There were murmurs of agreement from the elders.
"Then what shall we do about it? Coralean said. What is our next step? Coralean asks this, believing it would be best if we acted in concert."
"Alert the authorities, of course, Gubadan said.
Coralean's bushy brows lofted. Do you really think so, holy one? he asked. He looked around at the others. And who, after all, are these authorities? Coralean owes no king his allegiance. He is his own man."
Buzal, the headman, who at eighty was the oldest of the group, said, Kyrania makes its own laws. No one rules us. He indicated Gubadan. Our priest has superiors, which is only natural. Buzal grinned, displaying dark, rock-hard gums. But I don't think they talk together much. I'd guess that they barely remember if he exists."
Gubadan stroked his beard, then nodded in unembarrassed agreement. We're far away, he said. And the temple isn't considered important. Still, don't we have a duty to warn others?"
"That's a load of goat droppings, Foron, the village smithy, broke in. Meaning no offense, of course. What's to warn? The demons are dead and stinking. No more are likely to come. And that's that. The tale is told."
"But why shouldn't we tell others? Gubadan asked. What would be the harm?"
Coralean harrumphed and all turned to see what he had to offer. I do not know these parts, the caravan master said. This is the first time the Coralean business has carried me over these mountains to the markets of Walaria and beyond. It cost me much to buy the necessary maps from my brother merchants. Even if this first journey proves profitable beyond my wildest estimates, it will take many such journeys before Coralean's initial investment is repaid."
He shook his great, shaggy head. Even so, he said, if Coralean were a lesser man this incident might give me pause. I might never dare such an undertaking again. And I know my brother caravan masters well enough to say with some confidence that they would feel the same if they suddenly thought these mountains had become unsafe."
There were murmurs among the men. It would be disastrous if Coralean reported such a thing. All trade over the Gods Divide would cease. And more than just Kyrania would suffer. Life could become very bleak.
"Not only would there be no more caravans crossing, Safar's father said to Gubadan, but there'd be no more pilgrims."
The old priest winced. Everyone knew how much he depended on the donations of the faithful who visited the Goddess Felakia's temple and holy lake.
"Yes, he said, I can see the wisdom in your words, Khadji. However, what if we are mistaken and these demons are not the only ones? We are cut off here from the rest of the world. News travels slowly. What if others have been plagued by demons? Our silence could end up being an unnecessary and dangerous decision."
Iraj cleared his throat. All looked at him. He flushed at the attention, then emboldened himself to speak before the elders.
"Forgive me, sirs, he said. As you know, I made a long journey not many months ago, passing through Walaria on the way. And I heard nothing in the market place of demons… or any other dangers, for that matter, other than the usual tales of marauding bandits."
The men listened to Iraj quite carefully and with deep respect. Safar thought it ironic that only a few days before many villagers had gone out of their way to avoid Iraj, fearing the trouble he might bring from the outside world. Now he was a hero because he'd turned back a threat from the outside.
Gubadan gently broke in to explain Iraj's backgroundcarefully skirting the issue that he was hiding out from some of his own tribe. However, Coralean immediately caught on that although demons might not be riding about at will, there were other troubles to be considered.
"May the name of Coralean be bandied about in the company of swine, if I'm wrong, the caravan master said, But from what your wise priest just said, it sounds to me like the south is about to become a permanent battle ground for warring clans. This would almost be as bad for trade as the demons."
"Not if I have anything to say about it, Iraj blurted. Then he turned as red as a ripe apple for making such a seemingly foolish statement.
Coralean studied him for a long moment. Then he smiled. After hearing of your background I now fully understand where you got your fire, he said. You didn't learn it here, that's for certain."
He made a soothing gesture to the rest of gathering. I cast no doubts on the courage of the men Kyrania, he said. Your own Safar has proven there is steel in your spines. But I know you do not claim to be warriors. Which this young man he indicated Iraj"was surely bred to be. There were mutters of agreement from the men. It's also my guess, the caravan master said, that you are the son of a chieftain."
Iraj bowed his head, not saying anything, while Gubadan tried to leap in to save his secret. But Coralean only laughed and shrugged his shoulders. You needn't reveal more, he said. Something is going on, or you may call Coralean the son of an ass who mated with a dog who doesn't know from one minute to the next whether he will bray or bark."
He leaned closer to Iraj. I'll tell you this, my brave young warrior. If you should ever need the help of Coralean, you have only to ask."
When he said that Safar learned it doesn't necessarily take a magical vision to see through the disguise of a future king. A canny merchant can do just as welland without disturbing the serenity of his dreams.
Iraj lifted his head to return Coralean's curious stare. His lips lifted slightly for a brief smile and then he nodded. This was a promise he would long remember. A silent understanding passed between the two. When the time cameand there was no doubt it wouldnot only would Iraj ask, but he would repay the caravan master many times over for any assistance he gave.
Coralean turned to others. Is it agreed, then? he asked. We say nothing of this incident. Correct?"
There was a whispered discussion among the elders. Then Buzal said, What of your men? He pointed at the curtain that divided the room from the harem. And the women? Can you assure us of their silence?"
"My men obey me in all things, Coralean said. There's no need for worry in that quarter. As for the women, well, Coralean will tell you a little secret of the courtesan trade. Before I deliver these girls to their new masters each will drink a Cup of Forgetfulness. They will have no memory of their past. No reason to pine for home and family and friends. This makes for a most pliable and happy bed slave. No weeping to dampen the ardor of their masters. And in this case, no tales of demons to disturb their dreams."
The men snickered and then relaxed. Carnal jests were exchanged and there was much manly guffawing and knee-slapping. Only Safar was horrified at this casual dismissal of Astarias and her sisters. He glanced over at his father and saw that Khadji had the same knowing look in his eyes as the others. The same flushed and swollen features.
Then Coralean had his servant dip out hot bowls of brandy punch to be passed around. They were quickly emptied and refilled several times. Soon the talk became louder, the men's voices deepening as they recounted the bold adventures of their youth. Coralean held forth for more than an hour, telling every detail of the fight that he'd witnessed. The men murmured in appreciation when he told of how Safar had fought the demonsslaying the beast who took Astarias with a splintered staff that he'd wielded like a war spear. But there were loud gasps at Iraj's courage when he'd rescued Coralean, leaping on the demon's steed like the greatest of plains warriors, testing his strength against a more powerful enemy and finally cutting a path in his throat so the demon's soul could flee.
Safar looked over at Iraj and smiled, grateful he'd kept his promise. But Iraj frowned and made a motion, asking if it were finally time to tell the tale as it had really happened. Safar shook his heada firm no. Iraj's eyes flickered, wondering why Safar was happy to allow him the greatest praise when Safar deserved much more.