Hhshal's Revenge (book)
HHSHAL'S REVENGE
<html>
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.<//font>
"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.
</html>