Aishana—Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Measured Measures
Hushed but heated debate fell to silence as Mika entered. His eyes adjusted to the scarlet gloom within: the Consul Chamber walls were layers of red silk, casting an otherworldly tint on the space and its occupants, but protecting all within from high winds and prying eyes. The Chamber might accommodate thirty men, though not for long nor in comfort. The wall to Mika’s left was given over to unfurled skymaps and skycharts; the one opposite dedicated to storing all others in rolls. Dominating and dead ahead were a table and the three ornate Consul chairs, carved and gifted by Seamen in ancient times, after they’d fallen from the Sky, but before losing their craftsmanship and turning to the thieving they were now notorious for. Three paces brought Mika to a railing where those called before the Consuls debated, defended or denied whatever brought them there in the first place.
The exalted triumvirate wore their richly embroidered cloaks; gold and green for the two Consuls; saffron and blue for the Prime Consul, his status further marked by the stiff saffron collar that fanned behind his head like the rays of the sun.
On the right was Jurt, with rattling breath and pallid complexion that even the wall’s fiery glow couldn’t warm; yet his appearance had been thus since Mika was a child and still Jurt remained the same wise Consul he’d ever been.
On the left, Wurmi. “The Beard-Stroker”. Quick eyes in deep sockets, a sneer on thin lips, a thorn in the side of the Prime Consul.
And the Prime Consul himself, Klaus Arkhoo. People had sought his sage advice long before he’d become Skyborn leader. Still powerfully built, his fierce blue eyes sat below a frowning thicket, high above a bristling beard of silver and copper. Klaus’ left jaw formed its customary jowl, concealing the pap of sweetherb he chewed for stomach pain and to mask the foul odour his ailment caused.
Mika felt the Prime Consul’s unflinching gaze upon him and his skin prickled. ‘Consuls, Prime Consul,’ he said, with a slight bow. ‘I thank your good selves for your invitation.’
Jurt cleared his throat from deep down in his lungs, before wheezing a new breath. He gazed at Mika through rheumy eyes that didn’t seem to see anything yet missed nothing. ‘A grave crime has occurred, Junior Consul Arkhoo,’ he said. ‘Murders most foul, in the realm of the Seamen beneath us.’
Mika blanched.
‘It is believed Skyborn lie desecrated there. More than that, we do not know,’ said the old Consul. ‘We need hardly remind you of the violent nature of the Seamen.’
Mika nodded, then shook his head, unsure which was more appropriate.
‘Already,’ said the Prime Consul, ‘they’ve launched several filthbombs at our airships.’
Not his own family’s, Mika imagined; in common with other Elide clans, their skyboats had the right to stay at higher altitude than others. Still, filthbombs from below were unwelcome proof of the Seamen’s tendency to short-temper and aggressive action.
‘As a matter of great urgency,’ said Consul Jurt, ‘it is incumbent upon us to investigate. The safety of our people and our peace with the Seamen risk being imperilled.’
‘We have just learned of this through Embassador Roni,’ said the Prime Consul, his disdain for the embassador clear in his voice. ‘He informed us the Seamen are “amenable” to a co-investigator. Given the urgency, the Consul has chosen you.’
Mika’s legs nearly gave way, and he clenched the rail.
Seamen?! I’ve never even seen one up close. And murders?! What the hek do I know of them? Apart from tales and Lore, death had mercifully hardly touched him. His grandmother, yes, but years before; some distant clan members; an uncle he’d never known: that was the extent of his encounters with death, never mind murders!
He realised his eyes were shut tight, and he cracked them open a fraction. Through his eyelashes, he could see the men staring at him, the Prime Consul most keenly, and he squeezed his eyes shut once more.
Mika knew what his response should be — must be — but he also felt incredulous. Investigator of murder?! His experience of Ley went no further than his tutelage… and a perfunctory role in the Spacemen Treaty. He’d successfully evaded his obligations since becoming Junior Consul, straining to hold on to his existence free of responsibility, of duty — his ‘life of indolence’, as his father called it.
Still, what choice do I have? Who am I to question the combined wisdom of the Consuls?
Taking a deep breath, Mika opened his eyes. ‘I’m at your immediate disposal, Consuls, and I welcome all assistance.’
The Prime Consul grunted acknowledgement and inclined his head towards Jurt, who inscribed a note in the ledger before him, a living record of the Ley as it unfolded, secondary only to the Book of Ley in importance. The scratching of the pen fell away and a silence fell upon the room. Mika’s mouth was cotton dry; he was so stunned, he couldn’t think what to say, though he knew it was his turn to say something.
‘As well as a great responsibility,’ said Jurt, ‘you no doubt consider this a tremendous honour…?’
Ah, thank you, Baba Jurt. Mika cleared his throat to respond. ‘Indeed, Con — ’
‘Especially,’ said Wurmi, speaking for the first time, ‘given your youth and complete inexperience, Junior Consul.’
Mika reddened at Wurmi’s slight and quickly bowed to cover his blush. Straightening, he addressed the trio. ‘I thank your Consuls for placing your trust in me. With your leave, I shall prepare for immediate departure to the scene of the crime.’
‘But,’ said Klaus, shooting a pointed glance at Wurmi, ‘to be clear, Junior Consul, we would not do this if we did not believe that you are capable, and the best choice at this precise moment.’
The right side of Wurmi’s mouth twitched. Even Jurt stiffened. Mika could see they held reservations; still, the Prime Consul’s word was final in such matters. Klaus had made his decision, and that was that.
Consul Jurt remarked that a flitter was being readied for departure, before the Consuls gave Mika permission to take leave of his family and prepare for his voyage.
Mika emerged from the burgundy gloom of the Chamber back into the blinkingly bright day. He hurried along several familiar walkways to reach another airship no bigger than the Consul Chamber: also well-guarded, also dressed in dark silks, for different but no less prudent reasons.
The Archive contained the Skyborn’s most precious documents, not least the one Mika hoped to take inspiration from — the Book of Ley. Perhaps he might find precedent of investigations on the Sea, or even guidance in murders most foul.
Read Chapter 3: Wisdom and Knowledge now; the complete novel Aishana will be available soon on Amazon and Apple. (Pre-orders coming sooner.)
