Spear's Sacrifice: Spears of the Lel'ult, #1

By A. A. MacConnell

Azzah and her spear-sister Reem have never lost. Whether against human or animal, they are better than all opponents.

But while protecting the house of their leader, the unthinkable happens.

An ambush destroys them.

Separated from her spear-sister, having failed her Lel'ul, Azzah no longer has purpose. The two women were better than everyone else and this loss has devastated her. Injured and wandering alone, Azzah meets an Unclean girl with dreams of the north - a paradise from her bedtime stories. While most Unclean are disgusting, thoughtless troublemakers, Azzah cannot turn a blind eye to Talei. The girl does not know how to fight against wild animals, let alone those taking part in the Cleansing meant to eradicate the Unclean from the lands south of the Arch. And even in her current state, Azzah is still a warrior.

It is not Azzah's problem, but it is a purpose. It does not matter if Azzah fails an Unclean.

Azzah doesn't like to fail though.

She likes being better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A. A. MacConnell
• Release date: Jan 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386522867

A. A. MacConnell

A. A. MacConnell is thankful for all time and emotion spent imbibing creative endeavors, being personally familiar with the process. Living in the woods with noisy nature and dogs, this author thrives in the fantastical, the psychological, and introspections of relations between people. Go to aamacconnell.com to read more drabbles, poetry, ideas, other books, and updates of future releases.

Book preview

Hirka

Azzah took in a breath. Her target stood in front of her. Reem’s eyes flashed.

Now!

She struck forward, a single jab. Reem didn’t budge. Azzah’s spear fell short of Reem’s arm by a hand’s length.

Reem shook her head, shorn free of hair and displaying the freckles which covered most of her face. You can make a bit more distance without sacrificing your poise.

Azzah shifted her hands on her spear’s shaft and struck forward again. Reem’s advice was almost always something Azzah already knew. She would forget it during the moment or the weapon would shift in her hand and she would forget to compensate. Reem didn’t have these problems.

Better. Do it faster.

Azzah smirked. She shared many physical characteristics with her spear-sister. Dark brown hair had also been cut away into nothing. They had the same dark brown eyes. Azzah didn’t have freckles, but the shape of her face carried the same strength. The two of them could have been blood-sisters, not just spear-sisters. Azzah returned to a standing position. For a moment, the two warriors stood in silence. Azzah lunged forward to bridge the distance between them and her spearhead, still covered, passed right by Reem’s arm.

Reem knocked the shaft of her own spear against Azzah’s. Better.

Unable to conceal her pride, Azzah retracted her arm. She slid her spear to where she normally carried it, slung against her back. Time to perfect techniques. That is the best gift this post has bestowed on us.

The house Azzah and Reem watched over was different than the thatched roofed houses in town. It was made of brick and wood, standing square. Its walls held up a roof with two sides to it and was larger than the rounded walls and roofs of the other homes. Azzah imagined it required more supports on the inside to hold it up. It was an odd sight outside the town of Hirka, yet it had stood there for years. Much longer than either Azzah or Reem had lived in this place. Azzah had long since gotten used to it, but she still thought it strange.

Reem placed her own spear at her back as well. The wood of her spear was much darker than Azzah’s. It was slightly longer too, but only by a few finger widths. The same amount that she was shorter than Azzah by, barely enough for most people to notice. You had just complained about missing the rush of battle.

I do still, in a way. I miss flushing out the jackals. I miss the territory dispute with Ngagna. I miss using the spear. Azzah shifted to her side of the house’s entrance, a brick archway which led to the interior of the structure, an interior she had never seen. Yet I am quite content to be better.

There’s no one better than us, Azz, but I’m glad you recognize that it takes continued effort to make sure we remain there.

Azzah might have disputed that. The Emperor’s daughter, Masozi, was known to be the best spearwoman in the land. Yet could she take on both of them? Azzah doubted it. She and Reem together were the best, but Reem meant for them to be better, not only better than everyone else.

As always at the end of the shift, Azzah began to feel tired. She could just taste the drink from town on the tip of her tongue. It always came at the end of their day, quenching thirst that grew at the same rate as the sunlight slanting through the distant treetops.

They were at a prime location, here in Hirka. The forest lay right down the way, a great expanse of trees for everything the people might need to take from it. In the other direction lay the waters, for anyone who wanted to take a few days to make the trip. Everything within their reach. Some would say the only better place to live in the entire land was the Emperor’s Lake. Even then, Hirka was better, though Azzah might have held a little bias.

The Lel’ul should be back soon, Reem said.

Azzah glanced back at the Lel’ul’s private home. Doing his bidding was their top priority and this was what he had asked of them: defend his strange house. He had told them once that the idea for its structure came from some far off land. It fascinated Azzah, though she wasn’t sure she would ever want to live in it. It looked to have more space than anyone needed.

He went to see the Emperor, right? Azzah asked.

Yes.

Do you know what it was about?

Her spear-sister shrugged. Probably the usual. You know how it is.

Azzah did, but it didn’t mean she understood. Politics were above her. All she knew was how to fit into the position Reem had led her to. She knew how to be a spearwoman and that was all. It didn’t mean Azzah had no interest in what happened outside Hirka and the Emperor’s lands, as the Lel’ul was the kind of person who could make her interested in something she didn’t quite understand. Always pleasant, he ran Hirka with the promise of how he would run the entire land when the Emperor passed. Everyone knew, and waited, for something better than they already had.

Do you think he’ll come here first, or stay in Hirka for administration?

Reem shrugged again. It’s hard to tell. She moved her hand to her spear once more.

It wasn’t quite time, not yet, but Azzah knew why Reem readied herself. Ambushing wouldn’t work if the two spear-sisters knew what time it came. Azzah shifted her stance, keeping the wall at her side and Reem at her back. The sound came from the the brush leading down to Hirka. Azzah decided to practice the lunge Reem had made her perfect only minutes before. In one smooth motion, she brought her spear forward. It blocked Lulu’s spear before it reached her waist. She jumped aside, giving herself room to swing at Lulu’s legs.

It was always Lulu. Daudi went for Reem and Lulu came for her. Azzah wasn’t sure why the other two warriors had decided that, but she didn’t mind. To her, Lulu felt like the more practiced of the two. Azzah enjoyed clashing against her more than she did against Daudi.

Yet after a few hits, she and Reem swapped places. She parried one of Daudi’s blows, moving Reem with her back so they could knock their two assailants into each other. Reem pushed back into Azzah’s arm with force, force Azzah used to knock the butt end of her spear into Daudi’s stomach. He hit the ground on his back. Lulu knew when to back off from Reem’s lunge, placing the end of her spear down into the dirt. Got us again! Daudi?

He wheezed out a breath, but pushed himself upright. Got us again, he agreed. Azzah held out her hand and helped him to his feet. One day we’ll get you.

Azzah snorted. I doubt that. You both have a long way to go.

Reem laughed. But better. Nice attempt. I think you were close to striking Azzah once, if I hadn’t been there.

Lulu smirked, shaking her head as her dark hair rattled against her face. Much like Azzah and Reem, Lulu and Daudi shared many characteristics as spear-siblings. The most obvious was their hair, loc’d with beads. Daudi’s beads were smaller, he must have decided to follow Lulu’s lead. Azzah found it typical.

We must continue to work on our cooperation, Daudi, said Lulu. That is our fatal flaw, I believe. We have yet to figure out how to work together in a way that could possibly make a dent on them.

Is that why you stopped by earlier than normal? Reem’s question sounded more like a comment.

Were you surprised? Lulu waggled her eyebrows at Azzah.

Azzah rolled her eyes, but couldn’t stop herself from grinning. It’s still too close. You should stop by long before you’re supposed to take over our post. Then we might truly have to keep an eye out.

We’re doing that the entire time. It won’t make too much of a difference. Reem rested an arm on Azzah’s shoulder, leaning into her. Don’t lose any sleep trying to surprise us. We are unsurprisable.

You can say that all you want, but we’ll beat you. One day.

Azzah shook her head. No offense to Daudi’s words, or Lulu’s effort, but she doubted it. They were too far behind. No one could beat both Azzah and Reem. Keep trying. We appreciate the attempt.

The practice, Reem corrected. You both have a good night. We’ll see you on the morrow.

Lulu and Daudi wished them a good night and the two women left their replacements and the strange house behind. The house which had a design from a foreign land, brought to this place long before any of them had ever come to protect it. A house none of them had ever seen inside. The Lel’ul’s home. One they protected even when no one was home, one they would continue to protect for as long as he asked them to. It stood there upon the slight rise, looking down upon the rest of Hirka. A place easily defended by two warriors worth any mettle. A place that had never been attacked.

Azzah wondered why warriors as good as she and Reem needed to protect such a place while the Lel’ul was not there. There was so much else going on in the land, trouble makers that she and Reem could easily dispatch, animal attacks they could win single-handed... Yet they remained here.

Nothing out there could beat the two of them, not when they were serious. And when it came to fights, they always were.

Ready for a drink? Reem rubbed at the back of Azzah’s neck. Azzah stretched out her body, not sore or tense, yet somehow stiff. Stiff from not doing enough, perhaps.

Yes.

Hirka was not large, but it could always be described as lively. Even in the evening, when Azzah and Reem were free from their duties until the next day. Many others had come back into town, done with their day of hard work and ready for relaxation or festivities.

Azzah liked this better. Until recently, she and Reem had held the night shift. Azzah hoped that Daudi and Lulu would enjoy the night air enough that the Lel’ul would be pleased with retaining this arrangement. It was nice not having to forgo sleep to see more people. She knew Reem liked it too, though more for one person’s company in particular than anything else.

What’s in the bowls tonight? Reem asked Waseme. The woman began to pour out drink the moment she saw them approach. It was like this every night in front of Waseme’s hut.

She held out the drinks with hands roughened by her years of serving the bowls in the exact same way. Reem and Azzah grabbed them at the same time. Same as yesterday. It’s not quite the time for next season’s drink, Reem. Hold steady for a little longer.

Ah, well I can always ask.

Waseme chuckled, dark grey eyes sparkling from the light of the evening meal’s fires. Asking won’t make a lick of difference, you know.

Azzah brought the bowl to her lips, holding it with both hands. I think this is my favorite.

Hm. Reem took a big gulp, belying her previous words. Then enjoy it while it lasts, little sister. She said it will only be for a little longer.

I think you should make up for your less enjoyed drink with something else. Azzah hooked her free arm with Reem’s. She grinned at Waseme, who knew exactly what Azzah referred to. With a shake of her head, Waseme went back to pouring another bowl. Whether for someone else or in preparation for them coming back, Azzah never knew.

Reem hadn’t missed their look. Reem was a sharp one. Azzah might have sat them both down in front of Waseme’s hut to start their evening, as they always did, but she had to know who Azzah pushed her toward. It was hard to miss Lebna. His skin was lighter than most, though just as rough from work fishing, hunting, sowing and gathering as the others. His locs were thick, bound only with coloured thread.

What’s this? Reem noticed Lebna and her eyes remained on him. Well? she asked Azzah, pretending she did not know what Azzah spoke of.

He’s still up. Azzah took another sip. You should go speak with him.

"I should go speak with him?" Reem repeated, not doing much more than pressing her lips against her bowl.

Azzah laughed. Come on now! You aren’t fooling anyone, especially not me.

Oh, Azz, how could I ever fool you?

If you and I are in agreement... Azzah let her sentence trail off as she pushed her elbow into Reem’s back. Reem stood back up, downing half of her bowl with a few gulps. She glanced back at Azzah with a smirk. Azzah gestured for her to move on and Reem did so, Azzah watching her the entire time.

They certainly like to dance around each other, Waseme commented, holding a new bowl out to Azzah.

Azzah took a few more gulps to finish her drink so she could exchange it with the fresh one. In Reem’s case it is dancing. She knows how to dance well. Lebna knows how to stand and look pretty.

It is a good thing to have, Waseme agreed. What will you do when she takes him?

Azzah shrugged. Nothing different. It won’t change anything.

Waseme held the empty bowl to her chest, following Azzah’s watchful eye back to Reem. Reem’s stance was much like when they sparred - sturdy. She knew exactly where she stood and it was where she wanted to be. Lebna could only attempt to mimic her certainty. It made Azzah snicker.

Probably not. Waseme patted Azzah on the shoulder and returned to her pots.

Azzah took her time with the next bowl, both hands wrapped around the wide base. Despite the chill, the drink felt warm as it went down her throat. In little sips, it brought her a sense of comfort which relaxed parts of her she had not realized had any tension in them. She had missed this, before Hirka. This camaraderie from people other than Reem. Watching her sister’s courtship, speaking with Waseme when the older woman passed by... Maybe another would have stopped by to speak with her, but Azzah’s intense attention on her spear-sister dissuaded further conversation.

Eventually Reem rejoined her, bowl empty.

Done already? Azzah asked, taking Reem’s bowl to stack on top of hers. He’s melting in your hands.

It doesn’t take much. Reem’s words were mellow, but her face was ecstatic. The only thing that pleased her more was when she dealt with her spear, whose covered head still stuck out over her shoulder. When it comes from two ways, it doesn’t take much at all. Waseme! She rose an arm, waving her over. Another!

Can’t wait for the turn of the season, can you? Azzah teased.

Just because I like something else better doesn’t mean I don’t still enjoy it now.

With full bowls once more, Azzah and Reem clinked them together and took large mouthfuls. Their toast was interrupted by a man. Though that might have been too polite, in Azzah’s opinion. It was Hasani, approaching Reem’s side.

Look, it’s the doubled spears.

There was nothing inherently wrong with what the young man said. The tone of his voice let Azzah know that it wasn’t meant as fact or compliment. She fixed him with a sharp look.

Reem whispered into her ear. He’s had a little too much. Not everyone can handle their nights well, eh?

Azzah nodded and said nothing.

I don’t understand what you both do. The boy sounded legitimately confused, his words trying to work it out. Azzah didn’t know whether to look at him or not, but as Reem sipped from her bowl without looking, Azzah followed her example. As spears, shouldn’t you be fighting? If you are good spears, that’s what you’d be doing. Driving away those Unclean.

Azzah’s temper rose up. She felt her spear against her back, crying out to defend against such insult. A year ago she would have blamed his youth, but it was too late, he’d had the hunt proving himself to be a man. He should have known better. His muscles were that of an adult now, not of a child, defined by sweat from having lingered close by a fire on a warm night. All to remind her, in her rising fury, there was no excuse for this.

But Reem did nothing, so neither did Azzah. She stared down into her bowl, watching the liquid shake slowly from side to side. Eventually she noted it was her hands that caused it, as she clasped at the side of the bowl too tight.

Why does the Lel’ul have you guard an empty house? He isn’t even here. Unless you aren’t anything like you claim-

Reem spoke up, her voice drowning out Hasani’s. It caused everyone else in the vicinity to fall silent as well. Watch what you say, man. We are warriors of the Lel’ul.

Azzah took a deep breath.

Then why don’t you do anything?

That was too much. Azzah tore her eyes from her bowl to look at Reem’s face. Reem looked back at her.

As one, they stood up, Azzah setting her bowl on the ground without spilling in the same motion. She immediately crouched down, sweeping her leg under Hasani. It knocked against his legs hard. At the same moment, Reem reached forward, swinging her spear from her back and jabbing the butt of it into his chest. Hasani went down in one. In one fluid motion, Azzah straightened upright and readied her own spear.

She and Reem took off covers of their spears at the same time. Reem placed her spear tip against his stomach. Azzah placed hers against Hasani’s throat.

The fall had sobered him, let alone the danger staring him in the face. Hasani nearly took in a deep breath, but stopped himself and coughed out, I take it back, I take it back! Forgive me for such words!

As we will! Reem proclaimed. She retracted her spear immediately and Azzah followed suit. You may say whatever words you like of us, claim whatever you wish of our ability, but you shall not insult our Lel’ul. Nor his belief in what we give to him. He asks of us, knowing what we are capable of. If he wishes we defend his house, with or without his presence, then we do so. And proudly! For we are two of few who are trusted to do so. We shall follow this path for as long as he desires.

Whooping calls surrounded them as Reem finished her speech. Hasani’s face flushed, not because of drink, but now from embarrassment. Azzah did not care at all about his feelings, as she still rankled from his previous comments, yet the negative feelings dispersed. The cheers Reem’s words elicited to those around them demonstrated the solidarity of Hirka. She could see Waseme joining in, hands cupped around her mouth. Daudi and Lulu, up at the Lel’ul’s house, probably wondered what was going on.

Reem placed her spear at her back, reaching out toward Hasani. Despite his shame, he didn’t hesitate to take her hand and get back to his feet. Reem held his hand tight to make sure he didn’t waver. Once he was stable, she patted him on the back. "Get some sleep, Hasani. Waseme shouldn’t give you