Roset clung to his grandmother's leg, "Take Roset with you." he asked doe eyes, his arms wrapped under Grandmother Medes leg.
Grandmother Medes blocked Aminah from reaching for Roset. Her daughter's face concealed the sadness she was feeling. She stood with her husband rubbing her shoulders, her eyes trained on her youngest son clinging to his grandmother's leg.
Grandmother Medes' hand rubbed her youngest grandson's back. "When I return you will be too tall to do this." she mused. If he carried the Medes genes he would grow tall in no time. She glanced at her eldest son talking to his nephews, his height no longer a stark difference to Herom. "My little star, will you train well while grandmother is gone?" she untangled his little arms and lifted him into her own. Decorating his face with kisses, "7 Blue moons you are, when I return you will be close to Asbed's age." The light in her eyes dimmed, "I will miss so much." she admitted.
Roset giggled and accepted all of his grandmother's kisses before giving her some of his own. "I will miss you." his arms wrapped around her neck, until it was time for her to go he did not look like he would move.
Grandmother Medes patted Roset's back and made her way inside for tea. Her husband stayed outside talking to Herom and Dharam. Herom's grave face was not noticeable by his brother who grinned so widely his cheeks hurt.
"Grandfather, you will really leave the armoury to us? I can really go in there?" Dharam asked, bouncing on his feet. This had to be the best news he heard in moons. He would need to sneak inside and risk being punished by his uncles no more. The taste of freedom was so close his fingers were warm from being near it.
Commander Medes bopped Dharam on the forehead, "Do not get too excited every weapon you touch you best have mastered by the time I return." he warned with a slight smile.
Dharam fixed his hair, "Not to worry grandfather when you return I will be sure to beat you." he promised. Maybe he would ask Herom for some pointers he thought to himself.
Commander Medes snorted, "It means nothing to win against an old man." He pointed at his eldest son, "Beat you uncle and you can keep whatever weapon you choose." he winked.
Dharam snuck a glance at his Uncle Alakko who was studying Aaleyah's moves. His tall buff exterior erased Dharam's excitement. What chances did he have of beating his uncle?
Commander Medes snorted, "Scared already?" he taunted.
Asbed stood in front of his uncle having returned from secretly meeting Saan, "Uncle Alakko when you return from the border will you get married?" he asked curiously.
Alakko Medes sputtered his attention immediately moving to Asbed, "Excuse? What brought this question on?" He side-eyed his younger sister, "Did your mother put you up to this?"
Feeling her brother's glare, Aminah turned to Alakko with a questioning look.
Hakim Medes slung his arm around his older brother's neck, "Great question Asbed." he elbowed Alakko in the gut, "When will you get married. According to customs you are getting old. Soon no one will wish to marry you." he taunted.
"Go inside and drink tea." he ordered, pushing his brother away in an annoyed manner.
Hakim avoided his brother's kick, "Now now, do not teach your nephew dirty tricks. You can not attack one who has no evil intentions." he pretended to teach, a playful grin plastered on his face.
Alakko glared. "I will teach my nephew new moves." he threatened.
Hakim snickered, "Very well," he hooked his finger on the back of Asbed's clothes, "You as well, we have been ordered to drink tea." he said dragging Asbed with him.
Asbed waved to his uncle, "I will pour you a cup?" he called out.
Alakko nodded and returned his attention to Aaleyah who was now joined with Zale. He blew air through his lips, his nieces and nephews would be all grown up when he returned.
Hamdi, the youngest Medes, stood next to his brother. "We will return." he comforted tapping his brother's shoulder.
Alakko nodded, "Yes, we will. Hopefully you will have your own division to command."
Hamdi smirked, "I will just stay in yours. Commanding is too much work. I do a great job following my brother's orders." he mused. "Where is the other set of twins?" he asked looking around.
"Father must have said something to Dharam, for now he refuses to look at me." Alakko pointed in the direction of Dharam who held a sword in one hand, and a book in the other. Then he pointed in another direction, "Amenah is coming here now, most likely to tell these two," he motioned to Aaleyah and Zale, "to go inside for tea."
Hamdi looked in both directions and then settled his gaze on Amenah, "She looks just like her mother."
Alakko crossed his arms, "Yes, it seems Havil Aljehni offered nothing in terms of appearance" he joked.
The uncles watched as Amenah yelled at the twins to come inside and stop being annoying so early in the morning.
The twins dropped their weapons and made to follow but Amenah only groaned. "Do not leave your weapons on the floor. Pick them up, do you need the servants to do all the work for you?" she chastised.
Zale scrambled to pick up his weapon and with some eye contact, and an annoyed look from his sister, picked up Aaleyah's as well.
They chuckled as Aenah dragged her siblings by the ear. "Just like our sister." Alakko mused.
Hamdi rubbed his own ears recalling all the times he was a victim of the ear pulling. "I hope we return." he said after some time, his fears dancing underneath his words.
Alakko frowned and watched the sunrise, its orange light illuminating the sky. "Hamdi." he said in a warning tone. 'Not now.' his expression said.
"I know." Hamdi sighed. "When we go I will not look back." he promised.
Alakko nodded, "Everything we do is for the safety of the kingdom. Our nieces and nephews are a part of that kingdom." he reminded.
The two men watched the sunrise for a couple more minutes before stepping inside the manor.
Inside Hakim sat in a chair, Chiara standing behind him braiding his hair. He swirled a dagger in his hand as he listened to Dharam.
"Please Uncle Hakim." Dharam placed the refilled tea cup into his uncle's hands. "Just one tip. Surely you know of at least one weakness."
Hakim yawned, "Not only are you attempting to cheat, but you are insinuating that your uncle has more than one weakness?" he arched his brow in mock shock.
Dharam rolled his eyes. "Everyone has a weakness, I am not childish enough to think that just because he is my family he is impenetrable."
Hakim nodded, "I see, so what is it you wish for me to tell you again?" he asked with a quizzical smile.
"Uncle Hakim!" Dharam complained. It had been 10 minutes of his uncle playing around and not giving hijm anything. Uncle Alakko studied the staff just like his mother, so he knew there was no chance of winning with that. But surely there was a weakness. There had to be. He stood, "What weapon does Uncle Alakko lack skills in?" he asked once more. "I will study that one."
Chiara tied up her uncle's hair and scoffed, "It does not matter what you study, Uncle Alakko has a night's sky worth of experience."
"I did not ask you." Dharam told her coldly.
Smirking, "Yet I answered."
No longer feeling Chiara's hands in his hair Hakim rose from his chair, "How about you ask for one last spar before we leave?" he suggested. "Then you can study how you lost and work your way up from there."
Dharam grumbled and went off to ask Herom for pointers instead.
Asbed sat in the chair next to Chiara. "They were only here for 4 Blue moons, it is terrible luck that they have to go again." he frowned.
Chiara lifted her feet to rest on the chair. "It is the king's orders, he has it out for our family."
Facing her appalled, "You must not speak of the king in that way." he explained. Sitting with his back against the chair, 'Besides, it is not true." he disagreed.
Chiara scoffed, "Why would it not be true? Everyone in the capital is saying it. Our father has lost favor with the king. That is why Amenah's fiancee is unable to find a position despite his skills." she stated factually.
Asbed shook his head, "The king would not send off half of our family just because he is upset with father." he mimicked his sister's position, and rested his arm on his knee, "Also Amenah is not engaged to Kemal, do not say things before they happen it is bad luck." he chastised.
Chiara gave a questioning look towards her brother, "I thought you did not believe in the superstitions?" she challenged.
"I do not." He shifted uncomfortably, "But still, words have power, never speak things you do not want into existence."
Chiara smirked, "My words have never had power, if they did you would be the first to know." she laughed.
Playfully pushing her shoulder, Asbed glanced at all the members of his family, "I hope nothing happens and they return safely." he wished.
Chiara shook her head, "You just said not to speak things into existence." But her eyes too glanced at her family, unable to shake the feeling that shadows were begging to cling to the living.
After tea and two unsuccessful attacks from Aaleyah and Zale against their uncles the Medes family mounted their horses and waved goodbye.
Alakko rode his horse in front of Aminah, "Stand strong, look proud, and never falter." he said with a flick to her forehead.
The Aljehni family stood outside the estate waving goodbye. No one walked back inside until they could no longer see the dust the horses picked up.
Herom still had time before he needed to report to the palace for training so with a smile he turned to his sibling, "Shall we spar before I leave?" he offered.
Everyone agreed, Aaleyah bouncing with excitement to try her new moves, unaffected by her failed attacks on her uncles.
Amenah shook her head, "I should go and talk to Kemal today."
Dharam and Herom exchanged glances, "Great." Dharam awkwardly responded. From the few times he went to the academy he had not seen Kemal. Since the rejections the prized scholar was missing in action.
"Shall I escort you?" Herom asked, already knowing the answer.
"I shall take 2 servants with me." clasping her hands behind her back, "I would prefer to see him without the presence of my brothers."
"That is fair. We will be here then." Herom agreed.
"We will?" Dharam scratched his nose, "Will you really abandon him, Mei Mei?" He ran his teeth along his bottom lip, "I am not his friend or anything, but I know he cares for you. I know that if you abandon him it will break his heart."
Amenah forced a smile, "A broken heart is mendable, a lost reputation is not." She nodded goodbye and walked out the gates.
Kemal stood by the pond watching his reflection in the clear water. His hands clutched two papers. In his right were the words of the king, Denied. The king had refused him publicly, the king who had paved the way; told him that his wings were large and would take flight anywhere. The same king had clipped this and everyday he continued to fall. No one in the capital wants him. He is a scholar in name only. The position of magistrate was barely offered to him, if he does not return to Tamon and take it he will have nowhere to go.
Staring up at the sky, the white clouds helped the sun hide, erasing the warmth that touched his skin.
With hesitant steps, one hand played with her yellow sleeves. The other clutched the sword so tightly one would think she was afraid it would fly off on its own. The servants stayed by the horses and watched as she crossed the bridge slowly reaching the other side of the pond. "Kemal?" she called him hoping that her voice did not carry the regret and guilt she was feeling to his ears.
Soothing his turbulent emotions, Kemal turned to face her with a welcoming smile. "Amenah." She approached him, her hair braided and clipped up, allowing the necklace to stand out in the limelight. "You look like the spirit of spring." he complimented. "Beautiful," he added in a whisper to himself. He extended his hand to her, his heart needing her to take it.
Accepting his hand she walked closer to the bank of the pond. "Kemal, I have heard about it all." she said nervously, her eyes focussed on the pond scared to meet his gaze. "I am so sorry." Her heart beat faster in her chest, "I came here to tell you-"
"Wait." Kemal's hand tightened around hers, "Can you just stand here with me?" he asked, knowing from her tone what she wished to do. "This bridge is on the outskirts of the market, people rarely come this direction. Please enjoy the scenery."
Amenah accepted, and the two stood enjoying the breeze. Golden eyes studying the pond, and brown ones starting up and the white cloud filled sky.
The sound of insects buzzing, the water of the pond carried small fish that kept Amenah's focus and attention. She was ready, she could do this. She had spent days and nights preparing for this moment. Yet, the silence was so calming, between them she always found a comfort and peace she thought she could only feel in solitude.
He pointed to a nearby tree. "This is an acacia." he stared up at the tree, "The yellow flowers are not the only things you have in common with it."
The wind blew and some flowers floated off, swirling in a spiraling dance around the two.
"Acacias are strong, they can withstand anything." He breathed a smile, "Beautiful and resilient they are." His gaze stayed on the flowers. "Soon it will be winter, and the flowers will fade, but the tree will always stand strong."
"Kemal." Amenah called after her body hurt from being too stiff, "I have heard it all." For the first time she turned to face him. "I am so sorry." she apologized.
"You are apologizing to me?" Kemal was stupified. Surely Amneah had come to tell him that he was not good enough. That she did not wish to marry him now that he was no longer a man with a bright future.
"I came here to tell you to cast my family and I aside." Her breath quivered and she pulled her hand from his.
Kemal's gaze shifted to his now empty hand. "2nd Lady Amenah Aljehni," he called formally, "do you think me a man with no integrity?" His eyes trailed over the face of the woman he had longed to marry since he first came to the capital. He had strived to become the best. To show her all of his strengths but it seemed he had failed. She somehow thought he was someone with no morality.
"Kemal it is not because I question your character that I do this." she honestly told him. "It is because I know your character, the world needs honesty, it needs kindness." she took a step back, "It needs sharp minds that will not walk the dark paths. We cannot lose your skills because of love." she pursed her lips, her tongue sliding against her lower teeth.
"You say this because you underestimate how long I have loved you." He leaned forward, "You think we met at your father's academy?" A soft smile graced his lips. "Amenah, I met you many Blue moons ago, the first day I came to the capital. I saw you outside a tea shop."
Amenah shook her head. Her heart pounded achingly with each word he said, "Even so, the amount of time does not-"
"You rounded up the thieves and fought them. They pulled out their swords but that did not deter you. You fought against them and rounded them up with only your fists and skills. You were strong, agile, brave, and unlike any other lady I have seen in the capital." He smiled at the memory, "You are strong, there is nothing you can not accomplish. I know this, I have no intentions of stopping you. I just wish to walk with you." he earnestly told her.
Amenah's golden eyes warmed, "I do not wish to hurt you." she confessed, her calm mask collapsing. "If you refuse to let me go you will lose everything. I do not wish to be the cause of your downfall." Her arms folded around herself, as she rubbed her shoulders. "
"I will lose everything if I give up on you to save myself." his hands reached out, hovering over her shoulders in question. When she did not move away he placed them atop, "To give up, and only seek out self-preservation," he shook his head with a grimace, "that would be how I lose who I am. That would be the end of my integrity."
Amenah sniffled, her cheeks filling with ear to stop the tremble of her chin. His hands on her shoulders are so warm, so comforting. Will his hands stay like this if he loses everything?
He squeezed her shoulder, "I will not stop you." he chuckled with pained eyes. "I could not if I tried. If you do not wish to marry me, there is nothing I can do." His brown eyes were heartbreakingly honest, "But I promise you, I will never cast aside the innocent."
Amenah ran her thumb over the sword in her hand. Right! The sword. She took a step back and unsheathed the blade. "I made this for you. I have been working on it for some moons now." Holding the blade in two hands she extended it towards him. "I wanted, I," she sniffled, "please take it."
His heart pounded within his chest. Is this really their goodbye? His gaze fell to the sword. She had put so much time and effort in it, the craftwork spoke for itself. The carving is intricately made from the top to the middle of the blade. As the sun shined through the clouds, the blade gave off a soft blue tight, telling the world of the rare metals used to create it. Not many blades within the capital were composed of such metal. A shame that his career was not within the military, for countless swordsmen would fight to the death for this blade. "I will not accept it if this is goodbye." Gazing into her eyes he recited a poem as he took in the depth of her orbs, "The gift of the stars could not force the waves to stop crashing down."
Liquid gold. As her tears filled her eyes, they resembled liquid gold. She forced her expression to calm, and coolly sheathed the blade. Taking his hand she placed the hilt of the blade into his palm. "You have dreams. I know it, my father knows. Even my brothers know it." She spoke deeper than normal, "Your dreams are at a standstill because of the ties you hold on to." Releasing his hands, "My father has taught you all that he could. It is time for you to choose a different mentor now. If you continue to stand on my father's side you will lose all you have accomplished." She braced herself for the next then, "Then everything my father has done for you will be wasted." She tried to glare at him, but could not. Raising her voice, "You are one of the smartest men in the kingdom, do not act as if you are unaware of what is happening around you!" she chastised.
Kemal shook his head, her scolding brushed off him. How could she think he would trust her anger? The nails that she pushed into her palm. The quiver of her voice, the small step back, and her foot positioned to run away. He just wanted to hold her. Placing the sword onto her chest, "It is precisely because I am smart that I refuse to abandon your father. I refuse to abandon your family. And regardless of our marriage or not, I will never abandon you." he vowed. "I have seen my classmates renounce their connection to Scholar Aljehni," his head shook, "I refuse to do that. I will stand by what I believe is right. For good always triumphs over evil."
Yelling was heard from the marketplace and Amenah took that moment to control her beating heart.
Turning away she faced the pond and discreetly wiped one of her tears away. "You are risking everything." she chided. Her eyes stung, "You are risking everything you have accomplished!" Her hand tightened on the blade that he refused to accept. "You are a fool." she gritted as another tear fell.
"In reverse, would you abandon me?" he reasoned, taking a step towards her. "Would you stand and watch as the world prosecutes me?" He turned her to face him, his fingers rubbed the tears from her cheeks.
Closing her eyes did not stop her tears, "I wish for you to obtain all you dream of." she emphasized tightly. "I want the best for you."
"What if all that I dream of is you?" Opening his arms he silently called her forward.
Kemal practiced some form of magic, how was it in his presence she found it so hard to be strong? In his arms her face hid against his chest. His hand gently brushed her hair. The sound of his heartbeat was so soothing that she did not realize when she dropped the sword. It had to be magic, that was the only explanation.
With a kiss on her temple, "When I return to Tamon will you return with me?" His left hand fell by her waist preventing her from stepping away.
Her eyes locked with his, "If the path of my family reignites, I would very much love to be your wife. But if-" A finger on her lips stopped her words.
"Thank you. I will work with your father to help as best I can. I vow to do my best to help, then my happiest day will be you becoming my bride."
The yells from the marketplace were growing louder. The clang of metal meant there was a swordfight and Amenah immediately jumped into action racing across the bridge back to the marketplace. Kemal picked up the sword and followed behind her.
As they got closer Amenah could see that there were 2 groups, one were guards and the other group were merchants and commoners. Fighting to get to the middle she raised both hands to stop both sides, "What seems to be the meaning of this!" she asked, directing her words towards the guards.
Some of the guards where trained by Herom thus they stopped. The commoners saw the angry glint in her eyes and lowered the broomsticks, rakes, and baskets they had as weapons.
"2nd Lady Aljehni, it is not our fault." one of the merchants yelled in anger. He pointed his loaf of bread in the guards direction, "They are being unfair. They continuously raid our homes and stores claiming we are housing Stilits!" He swung his loaf so much that it broke, one piece slammed to the ground. "Is this how the capital will handle this! We are in danger too, but the guards treat us as accomplices!" He cleared his throat and aimed in the guards direction as he spit.
Many of the townspeople agreed and protested more.
"We are citizens of this kingdom too." A teenager voiced.
"Guards are supposed to protect us. You are harming us more than the Stilits." A mother said, clutching her child from a guard who still had his blade out.
"From where I am standing you are no better." a butcher scoffed.
"Check your own homes for the Stilits before you raid ours!" a man dressed in scholars' clothes added.
One of the guards had heard enough, "You! I could have you arrested for not adhering the king's orders." he pointed at the scholar.
"Arrest us! Arrest all of us then. Fill your prison with the innocent." the townspeople yelled.
The guards had all intentions of granting that request.
Spinning Amenah grabbed the sword from Kemal's arms and held it up as a shield, "You dare to harm them?" she challenged with a glint in her eye.
Kemal moved to calm the townspeople. "The guards are following orders, sometimes they act unfairly. The beautiful thing about the capital is that you can voice your heart in a calm manner." he grabbed a broom from a female merchant's hands, "No need to result to violence and destroy your life's work." he convinced with a calm smile.
The captain of the guards refused to back down, even if it was Amenah Aljehni who stood before them. The Aljehni's had lost favor with the king anyway, there was not much she could do. The military aid was greatly diminished now that the Medes family was heading north. "We have orders from the king to arrest the Stilits, anyone who prevents us will be punished." he smirked tauntingly.
Facing the guards, "And who do you think is a Stillit? Who are you planning to arrest?" she asked coldly. "Show me the proof and I will not hesitate to step aside."
The captain refused to answer. "You dare to step in the way?"
"You have searched our stores and homes 4 times in the past week, this is taking advantage of your power!" the bread merchant yelled. "Do you know how early I wake to make the bread that you so callously destroy in your fake search?"
A boy not yet of age stood before his grandmother, "My grandmother was injured because the captain kicked the door to our home open. He slammed my grandmother to the ground." he cried. He moved next to Amenah, his small hands balled into fist. "The king would never order guards to harm his people!" his innocent features were splattered with anger a child should not possess. The menacing expression did not suit him.
The captain had enough and pulled out his sword, "2nd Lady Aljehni I suggest you move or you will be arrested for obstruction of justice." he threatened.
His words were met with the people's outcry. "You dare to harm an Aljehni!" The mother pushed her son behind her as she stood.
"How dare you! Now you have gone too far." The butcher slowly raised his knife once more.
A grandmother grabbed fish from her tank and threw it at the guards. "Some guards you are! I refuse to listen to pigs dressed up as lions!"
The peace and calm Kemal had talked the townsfolk into having flew away with the fish. Everyone grabbed whatever they had and hurdled it at the guards.
Aiming his blade, the captain kept eye contact with Amenah as he spoke. A sadistic grin on his face, "Search for Stilits, arrest all who interfere."
Ishmek, a lieutenant, stepped forward, "Captain, perhaps we should refrain from attacking." he whispered. The people were loyal to the Aljehni's, "If we truly arrest 2nd Lady ALjehni it will cause more harm than good. It will cause an outroar" he warned worriedly. If his brother knew what was happening what would he say?
The captain twisted his sword and slammed the hilt into Ishmek's stomach. "You dare give me orders! Your brother rides with Herom's makeshift battalion, but you still must follow me." he spat.
Amenah's expression turned deadly, "Ishmek follow orders. Do not get hurt." she warned. "I am not preventing your work, I only ask that you treat the king's people with respect. The king gave no orders to harm the innocent." she said objectively, her face betraying nothing.
"Step out of my way, Lady Aljehni." the way he called her name somehow sounded cruel, a sneerful taunt.
"Some guards you are! You cannot tell the difference between loyal citizens and Stillits." the bread merchant yelled. Many agreed and their anger only grew.
A guard kicked a man away, "Stay down!" he ordered, but the order was only met with more defiance.
"You even threaten 2nd Lady Aljehni! How dare you!" The scholar yelled from the back of the crowd.
Kemal took a glance at the people around them. Women, children, stepping forward refusing to allow the guards to search. Their eyes staring in the direction of Amenah. Rushing forward Kemal grabbed Amenah's arm, "Your presence is fueling the anger, we must go."
The captain kicked Ishmek out of the way and aimed his sword. "Search for Stilits!" he commanded. "No one gets a pass." he added his restrained anger released.
A boy picked up a knife used to cut fish, "If 2nd Lady Aljehni says it is wrong then I will not back down." His soft words ignited a flame in everyone as they rushed to stand with him.
"No!" A cold frost covered Amenah's chest, "Do not fight them." she ordered, her hand overtop of the child's. "Do not turn to violence, I was speaking to them, you can use your tongue as well."
Kemal's hand slid down her arm to interlock his fingers with hers, "We have to go, now." Kemal pulled Amenah away from the child.
Amenah fought against his pull, "No I have to stop them. This is not right."
"You dishonoured the Aljehni's, we will not let you go." The scholar in the back yelled, he still had made no move to stand closer.
Amenah froze at his words, her eyes studying the man, was he not a guard? Had she not seen him before in uniform? "This is not right." she repeated in horror.
"I know, we have to go." Kemal pulled her away. The two moved to their horses where her servants were waiting. Kemal helped Amenah mount hers, "Go home and do not stop." he ordered.
Amenah clutched the reins, "Kemal there is something going on. The man who shouted about Aljehni honor that was, it is all a-"
"I know." Kemal told her, "Things are growing more dangerous. Go!" Then he slapped the back of the horse. Amenah did not have a chance to return the sword to him, her hands tightening on the reins.
With a swift command for the servants to ensure their lady's safety Kemal rushed back to the crowd hoping he could calm their anger.
Prince Saan made his way back to the palace. His time with Asbed was very much needed. It seemed that everything happened in the time they had not seen each other. The sound of yelling and breaking of tables caught his attention and he turned left to get to the main road and see what was going on. Stepping around the corner he was not prepared for the commotion that greeted him. The marketplace was in disarray, tables destroyed food and products littered the floor. Everyone seemed to be attacking the guards who dared to use swords against them.
A child held up a bamboo umbrella to block a blade and Saan saw red. Rushing between them, "How dare you!" he yelled, blocking the strike.
When Saan held his hand up the cuff on his arm showed the insignia of the royal family. The guard ceased his attack and knelt, "Prince Saan."
All around Saan the guards knelt. Saan turned and helped the child up off the floor, "What is the meaning of this?" He turned to the captain. "Captain Enlil?" he called in shock. "Why are you attacking my people?"
Captain Enlil lifted his head, "Prince Saan we have orders from the king to apprehend Stillits." he explained.
Saan motioned to the merchants, woman, and children on the floor, "These are the Stillits you are apprehending?" he asked sarcastically.
Captain Enlil froze, the sarcasm and speech the young prince gave was so similar to his king's. "My apologies Prince Saan."
"Do not apologize." he ordered. "Return to the palace and explain your actions to the king." he ordered his arm still reached out to protect the boy.
Captain Enlil rose and as he turned to command his trips his jaw was clenched so tight that he could hardly pronounce his words. "Return to the palace." His ablaze eyes turned back to the young prince, "Allow us to escort you."
Kemal watched the prince leave with the guards as he helped the people clean.
The same scholar grumbled as he picked up his cinnamon, "How selfish she was. We stood up to defend her and she abandoned us." He did not mention who she was, but it was obvious.
A teenage boy was to the side picking up hair pieces for his grandmother, "That is not true, we did not move to aid her. It was her who defended us first. Today's troubles have nothing to do with her."
The man stood and slammed his cinnamon down on the table, "You dare talk down to him, boy!"
The boy's grandmother hushed her grandson and beckoned him to stand closer to her. "Forgive my grandson. Today was a tiring day."
The man rolled his eyes but did not have the energy to argue with a frail woman.
Kemal assisted many people by cleaning their tables and stood up, his eyes searching for the scholar. Finding him walking away, Kemal chose to follow him.
Inside the palace King Saamun played with an obsidian blade as he spoke to Duke Majidi. "Have you been searching?"
Duke Majidi knelt, "Following your orders the guards have searched the homes of the commonfolk 4 times in the past week." he reported.
A grin appeared on his face, "And have you found anything?" he asked humorously.
Confusion flooded his face, "Eh, uh, No. We have found nothing, your majesty."
King Saamun hummed, "You never know, there could have been a surprise." he humoured. "I hear that you discovered a presence on Mt. Antingree." he boredly spoke, his hands still twirling with the blade.
Confused, "Your, y your majesty?" Duke Majidi asked not understanding where this conversation was heading.
"Yes, was it not you who discovered Stilit activity on the ridge of Antingree?" the king gave a knowing smile. "Did your sister not remind you?" he threatened in a gleeful tone.
Dropping his gaze back to the floor. "Yes your majesty. There is Stilit movement by the ridge of Antingree, what is your command?" Pointing his blade in the duke's direction, that is more like it." He crossed his ankle over his knee, "destroy the ridge while the Stilits are in route."
"Should I clear the path of innocents first?" he asked, already aware of the answer.
"In 3 days time I want that ridge destroyed, if you fail you know the consequences." his satirical grin left an eerie presence in the hall. Waving his hand, "Let me see your face." He waited from the duke to lift his head, "If you meet my expectations perhaps you can guard Concubine Megera on a trip to the Trivplah Kingdom."
Duke Majidi's eyes brightened, "Yes your majesty." he bowed repeatedly, "This one will not fail."
"Your majesty, Prince Saan requests your presence." Eunuch Yosen announced.
Setting the blade down, "Yes," King Saamun waved, "let him in."
Duke Majidi rose and took his place at the left of the king.
The doors opened and Prince Saan marched in. His raven hair was tied up and held with a silver clip that caught the attention of the sunlight as he walked. Once he made his way to the steps leading to the throne he moved the front of his garment so he could kneel. "King Saamun." he greeted formally.
Chuckling, "Come my grandson, rise and tell me why I am honoured with your presence." The mocking air evaporated as the king smiled at his eldest grandson.
Both hands rested on his knees, "Grandfather, is it true that guards have been sent to check the homes of the people to search for Stilits?" Saan asked.
King Saamun's finger traced the blade on the armrest. "Does this trouble you?" With his other hand he rubbed the underside of his chin. He adored his grandson, but it seemed as he grew older he was becoming more and more like his father.
Saan kept his head held high, one finger even moved to scratch his head, "Grandfather what does a Stillit look like?" he curiously asked.
Standing from his throne he made his way down the stairs and sat on the step in front of Saan, "That is the pinch, they can look like anyone." King Saamun answered.
"Ah I see." Saan seemed to contemplate on that before asking another question. "Then what weapons do the Stillits use? Surely there is a way to see their fighting style and know." he asked inquisitively.
The king's irritation began to fade, this was the grandson he had missed. So inquisitive, a mind that absorbed all around him. A mind filled with wonder just waiting to be molded. Once he gets rid of the Aljehni's he will perfect his grandson into a man who would rewrite history. "Saan you never know who the enemy is, that is why you must always be prepared. These Stilits, they can look like anyone, you are unable to pick them from a crowd if they do not wish to be seen." He beckoned him over with two fingers to sit at his side. "But fear not, there is nothing your grandfather is not capable of doing." he comforted.
Sitting next to his grandfather Saan stared up at him, "Grandfather, if we do not know what a Stilits looks like, or what weapons they fight with; why are the guards raiding homes and stores to search for them? What exactly are they searching for?"
King Saamun's smile faded, "For the, that is because." He soothed his growing annoyance, "As a king it is my job to help the people feel at ease. With the Stillits being so dangerous, having the people know that their king is doing something, can help them sleep at night." he explained.
Saan was perplexed, "To help the people feel safe we raid their homes?" his brow furried. "I do not understand grandfather."
"Perhaps this is something you will learn as you get older." the king dismissed.
Shaking his head, "No please, grandfather please explain it to me." Saan reached out to grab his grandfather's hand. "I want to learn, I want to understand. Grandfather please explain it to me." he repeated.
King Saamun waved his hand, "Duke Majidi you are dismissed."
"Your majesty might I visit-" Duke Majidi began to ask.
"No, talk to the guards. Captain Enlil should have returned by now." he cut him off.
Once he was gone the king returned his attention to Saan. "How about I tell you a story to help you understand?"
Saan nodded and crossed his legs on the steps turning his body to face the king.
Leaning against the back of the step, "Alright," the king begins, "Let us imagine there is a class of students, and one by one they fall sick. Just falling into a deep sleep that last days, if not moons. Sometimes they will wake on their own, sometimes they will not. No one knows why it is happening. There seems to be no cause, but the students come and ask what they should do. They are scared, and in that fear comes anger.
"So you tell the students that the location of the class will change. This comes with outcry. The new location is inconvenient for many, and they claim you are being unfair. Still they all show up to the second location for classes." the king tells Saan.
"So the sickness had to do with the place?" Saan questioned.
Shaking his hand, "Np, the students continue to fall ill, the second location did not help. So once again they become filled with fear and slight contempt. So you come up with a new plan." He motioned for Saan to speak. "Can you think of what that plan is?"
Saan tapped his knee as he thought. "If the first idea was to move to a different location and that did not help, then" His taps slowed, "The next idea should be to separate the students from each other?"
"Precisely." King Saamun squeezed Saan's shoulder affectionately. "The students were all separated and told to study alone. Once again the student complained, they argued, they spoke in anger. Eventually however they followed the plan and separated. However-"
"It did not help." Saan guessed.
Looking at Saan in approval, "It did not help." he repeated. "Thus with no other ideas, the next plan was to stop and think. However the students with no orders of what to do grow just as angry, if not more. Can you understand why?"
Saan pursed his lips. "When you had plans they were angry at you, so if you do not have plans their anger should fade." he said. He scratched his head, "Why are they still angry?"
"It is because you are doing nothing. Therefore the students feel you have no hope in them, and no longer care." King Saamun explained.
"What?" Saan waved his hand, "That is not true. The teacher, or me, I just need time to think of a solution. I have not given up on anyone." he argued.
Grinning, "Yes, but fear is not an emotion that can be talked down with logic." The king spoke slowly. "So the students believe you have given up on them and that is why you do nothing." he summarized. "What do you do now?"
Saan huffed and crossed his arms. "What else can I do? I have to do some action in the meantime while I still think." he frowned.
"So the students are told that everyday their belongings will be checked." King Saamun studies Saan's frustrated face and laughs. "It is very tiring, I agree." he tapped Saan's forehead. "In doing this, the students feel you are doing something, and this action that comes up with nothing gives you time to think. Besides, in checking their belongings you can also ensure no one is bringing anything bad, which is not a terrible thing." he surmised.
Saan's look of annoyance only grew with his judgmental eyes, "Are people really like this?"
King Saamun nodded, taking pleasure in his grandson's frustration. This was the life of a king.
Saan dropped his head back to stare at the ceiling with a pout on his face. "So we are raiding the homes of the people knowing that we will find nothing, and we have no clues to identify the Stillits. But in doing this the people can believe that the king is actively trying to do something?" He scratched his forehead with a frown and turned to grandfather. "Then what plan are you trying to come up with? Or are you still thinking?"
"I am still thinking." He nudged his grandson with his elbow, "Or do you have an idea?"
Saan hummed, "What is it that the Stillits want?" He tapped his knee in thought, "We can take what it is they want and put it somewhere far from the people, and when they go to get it we can arrest them."
King Sammun chuckled and draped his arm across Saan's shoulders, "What a great plan, did you really come up with that on your own?" he joked.
Saan beamed, "Technically Aaleyah came up with the idea. She and Zale always plan attacks on their older brothers." he explained.
His smile dropped and King Saamun stood. "I see. Return to your chambers, do not think I am unaware of you sneaking out of the palace this morning."
Confused by his grandfather's sudden anger, Saan rushed to obey.
King Saamun barked for Eunuch Yosen to enter. "Cancel the remaining meetings for the day. I am to be left undisturbed. If there is a problem, have Hammaan take care of it."
The words were said so quickly that Eunuch Yosen barely understood before the shadow of the king disappeared from the hall.
Megera rubbed the soothing ointment her brother gave her onto the bite marks on her neck. Her fingers fluttered over the swollen edges of her chin. The king's anger only seems to grow recently. Tracing her lips, they no longer hurt as much, by tomorrow the swelling would go down. A red ribbon lay on the table, and she picked it up to tie her hair back so she could place the ointment of the bruised parts of her face. The moment she pulled the loop through to tie it the door to her chamber opened with a bang.
"Everyone out!" King Sammun ordered.
Holding her breath so she would not cough, the hair on her neck stood. Megera watched from the mirror as the king approached her. His hot hand sat heavily on her shoulder, melting the ice she had placed around her body for protection.
"Will you not greet me, Megera?" He drew circles on her shoulders with his finger. "It has been so long since I last saw your hair up. I forgot how alluring your neck was." From the mirror Megera could see his satirical smile.
As she swallowed her body shuddered, "Your majesty." She moved to turn and bow to her but his grip on her neck tightened keeping her held up.
"No need." Bending down he kissed the spot underneath her ear. "Megera," he called in a thick voice. "Who are you tying up your hair for?" he asked, his words barely holding back his hunger.
She winced from his words, her body instinctively moving away, but his hold on her neck kept her in place. "No, no one, your majesty. No one." she stammered trying her best to stay calm. Forcing herself to relax underneath his touch.
Tilting the chair back, King Saamun twirled it around to face him with ease. Leaning down to get a good look at her bruised face, "I have not seen your hair tied in many Blue moons. You did not know I was coming today," he slid his hand down the length of her arm, "So who did you do this for?" his fingers drew designs on her waist.
Megera pushed herself against the back of the chair, "No one, this one swears it. Please your majesty, please believe me." she stammered tightly.
"If word got out about your actions this benevolent king would protect you." he lifted her hand to his lips to kiss it. "But I wonder who would protect your brother."
Eyes widening, "Your majesty I-" his finger on her lips stopped her from speaking.
"Everyday your brother does everything in his power to follow my orders and keep you safe. Is family not supposed to look out for each other?" he pretended to ask. "If you wish to throw your brother away, do tell me. I will abide by my young Megera's wishes." he vowed, his other hand twirled her hair around his fingers lightly yanking on the ponytail exposing her neck to him.
"No! Your majesty please." her head shook, and the king soaked it in, for once her face was not hidden behind her hair. He ran the back of his knuckles over the bruise on her face.
"Your majesty, please do not harm my brother." she whimpered her hand hesitantly hovering over his.
Releasing her he took a step back and curled his index finger, "Rise." he ordered, his eyes hungry for her.
Standing from her seat, Megera hid the pain she felt in her legs. Bowing her head, "This one is here to serve the king." she repeated the words she was taught to say.
King Saamun caressed her face, "How long has it been Megera?" He looked off to the bed on the left, "Since you gave yourself to me?" he asked in a slight sneer. "What were you," he looked down at her, "2 Red moons?"
"This one was 1 Blue moon short of 2 Red moons." she whispered.
He pulled on the ribbon of her hair causing her to stumble into his chest, a soft whimper escaping her lips. "I first saw you when I was 3 Red moons. My wife had left me after birthing my son. I never thought there could be another woman who could grasp my attention." he ran his nose across her collarbone. "Then I saw you." he moved back, "You had piled your hair up on your head so it would not get wet." He pinched one of the bite marks on her neck causing her to flinch, "Now you are mine. All I ask is your loyalty," his brown eyes turned sad, "but I am unable to acquire it." he said pitifully.
Holding her tongue between her teeth she forced her body to lower to the floor. Kneeling, "Your majesty, there is no one this one is more loyal to, than you." she vowed. "Whatever you ask of me I will do." She could feel his hand snaking around her hair.
He hummed, "You will only act if I ask?" He sat in the chair she had left and moved his garment.
Her eyes stung, but once again she reached up to untie his pants. His fingers slid underneath the ribbon getting a strong grip so he could move her the way he liked.
"Use your hands for what you cannot fit in, act like you know what you are doing." he ordered rasped.
Tears fell from eyes as she choked, her hands moving to hold and massage his scrotum. Her head bobbed quickly and she moved her tongue hoping to pleasure him faster.
"Look at me." he commanded. "Allow me to see your face."
Her teary eyes moved to obey his command. Her brown eyes locked with his, shame and bitterness mingled with her perfect features. "Old Gods," he called out, her pain only made her more alluring.
Pulling her back by her head, "That is enough. I do not wish to finish yet." his hand slid out of her hair. Her once perfectly tied up hair was now a mess, strands pulled out, and the ribbon barely holding it up off her neck. He studied her, "From now on tie your hair up when I come to visit. I rather enjoy the control."
Duke Majidi struck his whip onto the floor in front of Captain Enlil, "So you failed?" he toyed with the handle of the whip. "Is it hard to incite anger? You do a great job angering me all the time." He stood in front of the table. Within the training camps was his own barrack, a place he stayed instead of at home.
Hands clasped at his back, "My apologies, Duke Majidi, Prince Saan's arrival was an unexpected turn of events." Captain Enlil explained. Lifting his head, "However we were very close, it will be no trouble at all to start it again." he promised. "It was wise to have soldier Yekta dress as a scholar, the people easily followed his words.
Duke Majidi rolled his eyes, "Next time I will be coming." He turned away, "I no longer have any expectations of you." turning so the side of his face was seen, "You were unable to deal with Amenah Aljehni, will you struggle to deal with Kemal Adel as well?" he insulted.
Captain Enlil stood taller, "No. Kemal Adel will be properly dealt with."
Rolling up his whip, he returned it to his rightful place on his side, "I certainly hope so." Waving his fingers, "You are dismissed, also do control your guards." He rested his back on a pillar, "I heard Ishmek caused problems."
Bowing his head, "He will be punished." Captain Enlil bowed and walked out the room.
Once the door was closed he sat in a chair. Elbow on the table he rubbed his forehead, "Once the Aljehni's are gone." he promised himself. Once they are gone he will save his sister. "Megera, things will be better once they are gone." He pulled out a map of Mt Antingree.
King Saamun laid on the bed, his hands gripping Megera's waist tight, not caring if he bruised. "Is this all you can do?" He taunted pushing up. "This is how you aid your brother?" Dropping his head back on the pillow he laughed as Megera pushed herself harder, her face scrunched in pain, her arms trembling to hold herself up. "That is good. Keep going, harder." he ordered.
Reaching his hand up he rubbed on her bottom lip to stop her from biting it. "Do not hide your cries from me." he whispered.
Her eyes were squeezed shut and she forced herself again and again to take him in. His hands on her waist suddenly pulled her and she gasped in pain as he moaned.
Lifting himself to a sitting position he lifted her and slammed into her repeatedly, "Yes." he moaned finally releasing himself.
Her body shook, and with quaking hands she forced herself to wrap her arms around him anyway. Her head resting on his chest as she caught her breath.
King Saamun twirled the ribbon that he had ripped from her hair around his finger. "Will you always love your brother?" he rasped still inside of her.
A shiver traveled throughout her body. "Familial duties and love never fades." she quoted hiding her face.
He hummed, "There is nothing your brother can do for you to stop loving him?" he questioned curiously. He dropped his head to nibble on her neck.
Shuddering, "Your majesty, is there something the matter?" she asked biting her lip to stop the whimper when his teeth grazed a sensitive spot.
He ran his fingers through her hair and then pulled her back so he could read her face. "The Stilits are becoming a problem in the capital," he smiled at her hesitant nod and confused eyes. One hand slid down to caress her thigh. "Your brother is searching for them, and he happens to think they are at the ridge of Antingree."
Megera sucked in a breath as the king pushed inside her, "Is that not a good thing?" she forced herself to ask
His face brightened, "How so?" His fingers played with her breasts before rolling them over so her back was on the bed.
With the sudden movement she winced her teeth digging into her bottom lip to stay silent.
Pinching her bottom lip, "Make a sound." he ordered.
With shuddering breaths, "Your majesty, perhaps we should-" her words were cut off when he slammed into her once more. This time she was unable to hold back her cry of pain.
"There it is." He hit her just as hard repeatedly eliciting more cries of pain before slowing down. "Now tell me, why is it a good thing?"
"If my brother can find and stop the Stilits the people of the kingdom will be at peace." she attempted to move away from actions but he yanked her back.
"Do you think I should give your brother the order then?" he asked in her ear and nibbled at her lobe.
"His majesty should do whatever he wishes." Megera answered obediently.
"What if he destroyed the ridge? There are other paths," he pinched her nipple as he moved, "with the ridge destroyed the Stilits will have nowhere to go, and if they get harmed in the blow so be it." He bent down to take her nipple into his mouth.
Her hands lifted off the bed but knowing she was not allowed she dropped them back down. Shuddering, "Your majesty is wise," her breath hitched as he thrust into her. "And able to do what he thinks is best." she cried.
Pulling on her thighs he hit deeper, "But what do you want. Do you wish for your brother to attack the ridge?" he pushed.
Unable to stop herself, her hands clawed on the king's back, tears fell from her eyes. "Yes. Have my brother follow your wishes." she pled.
King Saamun chuckled, "I will." Pulling out of her, he flipped her over. "Enough talking now." He pushed her face towards the bed until her body was in a nice arch and resumed his actions.
Dismounting off the horse, Amenah gave the reins to the servants before heading into the manor heading straight for her father's study. The first person she bumped into was of course her twin. Jumping back, "Dharam? Have you given up on academy?" she chastised.
Scoffing, "Father gave me permission. I am now allowed to take a leave from my studies and focus on training." He patted his chest proudly, "There is nothing I am unable to obtain."
Brushing past his shoulder, "Where is father? Is he in his study?" she asked.
Dharam followed behind her, "Yes, but he is in the middle of a lesson with Aaleyah, so I would not interrupt him. Hopefully Aaleyah is not in trouble. She spent the entire day studying after everyone left."
"I have something important to say." Amenah continued making her way to the study.
"Eh?" Dharam rushed to stand in front of his sister, "Did you bump your head?" He placed his hand on her forehead, 'You are not hot." he checked.
Moving his hand away, "I am completely fine, I just really need to talk to father." Amenah told him.
Dharam circles her, "You are willing to interrupt father? You know he has been really angry this past moon. I do not recommend bothering him." Dharam advised. "How about speaking to mother?" he offered.
Holding his arm to stop him from pacing, "Mother is home? I thought she was at the camps?" Amenah frowned.
Dharam scratched his head, "I thought so too. But after Grandmother left she stayed here. She is out back training Asbed."
Amenah snickered, "Asbed?"
Sharing in the laughter, "I know, Asbed hates training." Dharam commented.
Changing her mind to go to mother instead, she turned, "Asbed hates training so much, but he is a natural swordsman." she sighed.
Dharam rolled his eyes, "tell me about it. He picks up on moves so easily it is truly unfair." he muttered.
Reaching the back door Amenah put on her shoes and stepped back outside. Sure enough Asbed was following the sword dance under his mother's scrutinizing gaze.
Aminah nodded affirmatively, "Very good." she complimented, "Be careful with your footwork, but other than that I am proud of you." she told her son with a smile.
Sweating in the autumn air, Asbed grinned, "Thank you." he huffed, "May I go read now?" he pled with hopeful eyes.
Aminah frowned but with a sigh allowed her son to run off to read. She turned her attention to her eldest twins, "Are you here to train?" she questioned.
Dharam laughed, "Or course not." he replied with a smirk. "I am escorting my sister to you." he motioned towards Amenah as he happily placed her in harm's way.
"Ah." Aminah focused on her daughter, "And how is your swordwork? Surely you have not been sitting at a bench for too long." she mused. "Let us test your skills."
Laughing awkwardly Amenah took a step back towards Dharam, "Actually mother I am here to talk to you about something important. There was trouble in the marketplace."
Taking a seat on a bench, "Trouble? What sort of trouble?" Aminah questioned.
Taking a seat next to her mother, she dragged an unwilling Dharam with her. "I was at the old bridge and I hear-"
"The old bridge!" Aminah checked over her daughter. "What were you doing there? How many times must I tell you to stay away from there? Must my children refuse to listen!"
Gripping her mother's hand she squeezed it, "I alright. Nothing happened to me." she comforted.
Dharam gave Amenah a questioning glance, "If this is about Scholar Kemal, then I really feel I should be leaving." He inched away slowly preparing to rise.
Stepping on his shoe to keep him in place, "This is about our family." she told her brother. "Mother, there was a big commotion."
Dharam huffed, but otherwise remained in place. He moved Amenah's foot off of his as he listened.
"The king has ordered for houses and shops to be checked, or inspected for Stilits." she told her mother.
Dharam's brow rose in confusion, "All that will do is cause an uproar, these Stilits; as far as we know have no tell signs. The guards inspecting have nothing they are looking for."
"What happened?" Aminah asked, urging her daughter to continue speaking.
"The people refused to have their homes and shops inspected once again," waving her hair, "this is the 3rd or 4th time they have checked, from what I heard." she elaborated. "The guards we moving to hit the people who were arguing so-"
"Do tell me you did not interfere."
"I moved to defend them."
The mother and daughter spoke at the same time. Amenah laughed awkwardly once her mother's words settled in her ears, her body leaning towards Dharam.
"I thought you left to talk to Scholar Kemal." Holding his hands out in question, "Where was he?"
Facing her brother, "He was there. We both tried to diffuse the situation, he spoke to the people and I spoke to the guards." Amenah explained.
"Amenah, during these times it is best if our family takes a step back from military affairs." Aminah advised.
"I know." Amenah agreed.
Peering closer, "Eh? You agree?" Dharam asked, snapping his fingers, "Just like that you will agree not to involve yourself?"
Brushing his arm off her shoulders, "Yes just like that. Because there was a soldier there." Amenah took turns glancing at her brother and mother, "I recognized him, but he was dressed as a scholar. He tried to ignite the people's anger." She tapped her fist against her thigh, "I have heard his name before, but now I am unable to recall it. But he usually is with Duke Majidi, brown long hair braided up, and," she exhaled as she thought more. "I do not know, but I am certain we know him. Herom will definitely know who he is."
Aminah's hand rested on her staff, "What do you mean, he tried to incite the crowd?"
"The guards were being a bit rude, and he started yelling, 'Do not insult the Aljehni,' and things off the sort. More people began to side with him, and even a child picked up a weapon." She locked eyes with her brother, they wore the same frown on their face.
"He purposefully brought up our name to rally the people?" Dharam confirmed.
"Yes. By then Scholar Kemal told me it was best I leave. That my presence was doing more harm than good." she reported.
Aminah rose from her seat, "Scholar Kemal is wise indeed. Stay away from the marketplace." she concluded. She held up a finger, "Actually, for the time being everyone should stay home. We can send the servants out if need be." She pointed at Dharam, "Spread the word, other than Herom, your father and I; no Aljehni is to leave the estate grounds." she ordered. "Finish training, I need to speak to your father." she said as she walked away.
Dharam crossed his ankle over his knee, "Great job Amenah." His words were drenched in sarcasm. "Now everyone is on house arrest."
"Dharam." she called in a tone that erased the annoyed expression from his face.
"What is it?" he asked, nudging her foot with his.
"We grew up learning that our family is powerful, that our name carries weight, but," she shuddered as she recalled the words she heard early that day. "'If 2nd Lady Aljehni says it is wrong I will not back down.'" she quoted. "Dharam because of what I said, because of how I spoke to the guards a child was willing to pick up a weapon and fight." She rubbed her nails together in thought.
Dharam nudged her foot again, "Do not dwell on it. When your mind dwells you do not think clearly. And if what you saw was really a guard in disguise inciting violence under our name, then we need to have our minds clear and sharp."
Amenah nodded and forced a tight smile, "You are right, instead of dwelling on it I need to be thinking of a way to fix it."
"And we will have plenty of time to do that now that we are on house arrest." Dharam joked, breaking the serious atmosphere.
Rolling her eyes Amenah stood from the bench, "Then how about a quick spar? It has been a while."
"No way!" Dharam waved his hand, "I channeled moons worth of luck in hopes that mother would not ask me to do so." he huffed.
Pulling on her brother's hands, "Come on. Just this morning you told Grandfather that you would train. Then you berated Uncle Hakim and Hamdi for weaknesses and ways to come out victorious in a fight against Uncle Alakko." She sighed, "I guess it was all just empty words as always."
"Fine." Dharam relented and allowed himself to be dragged off the bench. "Swords?"
Amenah nodded and grabbed 2, throwing one to Dharam. "Let us test if you still remember how to move your feet." she teased.
Pulling out his sword, "I may have focussed on archery, but that does not mean I cannot spare some time every moon and then to beat my twin in a fight."
Upstairs Aaleyah pinched her leg to hide her nerves. Today her father seemed more on edge than usual, and the questions he asked were not as simple as they usually were. Suddenly her father was asking for specifics, examples, and even on the spot translations of the old language.
Hitting the scroll in front of Aaleyah with his pointer stick, "Translate this paragraph into Ancient Aidjeeken." he ordered.
Aaleyah leaned forward to glance at the paragraph her father was pointing at. She studied really hard this past moon, to study the old language, and she already knew Ancient Aidjeeken, but she was not sure how to translate those two languages. "Father this moon I studied translating our old language to Aidjeeken, or Ancient Aidjeeken to Aidjeeken; I am not sure how to go from the old language to the ancient one." she whispered.
"Hand" Havil ordered, and Aaleyah slowly upturned her red hand for him to hit twice. "You need to know these languages, Aaleyah. You must know it as if it is second nature." he motioned to the books and scrolls surrounding them, you must immerse yourself in these words. So much so that Blue moons from now you will recall the information without deep thought."
Aaleyah swallowed her tears, "Yes father." she slid her hand to sit atop her thighs to soothe the sting. Her right hand was covered in red welts from the numerous hits she received from today's lesson. Before she walked into the study she was confident that her father would be proud of her. She had studied so much, knew everything she had read and was certain it would be a good day. How was she to know her father required her to know the book and all three languages flawlessly?
Havil sighed, his eyes moving towards the closed door, "Come in Zale." he called knowing that he was there.
The door opened and Zale walked in rubbing his right hand, "Father." he greeted.
Setting the stick down, "Zale, I assume the reason your sister is not up to date on the languages is because you helped translate." he surmised.
Zale froze, his eyes darting to Aaleyah, "Ley Ley's Ancient Aidjeeken is perfect." he stated. Then with a lopsided grin he added, "She certainly knows much more than I do."
Havil was not amused, "I see." he motioned towards the pillow next to Aaleyah, "Have a seat. It is time to quiz your knowledge."
Zale could feel his throat going dry, he only memorized the information from the book and read the translations Asbed made. The only time he so much as glanced at the old language was when he was helping Aaleyah.
The twins were saved by the entrance of their mother. She walked in as if she was an angel sent from the Lord of the Heavens. Her words were miracles that returned a normal heartbeat to the children.
Aminah did not even spare her children a glance, "Leave I must speak to your father alone." she dismissed.
Aaleyah and Zale rushed to their feet, Zale helped Aaleyah pack up the scrolls she had brought as they scrambled for the door. Havil watched them head towards the door with a shake of his head before adding, "You will study. You memorize and recite the old text. For every mistake you make will be a new chapter I give you to study." he told them.
As the door closed Aminah took the seat Aaleyah was in. "It is starting." Her arm stretched out to ramp her fingers on the table. "Amenah tells me that there are guards dressing as civilians to incite discord in the marketplace."
Havil squeezed Aminah's fingers, "The Medes family just left, perhaps with sometime things will die down." he hoped.
Dismissing the notion, "Amenah recognized the guard, this all might be happening under the command of Duke Majidi." She rapped her fingers again, an unsettling expression on her face. "If I could just talk to him, or better yet if I could just talk to his sister."
Havil moved to sit next to his wife. "We have tried to speak to Duke Majidi numerous times. There is nothing we can do." he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"I told the children not to leave the estate." she informed. "When Dharam asks to go to the armoury,"
Chuckling, "I will tell him no." Havil finished. "Aminah," he started lightly, his words aiming to soothe the tension in his wife's shoulders. "How about I close the academy?"
The eyes that had closed under the comfort of her husband's fingers popped opened. "I thought we agreed that was not a good idea?" she asked turning to face him.
"I think now we should reconsider." he said solemnly. "What if a gave the academy to someone the king favors?"
Running her thumb under his eye, "And live with this anguished expression?" she whispered. "No." she disagreed. "There has to be another way. Amenah will marry and move to Tamon," she contemplated, "maybe I can step down as general."
Running his thumb over the back of her hand, "You stepping down as general would ruin your reputation."
"Not necessarily, it is what everyone thought I did after I had Herom." she pointed out. "Although voluntary demotion is not ideal. Maybe I should retire." she smiled grimly.
Havil pulled his wife to sit on his lap, wrapping his arms around her, "Allow me to be the night for our family." He kissed her cheek, "You my beautiful star must be the light for them." He kissed her once more, "Besides none of my children have the ambition to run the academy."
"Dharam and Amenah made their choice, but," she gave her husband a light smile, "Asbed seems to walk the path you molded." lifting her hand she caressed his cheek. "With time he would be honored to take over." at thise words her smile slowly faded.
Time.
The next day Asbed sat in the garden watching Roset bury his rocks. "What do you think they will grow into?" he hurmoured.
Roset paused from shoveling up dirt and destroying the flowers, "An orange one." he declared.
Rubbing his temple, "Your small grey pebble is going to grow into an orange rock?" he skeptically asked. Seeing Roset nodding enthusiastically he picked at grass underneath his leg, "can you explain why?"
Roset moved his braid out of the way and rolled his eyes; a trick he learned from Zale. "The flowers are orange." he stated as if it was obvious.
"Right." Asbed rolled his eyes without realizing it and rested his back against the wall, "Do your sisters know that you are destroying the flowers?" he asked with a knowing look.
Roset's back went rigid, and as the door to the manor opened the small boy held his breath.
Zale stepped out with a determined look on his face. His clothes were tied down at the sleeves, and in his hand was a letter.
Asbed quickly stood, "Whatever you are planning I think it is a bad idea." he warned making his way to Zale.
"Good thing I did not ask." Zale tried to walk around him but Asbed blocked him.
"What is it?" Concern filled his tone, "What has you like this?" Asbed asked trying to calm his brother.
"Father says no one is to leave the estate." Zale complained.
"Actually that was mother's idea but go on." Asbed interjected, but changed his mind at Zale's glare.
"Ley Ley has been stuck her for a moon, all she does is study. All she does is worry. All she does is stress."
Asbed could not help himself, "Sounds like she has been doing alot then."
Pushing Asbed in the shoulder, "This is not funny, today Ley Ley and I were going to go riding and play but father says no." As he spoke Zale gave a pointed look towards the window of his father's study.
Asbed nodded, "Alright, but why are you so angry?"
"That is why I am angry." he fumed.
Roset called out from his place in the flowers. Realizing his faults the child was trying to push the flowers back in the place. The flowers were stuffed in dirt and buried with soft wishes and affirmations of growth. "Do not be angry Zale, tomorrow I will find a rock for you." he promised his brother.
Zale's eyes softened, "Save your rocks for when Chiara yells at your ruining the flowers." he teased.
Asbed shoved Zale's shoulder.
Holding both hands up, "What? What did I do?" he onnocently asked.
"You know exactly what you did." Asbed crossed his arms. Why was he the only one around to deal with Zale's antics?
Roset made his way for the door, "I will apologize before she can get mad." he decided.
When he was inside Asbed continued the conversation with Zale. "What are you doing? Angry face, clothes for easy movement," he tilted his head, "paper in hand." he noted. "What are you up to?"
Moving the paper behind his back away from Asbed's sight. "Nothing." Zale's face screamed annoyance, "Asbed is there nothing for you to do but question me? No books to read? No scrolls to translate?" he poked.
Extending his hand, "Will you make me ask?"
Zale glared for some time, but when Asbed did not seem fazed he grunted and handed over the paper.
Scanning it, "You are talking to Saan?" His hands clutched the paper. "You are not supposed to do that. Mother and father said we should not talk to them." he reprimanded.
Arching a brow, "Oh really? So you were telling Saan goodbye yesterday when you went to play with him?"
Asbed's calm demeaner took on a more apprehensive air, "That was, we," Zale's stare dared him to deny so Asbed shook his head. "We are talking about right now, not me."
"When did you turn into a hypocrite?" Zale ripped the paper out of his brother's hand. "And I am no longer leaving the estate, I am just going to send the message." he defended himself.
"Then why the change of clothes?" Asbed quickly asked blocking Zale again.
"To fit the mood!" was Zale's ingenious response.
Trying a different approach, "Father told you to study. Do you want to be like Aaleyah with a swollen hand? After ointment her hand still hurts."
Zale scoffed, "If anyone knows about her pain it will be me."
Asbed gave a tight smile, "Yet here you are with plans of causing trouble."
"How do you know I will be causing trouble? I am only sending a letter, how much trouble can I possibly get into?" Zale asked in a whiney voice.
"You would know more than I." Asbed crossed his arms. "So tell me. What do you plan on doing?"
Zale allowed himself to be ushered to a nearby bench. "Ley Ley is really upset after yesterday." As Zale spoke he made a hole in the dirt with the tip of his shoe. "Father was too strict and unfair." he complained. "So today we were all going to go out riding to help her feel better." he muttered. "Now father hurt her hand, hurt her feelings, and told her she can not go and play." Lifting his head towards his older brother, "Why is father like this?" he asked crushed. "Father is bullying Ley Ley," his golden eyes stung, "and there is nothing I can do to help." he whispered helplessly.
Asbed took in his brother's sad state and groaned, his face turning upwards to the heavens. He was going to get in so much trouble for this. "Fine." patting his pants he stood, "You convinced me." he extended his hand for Zale's. "Let us go and help Ley Ley smile."
Zale's eyes warmed, and his lopsided smile slowly appeared on his face, "Really?" he asked slightly apprehensive.
Asbed nodded, "One horse ride and we will be back by lunch."
Zale took his hand and stood, "Of course."
In the marketplace Captain Enlil returned with guards to search for Stilits. Tables were upturned, carts were destroyed, and the anger of the people only grew.
A young man stood amongst the chaos, "Why are you doing this!" he roared red faced, "You destroy our life's work and later you will return forcing us to pay after you destroyed the only means we have of providing for ourselves." he spat. "You are despicable. 2nd Lady Aljehni did not stand for it yesterday, and I will not stand for it today." he turned to the people behind me, "Who is with me?"
Men and women picked up weapons, be it posts, knifes to cut fish and bread, beads, bags of spices; everyone loaded their hands with a weapon of some sort.
Inside the palace Duke Majidi bowed his head before the king, "Your majesty, after today's actions it will be harder to achieve peace again." he warned.
King Saamun smiled, "It will be hard to obtain peace. Until we gather all the Stilits together the capital will not be safe." he agreed with an easy smile.
Duke Majidi took in a deep breath, "Then are the orders still to-"
"Anyone who obstructs justice will be arrested, and if the keepy fighting," he stood from his throne and made his way down the stairs to the Duke. Gripping his chin tightly his eyes bore into Duke Majidi's, "then the Duke will ensure peace, and kills anyone who gets in the way."
In the marketplace Captain Enlil gave the order and the soldiers drew the swords.