Sex Rites Read online

  Surprised, Ander dipped his head in a token bow. He remained silent, not wanting to encourage the priest to linger.

  Captain Jiang looked at him sternly as soon as Varian had left the cabin. “Do you mind telling me what that was about? I enjoyed your performance, but I don’t like mysteries aboard my ship.”

  Ander’s mind raced. While the captain was no friend of the priest, she was in no position to defy him. “Forgive me. Varian made me nervous. It made me want to do something, keep busy. And making music was the only thing I could think of.”

  “Why did he make you so nervous?”

  “Um… you said he uses torture. Thinking about it made me lose my appetite.”

  The captain didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t demand a better answer. “Well, he should make you nervous. He has power and he’s not afraid to use it. Do you want to finish your dinner now?”

  “Perhaps I should take something to Thane. He’ll be hungry when his stomach settles.”

  “Spoken like a true jirimandari,” the captain said. “It would please me if you share the food with him. I hope he’s well soon. And I thank you for your gift of music.”

  Ander gathered fruit, bread, and grilled meats in a basket the captain provided, then took his leave. Darkness had fallen, and the sea was gentle. The distant coastline slid past, a rocky landscape lit only by moonlight. They were now far past Jaffna, the kingdom’s eastern-most city. The inhospitable lands in this region had always defied conquest and had been shunned for centuries.

  When he reached the forecastle, he entered their cabin and gave the basket to Thane. “There’s a problem,” he said. “The priest knows about the zamindar’s search. He’s interested in the color of eyes.”

  Thane scowled. “I’ve never seen word spread so fast. The zamindar must be truly desperate.”

  “So what do we do?”

  Thane sat on a bunk and rummaged through the basket. He selected a piece of dark bread and bit off a mouthful, a thoughtful expression on his face as he chewed. Ander’s heart went out to him. His lover worked tirelessly, never wavering, but was seldom rewarded with good fortune. A lesser man would have been crushed by the disappointments. Thane only struggled harder. It was no wonder he inspired such fierce loyalty in his friends. Even without his beauty, he would have been a great leader.

  Thane finished the bread and met Ander’s gaze. “Tell Captain Jiang I’ve come down with a fever,” he said. “Sailors fear sickness. It spreads fast on a ship, and there are usually no healers around. Nobody will ask questions if I stay here in the cabin. They’ll be grateful.”

  “It should work. But you’ll have a miserable journey.”

  “Better than if the priest finds me. Last night Captain Jiang told me we should make port in about ten days. I’ll manage.”

  “Where are Erik and Skorri? I didn’t see them on deck.”

  “They decided to learn sailing, as long as they’ve got the chance.” Thane shrugged. “To tell the truth, I encouraged them. They needed something to do.”

  “Something other than getting in your pants, you mean,” Ander said, poking Thane in the ribs. “I know what they’re like.”

  Thane laughed and wrapped Ander in a bear hug, tumbling him onto his back. “You should know! They told me some interesting stories about the last time they bedded you. They were impressed.”

  “I’ve had good teachers,” Ander said. “And I’m ready for another lesson.”

  THREE days later, Ander staggered through the door, breathless. Thane looked up from the book he was reading and blinked, bleary-eyed. So much time in a dimly lit cabin had left him dazed. Ander was afraid to think what ten days of confinement would do.

  “Bad news,” he said as he dropped onto the bunk beside Thane. “The crew’s been talking about you.”

  Thane put the book down and rubbed his eyes. “They’re probably worried I’ve got something they might catch.”

  “That’s part of what they’re talking about. But some of them saw you the first day, and they’ve been telling the others what you look like. I heard one of them say you have gray eyes.”

  Thane went white.

  “And the priest has been listening. Everyone tries to avoid him, but he’s always prowling around. He’s a snoop if ever I’ve seen one. Even worse than the girls back at the house of companionship.”

  Thane stood up and began to pace, crossing the cabin in two strides. “A snoop, and from what you’ve told me, he’s persistent. I wonder if—”

  A soft rattle of the door’s latch made Thane freeze. It wasn’t locked. The door swung open, and Varian stepped into the cabin. A look of triumph flashed across his face when he saw Thane staring at him.

  “So it’s true! And you’re all mine! The zamindar will—”

  Ander sprang from the bunk and hit the priest’s body with a solid thud. They fell to the floor and grappled for holds. Thane fell to his knees and laced his fingers together, then smashed his joined fists down on the back of Varian’s neck. The man grunted and jerked, then fell limp.

  Ander squirmed out from beneath the priest’s heavy body. Thane pulled a blanket off the bunk and ripped a strip from its edge. He tied Varian’s hands while Ander looked down the corridor and then shut the door.

  “Anybody see us?” Thane asked.

  “I don’t think so.” He knelt at Thane’s side. “Why are you tying him? He’s seen you and knows who you are. We can’t let him live.”

  “It’s not that simple.” Thane ripped another strip from the blanket. He fashioned it into a gag and tied it securely, then rocked back on his heels. “He’s here with the sanction of the ship’s owner. Captain Jiang will have trouble if he dies. She could lose her position, or worse.”

  “I suppose you’re right,” Ander said doubtfully. “But what choice do we have?”

  “I have an idea. Find the captain, tell her I need to see her right away.”

  “Here?” Ander asked, shocked. “She’ll see what happened!”

  “Some people are honorable; others aren’t. I think we can trust Captain Jiang. Now go. There’s no time to argue. Tell Erik and Skorri to come too.”

  Events were moving too fast. Trusting in Thane’s greater experience, Ander went on deck. Skorri and Erik were helping rig a topsail. They clambered down the rigging when Ander called, looking pleased with themselves and their growing skill as sailors.

  “Get down to the cabin,” Ander said. “Something’s happened.”

  They sobered instantly. “What?” Skorri asked.

  “Thane will tell you. Have you seen the captain?”

  “A minute ago,” Erik answered. “Talking to the helmsman.”

  “Good. You’d best hurry.”

  The pair left. Ander turned and walked quickly to the helm. Captain Jiang had finished with her helmsman and was examining the coastline while referring to a parchment map. He approached her and bowed. She rolled the map and gave him a short bow in return.

  “Good day, Ander. How do you fare?”

  “I’m well, captain. Thank you. But something has happened, and you need to know. Thane asked that you come see him.”

  Concern filled the captain’s face. “Has he taken a turn for the worse?”

  “It’s… more complicated than that,” Ander said, feeling awkward. “The problem is more, um, political. That’s why he needs to see you.”

  “Very well. I’ve been concerned about him anyway. He’s been below deck longer than most passengers who get a green stomach on the sea.” She tucked the map under her belt and followed Ander to the forecastle.

  They arrived at the cabin and were admitted by Thane. Erik and Skorri stood in front of one of the bunks. After the captain entered the cabin, they stood aside to reveal Varian, still unconscious. Jiang stiffened and turned to Thane with a glower on her face.

  “Are you mad?” Her voice shook with anger.

  Thane held the captain’s gaze. “Not mad,” he said calmly. “Desperate is more like
it. I need your counsel.”

  The captain blinked, and her scowl faded. “Explain.”

  “The priest was searching for someone. He heard a rumor about me and came to investigate. We subdued him, but he’s seen me. I’m his quarry.”

  “You?” She looked incredulous. “What have you done to earn such enemies?”

  “I know a secret. Something the zamindar needs. Something he’s desperate to have.”

  “What kind of secret?” Her eyes narrowed.

  “Secrets of the earth, and of plants.” He picked up a thin black case from the other bunk and opened it. Vials of colored liquid sealed with cork stoppers filled both sides of the case. He removed a half-empty vial of pale green fluid and held it up. “I gave the priest some of this. He’ll sleep for half a day or more.”

  “You’re a poisoner?” She backed away.

  “He’s a scholar,” Ander said. “If he’d poisoned the priest, why would he have asked you to come here?”

  “Why do you want to see me?” the captain asked.

  “The zamindar’s an old man,” Thane said. “My knowledge could extend his life. And his tyranny. But I’d die before giving it to him.”

  “I understand,” Captain Jiang said softly. “Many fear the zamindar, few love him. Fewer yet dare to oppose him.”

  “I could have killed the priest,” Thane said. “But I didn’t. His death aboard the Anshan would bring you grief. But if you let us take a dinghy ashore, you can pretend to find Varian tomorrow. He’ll think we stole away in the night and won’t blame you. I’ll pay you for the dinghy.”

  “Why are you asking me? Why didn’t you just steal a dinghy and leave the priest?”

  Thane closed the case of elixirs and gave the captain a respectful bow. “You gave us aid when we needed it, and treated us honorably. Betrayal would be a poor reward.” He met the captain’s eye. “And it would be convenient if you were on deck tonight at midnight, speaking to your helmsman, when the time comes for us to leave. It would be best for all if we left without being seen.”

  Captain Jiang nodded thoughtfully. “I was right about you. There’s more to you than meets the eye. I hope we meet again.”

  “My thanks, captain. I share the wish.”

  WATER black as ink splashed into the overloaded dinghy as Erik rowed for shore. The Anshan had already vanished in the darkness. Ander shivered. While their escape had gone smoothly, it was plain their problems were far from over.

  “Are you sure you know where we are?” he asked Thane.

  He thumped a saddlebag and nodded. “The map’s in here. Captain Jiang made the copy herself. Nobody knows much about these parts, but she says there’s a trade route not too far inland. If we find it, then turn east, we’ll find a settlement sooner or later.”

  The answer didn’t inspire confidence, but they had no alternative. Soon there was no time to worry. Waves grew in height as they entered the shallows, and boulders loomed around them. They clung to their saddlebags and the sides of the boat while Erik struggled to guide the dinghy through turbulent waters. The shore rushed upon them.

  A bone-jarring thud nearly knocked Ander from the boat as a wave pushed them against a rock outcropping. The boat spun and threatened to capsize. Then, with a dropping feeling, the wave brought them down at the mouth of a small cove. Sand and pebbles grated beneath the keel.

  “Get to shore!” Thane shouted as water surged between the boat’s sprained planks. They grabbed their provisions and tumbled out as the boat bobbed drunkenly. The water was waist deep, and an undertow tugged strongly at them. Moments later a splintering crash marked the dinghy’s end as another wave hurled it against the rocks.

  Ander staggered onto the beach, soaked and shaking. The waterlogged saddlebag had tripled in weight. He dropped it and collapsed onto the sand beside his friends, coughing and clutching his guitar case to his chest.

  Thane put an arm around him and held him tight. “It’s all right. We made it.”

  Ander coughed again, looking at the steep bluff that surrounded them on three sides and the churning sea in front of them. He slumped against Thane, exhausted. “Maybe traveling by horseback isn’t so bad after all.”

  Chapter Four

  LIGHT glowed on the horizon like a gold band on the lip of the sky’s indigo dome. Ander thought he could already feel its heat, though he knew it was only his imagination.

  “Time to start looking for shade,” he said, pointing ahead. “Maybe someplace with no lizards this time?” he added hopefully.

  “Lizards are good eating,” Erik said as he walked beside Ander. “And about all we’re going to find around here when our supplies run out.”

  Surveying the barren landscape, Ander had to agree. After four days of hiking, they were still surrounded by yellow and russet pinnacles, crags that had been carved into fantastic shapes by wind and sand. At least the map Captain Jiang had given them was proving accurate. They’d found the trade route only half a day after fleeing the Anshan. While they hadn’t encountered a caravan and their feet ached from walking with saddlebags over their shoulders, there had been deep wells along the road. Their water flasks had never run dry.

  “A little further,” Thane said. He was in the lead, as usual, always eager to see what lay around every bend in the narrow trail. “There’s something ahead, can’t you feel it?”

  “I hope it’s food,” Skorri said. “I’m sick of pemmican.”

  “Maybe it’s one of the old cities Captain Jiang told us about,” Thane said. He stopped to let the others catch up. “You know what I mean, don’t you? There’s something in the air.”

  “Dust,” Skorri said. “It’s definitely dust.”

  Ander stopped at Thane’s side, grateful for the brief respite. “I think I feel it,” he said. “Like singing in a strange tongue, far away.” He shivered, surveying the rocks spearing out of the sand. “I thought I was daydreaming. But if you feel it too, there must be something out there.”

  Thane grabbed his arm. “Look!” He pointed at a distant object nearly hidden between two weathered pinnacles. A golden light shone like a jewel on dawn’s pale crescent.

  “What is it?” Ander asked. The pinpoint of light grew brighter as he watched.

  “I don’t know,” Thane said. “But we can’t stop now. Maybe it’s a beacon of some kind.” He released Ander and resumed walking east.

  The trail rose gently, weaving its way between boulders laced with quartz. The golden point lured them on, though its sparkle faded as the sun rose and light flooded the sky. Soon they climbed a final switchback and arrived at a plateau. Ander’s breath caught at the vista that was revealed.

  A green oasis lay before them in a shallow valley filled with palms. At its center, next to a walled city, stood a massive four-sided structure with triangular walls that leaned in to meet in a shining peak. It was four times higher than the city walls, at least two hundred feet of polished limestone. The capstone was covered with gold.

  “What is it?” Erik asked, his voice hushed.

  “It must be a pyramid,” Thane said. “Like a ziggurat but with no terraces. I’ve heard stories of them but always thought they were only legends.”

  Ander wiped sweat from his brow. “We’d best go into the city for shelter. We’ll roast if we stay out in the sun.”

  No argument was required. Intoxicating scents of water and lush vegetation beguiled them as they descended from the plateau and entered fields. Farmers dressed in white robes and headscarves were already at work tending their crops. The caravan trail turned to cobbles and then to stone as they approached the city. Towering wooden gates painted with red and blue interlocking circles stood open.

  Inside the yellow brick walls, the city swirled with the strangest mix of people and animals Ander had ever seen. Men and women with skin ranging from pale white to darkest ebony haggled over figs, rice, leeks, and squawking chickens. Skewered chunks of spiced meat sizzled on grills. Fragrant smoke filled the air and made his stom
ach rumble.

  At the edge of the bazaar, they found a low table shaded by an awning. A girl tending a grill sold them sausages and flat pieces of freshly baked bread spread with tangy yogurt. Skorri charmed her into telling them about the city, an ancient crossroads called Skarn, as they devoured the meal like wolves.

  Thane insisted they buy four horses from a trader and replenish their supplies before finding a place to rest; he was determined to be prepared as they ventured into the unknown. It was past noon before they found lodging at a quiet inn surrounded by cool gardens. Whitewashed adobe walls a foot thick kept their room cool, and a jasmine-scented breeze blew gently through slatted windows. They piled their supplies in the corner before stripping and collapsing on canvas mats stuffed with fresh-smelling straw. Exhaustion claimed them.

  A DEEP gong, muted with distance, roused Ander from blissful slumber. Outside the western window, the sun was a huge orange ball hanging above the palm fronds. Erik and Skorri had woken earlier and were already entangled; Erik was on his back, legs splayed wide, getting fucked with slow strokes. Beads of sweat glistened on Skorri’s hard body like golden dewdrops.

  Thane stretched and opened his eyes, the last to rouse. Ander caressed his lover’s torso, then trailed lower and wrapped his fingers around the erection stretching across his flat midriff. “You’re well rested, I see,” Ander said as he pulled the foreskin back and slid his thumb over the dusky glans. Thane rubbed his eyes and yawned, then rolled on top of Ander and pressed their bodies together.

  “Well enough. And you?” He rocked his hips to rub their erections together. “Erik and Skorri have the right idea. What do you say?” He was already full of lusty enthusiasm.