“Someone, help! Help me!” Demos cried out. A guard quickly came in.
“What is it? What is wrong with him?”
“He's very ill. All of this, it is too much for him!” Eliaz's breathing labored under a death rattle now, beads of sweat pouring from his temples.
“There is nothing I can do. He is here by royal order.” Said the guard, not unkindly.
“Water.” Eliaz rasped. The guard looked uncertain.
“Water!” Demos demanded. The guard called for water for Eliaz.
“Eliaz. I never thought things would turn out like this.”
“Just get the book, Demos and make sure the other priests do not see it. No one but Ilim should have it. Ilim the difficult. Ilim the faithful.” When the guard had come back with a cup of water Eliaz was dead. Demos wept bitterly.
Uwain wondered in all this mess how the queen – in his mind she would never simply be a lady – would fare. He had thought numerous times of going back to his home, the vast, dark forests of green and the frosts of his homeland where sandals were only worn in the summer months. He had grown weary of living here, tired of the sand in his eyes, tired of court intrigues, tired of all of it, but he could never leave Queen Diti while she was afloat in the mire of Khalit's court. He hoped this plan worked better than the last one or else they would all find themselves in the furnace or in front of wild lions in the arena. He had no fear of fighting in the arena, but the furnace! – he shivered. To meet Sollus, the sun god in such a state would not gain His respect. Bound and burned. There was no glory in such a death.
Seeing he was a queen's guard, they allowed him entry. He was here to see Amat.
Amat, who looked washed out and shrunken, his eyes darting about like flies, led him into his dank, gaoler's room.
“We need to speak privately, Amat.” Amat got up again and closed the door. Though he tried hard to hide it Uwain knew he was in dread for his life.
“What is it? You were here before with the Lady Diti. It was she who got me into this!”
“No, it was your greed that got you into this or have you forgotten the gold you were given for all the innocent people you have locked up in here?” Uwain spat the words in disgust and nodded to the accounting tablets Amat had lying under his table in a basket. Amat turned even paler.
“I will get to the point. I am here on orders from the Most Honored Lady Diti. You are supposed to choose the champion, is this right?”
“Yes.” Amat wiped his brow with a rag, his hand shaking.
“Have you done so, Amat? We do not have much time. The king and the queen will be arriving within a few hours.” He reached into a secret fold within his tunic and pulled out a satchel. He handed it to the arena master.
“What is it?” Asked Amat, taking the satchel.
“Venom of the giki serpent. Apply it on whatever weapons your champion chooses.” Uwain saw the light of hope dawn on Amat's face.
“Tell the Most Honored Lady Diti that I thank her! I thank her from the very pit of my heart!” He groveled.
“Pit, indeed! You heed the ways of the sun god?” He asked. Amat nodded.
“May your life end in glory and fire.”
“And to you also, my friend.” Said Amat. Uwain bowed curtly and left the dungeons. On his way up the stairs and into the bright light of the sun he thought on it. A man who saw a chance to live again. It was a marvelous thing, for he had seen it and even experienced it. At one moment in time a man either panics in dread or resigns himself to die and then a corner is turned and he finds hope. Nothing much lifted his spirits these days except Queen Diti's beautiful, kind face. And circumstances like these. Even in a faithless dog like Amat.
Chapter Twenty-Two
After three days of rest for the sisters that had returned activity resumed at the citadel. Early as always, everyone rose for prayer, the readings and breakfast and then either chores or some sort of study or other work. Anet was expecting to be sent to the library again to work on her letters and reciting history lessons. They had gone through the books of the old kings of Hybron and next there were the doings of the desert mothers. This was the smallest book in the holy book but Anet looked forward to reading it the most because it was the only book written by a prophetess, Ranna, daughter of one of the legendary judges and desert holy men, Rannadur. Great feats he was able to perform and he even slayed one of the great dragons of old, Kivorok, one of the elder sons of the sea god Turok, before he made Abgaron. This angered Turok but as Rannadur had the power of Airend-Ur in him, Turok could do nothing against him. Ranna took over the judgeship from her father and did many great things in God's name on her own. Anet wondered. How could anything compare with slaying dragons and casting windstorms? Things were different this morning, however. Helga instructed Anet to stay with the guardian scions that morning who were outside playing rings.
“You will be called when your lesson is ready.” She said. Anet thought it strange but playing rings seemed like a fun way to pass time.
Rings was a favorite game of the scions who stood watch over the citadel. In fact, these women seemed to live on a different plane than all the rest. They mostly were up and about at evening and at night. They were also good at fencing and archery. Each of the guardian scions had thin, curved swords in scabbards at their sides that they carried at all times and they practiced archery and fencing much of the day if they were not reading the holy book, praying or eating. Sometimes they played games but these games usually involved dexterity or play-fighting. This time they were outside playing rings. There were several iron rings and at a distance small poles stuck low to the ground. Each ring had a wide hole in the middle and one had to catch the pole by throwing a ring. If a player hit the pole that was one mark for the player. If a player was able to throw the ring so that it caught itself upon on the pole that was ten marks. The rings, to Anet's disappointment were very heavy and the pole was too far. There were a series of rings, three sets, each set bigger than the last. The biggest, heaviest rings also had the smallest holes in the middle. If these landed around a pole, that was fifty marks. She was amazed at how good some of them were at making their targets.
“Try a little one Anet, or else you may drop one and break your foot.” Encouraged Lita. Anet took a small ring. The stone was surprisingly heavy though it was not much bigger than her hand. She could fit her whole arm through the hole. It was smooth and polished. She drew a deep breath, watching Lita throw hers and make her target. Anet threw her ring, clumsily trying to copy Lita's technique. It hopped off the pole and plopped back just a few feet from her and elicited laughter from the older players.
“Ten marks for the beginner!” said Lita.
“I want to try again!”
“So try again. This time shift your weight to your right foot if you are right-handed to help your aim.”
“Take your time.” Said Semmarah. Anet tried again with the same ring and this time she managed to throw it a few feet farther.
“Aw!” She said, stamping her foot.
“Patience child!” Said Semmarah as they all laughed good-naturedly. “Do you think it took us a day to learn? It is a simple game but it takes skill, which requires practice and patience.”
“Yes. Some of us still need practice!” Teased Lita. Another, Odwyn came forward.
“Here, watch how I do it!” She took one of the largest - Odwyn was a very tall and muscular girl with bright golden hair and gray eyes who always maintained that she descended from the giantesses of the northern black forests. Anet half-believed her. She took the ring, crouched slightly and stood as still as a sand lizard, concentrating on her target and with one fluid, quick motion she drew her arm over her body, then hurled the ring like an arrow being loosed and it encircled its target. The ring circled around the pole several times and then fell to the ground. She looked around proudly.
“Concentration is key!” She said.
“Anet! Time for your lessons now!” It was Instructress Helga. S
he did not want to go but she knew better than to keep Instructress Helga waiting too long.
“Bye, sisters!” She said and went running inside. Helga was waiting.
“Come!” Anet frowned in deep suspicion. She seemed uncharacteristically cheerful. She led Anet up the many flights of stairs. Were they going to the small library today? They passed by many rooms she had never seen the insides of. They were headed to such a one. One of the many lone rooms near the top of the citadel. Helga knocked on the door.
“Come in!” They walked in and Helga pushed Anet into the room.
“This is Ilim. He will be your new teacher, Anet. Learn from him.” And with that Instructress Helga bowed curtly to him and left. Ilim's dark gaze was intense, as if he were seeking some answer, scratching his thick, gray beard. Anet did not know what to say and felt awkward and slightly fearful in the presence of this strange man. He was silent for what seemed like an eternity.
“You are from the Ainash.” She blurted out and then immediately regretted opening her mouth. She was now afraid that he would strike her for speaking first. He narrowed his eyes.
“Hedged within this fortress I see that you are unaware of proper custom, child.”
“I am sorry, father.”
“Normally a child is beaten for speaking before his elders have spoken. However, we live in strange times. You are very bold, I can see that about you. That is good, for timidness will not do. How old are you?”
“Ten years.”
“What is your name?”
“Anet.”
“I know that. What is your given family name?” He snapped. She flinched as if he really had struck her.
“Well go on, child. Your name.” He softened the edge in his voice.
“Anetaliat na-Kuyin, daughter of. . .oh.”
“It is important to know yourself, who you descended from and who you are now, to know where you may be going. Do you know your father and mother?”
“No.”
“One day I shall tell you about them.”
“You knew my family?”
“Silence! Do you know the Law and the Writings?”
“Some of them.”
“Some of them? Who was King Kaiga I?”
“He was the first Red King. He built Assenna and made it his capital and united all the peoples in Hybron. He was given the star scepter by God Himself.”
“You do not fear to speak of the Red Ones?” She shook her head.
“Good. Recite the prayer of King Kaiga when he inaugurated the first temple.”
“Oh God, may you find delight in this which we the people have built for the glory of your name. The first prophet Kelamm said long ago : “ “You will maintain a Holy City for your name in Hybron for the peoples to stream to.”” May you keep us upon the Red Path of righteousness and may you work through me to do your will always and to judge with justice with mercy and goodness and may our eyes never tolerate wickedness in all your holy land. Ellah Kaifah.”
“Huh. I see they have the true Aishanna here.”
“What does that mean?”
“The Ainash hate the Red Kings and have taken certain books out of the Aishanna in order to obscure knowledge. Many things they have taken away and other things which have nothing to do with the true word they have added. One thing is the book of the writings of the women.”
“I. . .” She began.
“We are at lesson now! I will question you and you will answer me. Pay attention! Recite for me the prayer of the last Red King, King Dahlan, written down in the Book of Prayers.” Anet thought for a moment. Iddina used to read it to them before bed each night. She closed her eyes and the silence was deafening but it finally came to her. She could sense the old man waiting.
“Lord of the Deep heavens may your name be glorified. May you carve a way in the dark for the light to shine again. Even though darkness and my enemies surround me you lift me up and bring before me a path out of the mire. May your will take place as you have spoken it. You have prophesied and given me a promise to bless all the peoples of the world who stream to you, may it take place just as you have said, oh my God. Ellah, Ellah Kaifah.” Anet felt as if she were in a trance and she took a deep breath after reciting it and finally opened her eyes. Ilim was looking at her in wonder. Then he nodded.
“You are the one He has told me about. Do you know why I had you recite prophetic prayers?” She shook her head.
“As you know, the old capital, Assenna was destroyed by God's hand though many believe it was simply a terrible natural disaster. It was divine retribution. It was once called the Decoration of kingdoms, Hybron the great land and Assenna, the jeweled city. But it became corrupt in the extreme. When you find you have a garment that has become filthy, so filthy it cannot be washed clean what do you do with it?”
“Use it for cleaning or throw it out.”
“So it was that way with the people of Assenna and even throughout Hybron but Assenna, mainly. God became incensed at their wickedness and destroyed it. Every man was doing bad all the time. However, He did not forget His promise to keep a holy city for His name and those who worship him. Many people have been looking forward to the fulfillment of this prophecy. I tell you now that we are going to bring it about, Anet. Those who have stayed true to the Old Ways of God. Many will look and fear it, others will rejoice and many will not know but God is bringing about another Red King to bring justice back to the land.”
“What do the priests say?”
“They do not want to hear of it and some do not believe it. They scoff. Those that do believe it are the ones we must beware of, for they will work to destroy this new king.”
“Who is the new king?”
“I do not know. God has not revealed him yet. He may not even be born. I have had many dreams. I know you have had dreams too, have you not?” She nodded.
“They are prophetic dreams. We will talk about them for God is a revealer of signs and dreams, Anet. When the king comes we will know it. We and others like us have been raised up to prepare the way for the future. He is bringing back the desert prophets into the world.”
“Is Mother Berenice like us?”
“In a way. He uses many people with different talents and strengths to bring about His will. You have been brought here by those who may not have perceived your talent but took pity upon you and saved you from death or worse when they did not have to. Then there are those like Mother Berenice who have their own path to follow. She has nurtured and fostered you among many young girls here, saw your gifts, kept you safe and tutored you in many things.”
“So my training here is finished?” She asked, confused. Ilim frowned.
“Of course it is not! Do not be silly. You have a great deal more to learn, not just about history but about the world, about the land all around. . .and weaponry.” He said this last reluctantly.
“Weaponry?”
“Yes. I must travel back to Jhis soon but I shall be back and forth and I shall send messages to Mother Berenice for you to follow, lessons and instructions. First, you will begin your training with the guardian scions. You will learn how to wield a sword and to shoot a bow and arrow. And your first lesson will be how to find your way in the darkness and how to hunt by the light of the moons. Both moons shall be out tonight, so there shall be some light to see by. You will be taught how to hide yourself in the bright moonlight when the moons are high. You will learn why later.” Anet felt as if her feet were not touching the ground. What would this lesson be like? She felt that life had suddenly become vastly more interesting. Maybe this priest was not so terrible after all.
“Father Ilim?”
“Yes child?”
“What is your given family name?”
“I am Ilim Gulin na Shayin, son of Elimmilek of the Arvadite tribe.
“I want to know which tribe I came from.”
“You will know, in time.”
“Will all these things help me fight dragons?”
�
��Dragons! Why do you speak of dragons?”
“I hear people talk about them. And how great warriors fought them and how sailors do things to appease them.” He heaved a great sigh before speaking, as if he were weary.
“There are many things in the world, great and terrible and there different types of men God raises up to fight against them. The great sages, like Nagilla the Great and Galam'akmet, the warriors like Ishuye, Rannadur and Zarupheh, the judges like the early shaikhs before the Age of Empires and the kings of old. You speak of dragons but these are mere distractions from the real darkness. There are things more dangerous and far more subtle then they. Life in the desert is a protection from the real darkness. So, let us speak no more of dragons.” He gave her a stern, disapproving look. Anet gulped, the wind temporarily slapped out of her sails.
“Did you speak to God?” She asked quietly. Ilim nodded.
“In a dream He spoke to me.”
“What did He say?”
“That the time for change has come and that there is much work to do. Let us get to it.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
They arrived in barges filled with kata flowers and shaded in white and gold veils from the heat of the high morning sun. Queen Taliat sat amongst creamy silk pillows. Her long, thick black hair streamed down her back and entwined in her tresses were long strings of tiny pearls and her dark amber eyes painted with the faintest shadow of kohl. She was all smiles and serenity, her golden bangles jingled as she waved at the crowds gathered everywhere to see their new queen again. The people outside of the arena followed the royal barges as they floated along King's Lake, a long, narrow man-made lake stretching from the palace to the arena.
The king thought he had never laid eyes on a woman more desirable. She was even more beautiful than Diti, now that he thought on it. Surely, he could begin building his dynasty with this one. Petals filled the air and the roars of the crowd were deafening. Taliat shined like a star in her gold and white wedding silks and her gold and ruby headdress, like Hetar, the first Queen of Heaven.
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