Homecoming

by Tull Harrison

  "That was an excellent speech, Delmer. I have never seen such use of rhetoric, and I am no novice in the art. After such a moving, passionate, and eloquent display, you will have your citizen's undying loyalty." Rebenna spoke gently and confidently. He was slightly surprised to hear her speak his name as though they had been friends for years.

  "Thank you, that is flattering coming from the Ambassador of Noenna."

  "It matters not where we originate from, all that matters is our purpose in life and how we use it to comfort those around us."

  The corridor grew quiet, except for Morag's hushed panting. Softly, Rebenna padded towards him, touching him gently on the shoulder, "You miss him, don't you." It was not a question.

  "More than anyone will ever guess." Delmer remembered his father's words, but could not bring himself to be suspicious of Rebenna. She was offering to listen, which was what he desperately needed.

  "We share a bond, you and I. Neither of us shall ever see our fathers again."

  "Will you tell me how yours died?" he asked gently, turning to look her in the eyes.

  "He was killed by bandits on one of his assignments. Now I have taken over his job." She spoke matter-of-factly, but there was pain beneath the façade.

  "An odd thing, death. It affects the others around it more than it affects the person who undergoes it. Death simply takes your life, but it forces your loved ones to go on without you. It truly is the greatest cruelty.” That understanding had come to him suddenly.

  She shook her head in sorrow. "Only those who have experienced this can understand."

  "Indeed. I will see you at the ball...and Rebenna, thank you for everything." He spoke her name like a prayer.

  "You needed someone to listen to you. I simply remembered that you are not only king, but also human, and in need of comfort."

  Hearing more than seeing, Delmer knew that she had turned and walked down the hallway. He felt Morag brush against his legs in a comforting way. "We should go now, Morag, come on."

  The Coronation Ball was that night, and Rebenna didn't have anything to wear. She had brought some dresses, but nothing that was functional for a ball. How superficial I am, despite my pretty words to the king...

  It was while she was contemplating her dilemma that a young woman knocked on her door and entered. Rebenna had seen her about the palace but never learned her name. She had a shy smile and Rebenna warmed to her immediately.

  “I am sorry to interrupt you, Ambassador,” she said, “I am Annabeth, Delmer’s foster sister. I wondered if you would need assistance with the ball this evening?”

  "I didn’t know Delmer had a sister!” Rebenna exclaimed, and the young woman blushed.

  “Foster sister, Ambassador,” she repeated, “We grew up together, but court life is not to my taste, I am afraid. I try to keep to the background, but I noticed that my dear Delmer has taken a liking to you, and perhaps you did not bring a ball gown in your pack?”

  Rebenna laughed, happy to meet the shy girl. “I did not,” she confessed, “But I doubt you can make a ball gown materialize for me."

  "Ambassador, of course I can get you a gown. Come with me," Beckoning to her, the young woman led Rebenna out of the room.

  They walked down the brightly lit hall and stopped at an unassuming door on their right. It was not far from Rebenna’s own apartments. "We're here."

  "Where have you brought me?" Rebenna asked, nonplussed.

  "You see, it is only fashionable to wear ball gowns once. However, most noble women don't know what to do with their used dresses, so we decided to collect the unwanted ones. Some of them are out of fashion, but most of them are still popular, and stunning.

  "In Malzepher, one of the greatest shames a woman can experience is not having a dress for a ball. I like to give out dresses to women who cannot afford them. Not all High-born are rich, and some Low-born do receive invitations to parties. Also, when poverty starts to encroach on some of our citizens, I sell the dresses back to the noblewomen who discarded them in the first place and give the money to the poor."

  What an excellent idea.

  Rebenna grinned. "Thank you so very much. It would not be respectful to King Delmer if I were to show up in a day dress or even my uniform. I brought my dress uniform, but somehow it seems inappropriate. You are too kind."

  "Truthfully, it is no problem at all, Ambassador."

  "You can call me Rebenna, if you wish.”

  "I will do that, Rebenna. Now let's go in."

  They entered the room, and though the door was humble, the interior was intimidating. Colorful dresses lined the room, astonishing Rebenna.

  "I'm sure you will be able to find something in here," Annabeth said, gesturing around the room.

  Gently, Rebenna began sifting through the beautiful gowns. There were so many. I can't believe that noblewomen have so many dresses that they can just discard them. In Noenna, only women's husbands or fathers could buy them gowns, and they must use those gowns for a year, no matter how many balls there were.

  As she chose and discarded clothing, Rebenna talked to Annabeth, "How long have you known King Delmer?"

  "I have known Delmer since he was born. Our mothers knew each other fairly well." While Rebenna looked, she eyed the dresses and occasionally removed one.

  "How did you become his foster sister, if I may ask?"

  "My mother passed away,” the girl said sadly, “and Queen Miranda took me in. I work at the palace now, although I don’t have to. I try to do a little for our people, while Delmer does a lot. Delmer and I are good friends, and working for him is the highest honor I can imagine."

  "So, he is a good master?" Rebenna asked curiously.

  "Master? I am not a slave! Each and every one of the servants is free, and do not fear harm. Is this not so in your country? Slavery is abhorred in Malzepher." Annabeth looked at her in shock.

  "We do not keep slaves in Noenna either, but that does not stop many people from treating their servants as slaves. Two of my brothers treat our servants horribly. It is not a much better situation for women than servants."

  Annabeth’s eyebrows rose. "What do you mean?"

  “I mean that women are slaves to their families. They must do whatever men tell them to; they play at being true humans at balls or other social events but must not show any actual ability to think for themselves. I am one of the lucky ones. I was only appointed to this position because no one else would take it. At first the men almost shunned me, but I am too persuasive to let that happen," Rebenna boasted just a little.

  "What a sad thing," Annabeth sympathized.

  "Women have so much freedom in Malzepher. I wish it were so in Noenna."

  "So do I, if only for your sake. However, when women have freedom to do what they want, they at times become pampered and arrogant."

  "Which is worse: being a complete slave or having the ability to impose your will on others?" Rebenna posed a philosophical question she loved debating.

  "That is a hard question to answer. If you are a complete slave then you have no freedom, yet you can still dream and think of what life would be like without your chains. Whereas, if you are free, you have the burden of making your own choices, and making decisions requires people to put thought behind their choices. I suppose that best choice would be for people to have restricted freedom. People require a leader to make decisions for them." Annabeth replied thoughtfully.

  "What if that leader makes selfish choices?" Rebenna countered.

  "I suppose the leader must have limits to how powerful they are."

  Breaking into a smile Rebenna nodded her agreement, "That is the exact conclusion that I came to, but who has ever heard of such a government?"

  Annabeth laughed, "We can dream if we want to...Is that the one you want?" she asked, pointing at the dress in Rebenna's hands.

  "Yes, I think it is."

  "Oh, my..." Annabeth covered her mouth with one hand.

  Rebenna held it up stubbornly. "I se
e nothing wrong with it."

  "It is quite daring." Annabeth suggested diplomatically.

  "That is of no consequence. It will suffice. I do wish to make a good impression, but I will not dress in a way that does not suit my personality."

  "You are the second most opinionated person I have ever met. It is refreshing." Annabeth muttered softly.

  "Who is the first?" Rebenna felt compelled to inquire.

  Annabeth laughed hard. "Delmer, of course!"

  After that, there was no more discussion; they were too busy preparing. Rebenna was swept up in Annabeth’s enthusiasm, and for once enjoyed getting ready for a ball.

  Annabeth skillfully dressed Rebenna’s hair after helping her into her dress. When she finally finished, Rebenna looked at herself in the rare looking glass (she had never seen one of such size, or quality). Scrutinizing herself in the mirror, Rebenna was content. She looked as good as she ever would. Rebenna turned to help her new friend.

  As she reached towards Annabeth to help her button her gown, the girl exclaimed, "No, Rebenna, you must not do that. I am here to help you, not the other way around."

  "I don't see why I shouldn't help you. That dress is more complicated than a hedge maze. Please, let me."

  "I couldn't do that. What would Delmer say?"

  "Doesn't he strictly adhere to chivalry? It certainly seems like it, so I don't see why he would object to me helping you button your gown,” Rebenna argued logically.

  "It simply is not done in Malzepher."

  "If you don't tell, no one will know. Besides, I thought Malzepher treated their women better." Rebenna frowned at the bitter taste in her mouth.

  "We do, but you are a guest!"

  "I am your superior in no way but social standing, and that means nothing. I was born in a higher position than you, but that is purely luck. Now, turn around." Annabeth did so reluctantly. "See, that was no problem at all, was it?'

  "I suppose not, Rebenna, but I still will not tell anyone in the palace about this."

  "I don't expect you to, but you have to admit now that I am helping, things are going much faster."

  Annabeth laughed, "Yes, that is true."

  Whoever would have imagined that I could make friends in this supposedly hostile country? Annabeth had been hospitality itself. Rebenna was completely bewildered by the warmth of this new country.

  Chapter 4

  Slowly, the king — young, dignified keeper of justice — elegantly descended the stairs; his audience, mesmerized by their ruler, applauded. He looked every inch the monarch he professed to be.

  Surprised at this reception, Delmer blinked hard. Even the High-born in the crowd cheered, and that was a surprise. Malzepher's nobles were known as the ficklest throughout the continent. The fact that they had any warmth at all was startling.

  Eventually making his way to the bottom of the grand, marble staircase, Delmer proceeded to his throne. Before he could dance, he was expected to greet anyone who wished to meet him.

  This was a tiring process: nodding agreeably to a peasant here, briskly shaking a noble's hand there. After a short time, Delmer failed to hear what his well-wishers were saying, all the while keeping a composed face. Although distracted, he did not fail to note that a large percentage of his visitors were young noblewomen, or noblemen with their daughters or granddaughters in tow.

  And to think I hoped to remain a bachelor for a time. No, now I know better. These women are more aggressive than fleet hounds on a scent.

  After an endless expanse of time, the line of guests slowly dissipated, which meant it was time for the coronation.

  A seldom seen priest of the Fate ascended the dais. Everyone fell silent and watched as the simple ceremony began. First there was a recitation of the king’s lineage that went past the time when Malzepher was formed, back twenty generations. Then he was required to take an oath to always serve his country and subjects before himself. Finally, the crown, which he had been wearing for fourteen days already, was placed upon his head. The last step was for Delmer to publicly declare his heir.

  As soon as the priest took his leave, events went back to how they had been. In Malzepher, the funeral was more important than the coronation, since it was the funeral that marked a change in rule. The ceremony itself meant less, which was why the ball was always thrown during it, to assure people would attend.

  The ceremony had ended quickly, allowing Delmer to leave his throne. Spotting Tully, he went down to him. "Are you enjoying the evening Tullister?" he asked, clapping his advisor on his shoulder.

  "Yes, of course, Your Majesty. It is a very grand affair. However, you appear to be getting bored. You should try a dance; many High-Born women would love to dance with their king."

  "Yes, I am sure I will not be short of partners this evening," Though none the partners I’d want, he added silently. "Tully, who do you suggest? Preferably someone who will make my clumsy dancing look decent."

  "If I may be so bold, King Delmer, perhaps you would care to dance with me?" Ambassador Rebenna's strong, light voice rang behind him.

  "I would be honored, Ambassador.”

  Relieved to have the choice made for him, Delmer took her hand and drew her onto the dance floor, leaving behind a very displeased Tully.

  Delmer could not tear his gaze away from Ambassador Rebenna's gown. It was deep amber, making her golden eyes stand out even more. The neckline plunged, stopping far lower than any other woman's. The skirt was split daringly up the side to reveal a delicate lace underskirt. Only her hair and jewelry seemed traditional. Her hair was swept into an elegant bun, and she wore a pendant around her neck matching the color of her dress.

  "Do you like it?" Rebenna asked as they stepped out onto the dance floor. She was not blind to his attention.

  "You have unusual taste, Ambassador. I do not believe this style is in fashion in Noenna."

  "True, but you did not answer my question, King Delmer. Please, be honest with me." Her sparkling eyes met his briefly.

  "To be honest, I believe that your style is beginning to grow on me, because I do like your dress. That pendant is beautiful."

  A look of sadness came into her eyes, and she touched the gemstone. "Thank you King Delmer. It was a gift from my father."

  Shaking herself, Rebenna smiled brilliantly as a lively Sarabande began. Together they twirled to the music, exchanging partners, and then coming back to each other. There was no time to talk, but during the dance, conversation was unneeded.

  From a child, Delmer had hated dancing. He had always bumbled through his lessons, seeking an escape. It was not that he was bad at it; in fact, he was an excellent dancer. However, there was little he had enjoyed less. But now, he practically floated through the dance.

  Ambassador Rebenna was graceful, and her enjoyment of the dance brought Delmer his own enjoyment. Rarely had he had a partner who radiated such joy.

  He realized people were staring at them, but could not bring himself to care. A king dancing with a foreign ambassador ... it is only common courtesy. Or at least I will pass it off that way.

  The dance ended. Delmer bowed, and Rebenna curtseyed. "Thank you for the honor, King Delmer," she said.

  "Thank you for the pleasure, Ambassador Rebenna. I must go now."

  "Please, would you save another dance for me?" Her face was calm, but he noted the faint hint of eagerness in her voice.

  I know I shouldn't, but I am tired of doing what is proper. "I will a save a dance for you," he said, for some reason keen to oblige this forward foreigner.

  "Thank you, Delmer." She whispered in his ear, while they were still close enough not to be overheard. Then she turned and walked away. He was left awestruck. He had never before met someone with such confidence.

  Quickly recovering, he searched for Zebrine, a High-Born woman he had known for years but had never been able to form an emotional connection with. Unfortunately, she was his best prospect for marriage. Her family had been longtime allies of his mo
ther's family. It was also common knowledge that her family’s power would go a long way to supporting the throne.

  She spotted him first. "Ah, Your Majesty, it is excellent to see you. You have my condolences on your loss."

  "Thank you, Lady Zebrine. Would you care to dance?" Delmer ignored the tightness in his throat over the mention of his father.

  "I would love to dance, Majesty," she purred. Together they stepped out onto the dance floor, and with poise began the dance.

  Zebrine was a passable dancer but possessed none of the spark Rebenna had. With little else to do, Delmer tried to converse with his partner.

  "How is your father's estate?" Delmer asked with the utmost politeness.

  She looked startled. "Is there something wrong with it, Majesty? My father did not tell me."

  Delmer shook his head. "No, I meant what has been happening in your lands lately?"

  "I know little of the lands themselves. That it is my father's job, and it is not my place to ask. However, one of my cousins just gave birth to a beautiful little girl."

  He smiled grimly. "Give her my congratulations."

  "She will be quite honored," Zebrine replied happily.

  The women of the court have no sense whatsoever. I would rather marry a peasant woman, for at least she would have more to talk about then these chattering fools. But these are ungracious thoughts; I should not have them about my subjects.

  Finally, the dance ended, and Delmer was freed from the Lady Zebrine. He was swept up by another lady of the court, only slightly sharper witted than the lady before her.

  Delmer endured as long as he could, but eventually begged to be excused to talk to his other guests. The lady that would have been his next partner graciously accepted, though she looked disappointed. She knew she had to obey her king; he would have to make sure and save a dance for her later if he could.

  He walked away from the dance floor as quick as was polite for a king. As he headed toward the dais, he spotted his cousin, Duke Kennith. Much as he didn't want to, Delmer knew that he had to talk to him, since his son was now heir to the kingdom.