Ghost Monkey, стр. 19
"Anyway, only you can know about the dome. The scholars stopped snooping around, now they're back at it, and it impedes travel. My colleagues are upset with me." Lou walked up to Sugriva and asked, "Can you keep your mouth shut for me?"
The monkey nodded, dumbfounded. This was the biggest find. It was the purpose of the dome, and there were people going in and out of it. People who likely knew all the secrets to the city. "What are the lights?"
"What?" Lou cocked a brow.
"The lights that turn on and off by themselves. They don't need fire. What are they?"
"Uh," Lou looked up for a while, making a stupid face. "I mean, will you understand?" He stared off into the distance again, then shot his focus back to Sugriva. "The elemental spirits are infinite. Their power is therefore infinite. We bred spirits, siphoned power, and placed it in crystals used for the lines. The enchantment then goads them into when they can or can't use their power, which is what sets time."
"So you enslave spirits? Seems cruel."
"To you. All the spirits you speak to are sentient. Most aren't. The flickering candle has a spirit looking over it. It is summoned when the candle is lit and snuffed out when the candle fades. Are you cruel for blowing out the candle?"
"That's not what they teach."
"Messes with the order of things. Elementalists are aware of this. They can feel it. But spirits made sure they were elevated in Sankive so they could push you around. Everywhere else ignores them or knows them for the tools they are." Lou looked out the window. The early risers were up and going to work, moving goods, or just getting some fresh air. "Any other questions I don't want to answer but will if it ensures your silence?"
"I want to see inside the dome. If you don't let me, I'll tell Prince Anka."
Lou's jaw dropped. "Seriously? Blackmail? You're supposed to be honorable."
"Maybe in some future you saw? But right now, I'm a survivalist." He gave a simper. "And an overly curious monkey."
"I have to check with my colleagues. I'll come back to you within a week with an answer."
Before Lou could leave, Sugriva said, "And if you kill me, I'll have ways of letting everyone know what you are."
"If killing you was an option you'd be dead. You think you're the first one to discover the secrets?"
MIDDAY, AS SUGRIVA lay out on the street enjoying the warmth of the sun, the boy came back. "Ghost, I'm back."
"Where are your friends? I'm sunbathing." He waved the boy off.
"They are doing what they want to do. I don't want to do that. Tell me more of your story. Isn't Puncture Day next?"
Pain exuded from his chest, tingling in his fingertips. "Puncture Day pierced the heart of Sankive—the people of Jaya and the seven kingdoms, even those who loathed us."
"So you'll tell me about it?"
Sugriva smirked. "Of course. This is the tale of Puncture Day."
Chapter SevenThe Story of Puncture Day
Age of Men 807
Pahto's corpse burned on a pyre to release his spirit into the next reincarnation. Euphemisms coated the harsh words regarding the elephant's next life, as it was against dharma to speak poorly of the dead. Sugriva knew Pahto would come back as something horrible in penance for the many sins of this life.
As they feasted, pyre raging in the distance, Ishku sat between Sugriva and Aavu. Sugriva reached out and put his hand on hers, and she laced her fingers between his. Aavu growled and bore fangs in a feeble threat.
Bagheer emerged from the darkness and sat next to Sugriva. "You play with chaotic and demonic paths when you sit by her, let alone hold her hand. It is my duty to report this when we rejoin the ranks."
"Do what you need to," Sugriva whispered, but the damage of Bagheer's presence was done: Ishku retracted her hand.
Bagheer continued, "Your uncle may have been a bad man to you, but you repay him with dishonor. You are sure about this path?"
Sugriva reached out and held Ishku's hand.
"So be it." He walked back to the Jayan table, set outside of the light. The warriors preferred it that way so the Ashtadash couldn't see the company they kept.
Sugriva spent more time with Ishku and less with his people. Aavu responded to him instead of rejecting him outright. The people of Mibtha warmed up to the monkey and talked and traded with him. Some thought there was a chance to seduce him, but Ishku was the only woman he wanted.
Bagheer approached him one morning. "Do you intend to come home with us?"
"No," Sugriva said, wiping sweat from his forehead as he worked a field. It was still the cool season, but the humidity was stifling.
"You can no longer drill with us."
"Fine."
"If the Fangs attack, you are not considered one of us."
At this Sugriva laughed. "Can't be that picky, Bagheer. If the Fangs attack, we're all warriors."
VILLAGERS FISHED THE flooded city for massive catches. Smoked meat and nuts in fish stomachs fed Mibtha for months after the flood waters receded. Sugriva, Aavu, and Ishku stayed in Ishku's hut which was up on a mound above the waters. Children listened to stories out of the rain. The narratives were different from the fables in Jaya. Ishku taught inclusivity and avoided lectures on dharma.
Aavu walked over to Sugriva and sat down while Ishku continued her tale of the three ox and a hungry tiger. Aavu said, "It's been a year. We're thankful that you killed Pahto, but when are you leaving?"
"Never." Aavu's eyes went wide at the statement. "I'll be outcaste."
"Why?" His voice went a little high, and the children looked to Aavu, before Ishku brought their attention back to the story.
"Too