The Banished Craft by E.D.E. Bell

Author:E.D.E. Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atthis Arts LLC
Published: 2016-08-31T00:00:00+00:00

Fame. “Ssarh, today is your crowning piece,” Jelt reminded him. “No one would ever imagine you would push the form so far. You are turning the performance inside of itself. They will be stunned. After today, they will see you as a master. And soon, the master.”

Ssarh paced across the ledge, staring at the Imperial Slopes looming in the distance. “Have you ever stopped to think, Jelt, about what we are doing? This could get us killed. A performance in the Imperial courtyard? Right outside the main gates? The Emperor’s guards will be so close, their weapons sharp. They’ll kill us!”

Jelt’s tongue flicked in his mouth. Not now. Now when I am so close. Ssarh had become increasingly unsettled, and Jelt had spent many days convincing the flighty gon that everything was fine, especially after the slaughter at the art gallery. Ssarh was terrified that Terolo’s death meant that Zee was on their trail.

He told Ssarh that Terolo’s presence at the slaughter was a coincidence, reminding him that their costuming at Gourva’s show had been flawless, and that they hadn’t been tracked. But, Jelt admitted to himself, it left open the possibility that Ssarh’s identity had been revealed. Or worse, his own.

Jelt knew he could not underestimate Zee again, even if the gallery slaughter had been unrelated. Without telling Ssarh, he’d immediately planted rumors in the art community that he and Ssarh had been at the exhibit that night, their remains lost forever among the ashes. Jelt filed their death records with the clerk, barely noticed among the others.

At his insistence, they moved to an even more remote location, which had caused Ssarh’s freshly soothed suspicions to flare again. Jelt reassured him they were safe, citing a change in scenery to inspire their creativity. It was clear they could no longer enlist others in their plans.

He tried to put on an easy smile now. “Ssarh, I’ve watched the courtyard for days. It is completely unprotected, and we will leave as soon as you are done.”

Ssarh did not look reassured, reminding Jelt of his inherent stupidity. He needed to take this down to Ssarh’s level.

“Ssarh, no one would kill an artist. They will understand that the challenge is conceptual only, and that the twist was for their own betterment. It’s art. Art is beautiful; art is life. Even Zee will appreciate it once you reveal the project to her. She will honor you in the Imperial Museum. You will be remembered for this forever.”

“Art is life,” Ssarh repeated.

“Yes, it is,” Jelt said, placing an arm on Ssarh’s shoulder. “Ssarh, your idea is bold. Tremendous, even. After today, you won’t have to believe me anymore. After this, they will be lining the slopes to see your work. To see you.”

Ssarh lowered his head, and for a moment, Jelt thought he wasn’t going to do it. But then he stood taller and turned toward him. “You go first, and let me know how the crowd reacts. I am ready to set myself ablaze.”

Jelt raised a claw into the air.

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