Aminah's guards stayed rooted into their spots. They would not move without an order from their general, thus the king's guard was stopped at the entrance unable to make their way to the front.
Duke Majidi sat high on his horse, the reins loosely held in his hand, "Make way for the king's guard." he ordered.
Eyes moved to the whip on his waist. As long as he did not reach for it, danger was still able to be avoided.
Aminah's guards turned to her, what is the order? Should they move?
Babu limped towards Aminah's swallow, "Scholar Aljehni," he whispered his voice back to normal, his eyes no longer dazed, "he can help. I do not, I am unable," he banged on his head and tearful eyes stared at the weapon that was now a hair's width away. "It is too late. Scholar Aljehni, it is too late." he bloody hand gripped the swallow and aimed the sharp end at his head. "Please." his voice cracked.
Aminah did not hesitate and with slight movement of her arm Babu was killed. His body fell to the ground with a thud. "Make way for the king's guard she ordered."
Her troops moved immediately, opening a path. Dismounting his horse Duke Majidi. His 2nd and 3rd in command flanked his left and right. Reaching Aminah he lifted his hands and greeted her, "General Aljehni."
Lifting her hands as well, "Duke Majidi."
Duke Majidi stared at Babu's dead body on the ground. "Young Lord Jian?"
"Yes?" Aminah answered. Then with a swift glance towards Amenah and Dharam, ordered them to discreetly head back inside.
Duke Majidi sighed, "The king wished for me to apprehend the young lord and you killed him." Making his way to Babu, he turned his body over to examine the cause of death. "Stabbed him through the head. How merciless." Rising, "Him dying is not because I was too late, but because you wanted to." he spoke in a slightly irritated tone. "Why?"
Holding her head high, "Young Lord Babu broke into my home, attacked my family and brought with him bandits, as a general it is my job to protect the peace. Thus I took him out." Then with quick calculations she added, "I was not aware that the king wished to arrest him. Surely if I had known."
Duke Majidi chuckled, "Yes, if only you had known." Clapping his hands he turned to the men that were tied up and silently sitting on the floor, "Allow me to do clean up for you."
Havil pushed Dharam and Amenah who were still outside the rest of the way to the house. "Do not look." he ordered.
Duke Majidi pulled out his whip and with 3 swings heads of the 'bandits' rolled on the ground. When he was finished he rolled his whip back up and turned to Aminah with a deadly smile, "Consider my debt to you paid General Aljehni, this is all I can do." he told her. Speaking to his 2nd in command, "Collect the bodies, let us return to the king."
Chiara kicked the back of Asbed's knee, "How is it you are my brother when you are so stupid? Surely you have a rock for a brain." he insulted.
Asbed fell from his place on the chair to reach the window, "If you hit me, you can not complain when I hit you back." he grumbled .
Chiara held her finger to her mouth, "Shh. Do you want everyone to hear where we are?"
The secret room behind the bookshelf in Scholar A;jehni's study was not very big. Inside was a table, 10 chairs, and a window. The window was 2 chairs and one Asbed high off the ground. And after being kicked by Chiara, when Asbed fell the chair crashed to the ground, scaring the already nervous Roset.
Roset clung to Aaleyah, his small arms snaked around her neck. His face was so close to hers they were practically breathing the same air. Aaleyah rubbed her hand on his back in smooth circles, "It is just Asbed and Chiara being brainless. No need to be frightened." she comforted.
"You-" Chiara stomped her foot in annoyance and moved to his Aaleyah but Zale stepped in front.
"Chiara we are all nervous, but as you told Asbed, we must stay quiet. There is no use arguing with each other." he reasoned and returned to his seat next to Aaleyah.
Asbed grumbled, "I only saw a bit before I was injured." he gave a pointed glare towards Chiara. "I am almost positive I saw mother's troops." he reported.
Aaleyah rose from the chair with Roset in her arms, "Mother is here?"
Asbed nodded and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Roset lifted his face from his safe spot on Aaleyah's neck, "So when can we leave? I want mother. I want Amenah to be unharmed." he asked in an innocent voice.
Asbed shrugged, "It should not be long. But remember we cannot leave until someone tells us it is safe."
Chiara rolled her eyes, "Obviously, no one here is planned on running out alone."
Asbed raised his head towards the ceiling and groaned, "Must you work so hard to be a thorn in my side?"
"Change to the other side then." Chiara rebutted.
"Or you could choose to be something less annoying." Asbed argued.
Roset's eyes began to water and Aaleyah decided she had enough. "If you do not know how to behave then do not call yourselves my older siblings. Why is it Zale and I are the only ones worried for Roset?"
At her words 2 pairs of golden eyes turn to inspect Roset. His body shook as he held back his tears.
Chiara caressed Roset's face, "Forgive your sister, do not cry."
Roset moved one hand from its tight hold around Aaleyah's neck and squeezed Chiara's hand, "Do you argue with Asbed because you are scared that our family is in danger?" a silent tear rolled down his cheek. "Do you think Dharam and mother will get hurt?' his chin shook and more tears fell from his eyes.
Chiara reached for Roset, "No of course not Roset. Asbed and I argue all the time." she soothed and lifted him into her arms.
Aaleyah moved away towards the chair under the window and gave Zale a knowing look.
Asbed motioned for Chiara to take a seat before sitting next to her. "Roset us arguing means that everything is well." he told his baby brother.
Chiara forced herself not to smile.
Asbed continued, "Could you imagine if Chiara and I got along? Would you not feel uncomfortable?" he asked Roset with a twinkle in his eyes.
Roset giggled, "So everyone is safe?" he asked again.
Behind Asbed, Zale hoisted Aaleyah on his shoulder and then climbed to stand on the chair. Aaleyah wobbled slightly and used her hands on the wall to steady herself. She accidentally locked eyes with Roset and motioned for him to stay quiet.
Chiara squeezed Roset's hands, "Of course everyone is safe. We are Aljehni's." she stated with conviction.
"Exactly. You never have to worry about anything." Asbed said. "As long as you have an Aljehni with you, you will always be safe."
"We Aljehni's are very strong Roset. We can never experience harm when we are together." Chiara told him.
Roset was having trouble paying attention to the warm words of comfort. Instead his focus was on Aaleyah who clung to the windowsill, and Zale was using all his strength to lift Aaleyah off his shoulders.
"Do you feel better now Roset?" Asbed asked.
"Roset?" Chiara looked down at her baby brother, then following his line of sight. "Aaleyah and Zale!"
Zale flinched and Aaleyah's balance was gone as she started falling.
The door to the secret room opened, "Alright everyone you can come out-" Dharam words faltered as he rushed to catch his little sister. "Why!" he yelled annoyed when he caught her safely in his arms. "Why must you two always cause trouble?"
"Eh! That is not fair." Zale pointed at Asbed, "he did it fi-."
Asbed cut Zale off, preventing him from telling Dharam that it was Asbed's idea. "Everything is safe? What happened? Zale and Aaleyah only told me a small amount, and Chiara knew nothing."
Aaleyah did not care that Dharam yelled at her. Nor was she affected by Asbed letting her and Zale take the fall. Jumping out of Dharam's arms, "Amenah? Is Amenah alright?"
Dharam subconsciously rubbed his ear, "She is fine. Father is attending to her."
No sooner had the words left his mouth had Aaleyah brushed past him racing for the door out of the study.
Pausing, Aaleyah turned around and raced back, "where exactly are they?"
"In her room, Father says she should rest after she receives treatment." Dharam answered with a sigh as Aaleyah raced away again, Roset following after her. Crossing his arms he stared at Zale. "Not following?"
Zale reached in his chest pocket and pulled out a cloth, "For your injuries." he said before calmly following the direction Aaleyah raced for.
Dharam chuckled and whipped at the blood by his mouth. Calling out, "You know for all the things I did this one injury shows my skillset." he bragged.
Zale's lips curled as he continued out the door.
Dharam tsked and opened his arms in confusion at Chiara and Asbed's stare, "What?"
Rolling his eyes, "What do you mean what? Obviously we wish to know what happened." Asbed said with a perturbed expression.
Scratching the side of his face lazily, "Babu-" Dharam started.
"Mother said you are not to address him like that." Chiara pointed out. Crossing her arms, "He is studying to be a scholar instead of a general sure, but we must address him as Young Lord Jian, and in the future Scholar Babu;" she grimaced and added, "if he passes."
Asbed snickered, "Chiara do not pretend to be so kind to him. We are family," he dropped his grin, "we know that you do not like him."
Chiara held her head high and jutted her chin.
"Are you channeling a donkey?" Asbed teased.
Chiara swung at Asbed and after missing stumped her foot and turned to Dharam, "Just tell us what happened!"
Dharam rubbed under his eye and tried his best to hold his laughter. After everything that happened arguing with his younger siblings was just what he needed. Opening his arms, "Come here."
Chiara and Asbed glanced at each other and then back to Dharam, "Which one?" they asked together.
Chuckling, "Both of you. I need a hug." Dharam confessed.
Asbed pretended to fumble with the ribbon tying his hair up. Keeping a smile on his face he turned away from Dharam and mouthed to Chiara, "He may have hit his head hard."
Chiara coughed to cover her laughter. "Can you just tell us what happened?" she asked not fond of the idea of hugging her brother. He was covered in dirt and small amounts of what she could only guess was blood. If she hugged him she would be just as filthy.
Holding his hands open, "No hug, no information." he stubbornly told them.
Asbed was anxious to know everything that happened, thus he hugged Dharam. His hands barely touched before he moved away, "There I hugged you. What happened?" he asked, his face one of someone who did all he was told.
Scoffing, "Chiara?" Dharam called.
Chiara scratched her arm, "I can just ask Amenah, you are not the only one who knows." she pointed out feeling smarter.
Dharam shrugged and walked further into the study and took a seat. Resting his legs on the corner on the table, his feet dangled off, "That is true. Although even mother asked for my telling of the events. I know more."
Chiara gritted her teeth and moved to hug her brother, only aiming to give a quick hug like Asbed did. Of course Dharam had other ideas. His arms wrapped around Chiara pulling her towards him, her balance losing in the war against her brother's strength. Dharam's ruffled Chiara's hair, destroying her neat perfect ponytail. "Dharam!" she pushed against him trying to get up, "Get off of me!" she yelled, swinging her hands on Dharam's shoulders.
Laughing Dharam released her and stood. "As if I will tell you two anything. Whatever mother and father wish for you to know they will let you know." Holding his hands up, "I am not going to do anything to get myself in trouble." he vowed.
Chiara was fuming but Asbed held her back from attacking her brother. "It is a losing battle Chiara, let it go." he said into her ear.
Kicking the air, "You ruined my hair." Chiara grumbled.
Making for the door, "You know, siblings are supposed to watch out for each other." he left his hand on the door handle. "Look at Ley Ley, Zale and Roset; the moment they had a chance they raced to see how their sister was." Pointing to himself, "How come you do not ask how I am?" he pretended to pout. "My feelings are hurt." Holding up the cloth Zale gave him, "Zale cared about my injuries." he pouted.
Chiara rolled her eyes, but Asbed hesitated. His brother joked and laughed, he complained and acted like a child. But this time his eyes seemed sunken. His smile did not brighten his face. Asbed's eyes scanned over his brother's body, he was injured, he was hurt. With a sigh Asbed went and hugged his brother.
Dharam's words halted in his mouth when Asbed's hands wrapped around him. This was not the swift hug he did earlier, this hug was tight enough to affect the minor injuries he had.
Asbed patted his brother's back, "I do not know what happened, but I am glad you are alright." The words of comfort were awkward, they did not seem natural coming from Asbed's mouth, but regardless the words still had an affect for Dharam hugged his brother back tightly.
Chiara nibbled at her lip. It was not that she did not worry for Dharam. It was… how does one put it? She never thought her brother was in danger, or would experience something he could not deal with. Amenah, Dharam, Herom; they were her older siblings. They were untouchable, as long as they were there she would not have to worry. So of course she did not ask if Dharam was harmed, she believed he was not. And she saw the small injuries on his body, but she knew his injuries were nothing compared to the ones he fought. Chiara rubbed her nails together, "I will get you some tea."
Aaleyah ran into Amenah's room. She knocked on the door and bounced on her feet waiting to be told to come in.
Roset ran past her, "Father, Amenah!" he cried sprinting around the room divider. Aaleyah was not to be left behind, followed after Roset.
Havil rose from his seat beside Amenah's bed. Holding a hand up, "No running inside." he calmly reprimanded. Lifting his head to greet Aaleyah, "How are your studies?"
Aaleyah's face blanched, "Father surely we can address my studies after Amenah is-"
"Your sister is fine." Havil cut her off, lifting Roset into his arms he kissed his cheek and looked at Aaleyah with cold eyes.
Aaleyah took a step back and bumped into Zale.
Zale raised his hands to greet his father, "Aaleyah was in the study until we were told to hide. She is almost finished scribing and translating the scroll you assigned to her." he reported, keeping the part of him helping out.
Havil nodded, "Good, finish it today." He motioned for them to walk out of the room, "Your sister is not gravely injured, I gave her medicine to help her sleep. When she wakes, remember to control your noise levels. For a week she will be sensitive to loud noises, so no fighting."
Aaleyah and Zale gave lingering looks at Amenah but followed their father's silent order to leave.
The cup in King Saamun's hand cracked under his ferocious hold, "What did you say?" he gritted out, his jaw clenched and he used all the strength his will held to not throw the cup at Duke Majidi's head.
Duke Majidi kneeled on the floor inside the empty hall. 'My apologies your majesty. This subject has failed in obtaining Young Lord Jia-" the cup shattered into pieces before him, a shard slicing his hand.
"Do not call him that!" The king rose and paced in front of his throne. "I gave you one order, was the duke always this incompetent?"
Duke Majidi kept his head down accepting the insults. There were no words to defend himself, he had failed his orders to arrest the young lord as well as the Stilits.
"Despicable!" Ceasing his pacing he faced the duke, "Why did you not arrest General Aljehni?" he asked. The Stilits being there, Babu claiming all he did was for the Aljehni name; it was all perfect. All the pieces were exactly as they should have been. And once again the cursed Aljehni family managed to get away.
Lifting his head, "The order to arrest the young lord, and the attack on the Aljehni estate happened too fast for General Aljehni to receive the order that he should have been kept alive. Thus she fought the men who attacked. General Aljehni broke no laws." he stated coldly.
King Saamun laughed darkly, "She killed someone the king said not to, she shall be punished!" he roared.
Duke Majidi blinked.
Waving a finger at him, "I want you to arrest her. Arrest the general! She has disobeyed the king!" he threw the platter of grapes that was next to him onto the floor, the clang of metal echoed throughout the hall.
"Shall this subject also be punished?" Duke Majidi asked.
Groaning, King Saamun ran a hand down his face, "And why," he waved his hand for the duke to stand, "would you be punished."
Standing straight, hands at his side, "The king asks me to arrest General Aljehni for disobeying orders that she was not aware of. Thus this subject should be punished for not telling the order fast enough. If this subject moved faster, General Aljehni would have known that the young lord needed to stay alive, and she would not have killed him. The one responsible for the death of the young lord is I."
King Saamun's face grew dark, "You dare threaten me?" He backed up to sit on his throne. "Have you forgotten who I am?" The bottom half of his face lit with a smile, "Forgotten who takes your punishments?"
Kneeling one more, Duke Majidi raised his hands and bowed low. "This subject dare not."
"Do not forget who you are." King Saamun calmed, his fingers rapping on the arm of his throne. "All that you have was given by me. You are my sword, you aim where I tell you to aim, you attack who I tell you to attack. You are a weapon, weapons need not think." he chuckled. "If you wish to be punished for your lack of speed then send me Megera." he ordered with a smirk.
Duke Majidi teeth bit on his tongue to hold back his words. His body shook, "Yes, your majesty." he forced himself to say.
Aware of the pain in the duke's eyes the king felt much calmer. "I will allow General Aljehni one last chance. You are dismissed."
Rising Duke Majidi bowed once more and left the hall to give the order for his sister to attend to the king.
As he made his way to his sister's chambers within the palace walls, he recalled General Aljehni's words from before.
1 Red and 8 Blue moons ago Lord Majidi left the training camps heading for home. He was excited to see his sister after so long, and now that his training was over he could stay home for the moon.
"Lord Majidi." Aminah greeted making her way to the exit with the reins of her horse in her hand.
Raising his hands to greet her, "General Aljehni."
"Is Lord Majidi returning home?" she asked to make conversation, but her eyes made him aware that there was more she wished to say.
Adding, "I have finished my training and will be returning to my sister for a moon."
A sad smile graced her lips, "Duke Majidi has been ill for some time," reaching into the pouch on her horse she pulled out a small box. "Tea leaves, they should aid in your father's health."
Accepting the tea, "General Aljehni is kind."
Aminah glanced around and seeing no one, took a step closer. "Lord Majidi is very talented, surely you can find a bright path outside the palace."
Confused, "The palace is the perfect place for me to show my skills. The king has noticed me and wishes to have my close. Is this not the brightest path?" he asked, dropping the formalities. Afterall he and General Aljehni were the same age. The exact same age, but she had achieved more than he could even fathom. Her military experience, and skillset was something known by all. The only thing people know about him was his family name and his tragedy.
Aminah sighed, "Khastan-"
"Aminah." Lord Majidi cut her off, "Why do you address me without formalities?"
Aminah pulled her horse to block them from sight of the watch towers, "Khastan the closer you get to the palace the more you place your family in danger. Did your father not ask you to form a path without the palace?"
"Wise words from someone who has a husband that stands at the royal family's side. You married the Aljehni, you come from the Medes family; when have you ever had to work hard?" his words dripped in so much jealousy that he was unaware of the pained expression in Aminah's eyes.
"This is not about that, I only wish to warn yo-"
"But it is!" he seethed. "It is about that. From your first breath you lived on a golden spoon. The gods continuously blessed you with talent, skill, power, riches, a successful marriage. Children!" he jaw tensed at the word. "It matters not if you fail, the world will forever only see if you shine." he said through clenched teeth.
Rubbing her head, tears filled Aminah's eyes, "Must you continue to hate me this much, Khastan?"
Khastan Majidi was too enraged to hear the pain in her voice, "Hate?" he laughed. "What husband would I be if I did not spend my living days aiming to turn your heaven on earth into hell?" He did not see the tear that fell from Aminah's eye and how she quickly whipped it away. "Every time I see you, I only remember that you did not help Istria."
More tears fell, "I tried." she reached for Khastan's hand but he slapped hers away. "Khastan I tried, but I could not." Her voice trembled, "There was nothing I could do. But I am trying to help you now. Please just listen to me!"
"Aminah!" he roared. "My wife is dead because of you. She died and you just walked away." he shook his head. "You are a monster, dressed in sheep's clothing." He relished in the pain her brown eyes showed, the visible flinch she had in reaction to his words.
Digging her nails into her palms, "I truly did everything I could. Khastan you have to believe me."
Pushing her, Aminah stumbled and fell against her horse, "Why? Why do I need to believe? Why do you insist on speaking to me? Why do you continue to crawl into my life? Is it to gloat?"
Aminah shook her head, "Fine. Hate me, but these words I must say to you. You must hear them, and after I vow never to speak to you first." she promised, her eyes filled with desperation.
"What is it?" he asked the anger barely masked by a cold tone.
"The king wished to use you to attain your sister. Whatever you do, you must keep Megera away from the palace." Aminah warned.
"Is that all you wish to say?"
Aminah shuddered, Khastan was filled with so much hatred he would not hear any word from her mouth. But she promised, "Yes."
"Good night, General Aljehni." Khastan said and walked away.
Now as Duke Majidi made his way to his sister he recalled that night. If only he had listened to Aminah and kept his sister away. So many things could have been avoided, so many of his sister's tears were shed because of his foolishness.
Knocking on the door, he heard a come in before entering. "Megera." he called.
The woman that welcomed him in was once a beauty. Her high breasts, broad hips and soft lips formed a woman that was made for child bearing. Every step she made left men dreaming of their own child in her womb. Her long brown hair was always held up by the most beautiful hair clips, unlike most women who kept strands of hair to frame their face; Megera was different. She kept all the hair pulled away so everyone could take in her beauty.
Her high cheekbones, and sharp features gave her an air of nobility. And her smile, her smile was gifted by the gods. She was someone Goddess Anahita could be proud of. So when she went to her rooftop that was high above all homes in the area, only the palace sitting higher; she bathed with no fear of anyone seeing.
She bathed completely unaware that from the high balcony of the palace, King Saamun sat and pleasured himself at the sight of her. And it was after that day that the King decided that he would take a concubine and it would be her.
The king had spoken with words of gold, left Megera feeling warm, and blessed to have caught the king's eye. She believed that he found her character beautiful, she never knew that he was aware of her unclothed body.
Khastan believed the gods were pouring blessing upon them. His father passed from a sickness and he was named Duke Majidi, he worried about leaving on missions with his sister alone at home. So when the King expressed his interest in his sister, asking, pleading to be allowed to marry her; of course Duke Majidi could only say yes. The king loved his sister, and yes because of politics he could not take her for a wife, and only a concubine. But still, was this not the bright path that his father had wanted him to take?
Megera looked up at her brother, because of the cut that was still healing at the side of her mouth she could not smile brightly. Her right eye was no longer swollen and the bruise had almost faded away, "Khastan, you have come to visit me." she rose quickly and swayed on her feet.
Catching his sister in his arms, "Be careful." Glancing down, "Does your ankle still hurt?"
Shaking her head her brother caught sight of the yellow bruise on her neck. "It does not hurt, I have just been sitting for too long." Moving out of his arms she returned to the table she rose from. "I am making you a new jacket." Beckoning him over, "It is a crocodile, do you like it?"
Duke Majidi ran his hand over the stitching of the golden crocodile, "It is lovely, Megera."
Megera held her brother's hands and urged him to sit, "My time at the palace has been better." she told him. "I have been left alone for almost an entire moon." she rolled up the sleeves of her dress so her brother could see the bruises on her arms, the fingerprints left from the king's love. "See! I am almost healed." she said happily.
Duke Majidi moved her loose hair out of her face. The king hated for others to see Megera, and in a fit of rage and jealousy took her hair comb and hit her with it. Thus Megera no longer wore her hair up. Instead every hair clip and pin she ordered for it to be thrown out. She left her hair parted down the middle hanging low and dead to cover her face. In the end it seemed to be a wise choice, her long brown hair could cover her bruises.
Moving her hair behind her ear, "Megera." he called in a forlorn voice.
The joy in Megera's eyes dimmed, her teeth chattered against each other. Holding her hair in her hands she nervously ran her fingers through it. Again. And again. And again. "He has asked for me." she whispered dejectedly.
Duke Majidi dropped his head, "I am so sorry. I have failed you." He had grown brave, forgotten how weak he truly was. His pride wanted him to repay his debt to Aminah so he could continue hating her. He wanted to never owe Aminah again.
For it was Aminah that warned him. Aminah that tried to save his sister. Aminah that saved his life. Duke Majidi was just too prideful, he did not think things through, and now his sister must pay the price.
Megera held her hands to stop them from shaking, "I understand." She released a shaky breath, "Brother please do not come see me for this week. I will write to you when you can come."
Duke Majidi could feel his heart break at his sister's words. She was healing, the king had not asked for her for so long. The next time he sees his sister, how many more bruises and wounds would she have? "I am sorry." he whispered.
Megera smiled softly, "The only one I could never hate in this world is you Khastan. You never have to be sorry." She took a step back, "Thank you for visiting, but this one must attend to the king."
Duke Majidi rose and excited the chamber. He must never waiver again, his job is to follow orders, not think if they are right or wrong.
Saan spun the brush in his hand while he focused on the moves on the page. Inside the library he sat in a chair next to the window on the other side of the room from Hammun. Hammun claimed that if Saan bothered him again he would grant him death by a thousand needles. Which is very unfair, Hammun did not understand what it was like to like a girl who had no need for him. Aaleyah had everything, there was nothing he could grant her. That and Aidkjeen men were known for being protective of their women. Saan slapped his forehead, at this point the one who would need protecting would be him instead.
The last time he sparred against Aaleyah he only got one solid hit before being utterly destroyed. While he held strong against Zale… he did not really count. He was more of an archer anyway. Everyone knew that it was Aaleyah who was the better fighter, and Saan can only imagine how much more terrifying she will be after she perfects weapon concealment.
It was Hammun's idea, that instead of trying to fight Aaleyah with her strengths, why not perfect what she is weak at? Swordsmanship. Aaleyah hated using a sword, she complained that it was too heavy, and she loathed carrying it around her person. Thus while she knew of swordsmanship, she physically knew nothing. Her mother, General Aljehni would have punished her, for all children in the military should know how to use a sword; Aaleyah was somehow excused. Saan believed it was because she was skilled in everything else.
Pulling out his hand, Saan counted the skills that Aaleyah was perfecting, any blade you could throw was an obvious skill. Her aim was flawless, and she even learned how to throw with her eyes closed. Lifting a second finger, archery. While not as good as Zale who seemed to be a natural, she was good at that too. Although she could not ride the horse and aim. Lifting a third, she knew how to make weapons and was getting good at identifying weapons from a cut it left behind. Holding a fourth finger, her hand to hand combat was so-so. Pausing, Saan smiled and lifted the book closer to his face to read. That's it!
Saan jumped from his seat, 'Hammun! I figured it out!" he yelled rushing to the other side of the room.
Hammun slammed his brush down, "Saan," he grit out, "tonight when you go to sleep and the moon lulls you to a nice dream," he spoke in a sickly sweet voice, "I am going to go into your chambers and I am going to pour thousands of needles onto your bed, and after you roll in it. After your body is littered with cuts I am going to dunk you in lemon juice." he threatened.
Saan chuckled, his feet faltered slightly, "Just listen to this and I promise to leave you alone."
Hammun pulled the pin out of his hair, his tight top knot only held by the red ribbon, holding the pin like a weapon, "Speak, go ahead. It is your life." he threatened.
Saan scratched his neck, "I found a way to beat Aaleyah." he said, restraining his excitement.
Putting the pin back in his hair, "Is that all?" he asked, eyes ablaze.
Forgetting his fear, "Are you not going to ask what it is?" Saan rubbed at his nose. Asking with a stubborn expression, "As my brother, should you not desire to share in my excitement?"
Hearing those words Hammun's eyes gleamed with so much annoyance that Saan saw his grandfather. "Saan, do tell me how you have decided to attack the woman you may or may not care about. Say everything so you will not have to come back." he ordered.
Grinning childishly, "Thanks." Saan took a seat next to his brother.
Upon having his brother dump his book atop his scrolls Hammun was so shocked he was at a loss for words.
"So, I was thinking about the way Aaleyah fights." Saan flipped a few pages back to show images of the style he was studying, "And I realized that she relies heavily on her legs." Pointing to an image, "Like this."
"Great." Hammun stated boredly.
Grinning, "I thought so too, but that is not all." Saan flipped to a different page, "There is a reason she does this. The fighting style she learned is only one part." He pointed to the images, "Zale and Aaleyah fight as one. She is the legs and he is the arms."
Hammun raised a brow slowly becoming interested, "What does that mean? I have seen Aaleyah fight with her hands." he rolled his eyes, no one fights half way.
"I know, I know." Saan was vibrating with excitement at having cracked the code. "The offensive moves Aaleyah has comes from her kicks, and then she uses her arms to defend herself."
Hammun crossed his arms, "I do not understand how this knowledge will help you, just because you know this weakness, you still lack the skills to attack. Aaleyah is fast," he shook his head, "you would never be able to exploit her lack of punch attacks." he playfully punched the air.
Saan huffed, "That is what you think. If I make myself able to withstand the kicks I will win. That is the only offense she has, I will beat her kicks with my punches and take her down." he stated proudly.
"That sounds absolutely idiotic. Have fun." Hammun brushed Saan's book of his scrolls and returned to reading.
Saan was not affected by Hammun's lack of interest, he had figured Aaleyah out. He just needed to study ways to block kicks and he would eventually be the winner. Maybe he should receive training from Herom. He sucked his teeth, but Herom was scary, all the guards were afraid of him. His teaching methods left no room for rest or laziness. He expected the best at all times. Maybe he could wait another Blue moon.
Outside the palace news had gotten out about the Jian family. Throughout the marketplace everyone was invested in the story.
"The general's son was really the one who sold the weapons?"
"Are they not best friend's to the Aljehni's? Shame just a moon ago the Aljehni's were almost forced to take the fall for it."
"Serves that boy right, he should die for his crimes. I heard his father killed himself in prison. He was so aggrieved by his son's actions."
"Who wouldn't be? A monster living in his own home." a scoff, "And I thought generals were supposed to be hypervigilant."
"Either way he is dead, and the Aljehni family saved us once again. Could you imagine the chaos if those Stilits were still alive and running about? The Heavens have graced us with the Aljehni strength. General Aljehni was able to wipe out all the Stilits."
"But I heard that they did not locate all the weapons that were sold."
A shrug, "It is only a matter of time. We need not worry about anything. General Aljehni will handle it."
And as the commonfolk praised the Aljehni family, King Saamun's anger only grew. For hours on end he suffocated Megera with his anger. Each morning a servant had to come and feed her, for her body was too weak to move. And as the daylight reached a high and then a low; as Megera could feel her strength return, the king too would return. Her pain was as equal as his anger, her tears as plentiful as his jealousy.
Finally after 2 weeks the king discarded Megera back to her quarters to heal for the next time he would have a need for her. Sick of hearing the praise of the Aljehni the king ceased his games and outright denied any plea or need from anyone close to the Aljehni family. All evidence and witnesses who came to prove the Jian family innocent were ignored. And with the sun high in the sky, in an arena surrounded all the major families; the Jian family was hung.
Positions that were once open to scholars, were closed. Anyone connected to the dreaded academy was ignored. Many fresh graduates were forced to return to their hometowns.
Soldiers were overlooked positions of becoming commanders, and given to those not trained or connected to the Aljehni family.
The Lords and Ladies were no fools, they could see the wrath the king swung on a whip; thus many partnerships with Aljehni's slowly ended. People were too afraid to buy their weapons, less the king heard of it and ostracized them. Students began withdrawing from the academy and were moved to different ones.
But what really hit the nail on the forehead was Scholar Leelin. Within the King's court Scholar Leelin seemed to be one the few that refused to ostracize Havil. It was not that she spoke out in his name, or purposefully sided with him. She was just one of the few who was not swayed by the crowd. If everyone went left because that was the correct path she would follow. But if everyone went left simply because everyone was; Scholar Leelin would check what was right, and if it was right she would go against all others.
So when it was suggested that the Jian estate be burned to the ground the sides were obviously made. Within the king's court the officials had eyes, they had ears as well. However some of the officials did not use their eyes to see that the Jian family was innocent. Nor did they use their ears to hear how the people of the kingdom felt. Many of them knew that Babu Jian was guilty, but they all felt despair at the rest of the family being killed.
So if the commonfolk could see the cruel fate, why could the officials not. Simple. They refused to see, refused to hear, because the king wanted the case closed.
Scholar Aljehni, and Scholar Leelin, along with their disciples who were studying underneath them all spoke up for the deceased Jian family. Brought up old Aidkjeen customs. The Jian family was beheaded, and due to the crime they did not receive proper burials. Their bodies discarded for animals to feed on. Such treatment to the body can confuse the souls as they travel to the afterlife. Thus the lost souls must return to their starting place to recall their identity. It is believed that if their home is destroyed they will forever wander, never knowing who they are and how to reach the next life.
Havil Aljehni did not believe in the old Gods, but following the traditions was a sign of respect. That and General Nubian believed in the old Gods. it is honorable to respect his faith in death. Scholar Leelin was a firm believer in the old Gods and she refused to allow the entire Jian estate to be turned into dust. She even made a point to remind everyone that the king himself was a follower of the old Gods, and thus should be fearful of retaliation if Osiris decided to become angry.
King Saamun rose from his throne, laughing in irritation, "Scholar Leelin, have you no fear?" his words silenced everyone in the hall.
Immediately kneeling to the floor, "King Saamun, this humble scholar meant no disrespect. This one only wishes to remind the fear that the old Gods can invoke." her hands shook as she spoke.
"Perhaps the king has shown you too much leniency." one of the magistrates said with a sneer. He walked to stand in the middle of the aisle. Bowing to the king, "Your majesty, the crimes against the Jian family have been paid, and leaving the estate alone, showing respect," he shook his head with a worried sigh, "I fear that it will send the wrong message to the people."
From her spot on the floor Leelin closed her eyes. The wise choice would be to stay silent, but she could not in good conscience not speak up for her faith, or for the innocent lives who should beagle to resurrect into a new life. "Your majesty is the leader of the people of Aidkjeen, but Osiris is leader of the souls of the afterlife."
"You dare to diminish our king's power." The magistrate turned to face the men and women of the court. "King Saamun and his blessed grace allotted for women like her," he pointed at Leelin, "to disgrace his name."
"I dare not, but the old Gods-"
"The old gods have a great many things they must handle. The old Gods chose King Saamun, who was born on the day of the king's star. How dare you!" The magistrate, seeing that the king made no move to stop him, slapped Leelin across the face.
Havil held back Leelin's students and stepped forward, "King Saamun is graceful enough to allow the kingdom of Aidkjeen to follow the faith of their choosing. His majesty's faith in the old Gods continues on, and enriches the culture of the kingdom. Customs are still followed, tradition carries on, and the faith's flame shines brightly in the hearts of its believers." He gently pulled Scholar Leelin to stand a step behind him, "It is due to the king's grace that scholars regardless of faith can come and show their knowledge and loyalty. Scholar Leelin is loyal to the crown, and through her loyalty spoke in defence of the king and his faith."
King Saamun glared at Havil Aljehni's sugary words. They dripped in what he knew was civility, and attitude. His innocent mediator appearance, his open arms as he addressed the crowd. It disgusted him. Havil Aljehni's yellow clothes matched his demonic eyes. Gift from the gods? Ha! As if. His gods did not send that cursed family to him, this was all done by shadow demons of destruction.
He shot a look at Duke Majidi who swallowed and stood with a cold expression, "Let us adjourn for the day. The Jian estate will be burned down under the king's wishes. Our king is protected by the star of royalty, and the old Gods will not retaliate, it is by their will that King Saamun sits on the throne and protects us all."
Some seemed to disagree, but Duke Majidi's guards had their hands on the swords, thus everyone remained quiet and excited the court.
Havil walked behind Scholar Leelin, their disciples following behind them silently. As they all made their way down the numerous steps of the palace Leelin cleared her throat to speak.
"Scholar Aljehni." she greeted with a bow.
Havil motioned for the disciples to leave, "Scholar Leelin, in this time, it seems this one owes you an apology."
Acknowledging Havil's apologetic eyes, "Nonsense, it is not for you that I stood where I stood." she patted his cheek, a lingering action from their years of friendship. "The king will remove me from court soon, I can sense it." she smiles sadly, "When that happens I will have to trust you to watch over my students."
"With my life." he vowed.
"Not that much." she jabbed a finger to his shoulder, "You must protect your family. I lucked out and am unmarried."
Scholar Leelin was too old to marry being 3 Red Moons old, her time of marriage had passed, and due to her years as a scholar she had pushed away every prospecting man that came her way. Now it seems she will lose her position and return to her hometown with nothing to show for it.
"Scholar Leelin, at least allow me to escort you home when the time comes."
Chuckling, "I will allow that." turning towards the stairs they had just descended from, "I only wonder how much time I have left." Continuing the path to leave she called out, "Every bright day ends with moonlight."
Havil silently agreed, but come moonlight he hopes to have his family far from the capital.
Later Havil returned home, and hearing his children working together to attack Herom he walked into his study to speak to his wife. From the other room he could hear arguments about making arrows and being the best sibling. He squeezed his wife's hand, that childish chaos is something he hoped to preserve.
"You are certain of your position in court now? There is no coming back?" Aminah crossed her legs, her foot shaking; it was all too soon. There was still much she needed to do.
Havil pinched the bridge of his nose, "Aminah after Kemal Adel lost his position in the light more and more scholars I have trained have their positions. Or their favor. No one wishes to hire Kemal in the capital," he nodded, "as we thought, he will soon have to return to his home. But everyone I have taught, all friends I have are being scrutinized."
"And we are certain this is in regards to you? It is not that they have done wrong in the past and due to you being punished for it. They are completely innocent?" At this point Aminah was not really asking, but speaking with slight hope that they would have more time.
"Scholar Leelin is going to step down from her position." he confessed.
Her leg stopped shaking, "What?" Leelin was gifted, and Blue moons ago she was the Kemal of her time. She was wanted by everyone. Surely the king would not allow his personal emotions to get in the way of her skillset.
Havil tapped her knee, "Yes, Scholar Leelin. One of the brightest women in the main kingdoms. Her work and education is well known. We can both recall how masters across the lands asked to have her as a pupil. Before she chose her teacher and received her job in the king's court, King Saamun himself said her future was one paved by the old Gods." he scratched at his bun. His long hair was tied up to sit perfectly on his head. "However, her friendship with me has placed a shadow on her light." His eyes shook with regret.
Aminah rose from her seat and stood behind Havil. Massaging his shoulders, "Shhh, Leelin has been of age for a long time. She can handle herself, and does not need your pity."
Havil closed his eyes, enjoying his wife's comforting touch. "Is pity truly so bad?"
"A woman as intelligent as Leelin has no need for it."
Gasping his wife's hand he turned to face her. His hand slinked at her side and pulled her to fall onto the chair next to him, "Do the wise deserve no one to care for him?"
Aminah rested her back against his strong chest, her hands playing with Havil's fingers, "If pity comes without action it is useless." She tilted her head back, "What does High Prince Hammaan say?"
Resting his chin on her shoulder, "It has been some time since I spoke to the high prince. The last we spoke was a secret letter the day after the banquet."
"The king's punishment?" she surmised.
"Yes. At that time the high prince thought the same way I did. He had traveled with his sons for training in the Trivplah Kingdom for a time. Dangers are arriving at the Aljehni doorstep. I told you his thoughts, we discussed it," his sentence slowly faded out, as if he was nervous to speak.
"Your thoughts have changed?" Aminah moved away from her husband's back and turned to face him. Just hearing his words she would not be able to tell his feelings and hidden thoughts, but she knew her husband had great difficulty hiding from her.
"I am not sure you will like it." he twirled the edge of her braid around his fingers.
Pouting, her face was the same as her children's, "If it is something I will not like, how about you not say it."
Havil chuckled and pinched her cheek, "My star, this one lacks the wisdom to plan this alone."
Aminah raised a brow, "Oh." she gave a face of shock, "My wisest scholar in the lands claims to be unwise?" she scoffed in disbelief. "What has happened to the world?"
Chuckling Havil kissed her forehead, "My star, my Aminah," his hand caressed the gift that was his wife, "please tell me you know of my love for you."
Aminah gave him a chaste kiss, "I have never questioned it." She sat back and her face grew serious, "I am ready, tell me what you know I do not wish to hear."
"It is in regards to the proposal Hammaan gave. An oath of allegiance. A method of proving to the king, and all kingdoms, that the Aljehni's are servants to the crown and nothing more.
"Similar to my family's customs?" she asked. In the Medes family, every male had to give 5 Blue moons of service to the borders. It was dangerous and weapons were not easy to come by, the summers were too hot, and the winters were too cold. However in doing this, vowing to go to such a dangerous place, regardless of station within the capital, King Saamun knew that the Medes family was normal.
"What offering could we give, what do we have that we could swear upon?"
Havil scratched at his nose, "The only thing in this world that would bind us to never go against the royal family." He maintained eye contact, his golden orbs in turmoil.
"The only thing we care for more than our kingdom is our family-" Aminah froze, her husband did not mean it. That custom had long since died out.
In the past families would swear loyalty to their king by sacrificing one of their children. With their child's blood they would write a vow to never betray their king, less their child's soul experience agony. Aminah's leg shook faster, her husband did not mean that. He could not mean that. The kingdom was important, the king was important, but she would never sacrifice her child for anyone, if that meant she was not loyal to the king then so be it.
"No." she refuted. Standing from her seat, she reached for her staff subconsciously, but it was nowhere near her. "Absolutely not!"
Havil rose in shock, "Aminah, you are going to alert the children." his foot moved to slide the door closed with his foot.
Her brown eyes ablaze as she glared at her husband, "Perhaps they should be alerted." Her arm swung to her side, "Do you truly mean to sacrifice them?" she tried to ask but it came out as a hiss.
Havil took in his wife's affronted expression, "What?" his hands shook and he stepped towards her, "What are you saying?" He held her hands gently, "What is it you think I am saying?"
Aminah's breaths were deep like she was preparing herself to move swiftly. Her hands curled into fists, "Havil." she breathed out.
"I think there is a misunderstanding," he said slowly.
Her hand shook as she pulled them away, "Then please explain, please tell me what it is you are thinking." her cold words were a stark difference from the raging fire in her eyes. The general in her was warring with the mother. Her calm facade being taken over by a mother's fear.
Havil reached for her but his hand stayed in the air, grasping nothing. "Alright, we have spoken of this before, but I have given it more thought. What if we send one of our children to live within the palace walls. Then King Saamun will have no reason to worry, not with our own blood in his grasp.
Aminah's face scrunched, and her fists loosened, "Send our children to the palace?" Havil had spoken to her about this before. Her tongue slid dangerously between her teeth, "You do not, you were not, you, it was-" Hearing where her husband's thoughts were, and what she was thinking, she had trouble voicing her thoughts.
"What is it?" This time when Havil moved to take her hand Aminah did not move away. "What thoughts did your mind devise?"
"I, I thought, I feared that you meant to enact the loyal sacrifice, and kill one of our-"
Havil inhaled sharply, his grimace but forced himself not to move away, "I would never." He dropped her hands and locked his own behind his back. It was a position that grounded him. His hands tightened into fists, "Do you think me a monster?"
Resting her arms coldly at her sides, "I do not. My mind did not think with reason. After Nubian, after taking his son's life," she exhaled slowly, "There are actions one could never think themselves to do." The pain of her past actions swam in the thoughts of her mind. It was not that she thought her husband to be a monster, but that she had become the monster first. She had taken Babu's life, left Nubian for dead. Then she went on with her life as if it was nothing. She threw herself into work, but work was empty without Nubian. And now her husband came to her, maybe a part of her wished that she was not the only monster. "I am the wrong one."
Havil took in his wife's tearful eyes, "Aminah-"
Hearing the comforting tone, "Do not." she cut him off. "I do not wish for pity."
"A husband is unable to show his wife sorrow? A husband is unable to provide his wife compassion?" He should have spoken about Nubian and Babu sooner. He should have given her a space to grieve, instead he allowed her to walk the path of her choosing, and that path was one of pain.
Aminah cleared her throat and returned her face to one annoyance and coldness, "The only thing I have left is my family, I apologize, but for a second I thought you planned to have me lose it"
Pulling his wife into a tight hug, his hand gently running down her back. "My star, your husband will never allow his family to be in harm's way." tilting his head, he kissed her temple, "I will find a way to save us all. This I vow."
Dropping shoulders Aminah clung tightly to her husband, "If the distrust grows, then sending one of our children to live within the palace walls will be endangering them." she spoke into his chest.
Havil rested his hand atop Aminah's head, "It is not that serious at the moment, I will make more time.