While sun rays still shone through the morning dew and disolved in the all colors of the rainbow, Subito had been already up. He went out to wash off traces of blood. Water in color of rust was flowing off his hands and face disappearing somewhere below in the depths of the rain forest. As he laced his pants through the side rings he thought that it was nice here, in this place that took his friend. He shook and rushed inside, away from that thought. Unreal songs of birds coming from the tops of trees followed after him. He kneeled next to Miratur’s bed, removing hair of her face. She was so beautiful illuminated by the weak light of the morning sun, it was like her skin was shining casting away the darkness. Moving his finger down her cheek, he woke her up. She yawned. After she noticed him, she smiled, giving him short kiss on the nose. “Get up my little pigeon it’s time to go.” Stretching her body for some time more she finally got up. He was watching her doing on her raiment with love in his eyes. Alma and Lillium who were already wake up, exchanged significant looks, not being able to control silly smiles on their lips. Love, the sweetest madness known to man.

Soon they were out on their way toward Town Hall. There was no one on the streets, or should I say trees? Hul Term looked like a ghost town, only few sparrows in the eternal hunt for crumbs were performing characteristic jumping dance. Town Hall was same as other houses, only ten times or so bigger. And there were spiral stairs, going round the tree from below directly to the entrance. They were probably starting at the ground level. Not bothering to knock Subito ventured right in. He found himself in a broad round hallway with many doors leading in every direction. Scattered over hallway were statues made of wood and colored in green. It was apparently trendy in Hul Term to paint the statues green. Every statue was holding an unrolled scroll in the hand, explaining who the man was and what he has done for the city. They were mayors of the city and few of them dictators. Subito stood in front of a statue who was introduced as: “Uniad was the first dictator of Hul Term. He rose in power, proclaiming his ideology in a book called "Path of the gods": "Individual means nothing. He is just a grain of sand in the ocean. Ocean can throw him around as he pleases, even destroy him. But every ocean has a bottom, made of billions of sand grains. They hold and imprison the ocean. Individual means nothing unless it is a part of a group. You should cross over the demands of your selfishness, rise yourself over the individual being, in order to advance and become a being of the group." His sword was called Giuska. Nowadays it is carried by the mayor of Hull Term, as a sign of his position and rule. Sword was personally made by Uniad, before he became first dictator of Hul Term. In those days he was blacksmith. According to legend, he used the sword to kill legendary Iron Scale Snake, by stabbing her in the eye. Blood of the snake covered the sword. Anyone who carries the sword gets very thick skin, which can deflect stones and daggers, and diminish damage inflicted with more powerful weapons.”

Subito looked at statue carefully following the lines on man’s face. His thoughts were interrupted by arriving soldier waving hands yelling at them that they can’t just enter in like that. “It’s ok. Just tell mayor we are here, he sent for us a few days ago. And make sure he calls Wind Wizards too. We won’t negotiate without them.” Indecisive what to do soldier slowly turned around and entered one of the doors. You could see on his face, he is trying to figure out are they playing tricks on him. Not more than a few seconds later, another soldier emerged out the same door running into another room. He was all hasty obviously carrying important messages. He was there for some time and then left. After him, followed short man, even shorter than an average Hul Termian, he was clad in the Bright blue outfit with images of white eagles all over it, on his head there was some kind of hat made of feathers. His face was wrinkled, shining with dignity. On the middle finger of his right hand was the signet ring, size of the smaller apple decorated with rubies and sapphires. He introduced himself as mayor Mormoriad, and escorted them into the room. Big table and chairs around it filled the whole room. They seated. “Is it really necessary to derange Wind Wizards? They are inclined to avoid messing with politics.” Mayor asked raising his eyebrows. “It is absolutely necessary. We want to see the ones responsible for bringing us here. And now our friend is lost…” “Your intention is not to hurt them is it?” “No we will hurt just the ones directly responsible for the death of our friend. I believe this is the reason you summoned us a few days ago. We answered no back then, now circumstances are changed, but before we do anything we need to make agreement with all sides involved, and that includes Wind Wizards.” The mayor rung bell in front of him. Few moments later Wind Wizard came in. He was clad only in loin clothes, with physical characteristics common for Hul Termians. His eyes were strangely blue, almost purple. He gave them a quiet fatherly look. The face of this man was tiny with paper thin skin. On his head there was a wig consisted of five braids that reached from his temple up to top of his ears. The wig was in five pointed star shape, leaving baldness of his head to be seen in between of her points.

Wind wizardess

He seated next to them starting to talk immediately “You can’t expect of us to fight.” He sighted. “Why is that?” “Our religion forbids any fights even verbal ones. We are even forbidden to hurt any living creature. We are servants of the peace.” “Tell me more about your religion.” “We believe in Morau, goddess of dreams. She demands of humans to be good. Stealing, using coarse language, fighting (with words or weapons), killing a human or animal, cheating, lying, being selfish, is forbidden. Anyone who would do that would be punished by the relocation from our community in the Outer City. We can’t destroy plants instead we have to wait till the fruit fall off by itself. So we eat only milk, honey and fruits we found on the ground. Morau dreamed entire world. She is good, and made good humans, but as further away were they getting from her they were becoming more and more evil. They were spoiled, being away from her protection and supervision. It culminated in the big battle of wizards, which almost destructed the world. Morau has chosen Wind Wizards to protect leftovers of humanity. And to bring them back to right ways. Wind Wizards have two factions that are somehow different than main religion. First one is Library of Knowledge. They collect all of knowledge, since they believe that by the ways of knowledge you could reach goddess Morau. They believe in multiple lives. Death erases memories, mission of man is to try and regain the knowledge from past lives. They use special mushrooms to fall in trance in which they remember past lives. Second faction is Animalists. They drink beverage made of the small amount of mushroom poison, which makes them forget. They try to live same as animals as much it is possible, since animals are closer to the goddess. Animals are simple, and all troubles come from complicating.” “I can’t believe what I am hearing. Your religion has premises only a child could believe in. Or a total idiot you will forgive me for bad expression. If all you do is trying to be good you will find yourself with loads of troubles on your backs, because everybody just uses good persons. Good person and good dog, people use them both for riding. There is another one: Everyone fucks good people so they could reproduce and fill the world. This world is an evil place and if someone has a chance to scam somebody into solving problems for him, he would do it. Just because it is so hard in this world, people are always seeking an easier way out.” Wind Wizard looked at the floor patiently listening “I will not fight with you. You are entitled to have your own opinion. I can’t see the world through your eyes. Neither can you see it through mine.” “You passed my test. Your words about avoiding fight were true. How come you are not ruling this city, since you have such a powerful magic to control the weather?” “Our magic was not given to us to rule over others but to save them. Our royal family used to rule this city after we formed it, gathering refuges from the fog. But city dwellers rebelled and expelled Wind Wizards introducing democracy.” “But you are still here?” “Well after we have left, fog started to consume city and we were invited back.” “And you had come back?” “Yes.” “Well that’s certainly something I would never do. Your acting is childish, but at least you are honest. You don’t live like rich people, instead you are the poorest in the city despite you have the greatest power. You don’t keep secrets, and do not engage in politics. And most importantly, you don’t judge others, their decisions and their ways of life. You don’t try to make others follow your rules. Your fight to make this world a better place may have a chance to succeed.” Wizard nodded in sign of gratitude. “We try our best not to envy, and to help others, by the means of using our magic and studying medicine. After the rebellion and return to the city we enclosed ourselves in Inner city with a goal to avoid further confrontation and to get out of the way. We are coming out to the city only to help sick and wounded.” The mayor added “They are keeping good relationships whit every government no matter if it is democratic or dictatorship.” “Then why have you drawn us of our way?” “On my insisting” mayor answered “we have real troubles with gangs and if nothing is going to be done, this city will slide into chaos.” He shivered from the look in Subito eyes. “Well it seems you have got yourself reinforcements.” He smiled cheerfully. “I would personally order that your warriors get richly rewarded…” “But we do have a few conditions. We will form mixed units consisted of two Hul Term soldiers and eight Ulans. Hul Termians will serve as guides since they are familiar with the terrain. Also there is whisper around the city that the authorities are on criminal’s pay lists. If that is true, and my warriors were to suffer because of it, you will pay.” Sweating mayor punched his bell. He needed a change of subject. Two cooks entered the room carrying several cooked utilis. Utili is a small, furry and round animal with no legs, usually white or blue. It moves around by rolling its body.

Utili

It is considered delicacy. They offered our heroes to choose one for their meal. Skillfully skinning animals and cutting thin pieces of meat they were packing it in leaves and cooking. Utili was real delicacy. No one spoke for some time. The mayor started first still sweating: “So we could sign contract now?” “Yes.” Everybody signed on a scroll offering a hefty sum of money for military services. Wind Wizard blessed everybody broadly moving his hand over their heads and pronouncing the name of his goddess “Morau!”

Lillium read from the Book of Voice.

Immediately after concluding a deal, she turned toward Wind Wizard “Tell me about your magic, I use some too. What sort of stones you use?” “You are enlightened too? It is always nice to see there is light in other parts of the world, it brings hopes one day will come the new dawn. We don’t use stones. Our magic comes instinctively. When it is needed, we fall asleep and our soul, or energy if you prefer, leaves our bodies in the form of a white bird. That bird flies around and makes wind, thunder and storm.” “Interesting, you don’t use stones, but your own bodies as magical conductors.” “It’s merely a gift, not for us, but for all humans.” Subito picked up chest he was hiding under the table, and opened it. It was the same chest from thugs den, filled with jewelry and bags full of btaris “We found this treasure in thug possession, and we are planning to return it to the rightful owners.” Mayor reached for the chest “We will be glad to return it.” Lillium gently slapped him on the hands “No we will return it to persons who describe exactly what was stolen from them. We don’t want hundreds of false claims. That way, in the end, we would finish owing money to citizens of Hul Term. It would also be bad if the treasure would “got lost” in the Town Hall, don’t you agree?” A shadow passed over mayor’s face “It will be the way you demand.” “Here is the text of notification you will distribute all over the town. Those who are claiming they have been robbed will be interrogated by our officer.” Subito added “We are giving you leader of the thugs we captured last night. You are going to interrogate him and let us know about exact locations of gang’s hideouts all over the town. We will go now.” Wind Wizard shook their hands “It is good to know this town will get protection of such honest people. Finally corruption will have to retreat.” Mayor was not showing so much of enthusiasm.

During the next couple of days mixed units of Ulans and Hul Termians launched a series of attacks on gang’s territories. Catching many of them and killing those who were refusing to surrender. Subito was visiting mayor every day pressuring him to reveal all connections with gangs. Every night patrols of Ulans were guarding the streets. Wealthy rewards were offered to those who report gang members or those officials who cooperate with them. Over three hundred heads of killed thugs were displayed in front of Town Hall. Those officials who were caught in cooperation with gangs were hanged on the highest tree in town for everybody to see them. Vultures were feasting in those days. Historians called this period Days of Black Wings, due to the great number of crows and ravens crowding in town. Ulans organized and trained units of citizens learning them to fight and protect their neighborhood. Posters were distributed all over the town calling bandits to surrender, offering abolishment to anyone who does that way. Gangs were hardly pressed and had to answer. Fifth day since start of conflict, they attempted assassination against Lord Aenead. Some gang member launched an arrow at him from the crowd in front of Town Hall. Luckily arrow just scratched his shoulder, while assassin’s head was added to collection in front of Town Hall. But this gave reason to worry, so Subito decided to make a decisive move. He distributed invitations all over the city, calling Altar most powerful gang leader on a duel. Subito knew if he refuses the offer, he would compromise his position by showing weakness.

And really in the morning on the sixth day of the conflict Altar had come in front of Town Hall calling for Subito. He was short but really strong, wide almost his height. His hands were so gigantic he could reach his left ear with his pinky finger, still holding thumb on his right ear, and reaching over his skull! Fierce eyes were crossing over the Town Hall windows. In both of his ears were earrings holding small bells. He used to say that the purpose of the bells is to let everybody know he is coming, giving them time to run away. He was clad in flowery shirt and pants with a golden woven scarf around his waist. “Kill him.” Mayor ordered to nearest soldier. Subito grabbed his hand “Nobody will kill him, I called him out on an honorable duel and we will have it.” “I’m just saying…” “No!” Subito opened door coming out, keeping his scythe high on the shoulder. He turned back to look at the worried Miratur’s face. Wiping her tears with his kisses he said “You know I will always be with you.” He turned and immediately walked out facing Altar “So you are the one who killed my friend?” “I don’t remember your friend, he was probably not important enough to remain in my memories.” He grinned. “Soon one of us won’t be important anymore. Can you tell me where his body is, he was the one that cheated you in gamble.” “O, that one he is dumped to my Zurta worm. He was a really good meal, it seems, since the Zurta haven’t eaten since then. The worm’s hole is on the tree that holds my house, and there is the body of your friend. But you will meet him in person few moments from now, don’t be impatient.” Saying that he waved his net toward Subito, this one shifted to the side letting net to brush his shoulder. Then he pushed Altar in the stomach using his scythe’s handle and trying to immediately cut his head off by swiftly moving his scythe in a broad arc, but the weapon was deflected by the tug’s sword. Since the element of surprise was no longer an option, they were going for tactic. Dancing around each other in wide circles, they were measuring the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. Altar was trying to entangle Subito into his net. Subito on the other hand tried to get him with his scythe, waving it in wide arches and raising dust with his feet trying to get it into his opponent’s eyes. Both of them attacked and missed several more times, sun already rose in the sky and was shining in the sweat drops that were slowly traveling across their faces till they would disappear somewhere behind the collar. Altar attacked one more time, Subito backing up draw his foot on the tree bark, making a big cloud of dust. Altar marched right into it. Leaving his scythe pointing upward, he now pulled it up shredding Altar’s net into the pieces. Altar quickly gathered himself up and deflected Subito’s attack, holding his scimitar in both hands, one on the hilt second on the tip. He quickly rushed backwards and threw his scimitar at Subito. With ease Subito lifted the scythe in front of his face and deflected flying scimitar away, weapon fell disappearing in the tree crowns below them. Altar wiped his face using the sleeve, smearing dust all over his cheeks and forehead, giving him looks of a coal miner. He detached string of his bow, transforming it into two blade sword. Normally blades of his deer antlers bow-sword would break upon impact with Subito’s iron armor, but they were reinforced by iron using a special technique of filling up the tips of deer antlers with melted metal. Moving his sword in large eights he was giving Subito lots of troubles. Enclosing him, he didn’t give him lots of opportunities to find room to attack with his scythe, which was now used just for deflecting. After long mauling he grabbed the opportunity and sliced from the side. Subito’s scythe’s hilt was cut in half. On the side of his body was big gaping wound spraying blood down his thighs. Miratur screamed. Somehow he managed to hit Altar in the head with what was left from his weapon’s hilt. Altar fell in the dust, while Subito backed up smiling at Miratur. She was assured by his smile, same as his pale face frightened her. Subito pulled out two Ulan swords wielding one in each hand. He unlocked them, transforming them into the whips. Walking around rogue he whipped away seeking for a hole in his defense. Now Altar was forced to defend himself. When he would manage to come near to Subito, this one would lock his swords making it easier for him to defend. He pointed sword tips right in enemy's eyes and swung away. High right. Wrist is relaxed. Low left. Fingers are loose. High right. Elbows are in. Low right. Knees are bent. High left. Watch a man, not a sword. High left. Altar was getting tired growling like an entrapped animal. He didn’t even saw last whip strike that crossed over his stomach, making his guts fall out. Trying to hold them in he was twisting on the ground. In terror he saw Alma licking his blood like she promised. Subito stood above him cutting his head off and raising it high in his hands. That was the end of gangs in Hul Term. Last bandits surrendered same evening. Miratur ran up to Subito giving him support and pressing the towel on his wound. He embraced her, heavily breathing, and still holding severed head up. “This is for you Schnew.”

Lord Aenead came to them, his eyes shimmering “I am blessed to see a real hero in my life time. There were several brave people I used to know, but the real hero is a rarity.” He approached Subito binding red ribbon around his biceps. The red ribbon, he removed from his own arm. “You will also be a centurion from now on, but not for long I foresee because you are the man that should lead the armies not only hundred people.” Ulans and Hul Termians who were gathered around carried Subito on their shoulders to the entrance of the Town Hall where a banquet was organized.

***

Melessar was in the Temple again. Morning after his discovery he saddled one of his dogs, and set out to come here. All High priests met him again, Hremo, Sabator, Kultiderm and Zorgu. “I hope you have more than the stories of the little girl this time?” Kultiderm was in no better mood. Melessar smiled “I hope to, my sister.” He walked toward a wall and pinned drawing he made there- drawing of a Zangahar name in black and white squares.

“I found this pattern depicted on the scythe of the ancestor of one of the clans I visited. Actually, I found it on the painting portraying this ancestor holding his scythe. On every ancestral painting in every clan I visited, they had similar black and white decorations on their scythes. But baron of this clan was able to tell me all men in his family carry only two names. One was Zangahar. And I am about to prove to you this pattern here is actually that name written in ancient alphabet.” They were interested, carefully watching at him and his drawing.

“Like I informed you before, on our previous meeting letter A is represented by black followed by white. Brother Hremo was kind enough to point out at some old song which declares Z is reversed A. We came to common conclusion Z must be white followed by black. As you can see this pattern depicted here starts with two white fields. It took me quite some time to realize that they used two white fields and two black fields to separate one letter from another. White fields were in front of every letter, and black fields behind it. My guess is that this practice has something to do with worshiping of day and night cycle. So if we investigate further we could probably reveal some information about ancient religion or rituals. After this revelation following steps were easy. If we remove two black fields behind and two white fields in front every letter we get that first letter is Z and second one A. Reading further we get that N is represented by black-white-white-black combination and G with white-black-black combination. Fifth letter which is A confirms our theory same as seventh letter, which is also A. Letter between them H has to be represented by three blacks, and last one letter R with white-black-black-black combination. Thus we get complete name Zangahar. So far we have decoded six letters of this forgotten alphabet. I have already visited eighty seven clan houses. In this bag are the sticks which I have engraved with patterns from the painted scythes of all clans I have visited. Not all clans have this kind of paintings. Actually, most of clans formed after the relocation on the Ulan isle don’t have them. But clans formed before that usually have them, and we need to send our men to copy them in order to perform analysis and find more letters.”

“I am surprised to say you managed it. You got my support. I was really skeptical, but those times are past. We need to know more about this alphabet of yours.” Kultiderm’s head was nodding in approval. It was a rare sight like the snow in July.

“Of course he managed it. I knew from the start he would succeed. Let’s turn this into voting, not to waste any more time. He has my vote, and I suppose yours to sister Kultiderm?” Hremo was eager to make this acknowledgement official.

“Mine to.” Zorgu joined in. Now all eyes were pointed at High Priest Sabator. He stood up: “I am concluding the voting, your project is accepted unanimously. Thus, you have been appointed in charge of this project. Brother Hremo will be your advisor. He will help you assemble a team of twenty priests and students skilled in carving and painting. They will visit all clan houses and make sketches of all ancestral portraits on the island. I expect you to present me with a book in the next couple of months. He will also help you in decoding since he is the man of many talents. Sister Kultiderm will supervise your expenditures and provide your team with enough money and dogs for successful conclusion of your work. We will also send messages for all clan leaders to copy the patterns of their portraits and send them as soon as possible to the temple. We don’t want to keep you waiting any longer. Please accept your copy of the document.”

“Thank you.” Melessar couldn’t hide his delight. With a broad smile Hremo patted him on the backs. “I knew you will do it.”

Everyone in the room was smiling. Zorgu poured suind in tall glasses and shared them around. Time was passing quickly in the cozy atmosphere of jokes and chit-chat. Finally Sabator rose: “I will have my Utrikats show you to your new chambers. You will live in Temple from now on. Later Hremo will show you his laboratory. You will report there tomorrow early in the morning to start with your work.”

“But first he will say something from the Book of Voice.” Hremo added.

Melessar smiled again: “sure, it is written:

“… Hope

Hope for the best, but expect the worst. Don’t let your enemy use your confusion.”