Sacred Rites

by Ines Johnson

  “I did make you sway, my lady. Didn’t I?”

  Alyss quirked an eyebrow. She wasn’t the only one moved by the encounter and they both knew it.

  “I wanted…” he paused and looked out the window. “I wanted to make you want something. And then I wanted to be the one to take it away from you.”

  “You were trying to teach me a lesson?”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  “And what? You were the objective? You think very highly of yourself.”

  His lips quirked up. It was the first time she’d seen him smile. It made his face very attractive -for a male. But then the look vanished, and he regarded her closely -too closely for Alyss’ liking.

  “I think that you already know what it’s like to have something of value kept from you.”

  He reached down and took her hands in his. They were warm, his hands. They sent a shudder through her palms, up her arms, and kept going deeper. She wanted him to wrap her up, like one of Adom’s ropes. She wanted Emet’s arms to hold her tight and squeeze his warmth into her until it reached all the way through.

  But he didn’t.

  His hands never made it past her fingertips. He opened them up and placed the crumpled drawing in her palms. Alyss ran her fingers over the crinkles in the parchment, trying to straighten out the imperfections.

  “No one should have their desires silenced,” he whispered.

  She looked up into his eyes, unsure if he spoke about the bill, her art, or the intimacy they’d shared.

  “This bill will take away a man’s ability to create life of his own free will.”

  Alyss glimpsed her Mother again as she moved through the chamber. When her Mother’s eyes found hers, Alyss’ fingers folded the drawing and pushed it into the pockets of her skirt. Then she turned to Emet, back straight, steel in her gold eyes.

  “You may have made me tremble last night, but you’ll be disappointed to learn that I’m made of stronger stuff.”

  A small smile bloomed on Emet’s lips. Alyss felt herself heat all over.

  “No, my lady. I wouldn’t be disappointed at all to see your strength. The monks taught us that only iron can sharpen iron. A worthy adversary can only make their opponent stronger.”

  Alyss didn’t know what to make of this man. She couldn’t tell if he was trying to play with her one moment, or aiming to strengthen her backbone the next. It didn’t matter. Once they went into that room it was either her or him that would walk out the victor.

  “I gave you one advantage with the documents,” she said. “You took one the other night when you were on your knees.”

  Rather than take offense, the reference made him smile.

  “Two advantages to you” she continued. “As a man, perhaps now you’re evenly matched with me.”

  Emet let out a bark of laughter, delight written clearly on his face. This was the look she was used to getting from males. One where she had their full attention, one where they was putty in her hands. She’d never before been so pleased to gain a man’s veneration.

  “Today, the kid gloves are off,” she said. “I promise to bring you to your knees.”

  This time the desire that flared in his eyes was crystal clear. “I look forward to it my lady.”

  Alyss faltered at the clear invitation. She had never imagined doing something like they did before last night. Now, she wondered if she would ever do it again. She couldn’t imagine allowing another male anywhere near that part of her body. Well, perhaps maybe Adom. But her mind, her body, had no trouble imagining Emet worshipping her on his knees again and again.

  “I see I’ve misjudged you,” he said. “I thought you were more concerned with your hair bows than the issues.”

  Alyss reached up to check her hair.

  Emet let out another laugh. His eyes sparkled as he watched her check the placement of her barrettes. Heads within the chamber turned to catch what caused the sound. Alyss caught her Mother’s golden-brown eyes shoot lasers at her.

  “Its a shame we’re adversaries,” Emet said. “In another life, I think we might’ve been…mildly cordial.”

  “There you go again thinking too highly of yourself.” But there was no bite to her words, no snark. Emet was the first male she didn’t want to send off on an out-of-season berry mission. She didn’t mind when he stuck around in Adom’s studio. She didn’t mind standing and talking with him now in front of the entire chamber. But after today, that would be impossible.

  He bowed as though he saw it too. He stepped aside and allowed her to pass without another comment.

  Alyss stepped into the chamber and was immediately accosted by her Mother.

  “What was that about?”

  “Just buttering up the competition, Mother.” Alyss avoided her Mother’s probing gaze. “He won’t stand a change.”

  Emet walked in, accompanied by the Male Voice. When he arrived at the podium next to Alyss, he turned and bowed. All familiarity gone from the brief, professional glance he gave to her. She felt her heart shrink at the loss of his smile.

  “The Chamber of Worship has dropped their opposition,” her Mother said in her ear.

  “What?” Alyss glanced over to see Lady Milysa sitting in the audience alongside Sister Roslyn. “How? Why?”

  “Never mind how.”

  Clearly her Mother had pushed some buttons and pulled some strings in order for Sister Roslyn to drop her opposition, but Alyss didn’t press. Facing only one opponent would make it easier for her.

  “You only face the Male Voice’s advocate as opposition. We have half the sister’s on our side. Only the Chamber of Art and Culture and the Chamber of Energy remain undecided. All you need to do is present the information coherently and this will be done. You’ll likely be given an apprenticeship within the month.”

  If Alyss moved up in the ranks she’d be free of her Mother for good, able to support herself without her Mother or Grand Mother. Perhaps she could even see Adom again from time to time and pose for another painting. Perhaps Emet might sit in a corner. One day, perhaps, maybe he’d talk to her again. Perhaps, maybe, help her hold a pose again.

  Alyss turned to face the Sisterhood. She ran her hand over her dress. She’d worn a monotone color today. She hoped it made her look serious, scientific, like her sister Merlyn. Beside her, Emet gripped the podium, looking straight ahead. The only movement came from his booted foot that beat a tap-tap on the ground.

  “You may begin your opening statements,” said Sister Dynese.

  Alyss cleared her throat and began her prepared speech. “A long time ago, catastrophic decisions were made by man-kind, decisions that hurt all life on this planet. We continue to pay the debt of their misjudgment. I come to you today hoping to make a large deposit, to put us in the black in one aspect of our survival. The world needs more women. Gender selection will guarantee the births of more girls. That is why this bill must pass.”

  Emet’s eyes held fast to Alyss as she spoke as though a string of rope existed between them. His eyes roamed her body the same way it had last night. When he opened his mouth, Alyss saw his tongue. Her mind went to last night, she could tell his did too. Would that be his strategy? To out her as a harlot? She gripped the podium as she waited for his words.

  “She’s right,” he said.

  There was a gasp throughout the hall. The statement shocked Alyss more than a carnal confession ever could.

  “The world does need more women,” Emet continued. “We remain at a disadvantage with the sexes being so unequal. It allows us to forget that we need each other; men and women. It allows us to think that one sex is better than the other. We cannot survive without each other. But please understand that you need us as much as we need you.”

  Alyss and Emet stared at each other. Was he saying he needed her? Did she want to be needed by a man? Alyss caught her Mother fuming in the audience. She turned away from Emet. “I’m happy my opponent sees things my way.”

  “It would benefit all if there
was a choice,” Emet said. “If men weren’t bound in this matter.”

  Alyss turned to him, her face heating, her heart pounding. She had to remind herself that she didn’t know this male. He could’ve gotten her body heated so that her thoughts would jumble. She had to come to her senses. There was too much at stake for her own livelihood. There were no windows in the chamber, but she felt the sun setting outside. She glanced at her Mother and saw the storm clouds closing in on her. She felt the urge to outrun the storm, a storm that had raged around her her whole life. All she had to do was shut Emet down, and then she might be free.

  “The science is sound,” Emet continued before she could launch an attack. “What your family has discovered would please the Goddess. But I think it would displease our Deity if this discovery placed Her sons in bondage to this law. Every man, and every woman, deserves the freedom to express what’s in their soul.”

  Emet’s eyes shone bright into Alyss, pushing away the dark clouds with such force. They held her still, not allowing her to turn to her Mother. She felt tethered to him, and tied thusly, that thing that had been begging, itching, and now shoving to be set free inside of her snapped free.

  “No one should have the right to silence another’s soul,” Emet said.

  Alyss’ hands clutched at the wad of paper in her skirt pocket. Her thumb found an edge and smoothed it out.

  “Give bonded males a choice. If a male does not want to take part, you cannot take his sperm, his property.”

  Alyss nodded. “No one should be forced to do what they do not want.”

  “We could amend the original agreement,” Emet said.

  The way he looked at her, she got the sense they’d moved past the Insemination Bill. That he’d moved back into the past and was now referencing the agreement the two of them had made the previous day. The agreement where she would be allowed to sit for Adom and he would stand watch.

  “Perhaps,” the words tread carefully over Alyss’ tongue, “if all parties agreed to an engagement, then we could…move forward.”

  “Do you mean, my lady, if the lady and both of the males agree…?”

  “In a bonded triad, one…or both males could agree.”

  “I would agree,” he said.

  They stared at each other a moment longer, both taking heavy breaths as though they’d run a long and arduous race. A gavel sounded, which brought their attention round. Everyone in the room looked at them stunned.

  Sister Mychelle’s face beamed bright. She spoke first. “If the amendment is attached, the bill has The Chamber of Arts and Culture’s full support.”

  “The Chamber of Energy’s as well,” agreed the Sister Dynese.

  The gavel banged, and it was done. The Sisters filed out of the room through a back door. The crowd, who’d expected more of a gossip-worthy fight, dispersed as well.

  Alyss returned her attention to Emet. “What have I done?”

  “I think we struck a deal,” he answered, his face in a tentative grin.

  “For who?”

  But Emet could not answer. The Male Voice approached him.

  Alyss turned to face her own problem; a fuming Lady Angyla.

  15

  “That was not the outcome we discussed,” said the Male Voice. His voice didn’t boom loud, but Emet didn’t need the volume turned up to know that he’d disappointed his leader.

  “No,” Emet said. “But it's better than we could have hoped for, and it sets us up for the future.”

  “How so?”

  “It’s a compromise. It’s the first compromise we have been able to gain. It shows them we can work together. We’ve shown the Sisterhood it's possible to get their way if they give us something of ours in return.”

  The Male Voice considered Emet’s words. Finally he nodded. “Why don’t you take a long lunch.”

  Emet’s heart sank. He was being fired.

  “Afterwards we’ll discuss the wording of the amendment.” The Male Voice clapped Emet on the shoulder. “Good work, Emet.”

  Relief flooded through Emet. He shook the Male Voice’s hand, but a screeching shout broke the two males apart.

  “You stupid girl!”

  The sound of a loud crack and a whimper forced both Emet and the Male Voice to turn. Emet caught the sight of Lady Anglya striking Alyss across the face. Emet had seen violence in his life as an advocate. Women abusing men. Men abusing men. Peace Keepers abusing discards. But he’d never in his life seen a woman come to harm. His feet moved of their own accord, but he didn’t get far. The Male Voice grabbed his forearm in a vice and forced him to stillness.

  “In less than an hour’s time you have destroyed my life’s work. The legacy of an entire generation of women.”

  Alyss’ hand shielded her face with one hand. Her body turned away from her Mother, eyes on the floor from the force of the impact. Slowly, her head rose. The first thing her gaze locked on was Emet standing down the hall. From this distance Emet saw her golden eyes darken as she inhaled deeply. It was as though with every bit of oxygen that filled her breasts, the life seeped out of her in droves. By the time she exhaled and straightened herself she was preternaturally still, like road kill on the side of a country lane.

  Emet gave another tug of his arm, but the Male Voice held him firm. How could the man not want to rush to her aide as well? They both were advocates for justice. This was abuse. It was illegal. Righteous indignation mixed with the bile in his throat. Every instinct in him told him he needed to defend her.

  “This is not our fight, Emet.” The Male Voice’s words came out whisper quiet.

  “I did what you told me to do, Mother.”

  There was not a quiver in Alyss’ voice. Gone was the woman who chattered nonsensically about her hair bows and barrettes. Gone was the woman who’s eyes lit up at the brush of Adom’s paints. Gone was the worthy adversary he’d locked swords with only moments ago.

  “The bill has passed,” Alyss continued, “and you can begin your trials.”

  “Only with consent. You allowed men the right to think. This sets a bad precedent; men having a say. Just the added time I now have to devote to explain to those imbeciles will slow me down. It took enough of my time to find basic enough language to explain the procedure to you. Since you are no good to me in the Sisterhood chambers, you can be the first to join the trial.”

  Alyss inhaled again, and if possible, appeared even deader from the outside looking in. “But you said if the bill passed I wouldn’t have to-"

  “Now I’m adding an amendment to our agreement.”

  Alyss’ composure broke. Though she stood still, she teetered in her heeled shoes.

  Her Mother’s eyes appeared to light up at seeing the devastation befalling her child. “See what happens when you change the terms on an agreement?”

  Lady Angyla turned and headed down the hall. She glared at Emet and the Male Voice as she passed them. Emet wanted to follow behind her. To bring down the full brunt of the law against her offensive hand. But how could he? They were alone in the hall. No other woman had witnessed the offense, and no Peace Keeper would take a male’s word on such an unimaginable matter.

  When Emet turned back Alyss was gone. Emet took off in the only direction she could’ve gone. He heard the Male Voice call his name, but he didn’t turn back. He made his way down the hall. He found her looking out a window at the cloudy sky. The clump of artwork clenched in her fist. He approached her cautiously as though she were a severely wounded animal. When he was upon her, he reached out his hand, but pulled it back at the last moment.

  “My lady?”

  Alyss turned her head.

  “Are you all right?” It seemed such a stupid question after what he’d witnessed, but he was at a loss for anything else to say.

  Her eyes narrowed as she seemed to think over the question.

  “What she did -your Mother- striking you, that was illegal. If you would make a statement, I could help you press charges.”

&nbs
p; Slowly she shook her head from side to side. Female child abuse was practically unheard of in today’s society. If Lady Alyss wouldn’t stand up for herself, there was nothing Emet could do. His hands clenched at the injustice of it all.

  Emet was about to ask another lame question like ‘Is there anything I can do?’ when she spoke. He had to lean in because her voice was so quiet.

  “Have you ever felt that there was something inside of you that wants to burst free, but it can’t because you are so weighted down by the real world?”

  “Yes, my lady.” Emet felt that way nearly every day since becoming an advocate. There was so much injustice in this world against males. More than he or the advocates in the Male Voice’s office could ever hope to handle.

  “What do you do? How do you break free?”

  Emet leaned his back against the windowsill so he could see her face. “I go to Adom.”

  Her eyes sparked. “Adom?”

  Emet held up his forearm. He slid the cuffs of his shirt back to reveal his wrists. The marks were faint, but close inspection showed that Alyss understood what he was referring to. Whenever the pressures of the world got to be too much, Emet offered his wrists, his legs, his body to Adom to bind. In the pressure of the ropes he found his release, his freedom.

  Alyss looked to her own wrists. With her free hand, the hand that didn’t hold the crumpled drawing, she rubbed the marks there. Emet watched her eyes lose focus as she rubbed at the indentations.

  He kept still, remained silent. Not wanting to break the trance. He ached for her to feel relief. Felt impotent that he had none to offer her himself.

  He watched her thumb rub at her wrist. Watched her eyes flutter closed. Her lips opened on a trembling breath. Her head dipped back slightly.

  Emet gripped the windowsill to keep himself from reaching out to her. He wanted to take her into his arms and make any memory, any fantasy she was having a reality. But he held still. Thankful to be a witness to her temporary relief.