Memories
There is Only One
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Tora shifted the sack onto her shoulder, carried it to the roof and spread the flax over the flat stone to dry. She leant back and wiped her forehead. Two years. Two years living with Etana permanently, as Etana went through the vigorous training that encompassed being the Malach Hamavet. The use of Angel's Breath was evident in the scorched rocks a few miles away from the house. Etana wasn't very good at aiming to begin with. The recoil of the flames tended to throw her aim off. Also needing work was her handling of the blade Death had handed to her. While the khopesh was traditional, Etana was used to Muzai, so there was a whole new style to learn –and some things to unlearn.
Tora turned her head and frowned, shading her eyes. Then she froze and turned towards the hills.
"ETANA! Return!"
Something on the slopes leapt into the air. A black speck suddenly circled in the sky. The speck grew nearer until Etana tumbled out of the sky and landed heavily on the roof. Tora pursed her lips.
"Decent flight. Work on landings."
Etana picked herself up and dusted herself off. As Tora had promised, her back and chest were heavily muscled. Her legs too had gained definition, leaving her arms slightly lagging behind, making them look almost stick-like –although at the rate Etana was practising with both swords, it wouldn't be too long before they were in proportion with the rest of her body. It was lucky she was shooting upwards rapidly, because it would take a tall woman to be able to carry off Etana's natural muscle without looking heavy.
"We have guests, Etana."
Fear flashed across Etana's face. Tora held out a placating hand.
"Fear not. He knew your father well. In fact, he comes in an attempt to recruit him."
Etana blinked.
"Who comes?"
"The king."
Etana froze. She seemed torn between terror and anticipation. Tora pressed her hands to Etana's face.
"Go back to the hills. Wait. I shall bring him to you."
"Should I not go to him? He is the king…"
"No!"
It came out sharper than intended. Tora automatically checked her tone.
"You must let him come to you. Only then will he see you as you must first be seen."
"How?"
"Flying. You must soar like the eagle whose wings you wear. Understand?"
Etana nodded, leapt from the roof and soared. Tora hurried finished spreading out the flax then clattered down the stairs, going to where the wine was stored, the food. Hospitality was considered much more highly here than in the future –another reason she'd come to love this aged land.
She hurried out in time to catch the scout who had just arrived. She held out her hands peacefully and greeted him, before offering food and water, a place to rest. He shook his head, spoke of more men coming, that he would return and say that hospitality was offered and that she should prepare.
She bowed low, hating every second of having to grovel and scrape to a mere messenger then returned to the house to prepare. Then to wait. Wait for the horses. And then to leave and watch as the man leapt down and walked over to her.
"Where is Eitan? Or Achav?"
She bowed low.
"Both are gone, my king. But Eitan's daughter lives."
The blade was suddenly at her neck.
"How! How are they dead!?"
She looked up and she made sure her eyes showed no fear and she waited that extra half a beat that made it quite clear she was only answering because she wanted to.
"Eitan was killed by his enemies. I brought his daughter to Achav. He was killed two years ago by raiders who wanted Etana."
The king obviously didn't believe her.
"Who avenged Achav?"
"Etana."
"You do not appear to understand me. Who avenged Achav?"
"Etana did. She slew the men who killed him. She carved through them like a warrior born. Little surprise. Her mother was the most lethal assassin in the world."
She turned and began to walk away. The blade touched her neck again. She paused.
"Do not presume to threaten me. I have cared for Etana since her birth. Kill me and no power will save you from her wrath. And I myself am no mere woman. I guide her. I train her. I am so much more than I appear to be. I have passed the line between life and death. Time has no meaning to me. I can ignore fire and injury. I can change the world with a word. Do not cross me."
The blade slowly moved away and she looked over her shoulder.
"I will take you to her. But you must come alone."
She turned and walked away, ignoring his protests. She knew he would follow. The temptation would be too great. They walked in silence until they reached the place Tora had chosen as the meeting point. She raised her hands to the sky.
"Etana. Come."
It was no more than a whisper but something heard. Something soared into the air. Something tall and lithe, with wings so huge and black they almost blocked out the sun. And the wings folded and Etana plummeted, then landed in a crouch right in front of Tora. Tora had to admit she was impressed. Landings weren't Etana's strong point yet she had turned her inability to land into a truly impressive entrance.
"My Lady."
Tora placed her hands on Etana's shoulders.
"Rise, cathera." Rise, child of mine.
The Old Tongue slid off Tora's lips with more familiarity than she was comfortable with. Etana looked up with an understanding she shouldn't have. A child who was also an angel. Tora turned to see the king's eyes widen in astonishment as the tall teenager unfurled herself as she stood and her silver hair caught the light. Tora smiled softly.
"This is Etana, daughter of Eitan. She is a child of mortal enemies. She is in training under me."
"Show me."
Tora frowned then turned to Etana.
"Are you willing to show him your ability?"
Etana bowed. Tora held out one hand to her side and gleaming ice formed around her hand, shaping a shining blade. Etana looked worried –Tora had never done that before. And then she saw the message in Tora's eyes. She slowly slid her hand to the belt holding her long dress up. And out of the folds, Muzai slid. They stood in silent salute. And then Tora darted forward, the blade slamming right into Etana, who had barely brought the sword up in time. They duelled, back and forth, Tora not holding back at all. The blunted sides of the ice hurt when it hit but did not cut. Etana hadn't managed to land a blow yet. And then Tora twisted and screamed as the white blade slid without any resistance from her own flesh right through her trunk. Etana screamed and Tora looked down at the red line across her waist.
"Oh well. I was thinking this body was getting a bit worn anyway. See you, cathera."
And her legs went one way. Her torso and head went the other.
"Really? Did she just want to traumatise Etana?"
"Didn't work. Etana was kind of used to her mentor dying, vanishing and coming back a few days later as if nothing had happened. Tora did explain she wasn't actually 'alive'. Instead it was more like she was a touchable hologram. Made of ice and water and memories."