'This one he pointed to Iraj'saved Coralean's life with an act of bravery and skill rarely witnessed. While this one he pointed to Safar'joined in the fray as if he were warrior born, instead of a gentle village lad. And then, wonder of all wonders, the gods of Kyrania personally intervened. They caused a great hill of snow and ice to fall on our attackers. Proving that these mountains and this valley are the most blessed in all the world. For it is here that the curse brought these demon interlopers down.
'After we have honored our dead, sending their souls back to the gods who made them, it is Coralean's fondest wish to reward these young men. And to reward Kyrania, as well. The gods willing, we will have a feast tomorrow night. A feast like no other Kyrania has ever seen. And all that is eaten and drunk shall be my gift to you. I, Coralean, do so swear!'
The crowd roared approval and crowded close to praise him and wish him well. In the confusion Safar slid off his horse and into his family's arms. His mother cried, patting him all over to make certain he was uninjured. His father clasped his shoulder in the strong grip men of Kyrania reserve for those they honor. His sisters wept and crowded around him.
Quetera slipped in to hug Safar when his mother stepped away. As he leaned over her child-swollen belly to kiss her she laughed at the awkward embrace.
'I'm so proud of you, Safar, she said.
Safar was surprised at her reaction. His dream had been so real he'd been braced for a scolding. Instead of thanking her, he blurted out that he was sorry.
'Why should be you be, Safar? she asked. Why should you be sorry for bringing such honor to our family?'
Iraj heard the exchange and pressed through to join them. He's just tired. He chuckled. Spearing demons is weary work.'
Everyone laughed as if this were the greatest jest they'd ever heard. His words were passed along through the crowd of well-wishers and soon everyone was roaring.
That was another lesson Safar learned that day: that success could turn a man's every word into the purest gold. Which was something no wizard, living or dead, could accomplish.
The next day everyone gathered at the temple for the funeral ceremonies. Gubadan wore yellow robes of mourning, while the villagers tied yellow sashes around their waists and streaked their cheeks with hearth dust tears. The bodies of the seven dead caravan soldiers were laid out on a raft decorated with the red streamers favored by Tristos, the god who oversees the Kingdom of the Dead.
While a drum hammered a slow beat, Gubadan prayed over the poor strangers who had come among them and sprinkled their white-wrapped bodies with holy oil. When the sun reached its highest point, Coraleandressed in the flowing golden robes with the scarlet fringe of his kinsmenstepped forward to light the oil-soaked kindling piled around the corpses. Then Iraj and Safar used long ribbon festooned poles to push the raft out into the lake. The current caught it, carrying it into the middle. Everyone prayed as thick smoke made a dark pathway in the sky. There was no wind that day and the smoke was carried high, curling under a bank of glowing white clouds, then streaming away in pale gray ribbons. Later, all said that this was a lucky sign.
As Safar bowed his head in prayer he chanced a look and saw the women from the caravan gathered in a quiet group. They wore heavy robes and their faces were veiled, so at first he couldn't make out Astarias. Then he saw a small figure slip her veil aside and a single eye peeped out. The eye found him. It was dark, with long flowing lashes. Safar smiled. A slender white hand fluttered at him. Then the veil was drawn back. Safar turned away, heart hammering, loins burning from the promise he thought he'd seen in that eye and fluttering hand.
Gubadan nudged him. It was time to lead the others in the funeral song.
The musette player set a slow tempo and one by one each instrument joined in. Safar lifted his head and let the clear, sad notes pour forth:
Where are our dream brothers? Gone to sweet-blossomed fields. Where are our dream brothers? Asleep in the Gods high meadow. Our mortal hearts Yearn to follow their souls.
The words carried far on the balmy air. And when the last notes fell, all were weeping.
Later, Coralean and the village leaders met to discuss the mysterious appearance of the demons. Safar and Iraj were allowed to attend the gathering in the large, colorful tent the caravan master had erected in the caravanserai.
Safar had never seen such luxury. The floor was covered with many layers of thick, expensive carpets. Pillows and cushions were spread around a central fire, where a servant tended a pot of steaming brandy. All manner of fruit bobbed on top and as the servant stirred the pot it gave off an odor so heavy Safar felt a little drunk from breathing the air. Curtains divided the tent into rooms and on one side Safar saw the shadows of the courtesans moving behind the thin veil, coming close so they could listen in.
'Here is Coralean's view of the situation, the caravan master said. The demons who attacked us were outlaws of the worst and most foolish kind. Their actions may even end up being a favor to us, for when they fail to return all demons will know the price that must be paid for defying the laws of the Gods.'
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
