Capriones 7/27/2006
Capriones (ca-pree-OWN-ees): A roaming people of the Seyruun City-State region comprised of mixed race and heritage sharing common facilities and traditions. Said to have their own culture and to live outside the laws of any land they move through, they fight mostly amongst themselves in order to improve individual ranking in their encampments.
Disclaimer: We shall make use of several of the characters from The Slayers, none of whom belongs to us.
Chapter Three –Guests of a Prince
When strains of music being played outdoors, strange folksy music, dancing music, were discernable, then they knew they had entered another culture. Sylphiel and Filia huddled unconsciously closer to Lina, whose own heart was beating faster with anticipation. Capriones. She'd rarely even run into a clan member and had never seen one of their camps. In fact, she'd avoided them up to this point. Now she was curious and a little frightened, not that she'd let on, though.
Sensing the rise in tension, Xelloss announced, "We're almost here. Zel, untie Miss Lina's legs, will you? When we get out, just follow me. Stay close; say nothing. No one can touch you while you are under my protection, understand? And smile, you're just coming by my invitation for refreshments, okay?"
Lina shivered at the touch of Zelgadiss' slender fingers on her ankles. The digits were scarred horribly. She wondered what his story was, and then noticing that Xelloss was awaiting her answer, nodded.
"Got it. Guests of the prince. For how long?" Lina's crimson eyes met his purple ones.
"For now," he said, illusively.
When the girls exited the wagon, their eyes were met with a riot of colors, spinning patterns, and textures from stiff, ruffled skirts to fragile-looking shawls as fine as spider webs– all totally unlike the elegant, but passive, pastels preferred by the City-state of Seyruun. Scattered about were tents and more caravans parked in confused disorder. The music rose and fell, carried by the wind from where it originated somewhere beyond their line of sight. Lina recognized the wail of violins, a drum, a flute, and guitar or harp, and wanted to go in search of the players.
"This way," Xelloss said as he led the group to the right.
Lina tore her attention away from the tunes and fell in behind the two taller men. She admired the blond swordsman, Gourry, as he effortlessly carried Sylphiel's sword, her sword, and Filia's mace in one large hand. Could she ever use a big guy like him to cover her back and carry her loot!
They encountered stray, scruffy-looking dogs and kids who gawked at the sight of strangers, then ran and hid. Filia held her skirts up off her ankles to avoid getting dust on the delicate pink edging. "Dirt everywhere. Disgusting!"
Xelloss paused and turned her way. "I agree. It's even worse when the rain turns this to mud. We try to migrate south before the fall is over and the rains are frequent, but--" he waved his hand absently.
"Why don't you build houses and pave roads and live like civilized people the world over?" Filia asked sharply, but he did not reply.
Xelloss was involved with other matters. Two young women, one on each arm, were greeting him warmly.
"Harlots," Filia hissed under her breath to Sylphiel.
Sylphiel nodded slightly, although even the older women seemed to dress in similarly low-cut bodices and flirty skirts. "I think it's just their traditional costume. The brochure said the married women wear scarves to cover their hair, but the unmarried ones don't."
When a trio of young boys ran past, bumping into Filia and Lina in their rush to get on with their game, Filia snapped, "Bare feet! Can't they afford shoes?"
Xelloss, who had shrugged off the two clingy women, simply replied, "No."
Amelia tried to explain quickly. "They are very poor people--" but was stopped by the young man at her side.
"Shh, not now," Zelgadiss shook his head in warning then slowed his gait to a stop in front of a faded blue-and-red-striped tent, the opening tied back to reveal a wide, worn carpet. He held back with Amelia while Xelloss entered, followed by Valgaav. Gourry motioned the three new captives to follow his leader inside.
Behind a low, wood table sat an attractive woman, fair-haired and shapely and supported by a multitude of colorful pillows and cushions.
"Mistress," Xelloss murmured as he bowed his head. Valgaav and Gourry dropped to one knee a moment, then rose. Zelgadiss and Amelia waited outside.
"My dear, introduce me to these lovely young ladies, would you?" the beautiful woman asked.
"Okay," Xelloss smiled. Gesturing toward Lina first, he began, "This is Miss Lina Inverse, the famous bandit hunter and dragon killer. Lina, Mistress Zelas Metallium."
Lina wasn't sure what was expected of her, but since she believed she was as good as or better than anyone else, including a prince or princess, she strode confidently up to the table and held out a hand. "Guess this is a first for me. Hi."
Zelas took Lina's hand and pressed it lightly a moment before freeing it. "Indeed. How charming, dear."
Xelloss chuckled softly at both Lina's brashness and his mother's reaction to it, and then introduced the other two young women, who chose simply to curtsy.
"Be seated. I'll have refreshments brought in." Zelas swept the room with a gesture indicating that they choose one of the floor cushions. She spoke over her shoulder to a young man, the only other occupant of the tent, who turned and left, passing by Xelloss with a bowed head.
"What about the princess and that other guy out there, ah . . . Zel?" Lina asked. "What's so funny?"
Xelloss raised his eyebrows, surprised by her sudden focus on him. It didn't stop him from broadening his smile, though. "Oh, my . . . well, I suppose that you think it was rude of me not to invite Zelgadiss and Miss Amelia inside, however, it doesn't seem to occur to you how bad-mannered you are to point it out."
The heat rose to Lina's cheeks, painting them a shade of pink to match her tunic. "Nevertheless," Xelloss continued cheerfully, while parting the tent opening with a long staff that magically appeared in his hand. "Zelgadiss, Miss Amelia, come in and make yourselves comfortable."
(O)
"As much as possible," Zel murmured in so low a voice that only Lina heard him as he moved behind her.
Zelas made small talk until the food arrived, mostly questioning Lina concerning her latest accomplishments. Lina was loath to reveal the extent and possible worth of her ill-gotten gains, but was pleased to have an audience to share her boastful tales.
"It was a good thing that I perfected my Fireball spell that day, because it saved me and my band here from the Cardinal's 'cleansers' after they had flushed us from their cloister. We managed to get the bombs in place, you see, and the charges set, when one beady-eyed creep with a glowing, red jewel on his forehead spotted us."
"Cleansers? I'm not familiar with that term. Do you mean the Red Guard?" Zelas asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Vurumagen," Zel said softly. "Did you kill him?"
"I don't know. I doubt it, though. I set off the bombs with the spell, you see, and ran the hell out of there. I didn't stick around to count the bodies, but the place was flattened."
"You are a brave young lady to use magic openly. You risk exposure to the Cardinal's spies," Zelas said.
"Let them spy," Lina gestured broadly.
"Lina Inverse, Sorceress Supreme," Zelas whispered. In a louder voice she continued, "I admire your attitude. Perhaps Caprione blood runs in your veins."
"Nah., I'm just an enemy of those trying to prevent the use of magic."
"If you are interested in learning more," and Zelas knew from the look of intensity in Lina's eyes that she was, "I recommend you arrange training time with Xelloss. He is quite skillful."
Lina had heard that many of the Capriones were adept at more than creating simple charms and fortune-telling, but her information had been limited to second hand. Today, however, she had had her magic blocked and noticed Xelloss' slight of hand tricks with his staff, but she hadn't seen him cast any real magic. She looked askance at Xelloss, the Prince of the Capriones, who smiled pleasantly in return. He didn't appear to be strong at all, more slender and bookish. She would have guessed him to be a priest under Cardinal Rezo, or a traveling poet. Although, if he was a sorcerer hiding his magical talents, what better way than under the guise of a carefree, non-threatening persona?
"I'm not planning on sticking around long enough for lessons," Lina replied. "But thanks for the offer anyway."
Further conversation was silenced when the food and drink were served. Lina recognized the dish as a stew of vegetables and a meat of some animal, but didn't ask what kind. It was spicy enough to make her cough, so she downed the cool, milky drink between bites. Wedges of flat bread worked just fine for wiping the bowl clean. She knew Filia would not touch the stew, since she avoided eating meats of any kind, and so, she noticed when a special dish was place before the Cepheid priestess and then another one just like it set before Valgaav.
"What's that?"
"It's the same stew you have, but made without the meat. It has beans, instead, right Val?" Xelloss asked.
Valgaav nodded without lifting his head. Lina thought he acted like a man about to unleash a great deal of pent up aggression, and waited for him to crack, but he didn't. He ate in silence, with deliberate movements, showing refinement he hadn't revealed in the caravan. If he had two personalities, this must be the one he put on in front of Zelas, Lina decided.
Zelas ate lightly, and as soon as the meal was snuffed up by the hungry youths, she returned to her earlier subject. "Cardinal Rezo and his anti-magic ministry have grown to be a problem which we must put the kibosh on. To that effect, I shall strengthen the Capriones by uniting forces with Seyruun's royal house."
Murmurs circulated the room as everyone wondered what the woman could mean by that. Lina didn't expect her to explain her plans in front of her hostages, and so, was surprised that she said more.
"From there, we can take down and destroy Rezo and his ministry."
"But joining ranks with the royals? A bit extreme, if not impossible," Lina said.
"Mother doesn't know impossible," Xelloss piped up. "However, I wonder how you plan to achieve your . . . lofty goal."
"I will use you, my dear. You are a prince, and who better to marry the sitting Princess Amelia of Seyruun, than you, Prince Xelloss of the Capriones?"
Zelgadiss bounded up, knocking his chair over. "The hell you will," he growled, his right hand reaching for his sword.
"Restrain your slave!" Zelas shouted at Xelloss.
But Xelloss was using all his self-control to restrain himself!
Gourry had risen with Zelgadiss, gripped the smaller man's sword arm firmly, halting his attack, and then used the upper limit of his strength to push Zel to a kneeling position, his expression apologetic.
"Slave? Did she just call that guy Xelloss' 'slave'?" Sylphiel gasped to Filia. "Lina? Did you hear what she said?"
"I thought Xelloss claimed they were brothers. Lying, cheating, swine–" Filia snarled. "You don't deserve to eat in the same room as a princess, you faux-prince!"
Lina cut her friends off with a gesture. "Eh, right, well I think there's more to all this than we see or know, and I'm determined to find out what it is."
She would have said more, but the drama in the room was continuing to play out. Xelloss had lost his complacent composure. In order not to scream and outright defy his mother, he drew his breath and hissed through his clenched teeth, "Excuse me."
Xelloss turned on his heel and without another word, exited the tent. Gourry pushed the much aggrieved Zelgadiss after him, but remained in the entranceway, waiting.
"Whoa, that's about as hot-headed as I've ever seen our prince," Valgaav pointed out in mock concern.
Amelia, meanwhile, had jumped upon the table and was shaking her fist in Zelas' face. "Absolutely not! Under no conditions would my daddy ever agree to such A.. ah . . . an unrighteous arrangement!"
With a nod to her servants, Zelas stepped away and allowed them to escort the guests and the princess away to assigned tents. Lina shook off any attempts to 'manhandle' her and bent over to adjust a bootstrap that didn't need adjusting, making her guard wait in discomfort.
"That went well," Zelas snickered.
Valgaav, who had remained behind, moved close to Zelas' side, lowering his head to speak in her ear. "Pure genius."
Zelas patted his cheek. "Thank you, Valgaav," she said, simply, and then she also left the tent.
"What a suck up," Lina muttered just loud enough that she knew Valgaav could hear her, and then she exited the tent, the servant rushing to keep up with her.
"What did you just say?" Valgaav snarled and reached out, grabbing Lina by the shoulder and spinning her around.
"You want me to repeat that louder?" Lina stared him down defiantly, and then swept his hands away. "You all just live up to your nasty reputations. You know that?"
His golden eyes flashed dangerously, and then narrowed. "Whaddya mean?"
"Capriones. At one time or another, you all have been accused of being sorcerers, child kidnappers, murderers, cannibals, and worse . . . lazy, ignorant, and worthless . . . animals, pagans, and heathens. I ignored most of what was said, thinking most anything claimed by the White Shrine with Cardinal Rezo in charge was bunk propaganda, looking for a scapegoat to blame his misfortunes on. But so far, you are a tribute to his words . . . kidnappers, sorcerers, ignorant, and cruel. A walking advertisement for 'bad seed.' Not that all that is all bad, mind you."
Valgaav looked around to see who was within hearing distance first, then said, "Come 'ere and I'll tell you something."
He led her to a tent not far from where she had seen her friends disappear. "Sit down and I'll fill you in."
"Okay, spill it." Lina watched him pace before settling on a pile of cushions beside her. "You're not a Caprione, are you?"
"Am now," he snapped, and then he relaxed a bit. "I was born a prince into the Ancient clan of Cepheid, least my mother was. Her father was the tribe's leader and she was to inherit the position. My father was Caprione, married to Zelas at the time. I don't know what happened, how my father met my mom and I was created, but my mother and I were not ostracized for it, I know that. I was about to come of age and become the leader, when Zelas found out about me. Zelas had my mother captured and executed along with the other tribe leaders.
"Except you," Lina put in.
"Except me, yeah. I was 'adopted' recently."
"Why are you confiding in me, Valgaav? I'm no friend of yours."
"Because now that I've seen ya, I know you're the one. Xelloss' special one. Oh yeah, by the way he looks at you and treats you with . . . cir-cum-spec-shun."
Lina's eyes met his, burning holes straight through; she was an incendiary agent, short-tempered, and close to spontaneously exploding. "That's . . . ridiculous! I've never seen Xelloss before; he's never seen me. He had no idea I was involved in the exchange for the princess. You are wrong. That is bunk!"
Valgaav leaned backed against a sturdy wood upright and looked suggestively her way. "It would work for me. He'd lose his position, get kicked out of the tribe, maybe the entire clan, for sleeping with an outsider, then I'd have more maneuvering room. And that's something, 'cause up into now I figured he was more interested in the boys than the girls, if you get my drift."
"You are an insult to the Ancient Clan," Lina spat with a disgusted expression, "and to the Capriones. I won't listen to any more of your insinuations and I won't be a part of your poisonous plans. I'm outta here."
Valgaav stretched, standing to block her exit. "When I marry Zelas and rule this tribe, you may feel differently."
That shook Lina.
He smiled, and dismissed the servant waiting outside the tent. "I'll take you to your tent now."
(O)
The first thing Lina did when she was reunited with Sylphiel and Filia was to give Filia an assignment. "You have to talk to Valgaav. Convince him to join with your people to fight Rezo."
"Dear gods, no, Lina. Why him?" she asked with a faint shudder. "Why me? Why do I have to get stuck with the spiteful-looking hooligan?"
"You are Cepheid clan and he's the last of the Ancient Clan, which is related to yours," Lina began.
"Ancient? Is that so? They were into boats, shipping, old-fashioned nautical types. We are more of a splinter group, one of several, modernizing while keeping with traditions..."
"Yeah, related, like I said," Lina cut in. "But they were peaceful and got wiped out completely, except for him. This guy says he was about to be his tribe's leader before Zelas exterminated them," Lina explained.
"Zelas? He thinks she destroyed the Ancients? I understood that it was a Golden clan that attacked them by Rezo's orders."
"Well, that's something to tell him, don't you think? The question is, why did she save him in particular? What is the last of the Ancient Cepheid tribe, and a prince at that, doing in a Caprione settlement posing as a brother to the clan's prince?"
"He was part of the Ancients' royal house, too, he says? You're right; I need to talk to him."
"Okay and I want to speak to that tall, blond swordsman," Lina said.
"Gourry," Sylphiel supplied. "His name is Gourry. I don't blame you. He's yummy. I'll go with you, Lina. But do you think that will be all right? We were told to 'stay put'."
Lina smirked, "Oh yeah? No one told me that. Anyway, when did I ever listen to orders, huh? Come on, girls; let's do some information-gathering."
End Capriones, Chapter Three.