Mistelle: The D'Jacques Dynasty, #2

1

Practice

C ome on, Misty! Put some backbone into it!

Mistelle eyed the target sitting fifty yards away. It was in the shape of a giant bull ferret, its mouth open wide, giving her another option where to aim. Instead, she’d tried to hit one of its tiny red eyes, or at least send an arrow up a nostril, but so far she’d hit none of them. True, she’d gotten close. Close enough to nick the edge of the painted wooden board. But close enough wasn’t good enough for her, and certainly not good enough for the only daughter of the Battle Lord and Lady of Alta Novis.

Hey, Misty!

She glanced over at where Nevo stood on the sidelines, cheering and egging her on as he clapped. "I’d like to see you hit it!" she yelled back.

Aww, don’t take your frustration out on me. You’re too tense before you let go. Relax a little. Take a deep breath, he suggested.

"Says the guy who uses a sword instead of the bow."

The young man shrugged. To each his own strength. Try again, Mist!

Tamping down her irritation, she lifted her bow and a nocked another arrow. She aimed for the left eye again, determined to hit the fake ferret in the same place where, years ago, her mother had shot the real thing, thus saving the man she would later marry.

Take a deep breath. The softly spoken words drifted to her.

She fired.

The instant the arrow left the string, she knew she’d missed her target. As she stared at the arrow’s flight, a second arrow appeared from out of nowhere, glancing off her arrow’s shaft. Incredibly, the impact was enough to divert her arrow’s path, and the barb slid deep within the fake ferret’s left eye just as the other arrow pierced the right one.

Mistelle whirled around to see the woman casually walking toward her. Nevo’s right. Your shoulders are tensing up before you let go, Atty told her daughter as she slung her own bow over her head. Coming up to the young woman, the battle lady placed her hands on Mistelle’s shoulders and massaged them. The tension should be in your arms, instead.

Sighing, Mistelle glanced at the target. You were younger than me when you made that shot. After all this practicing, I should be able to make it.

Her mother gave her a warm smile as she stared at her. Circumstances were different back then. I wasn’t practicing. She gave her arm a pat. Come. The delegation from Tooloosa is here. Your father and I want all of us to greet them. Atty waved at Nevo, who was recovering the arrows from the target area. You, too, Nevo.

The young man trotted to catch up with them, and together they strode back to the compound’s rear gate. Once inside, they continued past the shops and market section, through the next set of gates, and into the area where the living quarters were located. People called out to them or waved as they passed. A couple of the guards saluted, even though it wasn’t required.

As they neared the main lodge, the familiar call rang out. Battle Lady about! Hearing it, Mistelle wondered if it wasn’t so much to announce her mother’s appearance than it was to warn others she was out and about. Nevo must have noticed her smirk, and gave her arm a nudge.

What’s so funny?

Tell you later.

The main lodge was a beehive of activity when they entered the large building via the side door. Mistelle hung back to watch Atty go over where Yulen was standing amid a group of three men, one older and two younger. She got the impression the threesome could be father and sons. Several more strangers stood behind the newcomers, and behind them several of the compound’s guards.

She observed her father introduce his wife to the delegation just as Mattox came inside via the large double doors in front. He went up to stand by Yulen’s side, directly behind Mastin. A few of the delegates visibly reacted upon seeing her brother’s dark red eyes. Most newcomers usually did. Some even whispered under their breaths that the oldest D’Jacques son had to be more demon than Mutah, but the family was used to the slurs.

Sussie, one of the kitchen helpers, hurried by, carrying a tray of mugs. Others from the kitchen followed her, each of them bearing more drink and food for the newly-arrived guests.

Mistelle caught a movement from the corner of her eye. Glancing up, she spotted her younger brother, Lucien, descending the stairs from the apartment where he and his wife, Johna, lived. Johna was right behind him, and there was no mistaking the slight bulge in her midsection. Mistelle did a quick mental tabulation. Her sister-in-law was barely four months along, meaning she’d give birth after the first of the year.

It was still difficult for her to acknowledge the fact that she was going to be an aunt.

Mistelle! Lucien! Atty waved for them to join the others. Lucien jumped down the last three steps, and together they advanced to where their parents stood.

Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the rest of our family. Yulen gestured to Mattox. Our eldest, Mattox. This is Mistelle, and Lucien.

She immediately noticed the older man didn’t offer a hand to shake theirs, but he did give them a quick nod.

Yulen continued. This is Brass Cullum, from Tooloosa. These are his sons, Dyer and Rayburn.

Everyone exchanged civil nods, but Mistelle’s eyes remained locked on the youngest Cullum. Rayburn eyed her from top to bottom, his expression unreadable. Unlike his brother and father, who’d given her a cursory look-over before dismissing her. Mistelle averted her gaze to concentrate on what everyone was saying.

What is the purpose of your visit? Atty inquired.

Instead of answering her directly, Cullum turned to Yulen. We’re in need—

The man got no further. Mistelle bit her lips to keep from making any comments. What was coming would be worth the show. Nobody dissed her mother, and definitely not in front of Dad.

A dark look came over the battle lord’s face. His brows lowered and he crossed his arms over his chest as he interrupted the man before he could continue.

"Let’s get something straight from the beginning, Cullum. My wife, my daughter, and every other female in the compound are considered equals. Especially Atty. I, we expect you to show the same respect to them as you would to any man in this compound. Do I make myself clear?"

Mistelle narrowed her eyes at the elder Cullum. She’d expected him to show some sign of a physical reaction—a reddening of the ears, a darkening in his face similar to her father’s. Maybe even taking a step back at the rebuttal. Cullum did none of it. If he resented the reprimand, he showed no outward reaction. On the other hand, neither of his sons tried to hide their irritation. In fact, Cullum seemed to anticipate their anger and held up a hand in their direction to block their protests.

She caught Rayburn glancing over at her as he silently fumed. She continued to bite the inside of her cheek, which helped to keep her from smiling. A quick check of her older brother showed Mattox silently glowering at the trio. But, then again, that was pretty much his standard expression.

The momentary lull was quickly broken when Yulen stuck a hand out to the man. Let’s start back at square one. Welcome to Alta Novis. Let’s sit down, have a bite to eat and something to quench your thirst. We’re all interested in hearing why you’re here.

Cullum glanced down at the battle lord’s outstretched hand. Surprisingly, he took it, and they shook, although there was a second or two when the handshake hesitated.

By golly, I think they just tested each other’s grip, Lucien whispered in her ear.

Yes. That was what she’d seen. Mistelle nodded slightly. Help me keep an eye on the two sons. I don’t trust them any further than I can throw them.

Lucien chuckled. Considering how strong you are, that’s quite a statement. He leaned closer. Is it me, or has the one in the goatee been checking you out?

So baby brother had noticed Rayburn’s stare.

Mistelle finally allowed a small smile to cross her lips. Let’s grab a seat close to Mom and Dad. I can’t wait to find out what they have to say.

2

Plea

With dinner time not for another couple of hours, they were able to gather at the battle lord’s table and talk without interruption, and without having to raise their voices to be heard over the crowd.

Mistelle sat on the bench next to her mother, with Lucien on her other side. Mastin sat on the other side of Yulen. Mattox took a stance directly behind the battle lord and lady. She wasn’t able to see where Nevo stood, but she assumed he was beside his father.

Atty restarted the conversation. What brings you to Alta Novis, Mr. Cullum?

Folding his hands on the table, the man cleared his throat. A combination of problems.

Yulen interrupted. Before you explain, give us an idea of where Tooloosa is. Is that the name of your compound?

It’s the name of our city, Dyer spoke up.

It took everyone else a moment to grasp what they were saying. A city? Atty echoed. A real city?

Where is this supposed city? Mattox rumbled.

We come from the east, Cullum explained, his gaze locked on the battle lord. Our cities are made up of several townships. Or, as you call them, compounds.

Explain how that works, Atty questioned.

Simple. Each township has an overseer. All the townships together form the city. Every few years, the overseers select one of their own to be the headmaster, who presides over all the townships and the city.

That sounds an awful lot like the old form of government that used to exist before the Great Collision, Mastin observed.

Cullum nodded. It’s similar in structure, but very different in scope.

How far east are we talking about? Yulen pressed. How many days have you been traveling?

Eighteen days, Rayburn interjected. We left home on the third.

When we caught sight of your compound is when I sent ahead one of my men to notify you of our coming, Cullum continued.

Your destination was to reach us? Lucien questioned.

Cullum nodded once. We’ve heard about you and your…exploits. I will be the first one to admit that most of them sounded too fanciful to be true. I mean… He chuckled. The story about you pulling your son out of the mouth of that white bear…

Which really happened, Lucien tersely countered. Thank you for bringing that memory back to me. I had nightmares about that for years afterward.

The older man tossed him a surprised look.

You’re not the only person to claim that most of the stories they hear about us have to be either fake or grossly over-exaggerated, Atty admitted.

Believe us when we say, there is a kernel of truth to them, Yulen added. We all know how people tend to embellish. Okay, so you’ve heard of us. I hardly think the stories themselves are what made you make that long and dangerous trek over here just to check out whether or not any of them are true.

Actually, they are, Cullum confessed. He took a swig from his mug and cleared his throat before continuing. We’re here because we need your help. If any of what we’ve heard is true, if there is, as you say, a kernel of truth to them, we, the overseers, believe you are the best qualified to aid us.

Qualified in what way? To aid you how? Yulen pressed.

We need to build an army. We need to train our men to combat our enemies. We need you, D’Jacques, to come to Tooloosa and help us be able to defeat that growing horde of animalistic men who are becoming a major threat to our lives and our security.

Mistelle watched her father lean back and glance at his wife. Mattox picked up the thread.

What do you mean by animalistic men? Describe them to us.

Cullum lifted his hands to encompass his head. They wear these masks, usually the skulls of bears and wolfen.

Do they ride horses, and use clubs and spears? a voice spoke up. Mistelle leaned over to see Paas had joined her husband and son.

Yes, Rayburn replied. They’re almost naked when they attack. They have paint or blood smeared across their bodies.

Hassee, Paas determined.

What’s Hassee? Cullum queried.

I’m from the Lanta tribe, far to the east, Paas explained, pointing to the symbols painted on her face and lip. These denote my tribe affiliation. The Hassee are our enemy. They wear animal skins and paint their bodies, as you described.

But couldn’t they also be of the Orlins or Kintuck tribe? Mastin asked his wife.

Paas looked at Cullum. Did you notice if any of them wore jewelry? Specifically gold bracelets and nose rings?

All three men nodded.

Definitely Hassee, Paas announced.

Yulen turned to her. How far does their territory extend? Do you know?

Pass shook her head. We never tried to track them or do anything other than defend ourselves against their attacks.

What do you mean, you need to build an army? Mistelle questioned to get back to the stranger’s initial request. She pointed to a couple of the man’s guards standing behind him and his sons. They look pretty well armed to me.

Cullum cast them a glance. Yes, they’re armed. But put them in a one-on-one situation, and you’ll see how inadequate they are.

Are you saying that, after all this time, your compounds, your city, never raised and trained a military force for protection? Atty asked, incredulous.

We had no need to. Our townships are enclosed and well-fortified. No one can get in without the correct papers.

So you have walls surrounding your compounds? Lucien tried to clarify.

Not in the way you do here, Dyer informed them. Our townships are basically one large building with several stories. He held out his hands to illustrate. Each compound is anywhere from three to five stories tall. He drew a horizontal circle. I don’t know how big this compound is, but from what we saw from afar, it looks comparable in size to Sweet Water.

What’s Sweet Water? Yulen inquired.

My township. My compound, Cullum said. You could say I’m the battle lord there, although I have practically no military prowess or experience. What my son is trying to say is that my compound covers about the same amount of ground as yours does here, only it’s three stories tall.

That’s a lot of buildings, Atty commented.

No. The man shook his head. Not a lot of buildings. One building. One building that’s this big, and three stories tall.

How many people are in your compound? Yulen pressed.

Around a thousand, give or take.

Mistelle sat in stunned silence, as did the others. It was difficult to imagine that many people living and working in Alta Novis. If the inhabitants of New Bearinger was added to those living here, it would be close. But there was no way Alta Novis could contain that large a population.

It was Mattox who broke the silence. You live in a compound this large, but with three stories, and a thousand people, and you want us to believe you have no army to protect it? He made a rude noise. Mistelle bowed her head to keep from laughing.

Cullum persisted. "Think of a box. A box with four doors, one on each side, that allows people to pass in and out of it. That is Sweet Water, and also Lone Tree, Verlon Mills, and all the other compounds that make up Tooloosa. We have guards, yes. They validate everyone who enters our compounds, and make sure no one is allowed inside who could harm us. But we weren’t prepared for those huge masses of naked warriors to attack us. Or for them to try and set fire to our building.