Blood in the Forest, Part 1 of Shadows of the Heavens Read online

  *

  The sun had begun its lazy descent as they travelled east of the village, joining the trail leading towards Stone Walking Fish. They came into view of the small, forest-encircled lake at the heart of the fishing hamlet.

  The examiner spoke, jerking Adajo out of his discomfort. 'You have a problem with our destination?'

  'What?' Adajo glanced at him. 'No, I... It's just they're not to open to outsiders, and while I grew up there, the mask can cause problems.'

  'With your family?'

  Adajo met his steady gaze, before reluctantly looking away. 'My uncle, Jin, wasn't happy I chose this profession.'

  'Why did you?'

  He hesitated, uncertain how to respond.

  'My apologies,' said the examiner. 'The job makes one question everything.'

  'I understand,' said Adajo. He was left further off balance by the glint of humanity in his temporary partner.

  'Are there many in the community who could have been involved with Kilipa?' said the examiner.

  'Only a few I can think of. Who aren't married.'

  'Let's not limit ourselves,' said the examiner. 'How well do you know them?'

  'Reasonably. None are my age, but it's a small community. Although it's been over a year since I became an enforcer, and I haven't been here often.'

  'Would they still talk to you?'

  'To a degree. My uncle would be the best to ask. And the most discreet.'

  'If not with them, with whom did you spend your youth?'

  Adajo was again wrong-footed by a question having nothing to do with the investigation. 'Li, the other enforcer, grew up on a nearby farm. We became friends in our teens. Before that...' He hesitated again, unsure if he wanted to finish the thought and get a funny look. But he'd started, so had to say something. It might as well be the truth. 'Aethrie.'

  The examiner glanced at him. 'An odd name.'

  'She was a water spirit,' said Adajo, a faint challenge in his tone.

  'Was?' said the examiner, apparently unable to stop himself.

  'I was twelve when she stopped coming. They can be fickle. I know it's not fashionable to believe they exist these days, the lesser spirits and suchlike.'

  'I know they exist,' said the examiner. 'I fought durthak during the final hunt.'

  Adajo couldn't help staring. The final hunt had been the scouring of the durthak from the lands around the Shadowspine mountains a dozen years ago. The examiner had been a soldier.

  He didn't get the chance to push the subject as the ramshackle structures came into view. He felt the customary tightening of the stomach. At least his uncle should be restrained while they weren't alone, although he gave harsh looks rather than harsh words.

  Taking a side path they approached his uncle's place on the edge of the settlement. Not that he expected to avoid being spotted by the neighbours. At this time of day most would be in from the lake, and he indeed found his uncle sat out working on the catch. Nearly finished, they'd go to the village soon, the second lot of the day. With the days starting to cool, it'd soon enough be down to one lot a day, and a harsh freeze could mean nothing leaving the village.

  Jin focussed on the fish, but Adajo had no doubt he'd spotted them. He didn't glance up as he spoke. 'Blessings of the day upon you. What may I help you with?'

  'Blessings of the day upon you, sir,' said the examiner. 'I understand one of the scholars has been visiting Stone Dancing Fish.'

  'Have they? Is this deemed unsuitable?'

  'He's dead,' said Adajo. He hadn't meant to be so blunt, but couldn't help himself. He also couldn't help the sliver of satisfaction at getting his uncle to look up.

  Wiping his hands, his uncle gave them his attention. 'He'd been visiting Gexie.'

  'How did her brother take it?' said Adajo. Xino had a temper, and wasn't shy about showing it.

  'Not happy, but not murderous. He knew the scholar would probably be from a high family, so he'd been pressuring Gexie rather than her suitor.'

  'And?' said Adajo.

  'What makes you think there's an and?'

  'You'd know everything there was to know about the relationship.'

  This drew a frown, but the examiner spoke again.

  'Was it known he made a visit to Tsorina?'

  Jin frowned. 'No. I'm not surprised.' He hesitated, obviously gauging how much to tell. 'There was an argument last night. It got loud, but soon quietened. It wasn't enough to get details, or learn anything new.'

  'Is there anything else you can tell us about their relationship?' said the examiner.

  Jin gave him an even stare. 'If I tell you all I know, can you leave the girl be?'

  'As long as we don't believe we need to bother her,' said the examiner.

  'The scholar seemed desperate to keep the affair quiet. From what I hear he has a fiancé back home. Didn't want her hearing about this. Or her father, anyway.'

  'Do you know who her father is?' said the examiner.

  'Not really. Sounds like someone important. I doubt Gexie knows anything about him either.'

  The examiner nodded. 'Thank you for your assistance.' He turned and left.

  Leaving Adajo to meet his uncle's gaze. 'Thank you.' He quickly followed the examiner.