Rook

by Robin Roseau

  “I’d love to come,” she said. “Féla and Naddí are going to be upset if you leave them here.”

  I laughed and didn’t comment.

  They made space for us, and we all sat, the tables turned topsy turvey, but we made it work. Everyone asked questions all at once, and I laughed.

  “Queen Ralalta and I wished a lengthy discussion with Yahamala,” I said.

  “Queen Ralalta is in Lopéna?” the Goddess asked.

  “She will be by the time we arrive,” I said.

  “Please tell me all is good. Please, Yalla.”

  “All is good,” I said. “The short explanation: I wish to build a new temple beside a lovely school for girls, and on the other side is an open space the queen has offered for our first abbey. I didn’t want to proceed without talking to you.”

  “Oh, Yalla,” said Yahamala. “This is very good news. And of course, I would love to talk about it. But now I am vexed. You did not bring your daughters.”

  “We rode very hard,” I said. “The queen is traveling by ship.”

  “And you do not care for such travels.”

  “And I had to come here to retrieve you,” I said. “And to see everyone. So that is the short explanation why we have returned so early, but I am so pleased to see all of you.”

  We had dinner, the Goddess wrapped around me the entire time. As the meal wound down, she said, “I know you. You want a bath. I know Naddí and Féla. They want to administer this bath.”

  I laughed. “Probably.”

  “I wish you, Vérundia, and I to talk afterwards. Alone. And then you are weary from travels.”

  “Will you join me?”

  “Yes, but I do not imagine I’ll be the only one.”

  I laughed again. “Probably not.” I switched to Altearan. “My traveling companions and I require a bath. Then our Prestainamatta would like a private conversation with Vérundia before bedtime.”

  “Are we invited?” Féla asked.

  “To the baths, if you like, and to the slumber party, if you like,” I said.

  “We like,” Naddí said. “Larien and Terél, what are your plans?”

  “Slumber party,” Terél said without consulting Larien. “I could sleep for a week.”

  I laughed. “Not so long,” I said, “but unless our Prestainamatta requires you tomorrow, you have tonight and tomorrow. We leave early the following morning, and we’ll be riding hard.”

  They nodded.

  * * * *

  We got our baths, all of us. The Goddess bathed me herself, which I imagine was rather odd for the rest to watch. Naddí and Féla enjoyed pampering Terél and Larien, and so that worked well.

  Poor Ésta and Níta were relegated to bathing themselves, but we were all together.

  Yahamala and I met with Vérundia in her chambers. She offered me wine, and then we sat, the Goddess beside me, holding my hand.

  “Tomorrow we will include all of us,” said the Goddess. “I want you to ask her about transitioning the remaining leadership to Resaírelteena and Naddíqualestra. Yalla, this is your decision, and I will advise if you ask, but I do not believe you need my advice.”

  I nodded and repeated that for Vérundia then asked, “How are they doing?”

  “They have acquired a significant vocabulary,” she said. “But they have much to learn, and it will be years before I would want them to lead the celebrations.”

  “All right. How about the more mundane duties?”

  “Those they’ve already fully assumed.” She laughed. “It hasn’t been this easy for me in a long, long time. And they’re better at it than I am, too.”

  “How are the other women?”

  She offered a pained expression.

  “The truth, Vérundia,” I said. “It’s important.”

  “I know. Reactions are mixed. The acolytes don’t notice the difference, not even the older girls. But some of the other priestesses are perhaps less likely to accept their leadership.”

  “Were there others we should have considered?” I asked.

  “Larien.”

  “She was the first choice,” I said.

  “But you need her.”

  “But I need her,” I said. “I could possibly have given her up, but not her and Terél both, and I would not have divided them. That would be just as cruel as leaving you and Hastiá apart. Others?”

  “Not in the long term,” Vérundia said. “But there may be one or two who would answer differently.”

  “And put their own names forward?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “All right. I believe I can handle this. Prestainamatta, did you wish to comment?”

  “I trust you, Yalla. Ask her the real question now.”

  “Vérundia,” I asked, “What would keep Hastiá from joining us in Lopéna, and the two of you being together from this point forward?”

  She began crying. “Really?”

  “If you wish to remain here-”

  “No!” she said quickly. “Unless-”

  “I want you to be happy,” I said.

  “The rites and celebrations-”

  “Let me worry about that. I am most worried about the mundane reasons you would remain.”

  “As I said, they’re handling those issues. So?”

  “Consider it done.”

  “Really, High Priestess?”

  “Really,” I said.

  She dropped to the floor before me, kneeling to me with her head in my lap, and she cried. I stroked her hair, and I felt the magic of the Goddess flowing through me. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you, Yalla. Thank you, Prestainamatta.”

  “You are welcome,” we said. “It is long since time.”

  “Yalla,” said the Goddess. “Summon them.”

  I nodded and concentrated. It took two minutes, and then there was a knock at the door. Vérundia straightened her head, then quickly moved back to her seat. “Come!” she called out.

  The door opened, and Féla stuck her head in. “You called us?”

  “I did,” I said. “Come in and close the door. It’s just two of you, right?”

  “Yes.” They both stepped in, and it was clear Vérundia had been crying. “Hastiá?”

  “She’s fine,” I said. “Please sit. I want to ask you something.” I gestured, and they found seats. I paused then said, “It is time for Vérundia and Hastiá to be together. The two of you are now the undisputed heads of our order when I am not here. I will deal with the few voices of dissent.”

  “We are not ready for the rites,” Naddí said quickly

  “I have a plan for that as well.” I shared it. When I was done, I asked, “Does anyone wish to tell me this is a mistake?”

  “We want to go to Lopéna,” Féla said. “Please.”

  I thought about it, and then nodded. “I think that would be good. We’ll deal with this at lunch tomorrow. Prestainamatta, I believe there is advantage to borrowing from the expertise of our abbesses when we hold our conversations in Lopéna.”

  “I agree, Yalla.”

  “I suppose we should send these two as messengers.”

  “That isn’t necessary. We can summon them.”

  “I don’t want to wait for them to come here, and I don’t want to wait in Lopéna for them to travel.”

  “Then we won’t,” said Yahamala. “Choose the first.”

  “Ti-ti,” I said. “Abbess at Manásuéla.”

  “Ah, yes,” said the Goddess. “Résalienárti. Yalla, you really need to learn to pronounce their names.”

  “I know,” I said. “But people can barely understand me when I try. Which, I will point out, you have made a permanent problem.”

  “It was your choice to accept,” she said. “Think of Résalienárti. We are going to call her, but we will send a message.” Then I felt her magic entering me. I felt along my link to the abbess far to the south, almost to Framara, and the link between us flared.

  And I could tell I had her attention.
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  “Tell her what you want,” whispered the Goddess. “She will hear.”

  “Ti-ti,” I said. “I am traveling to Lopéna. I require your wisdom. Please travel safely, but meet us there, if you are able.”

  And I knew she heard my message, although if she replied, I couldn’t tell.

  “Very good,” said the Goddess. “And the next?”

  “Gontí,” I said. I repeated my message with her, and finally with Moí, the abbess of Velvíienta on the coast north of Hergenseé. And finally, I sent a message to Hastiá. Each heard my message, but it would be a few days before I would learn if they could come.

  * * * *

  My bed was full: One high priestess, slight of build; one goddess, arms wrapped around the high priestess; two close friends, both former lovers; and two former maids, now the heads of our order, only behind me. I felt warm, loved, and safe.

  In the morning, we held conferences, meeting first with Vérundia, Féla, and Naddí. Vérundia said only, “Féla and Naddí are now our leaders here,” and she left the rest for them.

  It hadn’t been so long since we were last here, and so it was an easy conference. And as I had arrived unexpectedly, none of the priestesses from throughout Alteara was in attendance to see me or speak to our Prestainamatta, and so there was actually little to discuss. Instead, I found myself explaining what was going on in Framara. And then I laughed. “I suppose I should tell you something else. Alta carries Juleena’s daughter.”

  “And you’re just telling us now?” Féla exclaimed. “Yalla, you wait an entire day to tell us?”

  “It has hardly been an entire day,” I said. “I only arrived for the evening meal last night. But you’re right. I didn’t want to blurt it at dinner, and I don’t even know if her parents know yet. It seems like her news, so I haven’t gotten in the habit of saying anything.”

  “This is the first that isn’t yours,” Naddí said.

  “She’s mine, too,” I said. “We are three mothers of five daughters.” Then I turned to the Goddess. “More?”

  “If you ask,” she said. “Now?”

  “Let us wait,” I replied. I laughed. “Are you going to make Juleena appear pregnant?”

  “I think that is best,” she said. “Let there be no doubt.”

  “No doubt,” I agreed. “I’m not sure Juleena will thank us, but Ralalta will.”

  “This will be the first one you don’t feed,” she said. “Or did you wish me to bless you along with Juleena and Lásenalta?”

  “I am satisfied with the link you have given us,” I said. “As long as I may keep the link.”

  “Of course. Yalla, if you ask for more daughters, you may have them, but I want them born here, in my Heart.”

  “All right,” I said. “I think I’d like that.”

  “Good,” she said.

  * * * *

  We talked a while longer, and then it was time for lunch. We gathered, and I let people get settled and begin to eat, but that was when I said, “I have something to discuss with all of you. You may continue to enjoy your meal. I can talk over the noises.”

  Then I stood, moving from my place, and I prowled the room nearest our table. “I need your help,” I said finally. “I need all your help.”

  “Of course, High Priestess,” I heard from one or two voices. “You must only ask.”

  I stepped around the table and set my hands on Ullaméistra’s shoulders. “We have had some changes recently. Naddí and Féla were assigned as Vérundia’s successors, the leaders of this place in my absence. Their names were not the only names considered.” I moved away and said nothing until I came to a stop behind Larien. I stroked her hair for a moment. “A number of people were considered. At the time, we didn’t explain the reasons for our final decisions, and ultimately it was not my decision, but that of our Prestainamatta.”

  I stepped away. “I need Larien with me. I could have parted with her, but not her and Terél both. We are spreading knowledge of our Prestainamatta, and I rely on them all day, every day. I need them.” Then again I stopped behind Ullaméistra. “Others were considered, wise women who could lead well, but Vérundia’s job requires a certain level of energy. She has been aided and guided by others here, but it is one thing to aid, and quite another to control the reins themselves, and the related responsibility.”

  I moved to stand behind Féla and Naddí, setting a hand on one shoulder each. “I needed a leader here who knows me, who knows the sort of decisions I would make if I were here. I needed a leader here I knew well, someone who could handle not only what happens inside our order, but what happens outside. Someone who would well interface with the people who visit us. And so, our Prestainamatta made an unexpected decision, but it was a good decision.”

  I stepped away again. “I miss Féla and Naddí. I miss them every day. But they are needed here now. They need the support of all of you, the same support you have given Vérundia all these years, and the support you give me when I am here. They need this from you; I need this from you. And most importantly, our Prestainamatta needs this from you.”

  I looked around the room. “I know I can count on all of you.” I paused again. “It is long past time Vérundia be free to be with the woman of her heart. She will be leaving with me. We will see her again, and often, as I cannot imagine she will miss our solstice celebrations. Vérundia, our order owes you more than we can imagine for your years of leadership, but it is time for you to pursue your true love and joy.”

  And by the time I was done speaking, I was before her. I knelt down to her this time, bowing my head.

  This time, Larien led the applause.

  We left in the morning.

  * * * *

  Our troop was filled with joy, and in spite of the long days of travel, spirits remained high the entire trip. The Goddess seemed especially pleased to be traveling, and she rode Zana well. Zana, as always, seemed equally pleased to carry the Goddess, which was little surprise.

  We were a day from Lopéna when we saw ahead of us, traveling our direction, a troop of Altearan soldiers. As we drew closer, I pulled my much smaller troop to the side, intending to let the soldiers pass, but then I saw their leader.

  “Prince Prodótar!” I called out. “Is this meeting coincidence?”

  “What are the chances?” he replied with a laugh. “High Priestess Lady Yallameenara, my mother and father suggested you may like an escort into Lopéna.”

  “How sweet,” said the goddess, hearing Larien’s translation. “They look slow, Yalla.”

  “Well, I don’t know,” I said. “Do you think you can keep up with us?” I looked at the sun as we closed the final distance. We came to a stop, a few paces apart, Hamper snorting and tossing his head a few times, showing off in spite of how tired he must be.

  “Have you been riding all day?” I asked.

  “Yes,” he said. “We left yesterday afternoon.”

  I nodded. “Perhaps you should turn about, and then you should feel free to set camp wherever you feel is best. We place ourselves in your care.”

  We rode only a mile or so along their back path before we pulled to the side, choosing a field that looked little different than so many other fields. I climbed from Hamper and was happy to let one of he solders take him from me. Prodótar and I greeted again, and then he offered a greeting to Yahamala as well.

  “Let my soldiers prepare camp,” he said. He laughed. “Notice arrived a scant day ahead of your queen.”

  “Were Mesenorié and Tradódid upset about that?”

  “No. Others were, but nothing Mother and Father couldn’t handle. They were pleased you were returning so soon.”

  “You didn’t need to come get us, Prodótar, and I do not believe this many people can move as quickly as we could move alone.”

  “We won’t be the reason you’re not sleeping in the palace tomorrow night,” he said. “If the roads were wet and your mounts fresh, or perhaps if you were alone, I wouldn’t speak with such
confidence.” But the roads had improved, our mounts were tired, and members of our troop didn’t travel as quickly as I could alone.

  “Tell me. Have any of the abbesses arrived in Lopéna?”

  “Yes. Gontílorseema arrived three days ago, quite puzzled why she was there.”

  “I wouldn’t suppose you sent anyone to meet Ti-Ti and Moí?”

  “Actually, mother did, in case you summoned all of them.”

  “I’ll have to thank her,” I said. “Prodótar, tell me honestly. Were we wrong to invite ourselves?”

  “High Priestess, all Alteara is yours. You travel when and where you want. You know that.”

  “I brought Queen Ralalta. I impose upon the palace, and I did it with virtually no warning.”

  “Mother and Father couldn’t be more pleased, Lady Yallameenara. The three were already thick as thieves by the time I left. You owe no apologies to anyone.”

  “Thank you, Prodótar,” I said. “And thank you for coming for us.”

  “She’s here, isn’t she?” he asked.

  “She’s over there,” I said with a gesture. “She’s watching those soldiers assemble that pavilion.”

  “That one is yours,” he said. “And we are prepared to make a very large bed.”

  I laughed. “I’m sure it will be rather full.”

  “I have a favor to ask her. Not tonight. Felésartinda and I have a favor to ask.”

  “How is the princess, your wife?”

  “She is good. Will you come to dinner, just you and the Goddess?”

  “This is a sensitive favor?”

  “Yes. Felésartinda and I first began discussing it two years ago.”

  “Why didn’t you approach sooner?”

  “It didn’t seem like the time,” he said. “Lady Yallameenara, I would consider it a great gift if you would accept dinner with us.”

  “I would like that, but I cannot make promises for her. I’ll ask her.” Then I tugged on our bond, and she turned to me, smiled, and walked over. “Prestainamatta, Prince Prodótar has invited us to dinner with his wife. The details aren’t yet determined. Would you join us?”

  “I would be delighted,” she said. “Tell him that Larien and Terél will join us for dinner, but then we will excuse them for our more private conversation. I do not want to sit there while you talk to them, unless I understand what is being said, and I do not want you to tire translating back and forth the casual conversation, when you will be needed for more serious conversations afterwards.”