Herom carefully watched Helan's movements, "You are too closed up." he pointed out with a shake of his head.
Helan stopped, panting from the training, "We are supposed to keep ourselves protected." He lowered his sword and faced Herom, "No?"
Herom chuckled, "You are protecting yourself so much you will never be able to attack. When you swing the sword you need to actually move your arm away from your body," he demonstrated as he spoke, swinging the sword in a swift circular arc.
Helan mimicked the motion, "But what happens if someone dodges and then comes towards me? I will not have time to bring my arm back to block."
Heron shrugged, "You focus greatly on defense moves, but," he shook his head, "It is better to just show you." He beckoned Helan, "Come at me." Heron swung his arm in the circular motion he taught Helan. Helan did not hesitate and ducked lunging forward to attack Herom's neck.
Herom swirled the blade in his hand swiftly and before Helan's sword could reach his neck, his own blade was at Helan's throat.
Helan nodded, "I see, but I could still move the blade and come closer." He clashed his blade against Herom's.
"Do not move." Heron ordered. "Look at our positions, my right hand is reaching behind you, it is aimed at your neck. When you knocked my hand away there was no attack I could do with my right hand that will be fast enough." Herom explained.
"Exactly," Helan agreed, "You have no defense moves, and are vulnerable to attack." he pointed out, trying to understand.
Herom smiled, "Correction, there are no more offensive moves I can do with my right hand." With that he dropped the hilt of his sword and caught it with his left, "In my other hand, however, my opponent, which is you, is back on the offensive."
Helan jumped back in shock, "I was under the impression you were right handed." he replied in awe, "Leave it to Herom to always leave me surprised."
Herom chuckled, "I am but doing this move will shock your opponent long enough for you to get away, or finish the fight. Sometimes a fight is just one hesitation away from victory." He switched the blade to the other hand swiftly, "In that shock I can switch again."
"I see." Helan sheathed his sword, "I will practice this and use your own moves against you the next time we spar."
Herom scoffed, "I have taught you this move, do you truly believe I have no other tricks up here?" he tapped the side of his head.
Helan was already walking away, "And do you truly believe I will not implement your skills into my own style?" He turned his head, the sun shined on his brown eyes highlighting the excitement in them. "Until next time Herom."
Cupping his mouth to make his voice louder, "If I win you pay the next time we go out for drinks." He laughed when he saw Helan only wave and continue walking.
Meanwhile at the Aljehni estate Aaleyah was practicing the fighting techniques she learned from the books she stole out of Herom's room. It was a book on sword fighting techniques, but she was using a dagger and adjusting the moves.
Dropping the dagger she grumbled and stared at the book again. The 4th image was not easy and repeated the motion multiple times before trying all the steps again. Spinning her hand she focused on rotating the blade to face the other direction when the sound of high pitched plucking distracted her once more. "Ahhh!" Dropping the dagger Aaleyah closed the book and stumped to the room Zale was in.
Zale sat with his tongue sticking out in deep concentration as he moved his fingers across the strings of the lyre. Why was it not sounding like the tutor's?
His door slid open with a slam, a slight wind coming from the speed. Zale huffed and gave his twin an aggrieved expression. "Do you mind? I am trying to study."
Marching into the room Aaleyah snatched the lyre out of his hands. "I have been trying to practice for an hour and I still am unable to get past the 4th picture because you pluck like a demented dog!"
Rising from his seat his ace grew just as heated when his sister moved his instrument away. Glaring he spared a glance at the book in her hand, "Do not blame me for your lack of intelligence. That does not look like a book on Aljehni history to me. Looks to me like you are training which is what I am sure father told you not to do." Zale stretched his open hand out, "Return the lyre to me and I will pretend I did not see you deliberately disobeying father's order." he threatened.
Asbed had heard the sound of the slamming door and made his way to stop his siblings. "What is going on?"
"Not now Asbed!" Aaleyah yelled.
"It does not concern you!" Zale roared. Zale hands balled into fist, "Give me the lyre back Aaleyah. I am not entertaining your games." His childlike face held a threatening expression.
"Games?" Aaleyah could barely hold back her rage. She had spent the entire morning listening to an off tempo plucking and her irritation was ready to burst. She chose to train in hopes to alleviate her annoyance. "What is so amazing about this instrument? Can you just let it go? Can you find nothing quieter to do!" she screeched.
Zale forced himself to laugh, his own annoyance showing through the fist he kept hitting the wall with. "Do you think the sound of your blades is silent? Do you think you are some ghost that can not be heard? Do you think that the sound of you slamming books, kicking rocks, or throwing daggers against the wooden target is silent!" with each word his voice grew louder. Marching towards her he pushed her against the door she had slammed open, "The only person loud and annoying in this house is you!"
Aaleyah titled her head to look up at her twin, hatred covering her face, "If you play this despicable instrument again I will break it." she threatened coldly.
"If you break my instrument I will break our promise. I will take your secret and write in on a paper, hanging it in the marketplace for all to see. I will write letters and send it to the neighboring kingdoms so they know your secret as well." he snatched the lyre out of her hand, "I am not joking this time."
Aaleyah could feel her eyes filling with tears, not because she was hurt; but because she was so angry. Her mind was in flames and she could not even think. "You have threatened to do this before." She pulled on the collar of Zale's shirt to bring him down towards her, "If you betray me in that way I will never forgive you." She spared a swift glance at the lyre in his hand, "Take your instrument, may you know that every time you play it, you hurt me." Then with a push she walked away brushing past Asbed without sparing him a look.
Asbed scratched his head, "I thought you were no longer arguing about this?" he complained.
Zale rolled his eyes and walked back to his seat, "We are not arguing."
Pointing in the direction Aaleayh left, and then to the door she slammed open, "Are you happily communicating?" he asked sarcastically.
Zale studied the top of the music sheet, "We do not need to communicate at all. She can do whatever she wishes away from me."
"And this is called not arguing?" Asbed asked in disbelief.
"Correct." Zlale positioned the lyre correctly.
"Zale, what is this really about?" Asbed asked.
Zale gave a long and drawn out sigh, and put down the lyre. "What is what about?" he asked, looking confused.
Now Asbed was the one annoyed. "What do you mean what do I mean." he motioned to the door, "the arguments with your sister." He glanced between the door and Zale enough times that his ponytail swayed left and right.
"Which sister?" Zale pretended to ask.
Asbed debated leaving his younger brother to be alone in the room. But he knew that the twins were sensitive and after arguments did not like to be alone. Thus, he forced himself to sit across from Zale. "Do not mock my intelligence, why are you and Aaleyah not getting along?" he maintained a casual tone, knowing that if he seemed upset Zale would close up.
Crossing his arms, "Why are you asking me? Why not ask Aaleyah?" Zale complained.
"She is not here." was Asbed's swift response. Stretching his legs, he rested an arm on the table, "Besides, I have so many questions for my dear brother."
"I have no desire to answer any of them." Zale apathetically said, his fingers tapping sadly against the lyre.
"Fine." Asbed positioned himself against the wall so he could relax his back, "Then I will not ask them. I will just sit here." to prove his point he crossed one ankle over the other and rested his head back.
The room was silent and Asbed peeked one eye open at his uncomfortable little brother. Zale crossed and uncrossed his arms. Lifted the music sheet and put it down multiple times. "I do not want to be a protector." Zale mumbled.
Only having heard light mumbling, "What?" Asbed opened both eyes but kept his relaxed sitting position to not alert Zale's flight response.
"Aaleyah does not want to be the Aljehni Head." Zale chose to talk about what Aaleyah did not want instead. "She wants to train, and go into the military. She wants to become as famous and well known as mother. She does not want to sit and read scrolls and books. She does not want to learn the languages that no one but our family speaks, or the old language of our kingdom. She does not want to cook, she does not want to do history." The more Zale spoke the more comfortable he felt. The words rolled off his tongue. "She wants to ride horses. She wants to help Amenah make weapons, she wants to study different styles of combat. She wants to win a fight against Herom. She wants to perfect the art of daggers, and throwing knives. She wants to become one of the best even without fighting with a sword." More and more emotion filled his words as he spoke, "She has so many things that she wants and it is unfair that she is unable to have them. She has so many dreams and ambitions and it is not fair that she has to stay home and follow a predestined fate. It is unfair." his voice quivered.
"I see." Asbed slowly moved from the wall and rested his elbows on the table. "It is unfair." he repeated Zale's words slowly. "Unfair that Aaleyah has dreams and wishes that she keeps deep in her heart." Asbed, studying Zale's broken expression, and the way he tightly held the lyre. "It is unfair that there are things that must be done, fate that prevents us from accomplishing our own wants." Asbed nodded to himself, "Unfair. So unfair to feel so much anger and resentment for what is out of your control. For the person who you wish to aid you is the very person who seems to have given the unfair fate."
Zale's eyes stung, "That is not true. I am not angry at Aaleyah."
Asbed smiled sadly, "I never said you were."
Zale looked up in shock. "I am not." he said again, "It is not true." he whispered to himself. "I am not!" he argued with a doleful expression.
"Why do you think Aaleyah hates the lyre so much?" Asbed motioned towards the instrument responsible for the twins' screaming match. "Since when did our sister loathe music?"
Zale's brow furried.
Asbed tapped his nose and chin, "I wonder if I played the santur, would Aaleyah show me as much hatred and anger she showed you." Asbed pretended to ask.
Zale stared at the lyre, "I do not think she would care." he whispered.
"She would not?" Asbed pretending to be dumbfounded, "Maybe it is because I am good at it. How about if Dharam played the ney? Surely his terrible skills would invoke Aaleyah's anger."
Zale placed the lyre down gently, "I do not think Aaleyah is angry at the instruments." he pouted. "She is angry with me."
Asbed waved a hand, "No, it has to be the instrument. What reason does she have to be angry? Anything you have done we have most likely done as well." Asbed assured.
"Maybe she is angry I threatened her?" Zale wondered aloud. "But I only threatened her because she said she would break my instrument."
"Of course." Asbed affirmed. "Although…" he pondered aloud.
"What?" Zale leaned closer to the table with wide eyes.
"Aaleyah has been very sensitive these days. She does not really need reason to be angry. It is possible that you are not the one you are truly angry at." he suggested.
Zale's eyes flashed, "That is not true!" he disagreed. "Ley Ley is not sensitive." he defended.
Asbed held back his smile, "Then," he tapped his chin, "What logical reason could Ley Ley truly have to be angry." he wondered, "It is not like you have done anything wrong." he coaxed.
"Ley Ley is just as upset as I am about our luck. We both want different things. Before we were able to support each other, but now we will have to support the other as they go after our own dream. It is not easy." Zale placed his face in his hands, "It is not that Aaleyah is angry at me, but angry for me, just as I am angry for her." Zale explained.
"Ah." Asbed pretending to be shocked, "So when the two of your scream and argue what you are really upset about is-"
"That we are helpless to help each other." Zale interjected.
Asbed filled his cheeks with air, "Wow, then… arguing with each other may not be helping the situation." he surmised.
Zale thrumed his fingers on the table, "Maybe I should apologize to her." he pondered.
Asbed bit his tongue to hold his smile. Clearing his throat, "Should it not be Ley Ley who apologizes first?"
Zale shook his head, "It does not matter who apologizes first, what matters is that we apologize." he stood from his seat, "I need to find Ley Ley."
Asbed watched Zale walk out the door. "Hopefully it will be much quieter around here." he whispered to himself.
Hours passed and the entire Aljehni family was seated at the table for dinner. Today the servants had the day off, thus under the orders of Dharam and Amenah dinner was prepared by the children. Everyone joined hands as Hevil said a prayer to the Lord of the Heavens. He added an extra sentence asking for peace over his family. When he was done everyone picked up their spoons to eat.
Aaleyah bit into her rice, and it was only due to her parents being seated at the table that she remembered her manners and did not spit it out. She struggled to chew the half cooked rice, some bits too hard to chew. Forcing a swallow she gave a graceful smile, "Zale you made the rice today? It is always easy to pick out that Zale touch."
Chiara choked and gulped down water, "What is that? Hard and deadly?" she accused?"
"No speaking of death at the dinner table." Aminah disapproved.
Zale too struggled to chew the rice. Where did he go wrong? He followed all of Dharam's directions. "Thank you Ley Ley." then with a bright smile towards Chiara. "I made it with you in mind." he sassed.
Chiara beamed and kicked Zale's shin under the table, her golden eyes glistening with happiness as Zale tried to hold back his pain.
Asbed snuck a look at his mother's sharp expression and cleared his throat, "Everyone worked hard to make dinner, how amazing it is that we can say we know how to cook." he ate a spoon of soup. "Not many Lords and Ladies can say the same."
Chiara rolled her eyes, "Yes they do not have to cook and pretend not to be high status the way we do."
"Chiara." Aminah warned as she helped Roset with his food.
Scrunching her nose Chiara went back to the impossible task of eating the dinner prepared by the so called high up and talented family.
Herom took a swig of water, "Dharam have you seen my book on sword techniques?" he wondered. When he came home after training with Helan he wanted to practice and realized the book was gone.
Using the spoon to squish the rice so it would not be so hard, "Which one?"
"The new one I recently found after going on the hunting mission. An old teacher lives in the mountains and gave it to me." Herom explained.
Zale and Aaleyah locked eyes with each other before looking down swiftly.
Dharam shook his head, "I have not seen it, maybe you left it at the palace training camps?" he offered.
Herom shook his head, "No I especially brought it home because I wanted to match the moves with other techniques."
Dharam set his spoon down, happy to not need to continue eating, "I am not sure, where did you see it last?"
Herom frowned, "Dharam," he called in a warning tone, "are you certain that you have not seen it? I am certain that it was on my table."
"Ah?" Holding a hand against his chest, "You are blaming me?" Dharam fixed his gaze on Herom, "That is not fair. You lost your book in your room," he gave a sour expression, "It has nothing to do with me."
Amenah frowned, "Dharam has nothing to do with your book Herom." her tone was displeased.
Waving a hand towards her, "Thank you Mei Mei, great that someone trusts me." Dharam lifted his spoon and smashed at his hard rice.
Herom scrutinized Dharam's facial expression, "You really did not take it?"
Zale kicked at the leg of Aaleyah's chair, "Say something." his golden eyes told her.
"No way." her eyes responded back, "If I speak now I will get into trouble." her face seemed to say.
Catching the eye contact between the two Asbed understood. The book Aaleyah was holding earlier must be the book that Herom is talking about. "How about after dinner we all look for it. It must be in here, with all of our eyes it will be easy to locate." he said, making direct eye contact with Aaleyah.
Dharam twisted his lips in a slight sneer and continued to eat his food. Unfortunately he bit on a hard piece of rice and winced.
Herom chuckled under his breath and drank a glass of water to cover it up.
"Now that the accusations are in order we can continue eating." Chiara snided.
Asbed rolled his eyes, "Chiara, just eat your soup."
Crossing her arms, "Excuse me?" Glaring at him, "Watch your tone." she ordered.
Amenah was nervous that their mother would grow annoyed and warned everyone, "Everyone just quietly eat your soup."
Dharam snickered, "Yes definitely do not eat the rice."
Zale dropped his spoon in his soup bowl, "I told you I was not sure if the rice was done or not. You said to trust my instincts." he defended.
"Which you obviously did not." Dharam scratched his nose, "I also told you to stop taking the top off the rice pot. How did you expect it to cook when you continued to mess with it?"
"'How did you expect it to cook when you continued to mess with it?'" Zale mimicked in a childish tone.
"How miraculous to know that family meals never change." Havil ruffled Roset's hair.
Roset dumped his rice in his soup, splattering it everywhere before looking up at his father with rice on his cheek, "I am happy I did not have to help cook." His confession brought laughter to the entire table.
"Roset, you are unable to reach the pot." Dharam choked a laugh.
"Even on your tip toes." Amenah added.
"I am growing." To prove his point Roset sat taller in his seat.
"You are only 7 Blue moons, you better still be growing." Dharam snickered.
Roset grumbled his annoyance and with a puppy-like expression turned to Amenah for help.
"You will grow Roset, and you will be just as strong and as tall as your brothers." Amenah promised her little brother.
Aminah reached over to whip at the rice on her son's cheeks silently.
Chiara scoffed, "Why is he unable to be as strong and tall as his sisters?" she demanded.
Asbed groaned.
"Heavens Chiara, that is not what she meant. Stop searching for arguments." Dharam chastised. Pouring his rice into his soup, "Must you always act like this?"
Chiara rolled her eyes, "You speak as if you are filled with knowledge, you are only 1 Blue moon older than me, you have no right to speak to me like this."
"1 Blue moon is clearly enough for me to remember to have common manners." Dharam shot back.
Aminah exhaled audibly and the entire table went silent.
Havil took this silence as an opportunity to question Aaleyah on her studies "Aaleyah." he called.
Hearing her full name Aaleyah paused from picking out the vegetable in her soup. Looking up, the expression on her father's face was obvious. "I did not finish reading it." she confessed remorsefully." After the music fiasco she really did try to return and finish the book her father had assigned to her, but then she remembered that Herom would return early. So she only had so much time to practice the techniques that were in the book. Then Zale came and apologized to her and that threw her off, and she found everything so much easier than studying. "I tried to read it, truly I did. However it was really hard to concentrate, and I knew that I was not focussing well. Father said that to focus one should meditate, so I did that," she ran her thumb over her nails, "However when you meditate you are also not reading, thus I will have to finish it tomorrow." she explained in a rush.
"Aaleyah how many times must I tell you to read and it end with disappointment?" Havil demanded. "Did I not tell you to read in the past and you failed to obey? Was your punishment not enough? Do you only need punishment to do what you are told?" His hand tightened on the spoon, "There is much you do not know about the world, must you take pride in your ignorance?" he demanded.
"Father I am to blame I distracted her by-"Zale jumped to defend Aaleyah.
"Enough." Havil cut him off. "I did not ask for you to speak." He scanned the faces of each of his children, "Am I too lenient? Have you no honor? Do you plan on living in this world unaware?"
Aminah squeezed her husband's hand, but Havil shook his head and moved his hand away.
Havil was hot with anger, "All of my children, do you take my orders as suggestions?" He turned to Dharam, "You fail to attend your classes. Why is it that the son of the top scholar refuses to attend his classes?" Dharam dropped his head. "Herom, you are aware that you must marry and still refuse to speak to any women."
Herom held his tongue between his teeth.
"Amenah you are to be engaged to Kemal but you have not gone to meet him for two weeks." Havil drilled into each and everyone of his children before turning once more to Aaleyah.
The quiet peace at the dinner table had faded and every child was too nervous to speak. "I told you to read, I ordered you to study. My will will be obeyed, and until you learn," Havil took in a sharp breath, "You are not to leave this manor for a week."
Zale shook his head and mustered up courage, "Father it really was me. My playing of the lyre was distracting her and she could not focus." he tried to explain.
"You were practicing the lyre because you finished the scrolls I assigned to you?" Havil laughed in annoyance.
Aaleyah pushed Zale's foot with her own telling him to stay quiet. "Father, I was wrong. I take full responsibility and will finish it first thing tomorrow morning." she vowed.
"First thing? I will be sure to let the servants know that you will not need a plate setting for breakfast then." Dharam joked and winced at his twin kicking him in the shin.
Dharam glared at Amenah, but she only raised her head, daring him to say something.
"It is settled." At Aminah's words everyone looked at her. "Tomorrow Aaleyah will finish her reading. Dharam will attend class, Amenah will meet with Kemal; and when it is all over everyone will learn how to cook rice."
Hearing the last of their mother's words everyone smiled and Zale shyly nodded his head in agreement.
Before the sun rose high in the sky Aminah and her eldest, Herom made their way to the Medes estate. Just the two of them on horsebook made their way through the capital. The Medes estate was on the opposite side of the capital and at a swift pace the sound of the horses pounding into the paths through the town were heard by early shopkeepers preparing for the day.
Mother and son rode in silence to the Medes estate. That morning his mother had only told Herom to get dressed and follow her, up until the last at the tea shop, Herom had no idea where they were going. The only thing he did know was that this was not a normal family visit. Judging from the dead look in his mother's eyes, he knew something was wrong.
Racing through the gates, Aminah dismounted her horse in seconds, handing the reins to the waiting servant. With a wave of her hand she motioned for Herom to follow her to the back of the estate. Entering the armory Aminah finally dropped the hood of her cloak and motioned for her son to do the same.
"I came as fast as I could." Aminah greeted her mother and father with a bow.
"Grandmother," Herom greeted, "Grandfather."
At the head of the table sat a tall man, some grey growing into his black hair. His brown eyes were pained, and filled with wisdom and experience. His body did not accurately show his age, but underneath his clothes he was littered in scars. He sighed and his throaty voice sounded, "Aminah the message did not require you to come here." Commander Javad tapped his fingers on the table.
At her father's words Aminah dropped to the floor, "Father please, I ask you to take Herom with you." she pleaded. Her left hand snaked around Herom's pant leg and yanked him to kneel as well.
Herom's mouth went dry. Take him? Take him where? His knees hit the wooden floor with a thud.
Commander Medes rose from his seat, "This mission will last 8 Blue moons, there is no need to part from him." He made his way to his daughter and lifted him from the floor.
"My son has no desire to marry, allow him to follow the Medes path, have him dedicate his life to the border."
Herom sputtered, "Mother," he turned to her cold expression, "Is this because I told father that there was no one I fancy?" When his mother did not respond he faced his grandfather, "For 8 Blue moons?" he shook his head, his brows pulled together in a frown. His eyes scanned his mother and grandparents, "Have I done something wrong?"
"Silence." Aminah ordered, her eyes remaining on her father's, pleading with him. Take my son, she silently pled.
Commander Medes, "The Medes family have always served the military, generation after generation we guard the walls, we fight in battles, we protect the people of the capital." the corners of his mouth dropped. "Aminah, I will not take Herom with me."
Aminah's hand tightened and loosened, "Father, the Medes family is moving to the western border, this is a great time for Herom to go and," she swallowed, "gather some experience." she pushed.
Setting her sword on the table, Grandmother Medes made her way to her grandson and squeezed his shoulder, "Aminah, you truly wish to keep your son in the dark? He is old enough to know." she commented.
It seemed like the elders were speaking in circles, and Herom could feel his annoyance warming his body. "If I may-" he interrupted the discussion, "what is being discussed right now? Who is leaving?" his eyes scanned his mother's grandmother's and then finally settled on his grandfather's face.
"Trouble." Commander Medes answered. "The capital is burning hot, and our family is no longer immune." he explained.
Pursing his lips, "And the Medes family is leaving?" Herom asked in confusion.
Grandmother Medes gave her grandson's face a light tap, "The Heavens blessed me with only one girl. When we travel west, this estate will be empty, we will rely on our daughter to keep it up and maintained." she spoke in a sweet voice, but something about her words prevented anyone from disagreeing.
Herom silently tried to understand. The entire Medes family was relocating to the western border. They would be gone for a few Blue moons, and his mother wished to send him with them.
"King Saamun wishes to expand the western border past the river, encroaching on the unclaimed land." Commander Medes explained. "It is likely this will be my last mission before I retire, my bones are getting old and your brother will take over." he explained.
Aminah opened her mouth to speak but her mother held a hand up.
"Aminah what your father is saying is that the mission will be dangerous," she shook her head, "bringing Herom would make it more dangerous."
"King Saamun may find more peace knowing that we are far away, but bringing Herom with us, if he does well that pride and honor will be ill received." Commander Medes said while squeezing his daughter's hand. "I know you are worried, but sending Herom to fight by the border will only make the fire more ferocious, it will not calm it down."
"What fire?" Herom breathed out, only realizing that he spoke when all eyes went to him.
Aminah rested her hands on her back, "Father, I am at a loss of what to do." she admitted.
Herom's astonished eyes stared at his mother in concern, his mother was never confused. His mother's voice was never so soft.
Commander Medes seized Herom up and grunted, "It would help if he marries, the sooner the better." Reading Herom's rejection, "This is for the safety of your family. Find a nice lady and marry her, then to show loyalty to the king leave the capital, claiming to desire a peaceful life away from politics and military."
Herom bit the inside of his cheek, he understood now. It was Chiara that had pointed it out almost a moon ago. How powerful the Aljehni family was, how much of an oddity it was for the Aidkjeen kingdom to have two highly respected families. It was Chiara who studied how other kingdoms fought and destroyed one, or married them as one.
King Saamun had no intentions of marrying the family, that only left one other possibility. "Amenah's marriage to Kemal is also because of this." he realized. When his sister married Kemal, because he could find no job in the capital he would take his sister all the way to Tamon.
"Yes." Aminah admitted, "And if you leave the capital perhaps we can find a logical way to have Dharam and Asbed go with you." she revealed a part of the plan.
Grandmother Medes frowned, "To slowly move the Aljehni family out of the capital is not an easy thing to do, but marriage is a time of celebration. If Amenah grew with child then naturally Chiara and Aaleyah would have to travel to help."
"Naturally." Herom repeated in shock.
"Naturally." Commander Medes stated. "We are unable to take Herom because we are leaving for military purposes, every success he makes will only burn a hotter fire on the Aljehni estate."
"And the separation of the Medes and Aljehni family will ease his worries, together we command too many troops." Grandmother Medes added with a sad laugh.
Aminah stared up at the ceiling to hide her watering eyes from her son. "What if there is not enough time?" she asked her father with a tight voice. Looking down, "What if there is no time for marriage? What if the fire is already spreading to the gardens of the estate!" her voice grew louder the more she spoke. "What if there is not even time for Amenah's wedding? Even if we arrange a marriage for Herom there is no time to do all the steps without arousing suspicion." Her fist slammed on her leg, "There is no time." she said in a cold voice. "So please, father please take Herom with you."
"I have already told you that will only make things worse." her father replied without sympathy.
Grandmother Medes sucked her teeth, "Ay, little Minah, sending off one still leaves the little cubs alone. Why send away the strongest wolf in times of crisis?" she pinched Herom's cheek, "This wolf will fight out of the traps to protect the cubs, keep him close." she said with her eyes still on her grandson.
"Is our family in this much danger?" Herom wondered aloud.
The way Herom's eyes turned to his mother took Aminah's breath away. Her Herom, all grown up, but still his scared eyes sought out his mother the same as a Red moon ago. His golden eyes sought hers, believing, needing his mother to tell him everything would be okay.
Commander Medes grunted, "Herom, is there truly no one you fancy? No lady you have been seen speaking to? No one whose announcement of engagement would not come as too much of a shock?" Snapping his fingers, "Ah what of the Valyt girl?" he asked, snapping repeatedly as he tried to recall her name.
"Samira." Herom answered for him. Shaking his head, "I am unable to propose to her." he conceded solemnly.
Commander Medes chuckled, "No need to seem so despondent, we Medes men can always achieve what we aim for."
"Surely it is not because of your looks?" Grandmother Medes lifted her chin high, "You are a sought out bachelor, what reason could this Valyt girl-"
"Samira." Herom corrected.
Ignoring him, "-have to not desire a union?" she finished.
Herom glanced towards his mother for help, but she seemed to have the same curiosities.
Heron ran his thumb over his fingers, "Her heart belongs to another."
Both grandparents scoffed, "Hardly a reason to give up." Grandmother Medes said.
"She can simply take her heart back and give it to you." Commander Medes stated obviously.
Herom fidgeted with his cuff, "If the fire burns, I would have stolen my friend's heart and placed her life in danger." He shook his head, "Those are crimes I refuse to make."
"How noble." Commander Medes commented with annoyed eyes.
"Yes, what a true Medes." Grandmother Medes added. "Just like you, Javad." she turned her prideful gaze to her husband.
"I am noble not stubborn." he refuted.
Aminah held one hand on her waist, "Then this meeting is all for nought." she complained.
"You were not asked to come." her father deadpanned.
"Especially at sunrise, the poor boy looks as if he rolled out of the bed onto a horse." her mother said giving her grandson a once over.
Herom in fact did roll out of bed, dressed in his clothes and jumped onto a horse. His hair tied in a half fast bun at the top of his head.
Aminah bowed to her parents, "Then I shall depart now."
The grandparents chuckled, "Comes and goes as she pleases, you would think having a family of your own would give you an understanding of time and manners." her mother chided.
"There is nothing more to say mother. You, and my entire family are leaving and you will not take Herom with you." she stated with a frown.
"No need to word it as if you are an abandoned child." her mother tsked. Sliding her hands over one of the blades, "We are leaving to help lower the tension. I quite enjoy my time here in the capital. I will not have enough time to take my weapons with me yet I abandon them for you." she humphed. Picking up two karambit knives, "Look," she exclaimed, "these were custom made. Aiyah." she pouted and placed them back in their place.
Commander Medes picked up a sword and unsheathed it, "This too, I have been unable to fight anyone with this blade." He rubbed the hilt affectionately.
Giving the armoury a once over, "We will be leaving this in your care." she frowned.
Commander Medes put the sword down and took his wife's hand instead, "Leyahn, there is a way that you can stay." he reminded.
Grandmother Medes slapped her husband's chest, "It is done together or not at all." she said, a fire reigniting in her eyes.
Commander Medes shrugged, "My life is only filled with stubborn women." He winked at Herom, "Choose your wife well."
Aminah stared at all of the weapons, blades, swords, daggers, the finest fans, and whips. "Mother it is not the armoury that I need."
Grandmother Medes caressed her daughter's cheek, "I know child. Life is about lessons, it does not wait to see if you are ready for the next. As parents we do what we can to protect our children." She placed her other hand on Herom's shoulder, "And as children, we give our parents unbounded trust."
Herom squeezed his grandmother's hand, "When will you depart, Grandmother?"
Commander Medes laughed, "You mother chose to ride here before the sun could rise because my letter stated we would be leaving in the early morning." He walked to stand behind his wife, "We will ride past the estate to say our goodbyes." his candid words did not match the regretful pupils of his eyes. He reached past his wife and pinched his daughter's cheek, "Aminah, you always did find trouble." he smiled.
"Your brothers thought about this carefully, we are not abandoning you." Grandmother Medes promised her only daughter.
Aminah's grim face did not ease, "I understand mother." She pulled Herom forward, "Say goodbye to your grandparents." she commanded.
Herom bowed deeply, "May our next meeting be under a calmer sky."
Duke Majidi watched from his perch on the balcony as Saan snuck out of the palace. Most likely he was leaving to meet with the Aljehni family. He gave a nod to some of his men to follow him, but not stop him. When it came to the youngest princes, if they were unaware of their lack of skills, they would not perfect them.
Staring up at the sky he prayed that today would be the day he received a letter. His sister had pleaded for him not to come until she called for him. She hated for him to see her when she was… He tapped his fist on the stone railing, he had followed the king's orders. Soon news of the small academies being destroyed by the Stilits would pass throughout the kingdom. The only academy left unscathed was Scholor's Sky.
When word gets out that the Aljehni academy is left untouched, the rumours will be easy to create. Scholar Aljehni commanded the Stilits to destroy the academies so there would be no choice but to go to his. Duke Majidi tapped on the stone again, soon the Aljehni family would lose all standing. Then what?
Hearing footsteps approaching he turned with a cold expression, "What is it?" he asked sharply.
Bowing, "Duke Majidi, Concubine Megera has called for your presence." As the servant rose, Duke Majidi was already a few paces away from him.
Duke Majidi moved as fast as he could without running. The sun had only risen 2 hours ago, why was she awake? He wished to see her, longed to see his sister, but to be up so early did that mean she was not sleeping well?
Reaching the door to her chambers he gave it 4 loud knocks. His hand hovering over the door ready to knock more when he heard movement. The door opened a crack and he heard his sister's voice telling him to come in.
Stepping into the room the smell of incense permeates the air. The chamber was empty of all servants, and he kept looking around the corner wondering where they were.
"I told them all to leave." Megera told him after watching her brother scan all corners.
Making his way past the curtains that separated the room he gasped. "Why are you wearing this?"
His sister sat on a sofa, her dress a deep dark blue that was almost black, the sleeves so long they covered her hands. But atop of her head was a hat that kept a thin sheer cloth covering her face. Usually it was used for the rain, or sometimes to conceal one's face.
The blue sheer cloth went around his sister's head and making his way to her, he knelt on the floor. Lifting his hand he rubbed the cloth between his fingers, "Let me take it off?" he softly pleaded.
Her head shook, the cloth sliding out of her brother's fingers. "No need." her voice was hoarse, most likely from crying for too long.
"I need to see your face when I speak to you, Megera." Duke Majidi stubbornly said.
Her sleeve covered fingers moved from her lap, "Khastan is it true what the servants are saying?" She coughed, her small fist coming under the hat's cloth to cover her mouth. Her brother's silence confirmed the rumours. "You are harming Aminah?" her chin trembled at the thought.
Squeezing the hand on her lap, "Megera, surely you did not call me here to speak about General Aljehni."
Megera opened her mouth to speak but inhaling started a coughing fit. She reached for the tea on the table next to her but her brother was faster.
Placing the tea cup into her hand, "How long has it been? What is wrong with your voice?" His fingers lingered on the sheer cloth but he still did not remove it.. Hopefully his sister would move it on her own.
Megera shook her head, "Your actions towards Aminah are unfair." she rasped.
Duke Majidi refrained from rolling his eyes. "You have not spoken to me in weeks, now that I am finally here you reprimand me?" he asked indignantly.
Megera took another sip of tea, allowing the warm liquid to soothe her throat before she attempted to speak again. "You must put this feud against Aminah to rest." she cleared her throat, afraid that if she coughed she would have trouble stopping again. "She has a family."
Duke Majida huffed through his nose, "So do I." Squeezing her hand, "I have you, and I had a wife and child." He released her hand and rose to full height, "I have lost almost everything because of her!"
Megera slowly stood, wincing as her legs held up her weight. "That is not fair." Her nails pushed against her palm, "You order me never to speak of this, but you always bring it up."
Duke Majidi chuckled darkly, "What more do you have to add to the situation, I am aware of what happened." he argued.
Grasping a corner of his sleeve she pulled him towards her, "To start Aminah tried to save-"
Yanking his arm out of her hold, "Enough." he spat out. "Aminah is skilled and was armed, if she truly tried to save Istria, then I would still have her by my side today." He swallowed his anger and forced himself to smile. "Megera, you are all I have. Why are you not on my side?"
Megera blinked back her tears and lifted the hat from her head.
Duke Majidi's breath stilled, he would not stare, he would not say anything. There was nothing he could do even if he wanted to. His sister's face was bruised once more, her neck covered in bite marks, her lips swollen and bruised. "Look at the life we lead," he said in a careful tone, his anger barely held back, "is it so wrong for me to blame Aminah?"
"Khastan, please listen to me." her frail voice pleaded. "Do not cut me off." her head shook, her brown eyes peered into her brother's.
Khastan helped her sit back down, "Fine. Say whatever you would like, I swear that I will not interrupt you."
Megera picked up her tea cup and took one last sip before diving into the past.
Megera, Istria and Aminah made their way through the market. The smell of fried fish caught Aminah's attention and she followed her nose to the food stand, a hand on her belly silently telling her child to hold on a little longer.
"Istria laughed and steered Aminah away from the stand owner excited to sell his fish and receive money. "Now Aminah, the fried food will not be good for the baby." she cooed.
The glare Aminah gave her best friend was not deadly enough for her to be released. "Enough talks about this baby. My child will grow to be strong so it must become accustomed to delicious food." she grumbled. For 7 moons everyone around her had treated her like butterfly wings. Every touch was gentle, all words were cooed, all smiles as their greedy hands patted around her belly. She had only just begun showing. Her mother was worried that the child would be born too small, for 5 moons AMinah's belly did not seem to expand.
Megera laughed, "This one is lucky to not be married or with child." she bragged with a loud sigh. She twirled before her friends, "My best friends promised that they would not marry and abandon me, yet here they are." She crossed her arms and pointed at both women's stomachs, "Physical signs of your broken promises." she joked.
Aminah did not spare Megera a glance, her eyes lingered on the fried fish, her lips smacked together almost tasting the tender bites on her tongue. Just one bite, only one and she would desire nothing more.
Istria continued dragging Aminah away, "Megera, I have not left you just yet. Help me find food for this ferocious one and she will not leave you either." she joked.
She attempted to move her arm out of Istria's, but many failed attempts left her tired and perturbed. "Why are you not as hungry as I am?" she complained.
Megera giggled and linked arms with her unwilling friend. "You have carried this child much longer than Istria." she explained. "Istria has only carried for 3 moons, her body has only just recently allowed food to settle in her stomach." She rubbed on Aminah's belly ignoring her peeved expression, "Whereas this little one demands food everywhere you go." Turning to Istria, "It must be a boy." she declared.
"I agree, girls do not demand so much." Istria led Aminah to a fruit stand, "Here," she picked up some berries, "you can eat this to your heart's content."
Aminah grimaced, "This smells nothing like the fish." she muttered.
"What was that?" Istria asked in a knowing tone.
"Thank you." Aminah snided.
Megera led the two women to sit at one of the small tables, "How about you both tell me what you wish to eat and I will fetch it for you." she offered not wanting the pregnant women to move around too much. Khastan would have her head if something happened to his wife.
Aminah shook her head, "The physician said exercise is good for the baby."
Istria opened her mouth to refute, but Aminah seemed to sense her friend's words.
"I have no intentions on training." she pouted. "I promised Havil." she said shyly.
Istria smiled, "So why do you have the whip at your waist?" she asked motioning to the tolled up weapon.
Aminah beamed, "I would be a stranger to the world if I walked without a weapon."
Megera scoffed, "Alright, then you two can go for a walk and return here in 10 minutes. I will gather the fruit and tea."
Istria frowned, "I do not feel like walking too much, so how about we just walk to the bridge and back." she offered, pointing to the arched bridge above the river. It was on the edge of the marketplace hidden behind trees. Most people did not use it because a new bridge had been made that opened in the marketplace's center; much easier for merchants.
Aminah took Istria's right hand and gave it comforting pats, "Alright we will not walk too far." she promised.
The two women waved to Megera and made their way to the bridge. Walking past the trees and scattered sunlight lit their path in a golden glow.
"How is your marriage?" Istria asked, very rarely did the two talk with only them. Megera was always with them, and out of respect they refrained from talking about their marriage. Megera did not say it, but underneath her jokes and smiles, both women knew that she desired marriage and love too.
One hand on her belly, the other lifted her dress so she could step easily. She could not wait to give birth and return to her military garbs that did not drag on the floor. "Marriage with Havil is very warm." she stated with a graceful smile. "I never thought I would fall for a scholar."
Istria chuckled, "I did." she confessed, as she stepped over a small fallen branch. "You are so strong, addicted to fighting like some terrifying fanatic." she teased. "There is no military man who could attract your eyes, because there are few men who can reach your skills. You need someone who stands tall in their own trade. Someone you would not need to compete with." she spoke her thoughts aloud glancing periodically to ensure that her words were not hurting Aminah.
"I am not a fanatic." Aminah jutted her chin.
Istria snickered, "If you say so." she relented with a smile on her face.
As they made their way to the bridge, "And you?" Aminah asked. "How does it feel to finally know you are with child?"
Istria rubbed her belly, a small bump growing, "It is a blessing. We have craved a child for 2 Blue Moons, to finally be given one," she rubbed her belly, her eyes watered with affection, "it feels almost too good to be true." she whispered.
"Aww." It was Aminah's turn to coo, "You are so precious. I hope our children grow to be best friends." she announced.
"If I have a daughter and you have a son we can arrange for them to marry." Istria thought with bright eyes. "Then we can be sisters!"
Aminah scoffed, "We do not need our children to wed for us to be family. My Medes," her eyelashes fluttered, "I mean Aljehni, the Aljehni family will always be there for the Majidi's." she vowed.
Istria wiped at the corner of her eyes.
Aminah laughed, "Is my affection bringing you to tears?" she teased. "Your husband will not like that." lifting her arm she used the sleeve of her dress to wipe at Istria's eyes.
"I am not crying." Istria stubbornly refuted, but her tears continued to roll. "I should not be crying, I am so happy." she admitted.
The women continued up the wooden bridge, "My mother was right," Aminah said, "the life in your womb releases the emotions society has taught you to hide." she quoted. Reaching the middle of the bridge Aminah spun to rest her back on the wood, "Our child does not know the rules of the living. So when they are happy they smile, when they feel love their tears fall."
Istria wiped at her tears and rolled her eyes, "Since when has young Aminah been so wise?" she asked.
Crossing her arms overtop of her belly, "I suppose the role of a mother is growing at the same speed as my child." she grinned.
Istria lifted herself up to sit on the railing, giving her feet the rest they were desperate for. She chuckled at Aminah's hands that held tightly to her arm, "Scared I will fall?"
Aminah shook her head, "If anything happens to you Khastan will not forgive me. This bridge is old, better safe than sorry."
Istria shook her head, "We have perched atop of this railing for many Blue moons." she sighed and tilted her head back to look at the sky through the scattered green leaves. Her eyes closed and she relished in the wind and warmth of the summer air.
A few moments passed and when Istria opened her eyes again Aminah was perched on the railing next to her. Her eyes were closed, small strands of her hair blew across her face in circles. Istria smiled, "Do you think your child will follow in your footsteps or Havil's?" she curiously asked.
Aminah kept her eyes shut as she thought, "I would love for my child to follow in my footsteps, we Medes are proud to fight and serve." she opened her eyes, her long laches tickling her skin, "However it is much safer to be a scholar."
Istria nodded, "Yes, how beautiful that you will have a choice. Both Khastan's and my family walk the path of the military, our children are to grow and do the same."
Aminah hummed, "Let us hope that your children do not inherit Khastan's shooting skills." she joked.
Istria snickered, "Khastan makes up for it in swordfighting." she weakly defended.
"Is that what he does?" she teased.
The sound of growling alerted both women's attention. To the left of them a large muscular cat stepped into view. Its long body and legs stood tall, about half the height of both women, two cloudy grey eyes stared, daring them to move.
On their perch both women went silent. Aminah was the first to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes did not move from the animal, "A leopard."
"A panthera pardus to be exact." Istria confirmed.
"Do they not hunt at night?" Aminah asks her hand slowly moving to the whip on her side, "Why is it here?"
Istria cursed, "I should have fought with Khastan about having my sword." she hissed.
Aminah took a short moment to glance towards Istria, "You have no weapons?" she could not contain her shock. Her heart was pounding, the chances of fighting against the leopard with only a whip did not sound good.
"I have the 2 circle blades on my back, but I need an opportunity to get them." she reported.
"It has not made a move," Aminah exhaled slowly.
A noise alerted the panther and it looked back towards the left. Both women held their breath, would they luck out and it would just leave?"
A bustling sound from the bush jumped a small baby leopard. Aminah's and Istria's hearts dropped.
The mother leopard growled a warning for the cub to move back and returned its attention to the danger. It snarled at the women and took a step closer.
Maintaining contact Istria slowly slid off of the bridge railing. Aminah struggled her belly making it hard but both women managed to slide from the railing.
One hand securely on her belly the other on Istria's sleeve, Aminah slowly had them back away. "Do not look it in the eye." she warned. "It is not attacking, we just need to slowly back away." she whispered methodically.
Istria tripped on a stick and fell backwards. Gritting her teeth she did not make a sound, but the sudden action alerted the cub who moved towards them.
With a growl the mother moved forward teeth showing and claws out. Aminah stepped in front of Istria and pulled her whip out slamming it against the ground as a warning hit. "Stay back!" she yelled.
The leopard lunged forward and Aminah and Istria dodged to the left. As the leopard smashed into the side of the bridge the wood caved and the railing fell into the water below.
Rising Istria pulled Aminah back, "You need to go!" she ordered.
Swallowing her fear, "If we run and it chases after us we will be leading to the marketplace." she shook her head. "All of those people will be in danger."
Istria pulled out her blades. "Then we wound it and leave."
Megera sat at the table blowing air through her mouth. Did it really take so long to walk and come back? "Maybe the baby ate up their speed and agility." she joked under her breath. Rising she called out to the merchant, "I will retrieve my friends, I am trusting you not to allow anyone to take my food." she laughed while placing a piece of silver down.
The merchant laughed and waved his hand, "You can count on me. If you come back too late I will warm up the pot of tea for you." he promised.
"Alright." Megera grinned and made her way to the bridge. The closer she got the the bridge the less chatter she could hear from the marketplace. Whistling as she walked she kept her pace fast not wanting the tea to grow cold. A loud growl sounded and Megera's whistling stopped. That came from the bridge!
Filled with worry she ran as fast as she could. The sight before her halted her breath, "Aminah," she whispered.
Aminah held onto her whip and pulled as hard as she could, the handle ripped into the skin of her palm to move the leopard away from Istria. Istria's dress was torn on the left sleeve and blood soaked the material. One of her blades was embedded into the leopard's paw.
Istria saw Megera first, "Go get help!" she ordered.
Megera nodded and ran as fast as she could back to the marketplace. Khastan and Havil were both overprotective husbands; surely they have guards secretly following. As she reached the marketplace she screamed. "Help! Help! There is a leopard at the old bridge! My friends-" Sure enough men dressed in common clothing appeared from around her. "2nd Lady Majidi, where is Lady Majidi?" The men dressed in black asked. One of them released a blue powder high in the sky to alert Lord Majidi.
4 men came from the stalls, they were the clothing of scholars, but the blade in their hands, and their stances made it obvious they were trained fighters, "Take us to Lady Aljehni."
Megera nodded and raced back towards the bridge.
Aminah crashed backwards, the force filled her throat with blood but she swallowed it down. "Istria!" Forcing herself to get to her foot she raced to the other side of the bridge to catch her friend before she fell into the water. The leopard had fallen into the water along with Aminah's whip, but they were strong swimmers, and an injured paw would not deter it.
Istria fell backwards, her hand outstretched towards Aminah's.
Aminah leapt forward catching Istria's hand with her left, and with her right held to the wooden post.
Hanging off the bridge Istria tried to reach her other arm up but the wound from the leopard's cut was too agonizing.
Istria's hand was covered in blood and Aminah dug her nails into her hand to stop her from sliding. "Istria, you have to climb." she urged, unable to conceal her panic.
Her eyes stung with tears as she grit her teeth forcing her pained arm to move. As her hand reached up to grasp the wooden platform the leopard roared below and jumped biting Istria's ankle pulling her down.
The force of the pull yanked Aminah from her standing position to the floor of the bridge her body crashing down knowing the wind out of her. With a scream Istria's hand slid out of her own.
The guards arrived with Megera and without a moment's notice one of them unsheathed his sword and threw it perfectly, hitting the leopard in the head.
Megera and her guards rushed to the water bank to reach Istria, and the 4 men moved to aid Aminah on the bridge. Lifting her from the floor of the bridge, "Lady Aljehni are you alright?"
Aminah shook her head, her mouth was filled with blood that she was too afraid to spit out. Turning her attention towards the water she watched as they pulled out Istria's body.
Khastan rode on horseback and jumped off rushing to his wife. "Istria." he turned his pained gaze towards his sister, "What happened!" he yelled holding his wife's body in his arms. His hand moved the wet strands of her hair from her face.
Tears filled Megera's eyes, "There was a leopard, Aminah and Istria-"
"Aminah?" Khastan finally looked up and saw Aminah's dark expression. She did not move, made no motion to come towards him. "What happened?" he yelled up to her. "What happened?" his voice broke and he pulled Istria closer to her chest. "She's not breathing." he choked tears fell from his eyes.
Aminah could not handle the sight of Khastan breaking down and turned away to head home, her body aching with each step. This was all her fault. She should never recommend exercise. Now, because she did, her best friend was dead. She could not die in front of him, she refused to make the blow any harder on his heart.
Khastan clutched his wife, his gaze stared at Aminah's retreating form. How could she just leave? She did not say anything. How could she be heartless? "Aminah!" he roared.
Her steps faltered. The pain in her body was reaching its climax and with a barely there shake of her head she silently ordered for the guards not to touch her.
"Aminah! How can you just leave? Do you have nothing to say!" he roared. His wife's body was cold in his arms, "Aminah!" he roared. "If you do not say something I will never forgive you." he threatened.
Blood seeped out of her mouth. Tears fell from her eyes, she could not talk with each breath her chest seemed to cry out in pain. A rightness growing, she just needed to get home. She could fall then, she could cry then; she could do whatever she wanted, she just needed to get home.
Havil paced back and forth in his home. His wife had only gone to the marketplace with Istria and Megera, but those three always came home before the sun began to set. He looked up at the sky painted in purple, red and gold, the sunset was almost over and his wife was not home.
The door opened and Aminah made her way slowly inside the guards still behind her. The entire walk home she refused their help. Did not want anyone to touch her. Even refused to speak. She made her way into the manor her eyes locked onto Havil's.
"Aminah? He called in shock racing towards her. Blood stained her chin and her distant eyes were filled with unshed tears. As he reached her he could hear her exhale as she sunk into his arms, her legs no longer holding her up. "Aminah!" Havil eyes widened at the puddle of water that slowly appeared on the floor.
"Havil." she rasped, "my," her breaths were short and fast, "save m-" she choked and coughed up more blood.
"Fetch the physician!" Havil yelled. "Aminah, my star please." he pled "please." He held her securely in his arms not caring for the blood that soaked his sleeves..
"Save-" she choked out.
"I know. I will save you. I promise I will save you." he vowed.
Aminah reached her hand up to clutch Havil's clothes, "My baby," tears fell from her eyes. "Save my baby. Promise me." she ordered.
Havil studied the cloudy look in her eyes, "I will save both of you. Do not speak." a lump grew in his throat.
"Promise me." she rasped. "Save," she forced herself to speak, "my baby, please." she cried.
He massaged her neck gently, "Alright." he said ignoring the tear that fell from his eyes. "If it comes to that, I promise I will save the baby." he vowed.
Aminah closed her eyes.
Gentle caresses on her cheek, "Aminah. Aminah you have to wake up." She could hear her husband's voice, but her eyes were weighed down with the darkness of night. "Aminah for the baby. You have to wake for the baby. You have to push."
Pain. Everything hurt, no part of her body was left untouched. "No more." she pleaded. "I can not, no more." Even her tears hurt as they rolled down her cheeks.
"My star you have to push. You are almost there." Havil's voice was hoarse, was he crying?
"She is losing too much blood."
"She is my daughter You can not pull me from her side!"
"Lady Medes, please." she heard Havil cry, "Please help me save her. I can not lose her. I will not lose her."
"Nazita, help me save her." She heard Havil speaking, a pressure on her arm, as someone checked her pulse.
"Pleading to your sister will not help, my daughter is strong, she will survive this." Lady Medes said.
"One more push Aminah, you are almost there." Havil coaxed.
A baby's cry, "Oh let me hold my grandson. He was an excited one. Came to the world so early. You gave everyone a scare." Aminah could hear her mother say. It was a boy. She desperately wanted to open her eyes, to see her son.
"The danger is not over, he was born too early, you must keep him in a clean warm environment." the physician advised,
"Herom." Aminah whispered.
"Aminah!" Havil's voice was close now, right next to her ear, the heat of his hand caressed her cheek. "Herom." she said again.
Havil seemed to understand, "Our son's name is Herom. Herom Aljehni."
Aminah smiled and then everything went silent.
Megera stepped out of the carriage in front of the Aljehni estate. The gates opened and Young Scholar Aljehni met her. "2nd Lady Majidi," he greeted, "I was just coming to give you my condolences." he said gravely.
Megera lifted her head, her face was covered with a grey sheer cloth, a sign of mourning. The cloth was connected to a hat that covered the wearer's entire head. "Where is Aminah." she swallowed the lump in her throat. Megera had waited 3 days for Aminah to come to the Majidi estate, to explain what had happened. To help her calm her brother down. But she never did. And now with the day of the burning appearing, she made the decision to come and retrieve Aminah herself.
Havil bowed out of respect, "She is unable to see anyone at this time." he said tiredly. His golden eyes were red from lack of sleep, dark circles decorated the top of his cheeks.
Megera studied him with a scrutinizing gaze, "I thought she would come." Her bottom lip began to tremble, "My brother says that she does not care and has grown heartless, but I know that is not true." she picked at the skin of her fingers. "But that is not true." she breathed. "Aminah would not just abandon me, she would not make me say goodbye to Istria alone." the tears she tried to hold stubbornly fell from her eyes.
Havil stepped back, "Come inside." he strained hoping she would not notice how his hand shook at the door.
Megera wiped her tears and motioned for the guard to stay with the carriage. Stepping over the threshold of the estate, "What is it?" she asked the minute the gate was closed.
Havil held a finger under his nose for a moment, seeming to be forcing his emotions back. When he was settled he dropped his hand, "Aminah is bedridden. She has not woken up since the day you went to the marketplace." he confessed.
"What?" she turned to make her way to the manor but Havil raced to step in front of her.
"You are unable to come in at this time."
Her raised brow and glare would have meant something if not for the worry that could not be hidden from her face. It etched in from the sounds, raced up from her heart to her throat. "Why am I unable to see her?" she sidestepped him and continued the path to the manor.
"Please Megera." his voice shook, "I am reaching the end of my rope."
Megera turned to Havil on his knees before her, "I know not what to do. The physician says she needs rest, the baby only cries, the-"
"Baby?" her horrified whisper cut Havil's words off. "She gave birth to the baby?" her hand covered her face to hide the mouth that could not remember how to shut, "I missed it." her head shook, "but it is so early. She is not due for at least 2 moons, how could she…" she staggered back. The pained expression Aminah made as she stared down at Khastan, the way she turned and walked away. Bedridden? Baby?
"Havil I have to see her!" Megera had to hear the story from her. She needed to know everything that had happened. How injured was she? Why did she not speak? Why did she walk away? Her back had looked so cold, so cruel, but was it really aching instead. "Havil I have to see her, please." She could not lose another sister, that day in the marketplace could not have been the last time the three of them felt happiness together.
Havil shook his head, "It is too dangerous. The baby, my baby, does not have enough life energy. He is prone to colds, he can not be exposed, the manor is closed, no one goes in and out without bathing."
Megera lifted Havil off the ground, "Stop kneeling to me. What were Aminah's injuries? Tell me everything?" Then suddenly understanding all of his words, "You have a son? It was a boy?" she smiled tearfully, she was right. "What is his name?"
"Herom. Aminah named him." his words carried a soft scent of pride.
Megera nodded, "Good name, a hero." she whispered. She led Havil to a bench outside of the manor, "tell me what happened, please." she asked.
Havil cleared his throat, "When Aminah returned that day she only took a few steps towards me before she collapsed to the floor. She had broken ribs and the bone was affecting her breathing, the physician said to save her we needed to lose the baby."
Megera gasped, both hands covering her mouth, "Then?"
Havil shook his head, "Aminah made me promise to save the baby, but I swore to myself that I would save both." His fist tightened on his knee, "She was in and out of consciousness but she gave birth to the baby, only staying awake long enough to say his name before closing her eyes."
"How long did it take?"
"13 hours."
Megera's hand shook, "And she has not been awake since?" she asked, needing confirmation.
Havil forced a smile, "Nazita says that she will wake and heal, I trust in her judgement." he toptoed around the question.
"And the baby? Herom?" Megera stood and looked in the direction of the manor. "The little life is in such a fragile state, he will need his mother." she whispered, her gaze falling on the window.
Havil followed her gaze to the window, "Take care of your brother. If Aminah was able she would be aiding you and Khastan. I am certain she did not wish to add main pain to his heart." he surmised.
Megera bit the inside of her cheek. Khastan only seemed to grow in anger and betrayal the longer Aminah took to see him. His heartache and loss of his wife and child was ripping him apart. She was not sure if even she could alleviate his pain.
Megera nodded and stared at the window a little longer before turning to Havil, "I will return home, I will tell Khastan what you have told me, hopefully he will find comfort in learning that he has not lost his wife and his friend."
Havil nodded, "I pray that is the case."
Khastan refused to hear any word out of Megera's mouth. Any word that started with the same sound as Aminah's name received a glare and yell of anger. "You are not her messenger!" he roared. "If Aminah wishes to explain what happened, if she is truly my friend she will come herself." he explained, his red eyes filled with pain. His hands shook, from the moment he held his wife's limp body in his arms he had trouble stopping them from shaking. This morning when he woke there was no one to smile at him and remind him to drink tea.
Megera chased after her brother hoping to reach him before he mounted his horse, "Khastan, she is inju-"
"Enough!" Khastan silenced her, "One more word about Aminah and I will not speak to you." he threatened.
"Khastan please," her voice cracked, "Do not threaten to leave me too." she pleaded.
Mounting his horse, "Then not a word about Aminah, if she truly cares she will come and speak up for herself." he spat before racing away.
3 moons passed. Istria's spirit had long since moved on. Megera no longer wore the grey mourning clothes, slowly moving to black garments. Khastan threw himself into work, training with his sword, pushing himself further.
Aminah never came, she never came to speak to him, to apologize, to give some sort of explanation. She abandoned him. If she abandoned him, then Khastan would do the same. He would break every connection he had with the Medes, and Aljehni family.
At the Aljehni estate Aminah was able to walk no longer confined to her bed, after waking 3 weeks ago she was everywhere her son was. Herom knew who his mother was, and the moment she embraced her son he refused to leave her side. Even 3 steps away his golden eyes would water, and his small mouth would open to release a cry for his mother he had missed for so long. Unable to speak, his fingers wrapped around Aminah's pinky refusing to let go.
Havil was unable to stay away from court for too long, so her mother moved into the Aljehni estate.
Leyahn Medes was a strong woman, her pride had lost the fight against the physician 3 Blue moons ago,thus she refused to lose once more. She told her son that she would be by her daughter's side whether he liked it or not. And if not for Aminah telling her mother that she worried about the health of her baby, Leyahn would have been at her grandson's side.
Nazita welcomed Leyahn Medes with ease, easily directing her attention away from the constant nagging. Together the two of them worked in the kitchen creating the healthiest meals anyone could eat. It was so healthy that the sight of it made Aminah want to disappear and find peace with the old Gods.
Aminah pouted at her husband's twin, "Nazita surely now that I have given birth to the baby I can eat different," she peaked at the colorful porridge, "meals." she finished.
Nazita laughed, "Aminah your mother and I worked hard to make this for you. It is filled with nutrients that will only aid your life force. The baby drinks milk your body creates, thus your body must be in perfect condition.
Aminah forced herself to smile, the cooing of her child swaddled next to her forced her to pick up the spoon.
In king's court Havil Aljegni and Duke Majidi were a great team. Together they managed to stop the spread of troops, keeping Commander Medes and his troops safe within the borders of the kingdom.
As the two men made their way down the steps of the palace Duke Majidi placed a hand on the young man's back, halting his steps. "Scholar Aljehni, you have only just begun working in the king's court. Allow me to grant you words of wisdom." Duke Majidi, for a man 5 Red moons old, his face somehow maintained the youthful looks of a bachelor. His grey hair was not easily seen tied up in his top knot.
Havil bowed respectfully, "Duke Majidi, this one always looks forward to your wise words."
Duke Majidi smiled, "You are the high prince's tutor, and your relationship with the high prince only grows," his eyes grew dark, "but be careful not to get too close. The court is a dangerous place for kindness."
Havil smiled, opening his mouth to speak, his jaw dropped instead when Duke Majidi simply walked away. Bowing to his retreating figure, "Scholar Aljehni thanks Duke Majidi for his knowledge and countenance."
It came as a shock to the entire kingdom when Duke Majidi was pronounced sick the next day. Lord Khastan Majidi was named the temporary duke and the Majidi estate went into closing. No words of the Duke's health.
In the king's court the partnership between the Aljehni and Majidi family crumbled, Khastan refused to side with Aminah's husband on anything. The court broke into two groups, and King Saamun only smiled. His gaze lingered on the young duke, and the partnership between the king and the duke took the place of the Majidi, Aljehni, one of the past.
Megera squeezed her brother's hand. "So you see, all those 2 Red moons ago, you did not give me the chance to speak. You refused to hear anything of Aminah."
Khastan stood with a resolute expression, "Aminah almost died?" he murmured, an unnamed emotion flickered in his eyes for a moment. "No." The tone was resolute, "It does not matter. It does not change anything." he shook his head. "The actions of the past can not be undone." his words were tight.
"Khastan!" Megera called, the action triggered another coughing fit and she gulped down the tea. When the coughing subsided she said again. "The actions of the past can not be undone, but you can still alter what you are doing now. You do not have to harm Aminah. She is our friend. She used to be our sister. Please."
"This is not my fault." Khastan refused to believe that these pains were the fruits of his own labor. "She still never came." he argued. "She never spoke of Istria again, she never came."
"Who told her not to speak of her?" Megera pushed. "Was it not you that left her kneeling outside your doors? She begged and pleaded with you to allow her to say goodbye to father. When he passed she came dressed in grey, tear stains on her cheeks. And you," Megera stopped and coughed. "You told her never to return. You said you hated her."
"I do!" Khastan gritted out, "I do hate her. With every once of my being."
Megera shook her head and smiled softly, "That is not true. You protected her." she told her brother. "I heard from the king, you refused to arrest her."
"The king told you that?" He thought the king did nothing but torture his sister to force him to obey.
"The king tells me many things." Megera drank some tea. "The king also tells me that the Jian family's undoing was successful because of you." her tone danced in disappointment, her words harming Khastan's heart. "Tell me it is a lie." she asked. "The king says many things to me, but my brother harming an entire family is not true. Right?"
Khastan did not know about the haunted look in his own eyes. "I will do any and everything to keep you safe. The king will only harm you when I disobey." He scratched under his eye and stood before his sister. "Do not spend your time worrying about me. Think instead of what we will do when you get out."
"Khastan," she cleared her throat so she could speak clearly, "The Majidi family is one of morals and we stand on the side of justice. Do not sell who you are for me." her chin quivered.
Khastan laughed, "The Majidi family has long since lost its morals sister." he caressed her cheek, his finger gently avoiding the bruises, "Whatever I have to do to keep you body void of injuries I will." he said, wiping the tear that fells from her eyes.
Moving her face from his hand, "If you harm Aminah I will not forgive you." she weakly threatened.
Khastan's smile grew, "Very well. To hate me you must live."
Her tears silently fell, every time she saw her brother it was getting harder and harder for her to recognize him.