be ashamed of."

"Like how you're not ashamed to use me as a tool against my uncle?" I inquire. I just want to get to the point.

"Ah yes, thank you for reminding me." She heads for her closet and rummages through it. "I have arranged for a meeting with Cathak Tor this afternoon and I need you to look presentable."

"Presentable?"

"Of course. The meeting will be held at a really nice cafe." She reaches into the closet. "This will do," she says, and tosses it to me.

It isn't even a dress. It is a skirt and a top, and two sleeves for my arms.

"Try that on. You can use my washroom."

Several minutes later, I step off the washroom feeling scantily clad.

Ejava shakes her head. "We need to make some alterations. Shaping Hand Style!" She activates the charm.

Her hands still look normal, but she uses them to snip and sew at the already skimpy clothes I'm wearing.

"General... don't you think this outfit is already a bit too... unconservative?" Its really not, but considering who she's asking me to meet in it...

"Nonsense. Oh, I forgot, you're a Cathak. Believe me, the rest of the Realm does not find this cut unconservative."

She makes slits just under my breasts, which really made the outfit really unconservative, then ushers me to the front of her dresser.

"See? Don't you think you look pretty?"

Of course I do. "But general, is this really necessary?"

"You have much to learn, my dear."

Descending Fire 8, Realm Year 768 (somewhere in Port Calin)

Aboard the Blazing Diamonds battle carrier,
docked in Port Calin

From my clockwork yeddim's howdah, away from the Port Calin town proper, Valen and I have a clear view of the stars. The yeddim is being kept about the Blazing Diamonds battle carrier, out on the docks, where the sea breeze blows gently.

I hope he appreciates my bringing him here.

"Hey," I say softly.

"Hmm?" comes his equally soft reply.

"I apologize for how I acted at your sister's wedding."

He wraps his arms around me. "I should be the one apologizing. For punching your uncle."

I giggle. "He deserved it anyway. But Valen," I snuggle to him, "try not to get into too much trouble with the Dragon-Blooded. I'd hate to see the Black Helms take you away."

"I just can't help it sometimes. It angers me that they treat people like objects that they can use for their personal gain." He sighs. "Shima? If the Realm ever require of you to hunt me down, will you?"

"If I can get away with not doing it, then I won't." I pause. "Valen, please don't do anything that will make the Realm require me to hunt you down. Promise me."

Valen pulls me closer to him, and hugs me tight. "All I care about right now is that I have you in my arms, and we are underneath the beautiful stars."

Descending Fire 8, Realm Year 768 (somewhere near The Ten Tribes)

The tomb of Kan Ori,
somewhere near The Ten Tribes

Fuuma Raya's PoV

The manse's reality engines make the stars look the same as in the rest of Creation. Which is a good thing, because stars always make me think about Gareth. Which is also a bad thing, because thinking about Gareth reminds that there is no more Gareth who would take me in his arms while we pretend that the world is a happy place.

"Hey," I say aloud, "have you ever lost someone you love?"

My companion remains silent. I continue talking.

"I was betrothed to a Dragon-Blood. His family agreed because there was a prophecy that I would Exalt at age 19. So, they had us meet for the first time at a party sponsored by his House. I was 13, still attending primary school, while he was 15, newly Exalted and about to enter The Spiral Academy. We liked each other right away, though, and spent the entire night just talking."

I pause. I just realized that he doesn't understand my words anyway, but what the heck. He's the only one I feel comfortable talking about this with.

"Eventually, we fell for each other, and we were happy and secure with the knowledge that we were going to get married someday. Well anyway, my nineteenth birthday came and went, but I didn't Exalt, so his family canceled the deal. I mean, I did Exalt, but as a Solar, and, well..."

I look at him, and he's looking back, and the confused expression on his face makes me giggle.

I motion for him to lean over, then I kiss him on the cheek. "I think you're cute, Yeddim." I smile at him.

He looks surprised, but I think he also looks pleased.

"Hey," I say again, "you know, that girl we saw in the holodeck looked familiar. The one who was riding the clockwork yeddim? Reminds me of a childhood friend of mine. She likes yeddims too, even had a pet yeddim named Yeddim."

I look at the stars again. "I wonder how she's doing."

Descending Fire 4, Realm Year 768

Aboard Cathak Tor's battle carrier,
somewhere on the Inland Sea

Ragara Shen's PoV

I still can't believe I'm aboard a battle carrier on my first real mission with Tor. Not too long ago we were mere students at the House of Bells, and even then he's already shown how great he is. Now he has command of one of the most elite units in the Realm!

I just can't help but feel priviledged to serve under him... As his executive officer, I shall do anything for him! Even if it means cleaning out his cabin.

Which is what I'm doing right now.

I'm done arranging his desk, so I start straightening his bed. I fold his blanket, smooth down the sheets, and... what's that under his pillow?

I hold it out in front of me, and what I see makes me gasp! Who could this thing belong to?

"I thought I told you not to touch my drawers," I hear the captain say behind me.

Facing him, I reply, "But I didn't touch your drawers."

"Then what's that in your hand?"

"I should be the one asking you."

He narrows his eyes. "Where did you find that?"

"It was on your bed."

"Then place it back," the captain commands.

I feel anger flashing through me! Why is he keeping such a thing? "Who does this belong to, anyway?"

And he slaps me hard across the face.

"How dare you question me!" He grabs the panties, points to the door, and yells, "Get out!!!"

I give the captain a salute before leaving.

Closing the door behind me, I vow to myself that I must regain my place as the sole person who has the captain's affection.

I must get rid of her somehow. And there is only one girl I know of that the captain is lusting after.

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Cathak Tor's PoV

How could I be so careless? Now Shen knows that I... it doesn't matter. I'll just make sure to keep the panties in a locked chest after playing with them from now on.

I lock the door before taking off my clothes. I just want to relax tonight.

I lay on my bed and rub her panties all over my body, giving special attention to my most sensitive part. Pretty soon, I hear myself moaning her name.

...Shima...

Descending Fire 1, Realm Year 768

The Cathak Residence,
The Imperial City

I'm still stoned from last night, but we have to leave early. At least the servants have already packed my things, so they just have to be loaded onto the carriage and we're ready to go.

There's a knock on the door. I answer it, and a bowing servant hands me a letter. "Lady Shima, a message from the Lord Cainan."

I wonder what Cainan wants from me now. I sit on my bed, open the envelope, and begin to read.

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My dear Shima,

First of all, I want you to know that I'm happy you grew up to be a fine Cathak. Despite a wretched childhood spent among heretics, you were able to turn your back on their evil ways.

Yes Shima, your parents were heretics. Its time that you learn the truth. Your father disappeared because he fell under the sway of the Anathema. Your mother claims to not know anything, but we suspect that she's also been associating with them. Even your brother had openly declared allegiance to them.

The Immaculate Order wanted a purge of your entire family. Once they find enough evidence, your mother will be arrested and executed. If I hadn't taken you under my custody, most likely you would have been corrupted as well. In any case, they still would have wanted you killed.

I believed that under the proper guidance, you could still become a devout Immaculate. So I took you home. I know it must have been a very painful experience, but it was the only way to convince the Order to spare you.

I'm glad to see that my efforts have not been wasted. I'm proud of you, Shima. My only regret is that I wasn't able to save you earlier. If I had, then maybe you wouldn't have had to struggle as much.

May the Dragons watch over you on your first mission. I will miss the sound of your voice chanting the Hymns for us during the New Year's Devotion. Come back safe, for I have yet to choose a husband for you. I will make sure that he is someone who will care for you, as you deserve to be.

Your Grandfather,
Cathak Cainan

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I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes when Rae called me. The carriages have already been loaded and are waiting for us.

As we walk to the yard, I keep thinking about what grandfather said. Of course I don't believe that my parents were heretics, my memories of them strongly contradict that idea. But now I understand that he only did what he did out of his concern for me, and I was too selfish to realize that.

Cema and Rae board the carriage that will take us to the docks. Before I follow them, I take one last look at the mansion. And I see Grandfather watching us from a balcony.

After seven years of hating him, I now feel that I owe him at least one thing: a genuine expression of gratefulness.

I bow deeply at his direction, silently thanking him for giving me what he thinks is best for me.

I finally board the carriage, where an impatient Rae was waiting for me.

I'm not quite sure, but I think I saw Grandfather smile.