The Old Block

By the time Tanya reached the wooded lowlands, the sun had sunk close to the horizon. Tall fir trees grew on either side of the trail, towering over her and blocking what little daylight was left. Despite the gloom, Tanya pressed ahead hard, but in another half hour true night would fall and she would not be able to maintain her wild gallop.

Yet, even if it were not for the fading light, Tanya knew she could not keep up the pace much longer. The pony's flanks were heaving. The animal was nearing its limits. She had no hope of outrunning Loke. The pony was a solid, reliable beast that had carried her without complaint. Yet it had been chosen for its commonplace quality. Loke, however, was mounted on one of Westernfort's finest horses.

Loke would also have a sword, a trail knife, and a bow. The only weapon Tanya had was a long knife—pointless to regret the spadehorn trampling her own bow. Waiting until she was overtaken was a bad idea, but she had another plan. Already, Tanya had reached into her saddlebag and got what she needed. Now she had to find the right spot. The encroaching forest was promising, and before long a suitable configuration appeared. As soon as she was past, Tanya reined her pony to a stop and leapt off, then rushed back to where two trees stood like sentinels on either side of the trail.

How much time did she have? How long had Loke waited before coming in pursuit? Tanya clenched her jaw, trying not to think of the most worrying question of all. Was Riki all right?

Tanya shook her head to clear her thoughts. Concentration was vital. The item she had taken from the saddlebag was a long length of cord. Normally it had been strung up to make a bivouac on rainy days.

Again Tanya would tie it between two trees, but for a very different reason.

Tanya grabbed a low branch and hauled herself up. The urge to rush was overwhelming, but she forced herself to stop and think clearly. The job had to be done right. She looked carefully at the trail, and then the space above it, estimating the height of a horse, and then the height of a rider on its back. Once the cord was knotted securely around the tree trunk, she jumped down and repeated the process on the other side. The closeness of the trees meant not only was the cord long enough to stretch between, but the spot was so dark that the trip line was invisible.

All Tanya's instincts were to run, wasting not a second more, but from the middle of the trail, she made herself stop and examine her handiwork one last time, rechecking her estimate of height. She would get no second chance. If the cord was too high, it might as well not be there. If it was too low, it would hit the horse's head—painful for the horse, but possibly having no debilitating effect on the rider.

Tanya was satisfied. The trip line was as good as she was going to get it. She spun away and ran to where her pony was standing, head sagging and with labored breath. Now that the pony had been allowed to stop, getting it to move again required several slaps on its rump and a hard yank on the reins. Thereafter it clumped along, refusing to rush. Nerves inflamed Tanya's impatience. She was not helped by the sparse undergrowth beneath the firs that meant she had to drag the pony well clear of the trail before she was sure it was out of sight. Loke might be along any moment.

At last, the pony was far enough from the trail. Tanya grabbed the knife from her pack and rushed back. A mixed patch of dover fern and lemon vine grew ten meters from the spot where the trip line trap was set. Tanya dived into cover behind it. Now all she could do was wait, and worry.

Tanya closed her eyes, listening for hoofbeats. The wind rustled over the treetops. A chippit was making its distinctive clicks on a nearby branch, but nothing else. Loke had not raced quickly into pursuit. Tanya desperately hoped this did not mean she had stayed at the Ranger post long enough to harm Riki.

Seconds trickled by. The light ebbed. Through a gap in the trees,

Tanya saw the first star glinting in the deep blue sky. Her right hand ached from clenching the knife hilt and her palm was sweating. Forcing herself to relax, she laid the knife on the ground. When she heard Loke's approach would be quite soon enough to pick it up. She stretched her fingers one at a time and rubbed her palm dry on her trouser leg. The last thing she wanted was the knife slipping in her grasp at the critical moment.

She was going to kill Loke. Tanya knew it. Even if the renegade Ranger was thrown from her horse and knocked unconscious, Tanya dared not take the time to untie the cord from the trees and secure Loke as a prisoner. She dared not get into a fight. Not just for her own sake, even though it would be her knife against Loke's sword. Fairness was not the issue, nor was playing the odds.

Loke was a traitor. Major Kaur had threatened to reveal the truth about Tanya's capture if Loke did not cooperate. Would Loke try to bluff it out and hope that Kaur was not believed? Or would Loke open the gates of Westernfort for the Guards? Would she really sacrifice the entire town to save her own skin? Tanya shook her head. The stakes were too high to gamble with.

When Tanya enlisted in the Rangers she had sworn to protect Westernfort. Killing Loke was not about revenge, or justice, or anger, or saving her own life. It was about doing what she had to do, because if she failed, then the citizens of Westernfort would be in danger. Regardless of what she felt, she was honor bound not to take risks with their safety.

Both of Tanya's mothers had killed. The topic had rarely been discussed, but she had grown up with the knowledge, accepting it unthinkingly. However, Tanya was thinking about it now. The night before she had enlisted in the Rangers, Mama Chip had sat with her, talking about all the things that becoming a Ranger would mean. They both had to be aware of the need to keep the roles of mother and commanding officer separate, but more than this, Mama Chip had spoken of the duties, the responsibilities, and the risks of a Ranger's life.

Mama Chip had also talked of the first time she had killed a woman, in a battle with a gang of thieves, back when she had been a new recruit in the regular Homelands Rangers. She had spoken of what it was like when she had stood over the bandit's body and realized she had taken the woman's life—the guilt and doubts that had replayed themselves for years in her dreams.

Tanya thought she had listened carefully and understood. Now she knew that she had understood nothing, and the current situation only made it harder. She had thought that, if ever she killed, it would be some anonymous Guard, one of the evil enemies of her childhood games, not someone who had been a friend. She had thought she would have comrades at her side. She had thought it would be in the thick of battle with no time to think. Yet, alone and dispassionately, she was preparing to kill a woman she had known all her life.

The faint sound of hooves beat in the distance. Tanya bowed her head, eyes closed, and then reached for her knife. The time of waiting was over.

The pounding hooves got louder, the rhythm of a horse in full gallop. Tanya peered between the ferns and saw Loke emerge from the thick dusk that had swallowed the distance. The renegade Ranger was pressing on furiously, hunched off center in the saddle, head ducked, searching the ground. Clearly she was looking for signs of her quarry leaving the trail. Loke had seen the pony and would know her horse had the speed to overtake it, as long as Tanya was not able to slip away from the trail and hide in the forest.

Tanya looked at where she knew the cord was. Loke's lopsided posture meant her head was far lower than normal. Was she low enough to miss the cord altogether? The horse was now only fifty meters away, hurtling along the path. Only seconds remained. Tanya waited until the animal was just a few strides from the cord, and then she whistled.

The horse barely flinched; the rhythm of its hooves did not falter. However, the effect on Loke was immediate. She jerked upright and around, staring into the forest. Her hands on the reins tightened, but she had no time to do more. An instant later, Loke hit the cord. The contact flipped her backward, ripping her from the saddle. The horse raced on. Even before Loke crashed to the ground, Tanya was on her feet charging forward, knife in hand.

Loke groaned. Her limbs twitched, and she rolled onto her back.

Tanya skidded to her knees beside the woman on the ground. Her eyes were fixed on the point she was aiming for, her target. Her arm was pulled back, ready to strike. Her hand was clenched around the hilt.

She thrust forward, driving the knife point into Loke's chest, using the classic clean killing blow taught to all new recruits, between the ribs and into the heart.

Tanya was surprised at how the knife sliced into flesh, exactly the same as a practice dummy. Why had she thought a woman would be special? That the knife would make a different sound, or perform differently? And since it felt no different, why was her hand seized with cramps?

Tanya's focus shifted, away from the red stain seeping around the embedded knife and onto the dying woman's face.

Loke's eyes were open, staring at Tanya. You didn't have to...I would have...” She gasped the words.

I had no choice. I'm sorry.” Tanya heard the catch in her own voice and was amazed at how sincere her apology was.

You didn't give me...not a...chance. I...”

It was what I had to do.”

Loke's eyes closed, her head sagged to the side. The last breath whispered between her lips. Coward.”

It's not that. I didn't have the—” Tanya stopped speaking. Lokelani Stevenson could no longer hear her.

 

Riki rode along at a canter, leading the pack pony. The last orange glow of sunset was fading in the west. The farther she went, the more her fears intensified. Surely she would find Tanya before nightfall. Riki could not bear the thought of a night alone, worrying. How far had Tanya gone? Had Tanya hidden? Or had she tackled Loke by herself?

Riki hoped it was the first option. If she could find Tanya, they could deal with Loke together. Riki knew that her wilderness skills would give them more than enough edge. They would be two against one. They could make a sensible plan. But would Tanya see it like that? Would she have tried to tackle Loke alone? And if so, had she succeeded?

The forest was disappearing into the night. Riki bit her lip anxiously. She did not want to stop before she found Tanya, but equally, she did not want to ride into Loke. Tall fir trees now overshadowed the trail. Even when the moons rose, the light would not be enough to ride by. Riki was just about to concede that she would have to call a halt when she saw a dark shape on the trail ahead—a riderless horse grazing at the roadside. As she got closer, Riki spotted other shapes. A figure lay sprawled on the ground and another sat beside it, hugging her knees.

Riki jumped down from her pony. Tanya looked up but made no other move. Her face was drawn. The dim light was still sufficient for Riki to tell that she was crying. Riki knelt by Tanya's side and put an arm around her shoulders.

Are you all right?”

Tanya merely nodded in reply.

You're sure?”

Yes.”

Riki glanced at the body on the ground. You dealt with Loke.” She bit her lip. Why state anything so crassly obvious?

I had to.”

Of course.”

But it wasn't—”

Riki felt Tanya shaking and hugged her tight. It's okay. It's okay. Don't cry. She's not worth it.”

She called me a coward.”

Why?”

Because I stabbed her without giving her a chance to draw her weapon.”

She didn't mean the sort of coward who'll hand a comrade over to be tortured to death to save her own skin?”

Tanya buried her face in Riki's shoulder. I know you're right. It's what I've been telling myself. But I killed her. It's so final. She might have surrendered.”

Not likely.”

Maybe I could have done something else.”

You didn't have any option.”

Mom would have...” Tanya's words ended in a sob.

Your mother would have done exactly the same thing. Your grandmother, on the other hand, wouldn't have trusted Loke from the start. She'd have made a better offer to the Guards, tricked them into killing Loke, and then got them to pay her for the privilege of pretending they hadn't.”

Tanya's shoulders again shook, but this time in weak laughter. I'm not sure even Grandma would pull that off.”

I wouldn't bet against her.” Riki pulled back and stared into Tanya's face. I know you're upset. I admit I've never killed anyone, so I don't know how I'd feel. But I know you did what was necessary, nothing more. And I know your mother will be proud of you. You're like her. An upstanding, responsible sort of Coppelli. It's a different style from your grandmother, but they don't make mediocre Coppellis. You're a chip off the old block.”

Tanya ducked her head with a sad smile. That's not where Mom's nickname comes from.”

It doesn't matter. You're still like her.”

Tanya still looked unhappy, but she was more resolute than when Riki arrived. Riki stood and pulled her to her feet. You can't sit here all night. We need to eat and sleep. There's an open space by the trail a hundred meters back. We'll make camp there.”

What about Loke?”

She can stay here tonight. We'll take her to Ginasberg with us tomorrow.”

My pony's in the woods over there.”

I'll get it. You take my pony and the pack back up the trail. Wait for me. You don't need to sort out anything.”

I'll do my share.”

You already have.”

Riki watched Tanya lurch away unsteadily, leading the two ponies. Then, for the first time, she studied the body at her feet. Riki crouched and pulled the knife from Loke's chest. It had been a strike straight to the heart. Altogether too quick and easy, in Riki's opinion, for what Loke Stevenson's crimes had deserved. But of course, Tanya had done what was necessary, and nothing more.

 

Ginasberg was set in a huge natural cavern, hollowed by nature in the walls of a deep canyon. The overhang meant it could not be entered by ropes from above, and the height meant it could not be reached by ladders from below. The only way into the town was along a wooden walkway suspended from a gantry on the cliff above, which could be withdrawn or even burned, should the Guards mount an attack.

The defensive attributes of the site were why it had been chosen for the second heretic stronghold. The land above Ginasberg had been cleared of firs to make farmland to support the population. The discovery of a rich seam of iron ore in the cliffs had been an unexpected bonus that had accelerated the town's expansion.

When Riki and her mother arrived at Ginasberg, only fifty people lived there. Now the population numbered over three hundred. However, only one person was in view when Riki and Tanya emerged from the forest in the late afternoon. Half a kilometer away, the fields ended abruptly at the brink of the chasm, splitting the ground. A well-worn trail led to the head of the gantry, where a lone figure stood in the middle of the track. Even at the distance, Riki had no problem identifying Lieutenant Ash O'Neil.

Obviously their approach had been spotted and word taken to Ginasberg. Riki wondered what the message had said. Any local Ranger would recognize her, but possibly not the woman she was with. O'Neil would have no doubts, though. She had known Tanya since the day she was born, and had been a friend of her parents long before that.

Riki and Tanya rode calmly through the deserted farmland, leading the pack pony and Loke's horse behind them. O'Neil waited with folded arms and a pensive expression. She neither moved nor spoke until they had dismounted and walked the last few meters to stand before her.

O'Neil's eyes darted between them, but fixed in the end on Riki. I guess it won't come as too much of a surprise that I have orders to shoot you on sight?”

Riki shrugged. It's pretty much what I expected. I'm pleased you've decided to disobey orders.”

I thought it wiser, considering who you've got for company.” O'Neil's eyes turned to Tanya. Finally, the stony expression crumpled and a broad smile broke through. You won't believe how pleased I am to see you, girl. But nothing like as pleased as your mothers are going to be.”

I'm pretty happy about it as well,” Tanya said. And Riki wasn't the one who handed me over to the Guards.”

I guessed, since you're riding with her. Who was?”

Tanya jerked her thumb at the body draped across the horse. Her. Loke Stevenson.”

I see you've taken care of the matter already.”

She didn't leave us any choice. She spotted us riding in and tried to ambush us.”

We heard the Guards had captured you. That you'd been taken to Landfall. We didn't think to see you again.”

Riki rescued me from the Corps dungeon.”

She...”

Riki grinned. O'Neil looked so uncharacteristically dumbstruck. I had to. I knew Tanya was the only person who'd be able to convince Captain Coppelli that I was innocent.”

But how?”

I had help.”

O'Neil shook her head, still looking dazed. Okay. There's obviously a good story here, but we don't need to stand around outside while you tell it.” Her eyes fastened on Riki. As I said, I've orders to kill you. I'm going to assume it's a formality that those orders are revoked. In the meantime, consider yourself on parole.”

I promise I'll be on my best behavior.”

I want something better than that.” However, O'Neil smiled as she spoke. She turned and made a beckoning gesture.

Within seconds, Riki heard footsteps on the wooden walkway and three Rangers appeared over the cliff top. Riki felt her grin broaden in response to the serious expressions on their faces. Their fists were clenched and their eyes jumped between O'Neil and herself, clearly expecting instructions to take her prisoner. Instead, O'Neil pointed to the ponies and Loke's horse.

Take care of the animals and their cargo. You can bury the body anywhere you like. I can't imagine many will be wanting to visit the grave to pay their respects.”

And Sadiq?” one asked.

She's currently on parole. And while it will require official confirmation from Captain Coppelli, in the meantime, I think it would be appropriate to treat her and Corporal Tanya Coppelli as returning heroes.”

Riki knew that the expression on her face was now an insufferable smirk, but she could not help it and would not have changed even if she could. The three Rangers looked so completely astounded. They tottered toward the ponies like sleepwalkers. Maybe they assumed they were dreaming and wanted to act the part.

Riki and Tanya followed O'Neil to the gantry. Ginasberg was not a suitable home for anyone afraid of heights. The walkway was a solid enough construction, wide enough for two women to walk abreast, with a secure handrail the entire length. However, it was still suspended in midair and the cliff below descended sheer for three hundred meters. Even after living at the town for years, some women preferred not to look down when walking on it.

The sight of Ginasberg, carved from the rock, made Riki's grin fade. Soon she would be meeting her mother. This was the moment that had been driving her ever since she had spoken to her sister in Landfall. It was the thing she had to do, but that did not mean she was looking forward to it.

O'Neil continued talking. If you've just come across the Wildlands, I guess you'd like a few days to rest before heading on to Westernfort.”

Tanya answered. Just a day or two. I want to see my family as soon as possible. I know my mothers will have been worried about me.”

Worried doesn't begin to cover it. I'd propose sending a messenger immediately to tell them.”

Yes. Do.”

It means you won't get to see their happy faces when they hear the news.”

I suspect they'll still look happy when I get there.”

Riki played no part in the conversation. The Ginasberg end of the walkway was getting close and she could see people congregating, doubtless expecting the town's bad girl to be making her final appearance before being carted off to Westernfort. They were going to be so disappointed. Riki tried to amuse herself with the thought, but her growing nervousness got in the way.

O'Neil stepped off the walkway, onto the solid rock of Ginasberg. The crowd looked on expectantly. O'Neil drew a breath, preparing to address the gathering, but a disturbance made heads turn. Kavita Sadiq pushed through the ranks and stepped clear, a few meters away.

The fear and misery on her mother's face hit Riki with a hammer blow. She opened her mouth, but no words would come.

Kavita Sadiq took a stumbling step, as if her knees were about to give way. Ignoring the rest of the crowd, Ash O'Neil moved forward, placing a supportive hand under Kavita's arm, steadying her and claiming her attention. She then spoke, loudly enough for the onlookers to hear.

I'm pleased to tell you that, for the first time ever, your daughter isn't in trouble and hasn't done anything wrong.” O'Neil paused, clearly considering her words, then added, That I know of. She's technically on parole until I get word from Westernfort to confirm it, but I think you can be assured that all charges against her will be dropped.”

Riki stepped forward and cleared her throat. Mom, I've got to tell you I—”

She got no further. Her mother grabbed her in a crushing embrace, squeezing the air from her lungs. Riki felt her mother shaking, sobbing, and tears falling on her neck. Suddenly, her own eyes flooded and it was all she could do to cling on. She was aware of noise in the background, but she did not care who or what it was. At least three minutes passed before her mother relaxed her grip enough for Riki to pull back.

Mom, I've got to tell you. I spoke to Jan in Landfall, and she—”

Tears were rolling down Kavita's face, but her smile was pure delight. Jan! How is she? Have—”

She's fine. And Fia. And the kids. I've got letters for you. But what she told me—” Riki broke off, marshalling her thoughts. The revelations could wait. She knew what she had to say. Mom, I'm so sorry for all the trouble I've caused you. When you heard about Tanya, I know you must have thought I'd turned someone over to the Guards, just for a petty argument, but I—”

Her mother interrupted the flow of words, with a hand pressed softly to the side of Riki's face. Oh no. I knew you were innocent. You were always a little wild, but you were never evil.”

Riki closed her eyes. Was this the final thing to feel guilty about— that she could have doubted her mother's love for her? At the same time she was carried away by a surge of happiness. She would have the chance to put everything right. The past could not be undone, but the future was hers, to make what she would of it. No avenues had been lost. No doors were closed.

Kavita again pulled her close, stroking the back of her head. Old memories overwhelmed Riki. She surrendered all self-control, letting herself be as a small child once more, sheltered from the world in the safety of her mother's arms.

 

Rain was falling on Westernfort and dusk was advancing. Tanya stood at a window overlooking the main square, in her parents' house. A few people were scurrying across, dodging puddles, with their heads down and shoulders hunched. The open space was less than a hundred meters across, unpaved and surrounded by solid, one-story stone buildings. Compared to Landfall it was quiet, rustic, and safe.

Warm firelight filled the room behind Tanya and reflected off the thick green window glass. As the light outside faded, less and less could be seen. It was time to close the shutters, but she hesitated. The scene outside was so very familiar, and one she had thought never to see again.

The last few hours had been hectic. Tanya felt as if she had been hugged, congratulated, and cried on by the entire population of Westernfort. At last things were calming down. Mama Kat was helping her youngest sister with schoolwork; her middle sisters were off with their friends, no doubt telling them all about the daring escape from the Intelligence Corps dungeon; and Mama Chip was having a formal meeting with Riki in the Rangers' headquarters.

Tanya pursed her lips, wondering how the discussion was going. All things considered, she thought it better if whatever issues lay between them were sorted out that evening. Otherwise, it might be awkward at breakfast tomorrow morning. Tanya was planning on spending the night in her room in her parents' home, rather than the barracks. She was also planning on having Riki stay with her. A smile slipped onto Tanya's face at the thought.

A new figure appeared at the far side of the square, running toward the house—Riki. Tanya opened the window, pulled the shutters closed, and was sitting waiting by the fire when the door opened.

Riki shook the rain off her hair and glanced around somewhat hesitantly. She looked relieved to see only Tanya waiting. On their arrival in Westernfort, Riki also had received her share of hugs and backslaps, and had clearly not known how to deal with the unaccustomed attention.

After stripping off her cloak, Riki trotted over to the fire, planted a quick kiss on Tanya's lips, and then sat down close beside her, holding her hands out to the flames. Wisps of steam came off her sleeves. Tanya put her arm around Riki's waist.

For a while, they sat happily together, but Tanya could not restrain her curiosity. How did the meeting with Mom go?”

Fine.”

And?”

She apologized lots for kicking me and for wanting to hang me. She thanked me for bringing you back and then apologized some more. She said she was canceling my demotion to private, so I'd get back pay at the higher rank for all the time I was away. Then she apologized again.”

So you're a leading ranger.”

No.”

Tanya turned her head to stare. Why not?”

The corners of Riki's mouth pulled down in a wry grimace. I thought I'd use her apologetic mood to ask a favor. I've asked for an unconditional discharge from the Rangers.”

Why?”

Because I'm a lousy soldier. If I stay on, it won't be long before I'm in trouble again. And your mother will really feel bad about demoting me then.”

Tanya needed a few seconds to adjust to the news. Surely Riki could have said what she was planning beforehand—if it had been planned. So, what will you do?”

Riki reached into her pocket and pulled out a small stone, which she handed over. Tanya looked at it. The rock consisted of rust-colored nodules, with a few flakes of scratched glass embedded in it. What is it?”

Mostly, it's iron ore. I picked it up from Mom in Ginasberg. It's what they mine there. But do you see the crystals it in?”

Yes.”

They're diamonds. Tiny ones, but still diamonds. They aren't very common, but over a year, the miners dig out maybe a kilo or so, along with the tons of iron ore.” Riki took the sample back. But I'm partly guessing, because they don't bother chipping them out of the ore. They go into the furnace and get burnt off.”

The diamonds?”

Why not? They're useless out here. We need the iron for knives and plows and nails. But there are no jewelers to cut and polish the stones, and nobody with a fortune to spend buying them after it's done.”

What are you going to do with them?”

When I was in Landfall, staying at your grandmother's mansion, I got to see all the things they have in the Homelands that we just don't have the people or the resources to make. Like books and brandy and silk shirts. And I was thinking that if I made it worth the miners' while, they could put any gemstones they find aside, and I can take them to the Homelands and trade them for some of the luxury items that folk in Westernfort would want and could afford to buy.”

The Homelands? Won't it be dangerous?”

Riki grinned cheerfully. Yup.”

You can't just take them to a shop. Who'd trade with you?”

There's a profit to be made. I'm sure your grandmother would be interested. And she'll be able to sort out how to get the details lost in the paperwork, so the Sisters and the Guards don't find out. I'm no good as a Ranger, but I know I'll make a great smuggler.”

Tanya's surprise was giving way to irritation. It would have been nice if Riki had given her the chance to discuss it, rather than springing the whole scheme all on her as a fait accompli. It was not as if they had been short of time for talking on the journey. You've been planning this. Why didn't you talk it over with me first?”

It was just vague ideas. I hadn't totally made up my mind until I was with your mother, standing to attention, and I knew that being a Ranger was never going to work for me. So I asked to be let out.”

But what about us? You don't want to run off to the Homelands and finish with me, do you?”

Immediately, Riki grabbed Tanya's hand and pressed it to her lips. Of course not. But if we're involved with each other, we wouldn't be allowed to stay in the same patrol anyway.”

So? At least we'd be able to spend our off duty time together.”

We still will. We'll probably have even more time. You'll be out with your patrol for four or five months a year, playing with the Guards in the Wildlands. That's when I'll do my round trip to the Homelands. If I was in another patrol, I might get sent out when you return. Whereas this way, we know I'll be waiting for you, ready to make your life miserable when you get back here.”

Tanya sighed. How could anyone be so exasperating in such an endearing way? Riki was impulsive, unpredictable, and trouble. She was not going to change. In her heart, Tanya knew she would not have it any other way.

She leaned forward and kissed Riki slowly and thoroughly before putting her lips close to Riki's ear. You obviously don't have the first idea about what makes me miserable.”