Hhshal's Revenge (book)

HHSHAL'S REVENGE.

Attributed to Master Bard Sas'zhil

Recited by In'ir S'raan

Transcribed by Shalnhh Ar'oth

Hhshal Q'slin had just devised a plan to trick the great drake Kas'zhena into giving him its riches. With this wealth he could afford the bride-price for the lovely Isna'le, daughter of Sa'rkhhl Longtail, and live with her in luxury for the rest of his life.

But just as he was leaving the stronghold, the gates burst open and the famous warrior Mariq Ch'oi strode through, leading a pair of great black horses. The first horse was laden with heavy sacks of coins and jewels; over the back of the second was slung the head and neck of Kas'zhena.

Mariq began waving his sword about madly and declaiming that the evil beast would prey upon the herds no more, but Hhshal did not stay to listen. He returned to his room in anger, cursing under his breath and vowing to win the treasure somehow. He fumed and plotted for hours.

A gentle hand on Hhshal's shoulder jolted him from his dark thoughts. He turned to see Isna'le, her jewelry and gown nicely complementing her markings.

"Hhshal, you are the cleverest S'Kra on Elanthia," she smiled. Hhshal smiled right back. "If anyone can help me, you can."

"For you, I'll do anything in my power and some things that aren't."

"Then make Mariq Ch'oi love me."

Hhshal's face fell. This was precisely the last thing he wanted to do, yet he had already given his word and must keep it.

"Is that truly your wish?" he asked Isna'le, with a pleading look in his eyes.

"Yes. He is magnificent, strong, and wealthy, and the family approves of him. I care for you, Hhshal, but my family doesn't trust you, and you can't pay my bride-price. Mariq does not have that problem."

"Very well, then. I need some time to prepare. Return tomorrow afternoon."

Isna'le gave him a hug -- the last one he would ever get from her -- and left Hhshal alone in his misery.

"I swear to Ushnish," he cried, "I will have my revenge!"

The next day, Isna'le returned. Hhshal produced a tiny flask and a small glass vial. "I have arranged for you to serve at the head table at the banquet tonight. When you pour Mariq's wine, see that the contents of the flask go in as well. Stay near him as much as possible, especially if he's seated next to another woman. Put a few drops of the clear liquid on your lips, but but make sure you do not eat or drink or lick your lips once you have done so. In a few minutes, Mariq will be ready for love -- brush against him and he'll probably want to kiss you. Let him. The kiss will make it final."

Isna'le took the flask and vial and left, anxious to ready herself for the banquet and what she hoped would come after.

Hhshal slipped in to the banquet hall to hide and watch. He watched as the Human slaves raked the hall's sandy floor, as they arranged the tables and benches, as they washed the tables, as they polished the head table, as they decorated ... he drifted off to sleep.

He was awakened by the sound of a hundred people streaming into the hall. A harper began to play, but the strains of his song were soon lost in the noise of the crowd. Hhshal waited, but saw no sign of Isna'le for some time. Finally he spotted her moving along the head table pouring wine; she had simply been waiting for the right time. Hhshal smiled to see that she'd followed his directions without being noticed.

Isna'le "accidentally" brushed against Mariq's tail. The warrior turned, and smiled when he saw her. From his vantage point Hhshal couldn't hear what was said, but Mariq put his arms around Isna'le waist and drew her to him. Isna'le leaned down and kissed him full on the lips.

A few seconds later, Mariq clenched his fists and hissed in pain. He stood and grabbed his eating knife, gasping something Hhshal couldn't hear. Mariq lunged and stabbed her right through the heart. A second later, the warrior's strength gave out, and he fell with Isna'le to the floor.

"The kiss will make it final," Hhshal muttered in grim satisfaction.