Story 17: Resurrection

A biting chill, numbing its way through my body. A shroud of darkness, ever deepening.

The harbingers of Death. A torturous preview of the Cities of Dust.

I lapsed into unconsciousness as a frigid curtain fell upon my life.

The darkness seemed to fade a bit, a little less absolute.

And over time, it continued to fade. Spots of light and numbness with cold. My mind could not comprehend its circumstances.

As time continued to pass, how much I do not know, I began to acquire some certainty that I was not dead. But how?

I was very weak, and even felt the pangs of hunger. Though a lead weight still felt as if it were on my chest, the numbness in my extremities slowly passed.

I waited. I needed to regain some strength before exploring my state. So I slept.

This time I tried to open my eyes, to ascertain where I was. So many questions. Such confusion.

My eyes, seemingly encrusted, gave way only with much effort. They had obviously been closed for some length of time.

My vision was initially fuzzy and took awhile to sharpen into focus. When I could see, I observed a torch lit room, shadows dancing on its rough-hewn stone walls. I lay upon a stone couch, my body strapped securely to it with leather straps.

From my secured position, I could not examine the entire room. I could detect the upper half of a door, a stout wooden one.

I waited for any of my captors to arrive. I could do nothing else. Nothing else but think. Think about why I still lived.

Fact: I had been poisoned by Hith. When his quarrel struck me, I felt an immediate burning sensation in the wound, a definite sign of a poison.

Fact: The poison eventually brought me to my knees, numbing me with an icy chill.

Fact: Most lethal poisons are fast acting. You die within a handful of Ihn, not long enough for an antidote to be administered.

Fact: There was no one else on the rooftop when I collapsed. No one could have saved me in time. Even the Priest-Kings, if they had noticed the weapons, could not have reached me time.

Possibility: Neko is alive. If I am alive, Neko could be as well.

Fact: I held Neko in my arms until her heart no longer beat.

Possibility: Neko is dead. Whatever saved me was unable to save her.

My thoughts were interrupted as the door opened. A dirty, urt of a man entered in a stained gray tunic. He grinned at me when he noticed that I was awake.

I tried to speak but my tongue was a bit swollen so the words did not quite come out right. He gave me some water from a bota and that helped a bit.

He said nothing, leaving as soon as he gave me some water. I am sure he needed to inform his employer of my conscious state.

So I returned to my ponderings, waiting for someone else to come.

I realized that I had been relying upon an assumption, one that had colored my perception. I had been mistaken. I should have considered all possible options.

I assumed that Hith had used a killing poison. I never considered that he might use a nonlethal poison. Yet I knew such poisons existed, poisons that paralyzed you or simply rendered one unconscious.

I believe this poison simulated death, imposing a temporary near cessation of one’s vital signs. A Physician might not have been fooled but an ordinary man, making the wrong assumptions, could be fooled.

Soon thereafter, the urt reappeared. He released me from my bondage, fed me a little porridge and then led me out of that chamber. I was too weak to do anything but follow him.

He led me to a different chamber, one of several others placed in a row. They were cells for prisoners. I wanted to flee, to fight this urt but I would likely have collapsed after a few Ihn of exertion.

I was placed into one of the dark cells, manacled to one dank wall. And there I would remain for some unknown time period.

The only person I ever saw was the urt and that was not often. Most of the time, my food was slipped through a slot on the cell door. And he never spoke to me, or responded to my words.

And slowly, I descended into madness. Isolation, darkness, limited food. It all contributed. I would babble incessantly and witness all sorts of hallucinations. I could not understand why I was being held and why I had not been interrogated.

I think I had a couple of visitors one day, two men who were looking for another prisoner. One of the two did speak to me while the other remained mute. I know I babbled a lot.

But I remembered a certain moment of lucidity. I told them something about how I would hunt Devore and recover my Neko.

I knew Devore had to be responsible for my incarceration. It was the only scenario that made sense. But my delusions and madness returned and more time passed.

Everything suddenly changed one day, without rhyme or reason. The urt began coming into my room each day. He placed a torch there so that I would have more light during the day. He gave me better and more food.

I began to regain some of my strength though my mind would take far longer to heal.

A couple other men soon after came to visit me, one being a Physician. The Physician examined me, applied some salve to my wounds and gave me some injections. I tried asking them how long I had been a captive but no one would answer my question.

After what seemed a few more weeks, the urt came and unshackled me. He then slipped a leather hood over my head and tied some binding fiber around my wrists behind my back.

He then led me out of the cell, down some halls, through some doors and up some flights of stairs. I was then taken outside, placed into a wagon and driven around for an Ahn or so.

The wagon then stopped and I was removed from it. The binding fiber was removed and then the hood slipped off my head. I now stood outside a small cylinder, a residence.

The urt grinned, and then told me that I would find some answers within the cylinder. He then quickly left the area with the wagon.

I stood outside the cylinder, examining it and the surrounding area for clues at to my location. I could see the Central Cylinder of Ar in the distance so I knew that I was still in Ar. The neighborhood did not look familiar though.

And as I stood there, the front door of the cylinder opened. A handsome man, clad in the green of the Physician, began to exit the residence.

Before leaving though, he turned to say farewell to the woman standing just inside the doorway.

I saw her smile and heard her tell him that she loved him.

My heart began racing. I knew that woman’s soft voice. I knew that smile.

I hid behind the corner of a building and watched as Neko closed the door. The Physician, smiling, began to walk down the street.

I wanted to scream, to bellow out to the world. I began to seethe inside, boiling with anger. How could she love another man? Traitorous bitch.

I wanted to burst into her cylinder, place a collar around her neck and turn her into a tarsk-bit coin girl. I wanted to destroy her happiness, to ruin her life.

I had to leave the area before I did something I might regret. I needed time to think, to ponder my fate. I had spent too long in an empty cell.

I had no money and was not sure what had happened to my home. Neko may have sold it and kept all my money. I was not sure who I could trust.

There were a couple banks I could visit but they would entail revealing that I was alive. And I could not allow that to be known quite yet.

I walked around seeking a Warrior of Ar. It did not take long to find some Warriors but I waited until I found one alone.

I approached him, a man I did not know. I then told him that I too was a Warrior of Ar who had been the captive of a madman for at least several months. I had no money and needed but a little to be able to feed myself and properly clothe my body.

Through our mutual shared knowledge of Caste matters, I convinced him that I was a Caste brother. He gave me a silver tarsk and I thanked him profusely. I told him he would be repaid once I was established again..

I now had a start. I headed to the nearest paga tavern as I desperately needed a drink and some companionship.

At the tavern, I drained two goblets of paga and then retired to an alcove with one of the lovely kajirae. I allowed her to please me for awhile and then I simply lay there, holding her tightly.

To be able to be so close to another person after my months of solitary imprisonment was soothing. It let me relax, quelling some of my earlier rage.

I kept her there till the tavern was ready to close. I then left, seeking a cheap insula so that I could sleep.

I found a nearby insula, paid a copper tarsk, and got a room for the day. The room was tiny, dirty and hot but I ignored all of that. I immediately went to sleep and woke many Ahn later.

When I awoke, I began to consider the events of the last day and also the events of my imprisonment.

It had served little purpose to hold me in captivity. I was never interrogated. But I had to have been kept alive for some purpose. And I believe that purpose was revenge.

Someone wanted to cause me great pain. That is why I was left near Neko’s house. They wanted me to see her loving another man. They wanted me to watch my love shattered.

And Devore kept returning to my mind. He had to be the one responsible. He had to be the one in charge. He wanted me to pay for thwarting his proposed coup against Ar. Maybe I had foiled other plots of his as well. I did not know.

But I could not allow him to win. I had to find a way to defeat him, to destroy him and his organization. And maybe even find a way to destroy all of the Kurii as well.

I eventually learned that eight months had passed since I thought I had died. People must have presumed I was dead.

The time to renew my Free Companionship had passed five months ago so Neko was free to Companion another. And she must have done so. Why?

I needed a disguise, a way to move through the city undetected. I was worried that Devore’s men might try to recapture me. They may have planned to provide me only a temporary freedom. I would not let myself be captured again.

I purchased the garb of a potter, shaved my head and trimmed my beard. I began to eat a lot to regain my weight.

I had to contact Neko somehow, to find out what had happened. But I did not want to endanger her. I could not let Devore’s men knew I had spoken to her.

I walked by her house a few times, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. And though I did not see her again, I did see a slave I knew.

Kirsa had been in the service of Neko and I for almost twenty years. She was a superb masseuse and an excellent cook. She would often go to the market herself, choosing the freshest foods for our table.

Neko still owned her which made my job easier. I could contact Kirsa and have her pass on a message to Neko.

So I hung around the market, waiting to see Kirsa one day.

The next day, Kirsa came to the market for some produce shopping. I followed her a bit to ensure no one else was watching her. When I was satisfied, I approached her.

At first she did not recognize me but after a few whispered words she realized my identity. Her eyes lit up in joy but I told her to remain calm, stating that I was in danger.

She told me that everyone thought I was dead, including Neko. Kirsa was very pleased to see that was not true.

Kirsa though was not pleased to tell me what Neko had done over the last several months.

For a rare few, they never lose that first love. They remain together always, enjoying the bliss they have found.

For most of us though, that first love does not last, for a myriad of reasons. Yet, we will always remember that person. And we may never love anyone as deeply again. Our first love remains always within our hearts.

And what would happen if one day your first love simply vanished? There were no signs of foul play, no suicide note, no empty apartment showing your love had moved away. They had simply vanished.

Your love would always remain until you knew the fate of that person. Time may dull the active memory but the heart always remember. You might move on, fall in love with another. But there would always be an emptiness within you.

And what would happen if you met your long lost first love again, even though many years had passed?

When I knew Neko on Earth, she had never mentioned any previous men except in vague terms. And when we reunited on Gor, we rarely spoke of Earth again. I never asked about her past.

So there were things I did not know about her. That was a mistake on my part.

I never knew about Stewart, her first love, her fiancee.

The man who suddenly vanished one day, almost sixty years ago.

Stewart had been a promising doctor, involved in cancer research. He had been intelligent, charming, handsome, athletic and wealthy. Yet he had been a down to earth person, free of arrogance and snobbery.

Three months before their planned wedding, an elegant affair with 300 guests, he had been returning home from the hospital where he worked. But he never arrived home.

His car was still at the hospital parking lot. It had been thought to be an abduction, possibly for ransom. But there were no clues and no ransom demands were ever received.

This devastated Neko and she kept hoping that he would return one day. But as the years passed, and hope dwindled, she tried to move on with her life.

And she kept that secret to herself. She never lied about it because I never asked. She simply omitted to ever tell me.

About three months after my presumed death, Neko met Stewart again. On the streets of Ar, near one of the public gardens.

She did not recognize him at first as it had been about sixty years since they had last met. And he looked a bit different, even more athletic than before. And this was the last place she had ever expected to meet him.

Long buried emotions welled to the surface, her heart opening to her first love.

Stewart told her about the night he vanished, how he tried to prevent the abduction of a young woman and ended up being taken as well. He told of his arrival on Gor, his enslavement and work in the quarries.

Luckily his owners learned of his medical skills and removed him from the quarries. They chose to sell him to a Physician of Port Olni as an assistant.

In time, his new Master freed him and he was able to join the Caste of Physicians. He learned so much as the medical advances of Gor were amazing.

He happened to be in Ar right now consulting with a couple researchers on improvements to the Stabilization Serums. By sheer luck, he bumped into Neko.

They had dinner that evening and ended up Companioned within a couple months. Their love affair began again as if those sixty years had never intervened.

I thanked Kirsa for telling me all of that news. And it made me change my mind. I would not contact Neko at this point.

I told Kirsa not to mention me to anyone, absolutely anyone, even Neko. I told her that I was being pursued by dangerous men and I did not want to endanger anyone else. I told her that I would see her again, in the market as now.

Kirsa stated she would obey my wishes and I was positive she would. She had always been very obedient.

What was I to do now? Did I have the right to disrupt Neko’s happiness? Should I remain “dead” to her and everyone else?

I would hunt down Devore and his minions and gain my revenge. I would leave Neko alone, let her be happy with her first love. I could not interfere, even though I loved her so very much.

I wandered the streets of Ar, seeking inspiration. I had so few clues, so little information. I did not know where to look.

Then I passed by the Public Boards, past the flyers, notes and decrees. A colorful poster caught my eye, an advertisement for an upcoming carnival. Some of the entertainers were pictured on the poster such as the Astounding Lazarus. I recognized two of the faces.

At first I could not recall why the faces were familiar. Then I realized that they were the two who had visited my cell seeking another prisoner.

One of them had questioned me while the other just watched.

They had to know where I had been held captive. That was the information I needed to pursue Devore.

The carnival would arrive in one month so I would have to wait until it reached here.

I found some work as a general laborer, earning just enough to survive, to afford a room at the insula and food. The hard work was good for me and my body grew more muscular, and I gained weight back.

And I stayed away from Neko’s neighborhood and the market where Kirsa shopped. That part of my life had to remain in the past.

A month seemed to pass quickly. And the carnival came to Ar.

I quit my job and went in search of the juggler and the mime, my links to Devore. I would make sure the juggler, and even the mime, spoke to me.

I waited until most of the carnival was in place, a few hours before their opening night. I then went to the plaza where the carnival was located and began asking around for the owner, the Astounding Lazarus.

At first, Lazarus did not wish to speak to me, claiming he was far too busy. I was quite insistent though so he said he could spare a few Ehn.

I told him I wished to speak to the juggler and the mime about a personal matter and I noted his discomfort at that thought. I reassured him that I meant them no harm. I simply needed a little information from them.

He regained his demeanor quickly though I knew he was going to lie. He claimed that they had recently left his service in Turia. He was very sorry.

I began to apply a bit of pressure, a stronger persuasion. I would not be denied.

And Lazarus was wise. He sent a kajira to bring the two men to his wagon. And I waited.

It did not take long for the mime and juggler to arrive. Neither apparently recognized me. And they both eyed my curiously.

The juggler was very forthcoming with answers while the mime remained taciturn throughout. The juggler seemed unconcerned with providing me with what I asked.

I had been kept in the House of Vesparios, a vile man I had met before years ago. They even had some floor plans for his House and they gave me copies. Very cooperative.

Once I had garnered all of the information they knew, I thanked them and departed. I now had my lead, a path to Devore.

Vesparios had to be a lackey of Devore. He might either know Devore or how to contact him. I needed to capture and interrogate him. I would not be denied.

So I began to watch the House of Vesparios, to examine those coming and going. I needed intelligence concerning any possible opposition. I wanted to know his schedule, his contacts.

For two Hands, I watched. It was a secure facility and the guards appeared well trained. It would not be easy to infiltrate. And Vesparios rarely left his cylinder. When he did so, he was surrounded by at least eight guards, Warriors.

On the last day, I was taking some final notes. I would next try to concoct some plan to gain access to the cylinder.

And then I saw a man enter the House of Vesparios, a man I recognized despite his hooded cloak and colors of the Perfumer Caste. That face was etched on my mind.

And an absolute surety claimed me. This was Devore. It could be no one else. Each piece of the puzzle suddenly fit perfectly.

Stewart, the Free Companion of Neko, was actually Devore.

I had no direct proof but I just knew that I was correct. He may very well be the long lost first love of Neko but that did not mean he was not Devore.

He had been on Gor for sixty years. Who knew what changes may have occurred within him? Who knew if he had deceived her when he was on Earth? Love can blind us to such matters.

Maybe he loved her, maybe he did not. Maybe it was simply part of his vengeance on me. Maybe he eventually planned to enslave her. Maybe he planned to kill her.

So what to do now? Do I tell Neko? Would she even believe me?

Do I kidnap Stewart and force him to confess? Do I simply kill him?

Do I spy on Stewart until he slips up? Should I wait or act immediately?

If Stewart truly loved Neko, should I simply walk away, move on to another city and start a new life?

As I thought more, I knew I had to act against Devore. He was a traitor to Gor, assisting the enemy, the Kurii. I had to destroy his organization. And eliminating its leader would accomplish much.

But how would Neko handle this? Could I convince her of Devore’s guilt? Could I expose him as a charlatan?

I left the area and began to wait near the markets again, waiting for Kirsa to be shopping. I needed information concerning Neko’s schedule.

I did not have to wait long before I saw Kirsa sashaying through the stalls and booths. I approached her and she was ecstatic to see me again.

We moved off to a more private area to talk. I knew I could not say much to Kirsa as I did not want her to be nervous. I simply asked for information on any appointments that Neko had planned for the next couple Hands.

Out of her several appointments, only one truly interested me. In two nights, Stewart and Neko would attend the carnival.

And maybe Lazarus, the juggler and the mime could assist me.

I had to capture Devore at the very least, and question him thoroughly. And then I could kill him.

Maybe it would be best if Devore vanished again, without a trace. Just like before.

I did not have to tell Neko the truth. She might be better off with pleasant memories rather than understand the betrayal.

And she might not even believe the truth no matter what evidence I provided. Love can be a strange emotion. It can cloud one’s judgment, blocking out any truth we cared not to face.

So I returned to the carnival and went directly to see Lazarus. He was not pleased to see me again and even less pleased when I desired his help.

But all it took were promises of money to garner his attention. After some haggling, we summoned the juggler and the mime to his wagon.

Again, it was the matter of money that secured their cooperation. The juggler then had many questions while the mime just smiled at me. We spent a few Ahn discussing the matter and our plan to capture Devore.

The mime had little to add to the conversation except for a few nods of assent.

The night of the carnival arrived and I waited near the main entrance to spot Devore and Neko. I was dressed as one of the entertainers, in bright, gaudy clothes.

I felt sure that Neko would wish to see the magic show. It had always been of interest to her.

Lazarus would put on an extra-noisy show as a partial distraction. The juggler and the mime would then circulate through the crowd and try to separate Neko and Devore, making it seem part of the show. And then I would grab Devore.

I would then take him to a nearby building that I had rented just for the occasion. In the basement, no one would be able to hear Devore scream.

I spied Neko and Devore entering the carnival grounds and I followed them at a fair distance. They wandered around for an Ahn and then went to watch the Astounding Lazarus. Just as hoped.

I signaled to the juggler and mime to get ready and I waited for my opportunity.

Lazarus did a fine job of adding extra noise to his show, including the clanging of cymbals. His tricks were also amazing and kept the audience’s attention.

The mime began to perform next to Neko trying to draw her into his act, pretending to cage her. And the juggler was interceding himself between Devore and Neko, trying to appear natural. And it seemed to work.

I slipped behind Devore, grabbed his left arm and placed a dagger against his back. He froze in place and then obeyed my orders when I told him to move with me.

We maneuvered through the crowd and then past a row of wagons, staying close to the shadows.

Devore offered no resistance as we finally entered the rented warehouse. We descended into the basement and I chained him to a pole. I took his lack of resistance as arrogance, that he felt nothing could harm him.

When I saw the tears in his eyes, I knew differently. He was desperately frightened, a coward. So amusing that such a traitorous mastermind could crumble so quickly.

Soon after I began the questions, he began to tell me everything and anything I wanted to know. I looked deep into his eyes as he spoke, trying to sense the slightest bit of deception.

Stewart was not Devore. He was just of one his employees, a lackey of sorts. Stewart owed a debt to Devore and continued to make payments, paying by working for Devore.

Stewart was ignorant of much of Devore’s activities but he did know that Devore engaged in some nefarious activities. But he felt he had no choice but to work for Devore until the debt was paid.

And he owed Devore even more for reuniting him with Neko, his first love.

Stewart was petrified that I was going to kill him. He sweated profusely, his hands shook and his voice wavered.

He begged for his life, desperate not to lose Neko again.

I almost felt pity for him. It was clear this could not be Devore.

Stewart had met Devore several times and described Devore to me in detail. Devore sometimes met him at the Caste of Physicians, though always without prior notice.

Devore had been the one to get Stewart freed from his slavery. Stewart had told him all about his life, including his time on Earth. Even about his love for Neko.

And months ago, Devore sent him to Ar. And later, Devore admitted that he had arranged for Stewart to run into Neko. Stewart could not thank Devore enough.

After Stewart had spilled all he knew, I released him. I told him to say nothing of this to anyone. I very much doubted he would tell anyone.

I never told him my name. I never told him of my connection to Neko.

I pushed aside thoughts of Neko, Stewart and I. That must wait until my business with Devore was concluded. If I dwelled on it now, it would paralyze me into inaction.

I left the warehouse and met back up with Lazarus, the juggler and the mime. I thanked them for their help and told them the money would be delivered to them the next day.

I would have to visit a bank tomorrow despite the trouble that might cause me. I had little choice. I needed to pay my debt to Lazarus.

The next day, I retrieved some money from a bank and paid off Lazarus. My time was now limited as word might begin to spread of my ‘resurrection.’

Stewart had not seen Devore in a few months. It might be about time for another meeting, especially since I was around. Devore might want to warn Stewart.

So my only real option was to stake out the Cylinder of Physicians, hoping to catch a glimpse of Devore.

I was extremely lucky. Upon returning from meeting with Lazarus, I went to the Cylinder of Physicians. I almost stopped to eat but decided against it.

When I arrived at the Cylinder, I saw Devore exiting the building. If I had been a few Ihn later, I would have missed him.

He matched exactly the description that Stewart provided me. He was garbed in the scarlet of a Warrior. Yet I did not recognize him. But with many thousands of Warriors in Ar, it is likely I would not know many of them.

He moved with the sinuous grace of a larl, his body sculpted like a statue of Hesius. His eyes scanned his surroundings, ever alert to potential danger. He had learned his lessons well.

I drew my gladius, dropping the scabbard to the ground. I began walking on a path to intercept Devore. As I walked, I dropped my cloak onto the ground.

When I was about twenty feet from him, he sensed something and turned in my direction. He reacted instantaneously when he saw my blade, drawing his own short sword.

“I challenge you Devore, by our Codes. You are a treacherous urt, a traitor to your Caste, your Home Stone, and your world. Fight me now, and let me spit you upon my blade.” I stated as I glared at him.

It had taken him a couple of Ihn to recognize me and then subtle corner of a smile came over his face.

“How was your reunion with your woman? Or should I say Stewart’s Free Companion?” replied Devore.

He was seeking to anger me, to make me emotional, unbalanced. That would give him an advantage in a duel.

I refused to give him that satisfaction so I responded, “She is very happy I am pleased to say.”

He grinned and replied, “I am sure Stewart has made her happier than you ever did.”

I ignored his comment and asked, “Are you going to fight me, or will you back down like a dishonorable coward?”

“We shall fight, yes we shall. And you shall die this day and bother me no more.”

I initiated the first attack, a back handed swipe aimed at his ribs but he nimbly dodged aside, parrying my blade. He then countered, slashing downward at my sword arm, trying to cripple me. With a snap of my wrist, I deflected his blade and leapt back.

He then pressed the attack with a series of feints and lunges, each that I either parried or dodged. But, his flurry of attacks kept me off balance enough that I was unable to counterattack. At that moment, I could only defend until I regained the momentum.

A large crowd had formed around us, such duels uncommon on such a major avenue in Ar. Wagers were being made on the outcome, most siding with Devore.

Devore relented for an Ihn in his attacks and I took full advantage of that respite to push my own attack, slashing at his arms, chest and head. Devore sprung forward at me, punching the hilt of his sword into my face. I tried to turn away but he connected just below my left eye.

I stepped back, a bit stunned and my eye beginning to swell. Devore did not wait, furiously attacking again, hoping to exploit his advantage. I kept backing up as he pushed forward, trying to parry his steel.

I failed to be quick enough at one point and his blade slid down my left arm, leaving a shallow cut maybe five horts long.

On his next lunge, I sidestepped and cut down at his sword arm. He was not fast enough to totally avoid the blow though the wound was not serious.

I followed up with a thrust toward his torso and he scrambled backwards to avoid the blow. But he tripped, falling backwards onto his buttocks, his sword falling from his hand as he landed hard on the stone.

It was the culmination of a long journey, the finale to a long period of pain and anguish. Killing Devore would be justice for all the harm he had ever done, and all the harm he would have done in the future.

Devore though was not ready to die, and he played his final card.

He spoke, just loud enough so that only I heard him, and said, “If you kill me, my men have orders to kill your precious woman. They are watching this battle now and will race to complete the task if you slay me.”

I hesitated only an Ihn and then thrust my gladius deep into his chest, the blade sliding between his ribs. It was a lethal thrust, a stab to the heart. His blood spurted forth, his eyes filled with shock.

I waited a few moments to ensure my thrust had been accurate and then I left the area, racing to Neko’s home. If Devore had not been bluffing, I needed to get there immediately.

Bluff or no bluff, the threat of Devore had to end. And I ensured that.

I ran through the streets, avoiding people, wagons and tharlarion. I was fairly positive that I would reach her cylinder before Devore’s minions could cause her any harm.

I finally arrived there and everything looked normal. The cylinder appeared secure. I chose a spot to hide, one with a vantage of the cylinder. And I waited.

Six Ahn passed without incident. I did see Kirsa enter the cylinder, returning home from her shopping. It appeared that Stewart opened the door for her.

But none of Devore’s men showed. Maybe he had been bluffing after all.

Two more Ahn passed until there was more visible activity at the cylinder. Stewart left the house. At this late hour, I was curious as to his destination.

So I stopped him in the street. He was very nervous when he realized who I was. I think he was still afraid that I was going to kill him.

Stewart was headed to a local paga tavern, to meet a couple other Physicians. I told him that Devore was dead and that he had threatened to kill Neko. Stewart was truly afraid then, worried about his Companion.

Stewart immediately canceled his plans and wanted to return home, to increase security to protect Neko. His concern was genuine, as was his love for her.

I let him return home and I returned to my hiding spot. I then watched as a few slaves left the cylinder and returned later with some Warriors, more guards for protection. I am sure internal security was tightened as well.

As for me, it was time to move on, to relocate. I was ‘dead’ in Ar so I needed to be reborn elsewhere, to assume a new identity.

I could not take Neko from Stewart. I could not separate her from her first love.

Stewart truly loved her and he would be good to her. Neko believed that I was dead and had moved on with her life. My arrival would only cause her pain and sorrow.

I did this out of my deep love for Neko, my concern only for her happiness.

I had been Slaver and Warrior. Neither of those Castes appealed to me any longer. To begin my new life, I would need a new Caste as well.

The pain of my separation from Neko would be difficult. I knew I would withdraw a bit, be much quieter than normal. I also knew I needed something pacifistic, away from the blood and violence of wars, raids and battles.

I walked through the streets of Ar, maybe for the last time for a very long time. It was like saying farewell to a dear, dear friend.

I passed by the carnival. And an idea formulated in my mind.

Lazarus hemmed and hawed for a time over my request. He was worried about the trouble that might follow me.

But he asked one of his entertainers if he would mind taking on an apprentice, training me in his arts. His entertainer said not a word, simply nodding his assent.

I would travel with the carnival, my face hidden beneath the make-up of a mime. I need say nothing to my fellow entertainers.

I wanted to end this tale with a haiku but I have a lack of inspiration at this moment. And reciting such a poem would violate the principal precept of my apprenticeship.