Hearts Bound by Mika
Chapter 1
Looking soulfully out the window of her home, Cathain could see the sun just peek through the trees. It used to give her such a feeling of hope for the day to come. But her husband of 8 years was dead and now all she could think about was that the sun signaled the end of another sleepless night. An internal voice tried to convince her that a change needed to be made and soon. For months she had languished in mourning incapable of feeling anything other than despair.
It had been a difficult 5 months. Friends had gradually ceased stopping by. Who could blame them? She rarely got out of bed. She felt like a wraith just waiting to be shaken loose from her misery and sent on to the afterlife. In truth, she had lost whom she was when her husband died.
While the war raged on and Remoran Empire sent tens of thousands of people off to battle the rebels, Cathain had taken up volunteer work helping with the refugees. But the day she discovered her husband had died she began to die, too.
She had done what was expected of her all her life, seldom choosing for herself. It was Roban's manner that had first attracted her to him. He was very much his own man and did what he wanted. Yet, there was a tenderness about him that made Cathain stay. In his quieter moments, he was gentle and kind. He doted on her, taking care to see that all of her needs were met. Yet any quest on her part for striking out without his initiation was thwarted.
It was after his death that these things came to light and fueled her despair. She reckoned that it probably was not intentional, that it was not maliciously directed. But the subtlety of it frightened her and she remained uncertain as to how to prevent it from happening again. Thirty-five summers and still she felt and responded as a child. She vowed to never be so dependent on anyone again. But even in her vow she was unsure how to gain a skill. Having gone from her father's house to that of Roban's, she never had ventured out on her own. She reviewed what skills she did have.
As a female in a family of some financial strength, she had been educated. Though it was for value in a marriage to benefit the husband in his efforts to improve their lot, she had nonetheless received high marks and enjoyed her time in school. In entertaining her husband's guests, she often found herself bored with the conversation and mentally parried each of their arguments, though never did she voice her challenges. It was a game she played to divert her attentions from the boredom. Looking back, she realized that she must have had a keen intellect and somehow she must find a way to use it.
It was late one night that she had entertained the idea of teaching. Friends had come by earlier that day and try as they might, she still wouldn't leave the house. Not easily thwarted, they had been vigilant about keeping an eye on her. Accommodating her slothfulness, they had stayed. The chatter had been annoying to Cathain, but some of what was said stuck with her. They had mentioned that the Emperor of Kuulkuk needed a tutor for the children of the royal house.
During the following sleepless night, it was the expression of a child in a vid-ad that prompted her to recall the discussion. She mused about being surrounded with that sense of wonder and questioned if it would help bring her out of this dungeon of depression. So that morning, with a steady determination, she got out of bed and entered the bathroom. She felt a timid sense of hope flutter through her heart as she cleaned and dressed for the day.
She was brought up short by her reflection in the mirror. The mischievous twinkle in her gray eyes was gone. Her fiery red hair was dull and ratted. Her face: thin and drawn. Haggard in her appearance, she had not realized how apparently she was wearing her loss. The shock was enough of a motivator to begin to rebuild her life.
Still somewhat sluggish, she then went into the kitchen and prepared a cup of tea and toast. While waiting for the brew to steep she sat down at the Voice Screen and sent a message to the foreign emissary of the neighboring planet Kuulkuk. She tendered her interest, hoping against hope that it would be well received.
From that point on, her days were whirlwinds of activity. An interview was held and subsequently, she received word that her application had been welcomed. She was to make an appearance before the Emperor in one moon's passing. Suddenly, it occurred to her that she had only a few days to prepare, allowing for enough time for space travel to her new place of employment.
With speed and determination, she went about her homeland preparing for what she hoped would be a permanent departure. She would occasionally catch herself grinning, for she realized that when good things happened they went quickly and when one was doing the wrong thing, time virtually slowed and tasks became arduous chores. She felt reassured that the speed at which she had to make necessary changes was a good omen.
On the day of her departure, the emissary sent representatives to her home and they carried her to the spaceport where the Emperor's own ship was docked. The docks were not unfamiliar, as she had spent many a day, during the last war, either sending her husband off or waiting for him to return. She thought about the last time she had been waiting. It was then that Roban's commanding officer had met her with the news of her husband's death. Even now, a wave of sadness fought to surface with the recollection, but she pressed it back not wishing the memory of loss to title this day which held so much hope for gain. This is a first not a last, she chanted to herself.
She felt a hand cradle her arm and she noted the entourage had slowed to a halt. Pulling herself from her musings, she looked about and then beheld a sight for which she was not prepared. A midnight blue starship of sleek, intimidating lines and of a size to dwarf all other spacecraft in the dock loomed before her. Cathain noted that it called to memory the barges of ancient royalty that were described as floating islands.
"Grand isn't it, Ma?" The ranking officer in her entourage asked. She knew the culture of the Kuulkuks' granted a familial term to every adult but she found it unnerving. All she could do was nod as words escaped her. She heard him lightly chuckle as they proceeded to embark.
Her quarters on board were quite grand in nature but she was completely taken aback, discovering them to be the private rooms of the Emissary. She had tried to protest, but was summarily corrected by the Officer of Protocol. To refuse would be seen as an insult. Apparently, as the emissary was not to join them on this trip, it was his wish that she avail herself of his suite. The Officer of Protocol's presence on the ship was not by coincidence, however. He was there expressly to teach her the whys and where fore's of courtly manners expected of imperial servers.
Though she found much of the time spent with the O.P. quite tedious, she learned very important and interesting facts about the history of the planet and it's government. The history of Kuulkuk was mired in war and subsequent devastation. However, it was the current Emperor's predecessor, Anall, who finally transcended the patterns of the past that had always resulted in war. The current Emperor was seventh in the Borghese dynasty.
During the war in which Anall became Emperor, he lost his family. Four sons died leading various assaults in his name. Victorious at an excessive cost, he came to the throne offering an opportunity for all citizens to have a part in deciding the future of the empire. As he had no heir and could not foresee remarrying, as his beloved had also died, he decreed that one, orphaned child would be chosen to inherit the throne. That would be the characteristic of future heirs. To be a leader of the people is to be a parent to the people. He saw it fitting that this should be a reality.
This proved to serve the people well, as the heirs would have already proven an understanding of loss. It was the emperor's hope that through this loss a lesson in the necessity of peace would be deeply learned. By setting the example, the emperor had actually raised the conscience of the people and orphaned children became the exception.
It was also decreed that the future emperors were to not produce children of their own. It was felt that this was one of the causes of the cycle of war. Many children borne of royal blood resulted in rivalries for the throne. Battles were fought at the cost of citizens with whom the Royals had nothing in common. However, by taking in a child of the people and raising it to rule those very same people, a connection was established. Support for the people was returned by a show of support for the throne.
So for over two hundred years the planet of Kuulkuk had known peace and children were honored and cared for. Cathain assumed that an heir had been chosen and that this was the reason for her hiring. She allowed herself to humbly accept the responsibility placed on her and privately vowed to share in the burden of educating an emperor for the people.
Cathain's arrival planet-side was cause for some attention. Vid-news recorders were present as she disembarked and she sensed a hum of conjecture from them. Children had come waving their flags of celebration and a retinue of palace guards relieved her current escorts. The Officer of Protocol was the only member of her original party to continue on with them to the palace.
As the shuttle sped from the private docking bay of the imperial spaceport, Cathain marveled at the deep jewel tone colors of the lands and bodies of water on the planet's surface. It was a theme that was repeated in the color scheme of the planet's capitol, Lammar. But, if the impressive nature of the flagship was any indication of the splendor Cathain was to expect from the palace proper, she still was caught unprepared.
Cresting the ridge that surrounded the valley, they came upon a great structure five stories high and sprawling across three sectors. The palace was fashioned in a multitude of deep, rich colors almost carnival in their appearance with multiple spires capped in what appeared to be gold. She searched for a word to sum up her first impression: rich, lush, luxurious, she thought those were correct but there was something else. It was, she finally concluded, inviting. It drew one in. It called to you to enter. The O.P. sat back chuckling to himself. Though he had seen many people's first reactions, it never ceased to amuse him and fill him with pride. Cathain heard him and blushed at her obvious marvel. The O.P. tried to set her at ease.
"Ma, I think it will be a sad day if I ever cease to be in awe and welcomed by the sight of this landmark." Cathain shyly nodded her head and returned her gaze to the palace.
Chapter 2
The landing was smooth and soon Cathain's feet found purchase on solid ground. She thought that the gravity enforced on starships was never quite the same as on land and she carefully took her first few steps to adjust to the feeling of heaviness. Just beyond the landing pad stood a solitary young blonde woman. Cathain thought it odd to have only one to welcome her as she had expected a larger showing than even at the imperial port. She shook her head in correction of her assumed importance. It had been quite a heady experience thus far but it was not, she reminded herself, for her but for the position she was here to fulfill. Best not let that go to my head, she thought.
The party escorted her to the edge of the pad and then the party withdrew one step allowing her to stand alone. The young blonde woman stepped forward to greet her. With a bow most deep, the woman swept her arm out from her side in an arc and said, " Ma Cathain of Remora, I, Anobia of Kuulkuk extend a most gracious welcome to you. We are highly honored by your courage to journey here and accept a most important role for the empire. I, Anobia, will be responsible for attending to your every need while you are in service to the empire." With this statement, Anobia stood back up and looked into the face of the new teacher. What she saw there was humility and not a little self- effacement. Anobia let a small smile draw across her face then she glanced over at her O.P. His brow was furrowed. As much as he would allow, she sensed he was tisking at her, at least mentally. A faint shrug was Anobia's reply. She then crooked her arm and offered it to Cathain and together they walked into the palace to the chambers provided for Cathain.
Later, as Anobia directed servants to assist Ma Cathain in getting settled into her new quarters, Cathain could not help but notice that the servants were a bit on edge. She assumed it was due to her being new and foreign, but some how she felt that didn't quite explain it. Once she was had put everything away, Anobia signaled for the servants to leave as another arrived with a serving tray of refreshments. As the server was setting the table, Cathain ventured a question.
"Anobia, when will I get to meet the emperor?"
The servant seemed to hiccup in her movements and Anobia shot her a look that went unnoticed by Cathain.
"Ma Cathain, you will meet the emperor very soon. Perhaps sooner than you realize." She finished her indirect answer with a knowing look that Cathain thought odd, but she shrugged it off.
"Well, then can you tell me what the emperor is like? Do you have many dealings with him."
Anobia smiled and tucked her head to keep from laughing out loud. "Why yes, I do deal with the emperor quite a bit. In fact, I am probably closer to the emperor than anyone in the empire." Anobia gathered her seriousness about her and pressed on. "The emperor is a surprising individual." The servant almost spilled the tea she was pouring so she quickly completed her work and bowed on exit. Anobia cleared her throat then continued. "The emperor has been described as thoughtful, generous, fair, maddening, forthright, too bold, outrageous, not serious, too serious. Well I think my description leaves the emperor fairly as an enigma."
The look that seemed to consume Cathain's face was one of utter confusion. Anobia chuckled at the sight then cautioned Cathain. "The emperor is seen as an emperor and people judge by what they see done. But few see the emperor as a person, by what constitutes the being behind the title."
Cathain replied in hushed tones, "Oh, I see." Though to Anobia, it was clear that she did not, at least not the degree that was hoped for. Well, she thought, there is time enough for that.
"Ma Cathain, I feel it is important that you meet with the emperor tomorrow. I shall check the calendar, but arrive in the great hall at mid-morning and I'll see that you have an audience. Now, I must attend to other matters. Should you need anything at all just send a page for me and your needs will be met." She bowed again granting a final smile to Cathain and exited the room.
Cathain tried to take in what all had occurred. Momentarily she felt overwhelmed and she sunk deeper into the couch. She let this feeling course through her for a brief time till her stomach growled alerting her to the present. Thoughtfully, she sampled the offering left by the servant and delighted in the taste variations provided. She took a goblet in hand. Mistaking it for water, she took a large swallow. The fluid was sweet but not innocent in its effect. She almost coughed it up as she looked conspiratorially at the glass. Assume nothing, she chanted to herself. From then on she carefully tasted each item till she had little else to taste. Full from her repast, she then washed and went to bed, closing the chapter on this adventure and preparing for the new one to come in the morning.
The Great Hall was bustling with activity as Cathain entered. Immediately it was apparent that the demands on the emperor were many as she likened the people bustling about to a colony of industrious ants. However, it was clear that for the most part those milling about were happy. Laughter was common as were the smiles between members of the court. Even the O.P. was enjoying a story someone was imparting. It was, in short, a very happy place, this Great Hall. Cathain had supposed that it would be a somber atmosphere as matters of State and concerns of the people were brought to the emperor. Yet, off in the corner, she saw a juggler entertaining children and a servant was giving each child a piece of fruit to enjoy during the performance. How odd, she thought, to have children in the presence of state business. But then she concluded, if children had a place of honor in the empire then, surely having them here merely reminds everyone of that.
One of the servants approached her offering a cup of tea. Cathain gladly took it and carefully sipped, wary from her experience last night. To her surprise, it had a sweet and sour complexity to it. She moved through the throng of people occupying the court this day heading toward the main floor. The O.P. soon caught sight of her and dispatched an aide to bring her to him.
On her approach, she nodded to him.
"Ma Cathain. How lovely you look this fine day."
"Why thank you, Officer."
He noted she was looking around the Hall taking it all in.
"Quite a sight isn't it?" He offered.
"Yes I do believe I have never seen a court so grand, nor an atmosphere so conducive."
"I take it you have noticed the children?"
"Yes, I was curious as to why they were here."
"Children are allowed in virtually every room in the palace. This is no exception. Besides, the emperor says that hearing their laughter during all the tedious proceedings is a reminder that there are bigger issues at stake than any current difficulty at hand."
Cathain seemed to ponder that. It occurred to the O.P. that this woman might easily be taken in by the charming emperor. He knew that the emperor was certainly taken. The performance yesterday was mildly amusing. But even more amusement shall be had today, he thought to himself. He turned away from Cathain and spoke to an aide. The aide, with a slight grin, nodded and left.
Cathain turned to her own thoughts. All morning she had tried to see the emperor, but still his presence had eluded her. None of the people in the Great Hall appeared to be of imperial presence or costume. Still, she searched with her eyes to find who it might be. Just then, a large gong was struck and the sound resonated through the Hall. All activity ceased and the huddled group in the very center of the Hall parted.
Cathain was captivated by the sudden changes. Her eyes were drawn to the center where people ringed a single individual. The one in the center was dressed in rich fabrics the color of jewels. Lengthy legs, clothed in tights, carried the person toward her. Cathain glanced up and focused on the face. Cathain allowed for a grin to half escape and grace her lips. The emperor's reply, a childlike expression of apology, was accepted if Cathain's, now full, smile was any indication.
Those surrounding Cathain had also backed away and as the emperor neared, the silence in the Hall became almost deafening. The emperor stopped before Cathain. She saw the request for indulgence in the emperor's clear blue eyes. Cathain responded, a slight admonishment in the quirk of her brow, but graciously accepted the proffered arm of the emperor as she was led away from the Hall. A wave of noise began to erupt in the room as they left punctuated by loud and belly-deep laughter once the doors to the Hall were closed behind them. The two women walked silently through the foyer and out into the palace gardens.
Anobia stopped alongside a bench under a large shade tree. She gestured for Cathain to be seated. The emperor began to pace a small path in the grasses. The look on her face was one of seriousness and though Cathain thought it best to reflect that, she couldn't help being charmed, too. Anobia began to speak.
"Ma Cathain, I feel I must apologize for the ruse played on you. I hope you do not think it foolish of me." The young woman paused. "But in truth, it is rare that I get to meet someone just as Anobia, and not as the emperor. So please accept my heartfelt apologies for my actions." As she tempered her voice, softening it in hesitation. "If you so desire, I can have a shuttle prepared immediately for your departure. I will understand."
Throughout the confession, Anobia had not once looked at Cathain, but now on the heels of another great sigh, she turned to face her, standing at attention, obviously ready to receive the worst news.
Cathain smiled sweetly and tucked her head not wishing to dishonor the effort Anobia put forth. She motioned for the young woman to sit beside her. The emperor moved quickly casting an easily read air of hopeful anticipation. Cathain turned toward her and was greeted with sky-blue eyes that yearned to reveal all that she was. The vulnerability evidenced there was breathtaking and Cathain struggled to find her words.
"Your Highness." Anobia moved to correct her but Cathain gently placed her hand to the emperor's lips to stop her. The bold but innocent touch took them both by surprise and Cathain felt a need to move allowing for a bit more space between them.
Her voice, deepened yet softer, Cathain began again. "Your Highness, though I think I might understand your motives, if it hadn't been for your heartfelt apology, I believe I would be shuttling off about now. I am not accustomed to be taken for a fool. Nor am I quick to judge, however." Arching an eyebrow, she looked deeply into Anobia's eyes. "But trust is an important factor in getting to know someone. If what you want is for people to know you as you are and not by what you do, then you will have to allow that to happen over time. Your charade was risky, it almost cost you a friend."
Anobia blinked once and then again. "You mean you do not wish to leave?"
Cathain sighed heavily in mock sacrifice. "No." Her gaze was sweet, thought Anobia. Then in a whip of a moment the look from those same, beautiful gray eyes became dangerously mischievous. "No, I do not wish to leave. But I feel I must warn you, Your Highness. Revenge can be." Cathain looked around her as though she would find the words in the sky. Then she added, "Uncomfortable."
Anobia involuntarily reared back in her seat, her eyes wide with surprise. An angelic look came over Cathain and Anobia nervously smiled in reply, wondering if she had indeed met her match.
Chapter 3
Having turned all of the day's remaining duties to Kerlian, her Regent, Anobia spent the remainder of the day in the company of Cathain. An afternoon picnic beside the secluded pond in the Royal Gardens served to spark a varied and entertaining conversation between them.
Anobia served Cathain a plate of berries and honey for dessert when she heard Cathain emit a soft sigh.
"Are you bored, Ma Cathain?"
Pulled from her thoughts, Cathain looked questioningly at her host. "What? Oh, oh no, far from it. I just don't believe I have been this relaxed in quite some time. " She favored the emperor with a sweet smile that caused the young blonde's heart to skip a beat.
"More times like this could be made available, if you would like," the young emperor allowed.
Cathain chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Oh, I'm not so sure I could survive many more days like this, Emperor."
It was the emperor's turn to be puzzled. "Explain."
Cathain's smile broadened. "No, I don't suppose I have been clear. It's just that I could become very accustomed to this life. I suppose I am afraid that it would make me...soft…or lazy perhaps."
Anobia felt anxious but ventured forth with her next question. Quietly, she posed, "Would that fear cause you to leave?"
Cathain looked at her dining companion. What is this, she wondered.
"Emperor, I have no intention of leaving the children. Is that what you are afraid of?" She leaned toward Anobia, searching for some clue as to what had suddenly trouble the young woman.
The emperor suddenly become withdrawn and shy. She folded her legs to her and wrapped her arms around them. Now her head rested on its side across her arms, looking away from Cathain. The schoolteacher inched her way across the blanket and reached out to Anobia. In tones of gentleness and care, she asked again. "Are you afraid I'll leave the children?"
A sob escaped Anobia's lips and Cathain immediately wrapped her into her embrace. Rocking back and forth cooing and making soothing 'hush' noises; she stroked the young woman's hair, attempting to chase away this sudden fear.
As they sat together, Cathain shielding Anobia and the landscape shielding them both from onlookers, Cathain allowed her thoughts to explore new possibilities. It was apparent to her that this young woman was so much more than she could have ever anticipated. She realized that from the beginning, Anobia had opened herself up to her expressing a desire to be known as who she was. Cathain felt a surge of pride and fortune within her as she recognized the honor she had been granted.
Cathain wondered at the burdens and many roles the young woman had to endure and she felt something more: respect and admiration. Accompanying those was an embryonic tingle hinting at an even deeper emotion that she struggled to give voice to.
Anobia looked on Cathain. "I..."she began in whispers. "I was afraid you would leave me. I know it must seem silly of me. I suppose I had put so much importance on you too soon. I venture to say that I must appear quite arrogant and needy at the same time." Anobia quickly stood up. Cathain began to see that the emperor's reaction to tension was to pace, as she once again walked a furrow in the ground. She started to comment but stopped as the emperor rushed to speak first.
" Ma Cathain, It would seem as though I have placed my self at a disadvantage. When I look at you I see all sorts of possibilities. Yet I have not asked you what you want or expect." She laughed at herself. "And only yesterday, I assured you that I would attend to your every need. How foolish of me to seek that without your direction."
Stopping in mid stride, the emperor turned and knelt before the teacher. In patient tones belying her sincerity, she asked, " Tell me Ma Cathain, what do you need? What are your dreams? What do you want for yourself?"
Cathain was simply stunned as a cacophony of questions ran through her head, none of which addressed Anobia's innocent but probing questions. It struck her that she could not recall anyone asking what she wanted, at least not in this way. So much of her life had been dictated by assumptions made by others on her behalf. In fact, she realized the same almost occurred here with the emperor.
A look of mild consternation furrowed her brow as she caught herself falling into the same habits she had with her family and in her marriage to Roban. But this time, however, she realized she could break the pattern. But how to respond without offense, she wondered.
Anobia steeled herself with patience as she waited. In the lull, it occurred to her that perhaps she had just caught her self in time. Anobia was certain that with this woman she did not want to be only the leader of Kuulkuk. As she had said on the first day, she wanted to be Anobia, a simple orphaned girl who by random occurrences had become Emperor. A pleasant smile appeared on her face as she continued to wait.
She watched as Cathain returned from her thoughts and took a deep breath. Somberly she began.
"Anobia. I am embarrassed to say that I cannot recall anyone ever having asked me that question before. Consequently, I thought it best to carefully answer, as I did not know if I would ever get another opportunity. Now, I feel I have an answer which I can give you."
Anobia looked on expectantly but remained quiet.
The older woman tilted her head and her fiery red hair shimmered in the sun's reflection. Anobia was captivated by the significance of the light shining on Cathain and what she was about to say.
"Anobia, all I want can be summed up briefly." She paused again, her voice wavering, "I merely want to be asked."
A look of restrained surprise waved across the emperor's face. She coughed and looked away to disguise her expression, but to no avail. Cathain thought that perhaps she had committed an error, but truthfully she could think of no better answer to what was in her heart.
Softly, she asked, "My Lord, have I offended you?"
Nervously she began to think about where she would go if she had indeed committed a gaff in etiquette. But those thoughts were soon pushed aside as she witnessed the emperor suddenly fall over in laughter. Cathain was at first moved to anger but the laughter was contagious and since she did not feel that the joke was on her but rather that Anobia was laughing for sheer fun, she quickly submitted to joining her.
Anobia reached out and took hold of Cathain's hand when their laughter seemed to dissipate. "Well, Teacher, you have certainly taught me a lesson." Her laughter bubbled up again.
"How so?" Cathain sputtered as she regained her breath.
"It would seem that we are fairly matched, you and I. For I do not believe that anyone has ever asked me to ask them!" The irony of the situation sent them reeling into another fit of laughter.
After the laughter had died down once again, Anobia took on a look of some seriousness as she took Cathain's face in her hands to capture all of her attention.
"Ma Cathain, Teacher of the Royal House, I promise you as Emperor of Kuulkuk, to always ask you what you want. However, you must also promise me something."
Cathain looked expectantly upon her emperor knowing in this moment that she would probably promise her anything.
"Cathain, you must promise me to always be honest with me. Do not restrain your opinion for the Crown. It may be that there will be times when I must act as Emperor but when we are alone treat me as Anobia." Then a softly whispered, tenuously offered word followed. "Please?"
Without a blink or twitch, Cathain simply replied, " Yes, but I promise to you, Anobia."
For the first time in her life Cathain had been rash in her actions and marvelously, this was the result. She had left her home world to pursue what she thought was merely an opportunity to heal herself. Yet, before her was an opportunity to heal not only herself but someone else as well. She knew not why she did this only that she felt she was destined to.
As Cathain looked upon her emperor, watching the seemingly thousands of different expressions dance across the young face, she came to rest on Anobia's eyes and saw that they were brimming with tears. Heavy concern laced her tone of voice, as she feared she had hurt the young ruler.
"Anobia please tell me of the cause of your tears."
"Not to worry, " Anobia sniffled, "for they are merely the tears of joy, my Cathain. Tears of joy."
Chapter 4
Later, in the library of the emperor, a barely contained Anobia was pacing furiously about. Her voice, not even quieted for this discussion, threatened to alarm the palace guards. The Regent, Kerlian and the Officer of Protocol, Nubo were in a heated debate with her as to the impetuousness of this new development.
Nubo, having difficulty maintaining his temper bit off his words. "Your Majesty! You must think of how this shall look!"
"How this shall look, Nubo! How this shall look? And just how do you think it shall look that you are questioning the emperor!"
A pall settled over the trio as they sought cooler heads to prevail.
Regent Kerlian was the first to break the silence. "Emperor, at some level you must realize that this does seem a little fast. Today, you tell us that you wish to pledge your heart to her. You know our relations with her home world, Remora, have been on shaky ground since their war began. This woman's husband dies defending against rebels and then months later she has applied to teach here. She meets you and the next day you are certain she is to be your betrothed. It could very well be an effort for the Remorans to invade us."
Anobia roared across the room in a fury, "Are you, Kerlian, questioning the Goddess?"
Kerlian swallowed stiffly and shook his head. He knew he was on dangerous grounds yet he could not allow his Emperor to be so rash. He had kept thoughts to himself that perhaps the Goddess was wrong or that She had been misinterpreted, for surely he would make a far more suitable consort for the emperor: not this off-worlder. He had never really put much stock in the oracle's abilities and even less in the abilities of Liama, Anobia's chosen guardian, but certainly, the emperor and her people did. He shuddered imperceptibly.
Anobia watched her Regent and knew that the argument about the Goddess was not an effective approach. Tangibles, she thought, let us reason with the logic of tangibles.
"Kerlian, have you no understanding of war?" Anobia sighed and sat astride her throne. "The Remorans defeated the rebels but continually have pockets of them to put down. They barely have the resources to manage that. Their fleet is down to thirty percent and they have not the pilots to man what ships they do have. They are desperate but not a potential threat. Besides we have been giving them aid throughout this battle. Now if the rebels had won, I might be agreeing with you."
Kerlian leapt to his feet. " But that is what I am saying. We should not assume that she is for the empire. She could be a rebel spy sent here to turn your favor towards them to help them overthrow the government."
"Impossible." Anobia replied. " We have an alliance with Remora. "
Nubo finally spoke. "Yes, but there are clauses within it that would allow you to break the alliance, should you discover that the empire behaved dishonorably. In war it is very possible for that to happen."
Anobia stood tall and inhaled deeply. Lowering her voice and leaning across the table for emphasis, she challenged Kerlian.
"Are you suggesting, Regent, that your own agents were inefficient in their investigation of the background for Ma Cathain?"
Kerlian gulped audibly; unaware of the hole he had dug for him self. "No your Majesty. They reported that there was really nothing to report. Records indicated that she was educated at the Academy of Remora, married on officer, participated in community projects and little else. But I found that curious."
Nubo interjected, "How so, Kerlian?"
"It just seem strange that a woman known for so little, would just suddenly take leave of everything she is familiar."
"Change does not always make sense, Regent." Anobia had resumed sitting. Her voice was quiet and far away. Kerlian mentally slapped himself having once again blundered into a sensitive area. Anobia became an orphan by the most horrendous of events. Her family had been traveling to the shores of the capitol city when a lower-space transport ship lost its lift and fell into their path. Just as the pilot of the transporter regained control, her father slammed into the hull of the ship. Her family had been crushed on impact. She somehow had managed to eject from her own seat. She was the only survivor of the crash. It was during the trial of the transport pilot that she caught the attention of the empire.
She did not testify, as she was deemed too young. However, she asked to speak to the court on behalf of the pilot. As the Vid-Cams hummed about the courtroom, recording the proceedings, a shy, younger version of Anobia stood before the court and pled for a light sentence for the pilot. It had been determined that his mistreatment and poor repair records were responsible for the accident. Yet, Anobia spoke of the need of a family for their father and that to punish the pilot's children would not serve anyone. The emperor, Kamall, had heard of the young girl's plea and subsequently discovered that she was truly orphaned. No blood relative lived to parent this child.
Kamall's first adopted child had recently died of a fever therefore no heir existed. Yet, before him, the day after the trial stood a young and very scared Anobia. He had had her brought to him. As they ventured out into the gardens around the palace, they came to the newly dug grave of the fallen prince.
Anobia asked, "Sir, was this your son?"
A tear brooked the Emperor's vision, but he answered. "Yes, he was."
With pain darkening her big blue eyes, she looked at him soulfully. "I have no family."
He answered quietly. "And I have no family."
Timidly, she walked over to him and reached up for his hand. "Then maybe we can be a family to each other."
He squeezed her hand in response, saying, "Perhaps we can little one. Perhaps we can." Anobia was gazing into the distant past. Nubo and Kerlian were eager to get back to the matter at hand, but were want to disturb Anobia. Finally, she turned to them. In saddened tones, she began.
"Gentlemen. I understand your concern. However, this is a matter of the heart. It does not have to make sense no matter who I might be." She sighed heavily and looked to the floor for a moment gathering her thoughts. "Nubo, Kerlian. You have been my trusted advisors in all things for many years. You, Nubo have been with me the longest. Surely, you know me to be loyal to the empire keeping its needs foremost in my heart. But surely you knew this time would come. I have to do what is right for me.
"Coincidently, I am certain this is also right for the empire. I ask that you give it time gentlemen. This is new for us all."
Kerlian attempted to interrupt. A cold and direct stare was her response. Anger now rose in her voice as she leaned over the table and pinned them with her expression.
"I will have this. And I will have the empire. But should you so much as ever question me about this again I WILL ABDICATE THE THRONE. GOOD DAY GENTLEMEN!"
Nubo and Kerlian sat frozen in their seats as Anobia spun around and stormed out of the library. On exiting the room, Anobia calmed herself enough to dispatch a page with a message to Cathain postponing their dinner. She then stormed off to her chambers, slamming the door behind her.
Kerlian did not wait long to begin again. "I can not believe she is being this foolish!" He paced wildly around the library tiring Nubo just to watch him. The O.P. just shook his head.
"My dear Kerlian. How is it possible for you to be unbiased in this?"
Kerlian stopped cold. "Whatever do you mean?"
The O.P. stepped around next to Kerlian. He patted the regent on the shoulder. "You thought you would have the honors of wedding her, didn't you?"
Kerlian looked stunned, his eyes whipping back and forth searching for a denial.
Nubo continued, " Well, she's right. It was only a matter of time. And my dear Kerlian, surely you saw whose company she preferred. Here she is 24 summers old and never has she entertained a man. We have merely been her escorts to official functions. I am sorry that you felt there was anything more to it.
"You have been a trusted and loyal advisor. That is not in question, nor is your importance. This is not personal, my friend. Your gender simply would have forever prevented a union."
Kerlian glanced at him. The look of bewilderment on his face touched Nubo. In a resigned whisper the regent asked, "How did you know, old friend?"
Nubo chuckled, "I am an old man. Distance provides an advantage in matters of the heart. " Then pointedly he said. "Besides I was not in love with her."
Kerlian dropped his head trying to hide his tears. Nubo patted him on the back once more in consolation and then left the man to his grieving.
A soft knock at her inner door called Anobia from her frantic pacing. Gruffly she bade, "ENTER." Slowly the door eased open and Cathain peeked inside. Anobia had resumed her pacing, but the lingering silence stopped her once more. "Yes what is it?" she bit off. Sensing the hesitancy, she turned around to see what the delay was for. As her eyes met Cathain's, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. Yes, she thought, I have made the right choice. The goddess was right.
Cathain timidly pushed the door open wider and entered. "Your majesty. I received your missive. But I was concerned. I hope I am not intruding."
She saw a smile cross Anobia's face and she realized she had not been wrong in coming. Slowly, they walked toward one another. Cathain felt the gaze heavily and she swept a look at herself to see if anything was amiss.
A blush began to creep across the new teacher's refined face, for she was becoming increasingly self-conscious under the watchful eye of the emperor. Anobia noticed she was fidgeting.
An abrupt knock at the door snapped the tension. Both women stepped back in shock. Cathain needlessly ran her hands down her clothes in a nervous manner. She wondered at the undercurrent running between them just then.
Anobia barked, "Enter!"
A small, round woman of winter years bustled into the chamber. Cathain was immediately charmed. The woman, Liama, had been with Anobia since her adoption. She was a woman quick to smile and brooked no formality when dealing with her charge. She was, Cathain soon discovered, never short on comments or her love when dealing with the emperor.
Cathain witnessed Anobia's reaction to seeing her governess. The young woman rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips defiantly, looking all of fourteen. Cathain fought hard to hide her smile. The emperor then growled.
"Liama!"
The older woman stopped and looked about as if sensing something. "OOO, little one. There are enough energies in here to declare it Spring!" Then she shook all over as though trying to fend something off. Squinting her eyes, she peered over at Cathain. Involuntarily, Cathain winced.
Looking very much like a patrolling rooster, Liama strutted over to Cathain. The old woman looked her over, up one side and down the other. Abruptly, she grabbed Cathain's hand and turned it palm up. She ran her fingers over the lines and tisked a number of times. Cathain looked horror stricken.
Anobia, meanwhile, had taken a seat to watch the interrogation. She offered what she hoped was a comforting expression but knew she had failed to keep the amusement from her eyes. Cathain furrowed a brow in reply. The emperor threw her hands up in defense just as Liama whipped back around to face her. Her expression fell as she waited for the woman to speak.
"Well, you've gone and done it now, little one. You've gone and upset all the hearts on Kuulkuk. Now save me a few steps and come hug me."
Anobia flew out of her seat and ran to Liama. She swept the old woman off her feet and swung her around and around. Cathain was puzzled by the cryptic statement, but noted the joy flow from the emperor and the governess.
"Put me down you impudent child!" Liama giggled. Anobia slowed down and placed Liama back on the ground, but did not let go of her.
She looked down at her friend and whispered, "You see it, don't you Ma?"
Liama stepped away and pressed her clothes down. She reached up and grabbed Anobia by the chin. Looking directly into her eyes she said softly, "Aye, child. She's the one, all right. She's the one foretold."
"Ahem."
Anobia and Liama turned toward Cathain. Liama looked once more at Anobia. She reached out and patted her arm. "Mayhap, I should speak to her...alone." Liama suggested. Anobia looked back over at Cathain and then to Liama. "Yes perhaps, now would be a good time."
Anobia walked over to Cathain, whispering, "All will be well. You are going to seek the blessing of my Liama. No one questions her sight."
Cathain pulled back. "Her blessing?" She queried.
Anobia warmly said, "No not for me, Cathain, but for others." She paused to look on the red haired woman who had stolen her heart. "I think it best you go with Liama, now. I'll meet you back here when the moon quarters the sky."
Liama had snuck up beside them and linked her arm in Cathain's. "Let's go to my chambers, my lady. There we will not be disturbed."
As she was escorted out of the emperor's chambers, Cathain glanced back over her shoulder to get one final bit a reassurance. Anobia simply smiled.
Chapter 5
Located in the very back of the palace near the gardens, Liama's quarters were about as far as one could go and remain in the building. Cathain wasn't so sure she shouldn't have left some sort of trail to find her way back. It seemed to take a very long time for them to arrive there, but when they did, Liama opened the door to a wondrous world. The room was a treasure trove of sights, sounds, and smells, all of which were pleasurable. Cathain stood in awe of all she sensed. In a chair off to the side, she saw a small doll made from scraps of material. It looked worn, but she felt drawn to it. She walked over and picked it up holding it to her heart. Liama cracked a smile.
"You were drawn to it as you now draw it to your heart?" Liama ventured.
Cathain, shy of displaying such childish emotion, turned away and nodded.
"Good." The old woman said. "You are drawn to that which is of her and you draw it to you. This is very good, indeed."
Cathain gestured with the doll. "Of Her? You mean this was Anobia's?"
Liama shook her head, "Yes and it still is."
The old woman watched as Cathain proceeded to tour the room, touching this, handling that. Liama watched her movements, her expressions. She is quick to feel safe, makes herself comfortable, is inquisitive, but a little withdrawn. Not too bad, Anobia. Not too bad. Her initial assessment complete, Liama signaled for Cathain to be seated.
"I have a game I would like for us to play."
"A game?" Cathain looked doubtful.
Liama simply squinted her eyes at her, responding, "You do like games don't you? I mean if you are going to teach the children here, then games have to be a large part of their learning."
"Yes, but…" Cathain protested.
"But nothing. You seek wonder, My Lady. Yet it is the wonder within which you have misplaced." The older woman moved across the room gathering sundry items as she spoke. "For right now, I want you to close your eyes and just listen to my words."
Cathain chuckled at the lyric lilt in the woman's voice but she did as she was told. Sitting peaceably, with her eyes closed and her head resting against the back of the chair, Cathain waited for instruction.
"Ma Cathain of Remora, when you think of our emperor what colors do you see?"
"Colors?" Cathain couldn't hide her surprise.
Liama grew impatient. She just couldn't understand why people had such a problem with this. "Yes, colors! What colors do you see when you think of the emperor?"
Cathain was really struggling. She wanted to open her eyes and watch as she spoke to Liama, but somehow she knew the old woman had only just so much patience. That made her think of rain clouds crossing an otherwise clear, blue sky. An idea came to her.
" Ma Liama, if I may? The colors I see right now, thinking of you, are light blue with some darker gray streaks. Is that what you are asking for?"
Liama's face beamed in joy. That smile colored her voice as she congratulated her and Cathain understood. She ventured another question.
"Ma Liama. Is the purpose of this to see what is behind the words?"
The old woman quite nearly leapt about the room. "My, you are a smart one. The Goddess has outdone herself this time." Cathain kept hearing about the Goddess but rather than pursue that curiosity now, she brought her thoughts back to the original task.
"Ma Liama, when you ask me what colors I see when I think on the emperor, I see variations from the one's I see when I think about Anobia as herself. Should that be?"
Liama sank down into her favorite chair and looked gape mouthed at Cathain. As she heard no response, Cathain peered out from under her eyelashes. She barely caught her laugh as she looked at the little woman. Liama continued to just watch the new teacher, mumbling now and scratching her head. Then she looked directly into Cathain's eyes. The younger woman thought that perhaps she was looking past them. For all she knew the old woman really could. Cathain felt nervousness rise within but chose to permit Liama to look at whatever she wanted. Softly Liama began to speak. "My dear, just what do you mean, 'variations'?"
"The colors I see in her as emperor, are fewer in number and shade. But the colors for Anobia seem limitless. They are almost luminescent in contrast."
The old woman's face was practically bursting in a grin as Cathain finished.
"My dear young lady. Have you noticed the colors that grace our planet?"
"Yes Ma Liama. I noticed that the cities and buildings are painted as such, too. What is the connection?"
"Little one, the colors represent the flow of energy, and the connection, from the smallest of living things to the largest. But as the last known Seer among a people descendent from seers, I thought I was the only one who knew of the colors within people. "
" Liama, I swear I never knew of this till today." Cathain began to worry that somehow unwittingly she had insulted Ma Liama. The old woman saw the darker colors of doubt and concern swirl about Cathain and she rushed to assuage her fears.
"Calm yourself, little one. You have made no offense. I am just surprised is all," she paused, looking at the shades brightening around her new protégé.
"I will speak with Anobia, but I would like for you to consider visiting with me each afternoon. We have much to discuss and it does a heart good to have younger ones about. What say you?"
Cathain wasn't certain as to why they should meet so often but as the older woman seemed lonely, she saw no harm in it and so agreed. With the moon now ascending the night sky, they bade one another a good night and Liama called for a page to escort Cathain to the Emperor's chambers.
Chapter 6
As the previous night had led into the current morning, Cathain found herself slow to rise. Long after the moon had crossed the evening sky, Anobia had escorted her back to her room.
Detailing the events that had transpired within Liama's room, Cathain ventured to inquire of the Goddess. She found the folklore surrounding the deity to be quite colorful but she was slow to take it at face value. Anobia, however seemed to believe fully. Cathain wondered at the exacting detail with which she described the Goddess.
"Anobia, " she teased. "You talk as if you have seen Her."
The young emperor looked blankly at the teacher. "But I have."
Cathain laughed. "Anobia, you tease. Surely you jest."
The blonde quickly stood up and began a slow pace around the carpet that lay before the hearth. Cathain almost became dizzy from trying to follow her.
Slowly, quietly Anobia began to speak. She had stopped to rest against the mantle and during the telling, she stared into the fire.
"Cathain, I feel I should tell you of the Goddess' role in my life and the role, I suspect she will play in yours.
"Events, I believe, are predestined. There are things that we can do to alter them slightly or delay them, but for the most part I believe in fate. I do not believe that there is really much randomness in the events around us. The green vegetable we ate this evening with dinner…the pod that had seeds within it… It would have taken ten thousand random acts just for that pod to appear. Imagine how many random events would have had to occur for us to evolve. There would have to be an uncountable number of coincidences occur just to have gotten us this far in our development. I cannot begin to believe this, with any more certainty than I could believe that you, in taking a markedly different path than the one you were on, arrived here by coincidence."
Cathain drew her hands to her face in amazement. Anobia put her hands up before her to stop Cathain from commenting further.
"I believe simply that if we can create, then we were created. How ignoble of us to believe that we are the highest of creation and of the creators. Short of actually creating that which creates life, we do have a hand in creating everything we need for our comfort and our destruction."
She somberly turned toward Cathain and asked, "I suppose you are wondering why I worship a deity who is female and not male as is more common among the people of our star system?" Cathain mutely nodded.
"When you look around at nature, nowhere can you see the male of any species giving life. They may protect it, nurture it, even contribute to its creation, but they do not produce it. Only the female does that. You see, Cathain, within the center of all women is the womb, whether they use it or not it is there. It is the seat of creation. It is where all things begin and grow. Men do not have it and I think they miss it." She snickered lightly, "perhaps that is why they so fervently chase after the female."
She began to open up more gesturing for emphasis, "Even males who are to pair with other males seem rather driven. The courtship for men seems to be rather intense and furious, whereas the courtship from a woman's point seems slower or more circuitous, if you will. Even among women who prefer women." She eyed Cathain briefly. The puzzled expression she found on the older woman's face caused her to laugh heartily then apologized.
"Pardon my outburst, Cathain."
Taking a moment to look upon the teacher, her internal voice mused. Our courting will not be lengthy. For I have been waiting for you, in my dreams, for seven years.
Cathain appeared out of sorts, so Anobia poured her a glass of spring water and knelt down, offering it to her. Cathain drank of the cool water and cleared her throat. "Allow me to finish, Ma." Cathain nodded for Anobia to proceed.
"At seventeen, I began the Rite of Succession. It was an intensive time of training and personal development to prepare me for succeeding Kamall, my father. I entered the Holy Temple and was sent on a spiritual journey in which Liama served as guide and companion. She is a priestess of the old ways. During this time, certain aspects of my life were revealed to me. I also had a discussion of sorts, with the Goddess."
Anobia glanced over to Cathain, whose eyes were wide in amazement. Anobia pressed on. Reverently she began, her focus miles away as if she was seeing the event unfold again before her.
"She was the most beautiful creature. She held me in her arms and cradled me as though I was a child. The love that flowed from her was the deepest and purest that exists. She embodied the love from all mothers. There were no words spoken but an understanding that was soul deep passed between us, nevertheless.
"I walked away with a knowing that cannot be expressed or conveyed in any mortal manner. It just is." Tears came to her as she retold of her journey and Cathain felt moved to tears in response.
Now kneeling beside the woman from her dreams, she spoke directly to Cathain. "It is not expected of you, Ma Cathain, but I ask that you allow yourself the chance to meet with the Goddess. Will you do this for yourself?"
Oddly enough, had Anobia asked her to do this for her, she would have immediately agreed, but being asked to do it for her self gave her pause. For so many years, Cathain had felt she was in the wrong place, serving the wrong people. But with no frame of reference for anything different, she had turned to questioning her opinion of herself: judging falsely that she was being arrogant and ungrateful for what she did have. Now, however, she began to feel that maybe she had not been wrong. If what Anobia said was true, that we had a fate we were destined to fulfill, then perhaps that was what she had been sensing all along.
Anobia saw the expressions switch back and forth across Cathain's face and she wondered at what thoughts lay beneath the looks. Searching for some sign that Cathain was still with her, she caught the teacher's gaze within her own. Then opening her soul, she allowed Cathain to look as deeply as she felt comfortable. Cathain found herself diving into the depths of the blue eyes and finding all that she had sought after. Slowly she pulled herself back and then returned the favor to Anobia. No fear did she feel as she granted the emperor full access to see whatever she could within the soul of this off-world woman.
Anobia frowned internally as she saw fear and some self-loathing but growing steadily in all the corners of Cathain's soul was a golden light reminding her of warmth and love and …of the Goddess. Anobia felt her self jerk a little at the realization. How could Cathain, who did not know of the Goddess, possess the Light of Her?
Anobia counseled her self to ask Liama about this in the morning. The young blonde then slowly withdrew from her searching gaze and reflected on the face of the woman before her. Cathain returned the look searching for some sign of acceptance. Slowly and gently, Anobia reached out and cupped the woman's face in her hand. Drawing her to her self, she encircled her in her arms, resting them both against a footstool as they looked upon the dying fire.
It was shortly thereafter that Anobia felt the heaviness of Cathain increase and she listened to note that she had indeed fallen asleep. Gently, Anobia pulled her further into her arms and rose from the ground to carry Cathain to bed. As she walked through the halls bearing her precious cargo, many guards and service people passed, smiling on the two. Good news traveled very fast in this palace especially when it involved their beloved emperor. No on questioned the reason nor speculated as to why at this hour the emperor was carrying a sleeping woman to her quarters. It was as though this happened all the time.
Finally, Anobia reached Cathain's suite and she gently placed her atop the linens but covered her with an over-blanket. Reverently, she kissed her farewell and stepped out of the room.
The next morning, Cathain awoke to see that the sun was near mid-sky and that she had indeed, slept most of the morning away. But when one stays up till the wee hours of the morning, then late becomes very relative.
Reflections on all she learned yesterday caused more questions to come to the fore as she reclined against the headboard. Reaching over to the side table, she poured her self a cool glass of water and nursed it as she turned to her thoughts.
A dream, which had come to her just before awakening, gave her much pause. She recalled entering a grandly decorated hall full of people standing in between pews that bordered very a long aisle. All eyes were on her. As she proceeded up the aisle, she saw before her a grand altar glistening in sunlight. At the foot of the altar was a woman dressed in what looked to be ceremonial robes of white with golden trim for a belt and sash. She was beckoning to Cathain, so onward she walked. When she arrived at the steps leading to the altar, a tall feminine figure stepped in beside her. Her face was curiously obscured. Cathain remembered trying to ask the woman in robes why she was there, but then she woke up. Recalling only this much, she chuckled lightly simply attributing the dream to all of the Goddess talk she had entertained yesterday.
Unaware of the time, she continued to lie among the bed covers till she heard the noon chimes. Then in a flurry she bounced out of bed and rushed in to the bathing room. She was scheduled to meet with the children this day during the noon meal and yet, here she was still in the previous day's clothing. She gave her self a brief cleansing and ran through her wardrobe, choosing a flaxen garment of the style she had seen many of the servants wear. Her idea was to seem approachable to the children and thought it best not to dress severely. In keeping with this effort, she left her hair down though it was her custom to pull it back in a twist.
As she arrived in the classroom she saw Anobia seated at the front with all the children gathered around her. She was apparently telling them a story. Cathain chose to stand back and watch this mercurial young woman weave a tale that held all the children in her grasp. Cathain closed her eyes and then reopened them. She sought out the colors that Liama had said were in everyone. A veritable rainbow of bright, joyous colors shown out around the emperor and the children. So beautiful was the tableau that it brought tears to her eyes and warmed her soul.
Just then, Anobia paused and looked up, sensing something. Their eyes met and Cathain felt something uncertain but fundamental shift within her. Anobia smiled sweetly and then took up where she left off in the story. The new teacher slowly crept up behind the children and then seated herself on the floor as they had. None of them even noticed, so entranced were they with the emperor's story. Soon Cathain was mesmerized, too.
"…Then the Goddess, alight in all of her glory, reached out into the sun, the sky, the seas and to all of the plants and gathered small bits of their colors into her hand. Cradling the colors gently in her hands, she carried them over to the newborn babe and began to bathe the child in the colors. She gave colors to its heart and to its soul. She painted colors on its thoughts and on its words. Then she did the most wonderful thing…"
A little girl, named Beama, who was perhaps six, ran into the emperor's arms. With such excitement, her eyes wide in wonder, she hurriedly asked in a loud whisper, "Tell us. What did she do?"
Anobia titled her head back and laughed, hugging the child tightly to her.
"Little Beama, the Goddess then painted our eyes with the colors, too."
All the children began looking at one another's eyes, cooing over the different colors they had.
The little girl in the emperor's lap pulled down Anobia's lower eyelid and peered closely. Then she whispered in amazement, "Emperor, I see more colors."
Anobia reared back again and looked upon the child. Whispering back as though this was now their secret, she asked, "What colors do you see, little one?"
In total wonder, the girl replied, "I see so many. Oh, they are so beautiful." Then softening her voice, she leaned over to the emperor's ear and asked, "Did the Goddess give you those?"
Anobia nodded gently, her eyes never leaving those of the child's. Anobia leaned over to the girl's ear and whispered "I think she gave them to you, too."
The little girl's hands flew to her mouth and her eyes became wide as saucers. Anobia raised her hand and put a finger gently across the hands of the girl. "This is a wonderful gift, little one. I think you should share it with Ma Liama. You know Ma, don't you?"
The girl nodded her head vigorously. "Then we shall go see her, but first I have someone I want you to meet."
The room was abuzz with the chatter of the excited youngsters as they continued to check each other's eyes. Anobia simply stood and all of them suddenly became quiet.
Cathain tilted her head in awe of their response.
"Children of the Royal House. I have someone I want you to meet." She walked around to the back and proffered her hand to Cathain. Raising her to stand, she began the introduction.
"Children, this is Ma Cathain, from the far off planet of Remora. She is to be your new teacher." Cathain saw that each of the children seemed pleased to meet her. Their smiles were contagious and she returned a beaming smile to each of them.
"Now, I need to take Beama to see Ma Liama. But I want you all to come meet Ma Cathain. You will notice that her eyes are of an amazing color. They are gray like the clouds that give us the wonderful rain. Ma Cathain, these are your new students." Then as an aside, she said, "Honor them as you would me, for they are all my children."
Cathain could not keep her expression from revealing her surprise.
Anobia tisked. "I created an orphanage here in the Royal House, but they might as well all be mine," she finished wistfully. "Now I must take Beama to see Ma. The class is yours. See you at the evening meal?"
Cathain was still reeling but managed to consent to dinner. The emperor then whisked Beama into her arms and left the room.
Cathain, now faced with the huge task of teaching forty children, ranging in ages from four to twelve, began in earnest to learn their names and their interests. There were six younger children, but they were left to the care of nannies supervised by Liama. Ten older children were in attendance at the Royal Academy. At the days end, Cathain made her way to Ma Liama's.
When she arrived, Cathain caught Liama sitting with Beama snuggled in her lap. The sight was moving as Cathain imagined this was how Anobia had spent many of her days. She could just imagine a younger version of the emperor all curled up in the loving arms of Liama, listening to stories that would heavily impact how she would one day rule. Cathain caught Liama's eye that acknowledged her with a wink.
Scooting Beama off her lap, she kissed her head and whispered a few parting words in the girl's ear. Beama's little face showed stern concentration as she listened intently. Then a grand smile blessed her face and she turned toward the old woman. With her small pudgy hands she reached out to Liama's face, bringing her down to her level. An expression of such seriousness, for one so young, came over her. She said in her customary loud whisper, "I'll remember, Ma," then she ran off to join her brothers and sisters.
Cathain moved aside to allow Beama to run past her and laughed at her enthusiasm. Liama came to her side.
"Cathain, would you accompany an old woman on a walk through the Royal Gardens?" Cathain nodded taking Liama's arm in hers and they left for the outdoors.
As the city's evening bells sounded, Cathain returned to the emperor's waiting room. She sat on one of the couches facing the fire and so was hidden from view should anyone enter. As she melted into the soft, inviting cushions of the couch, she allowed her thoughts to drift about reviewing the day's events.
She mused over the many events that had brought her joy. All in all, she felt that she had truly done the right thing in coming here and that she really felt she belonged. But more than that she realized, she felt of value. The way the school was to be structured was totally up to her and the manner in which she taught the lessons was of her choosing as well. All of the children, she felt, had accepted her. There didn't seem to be the wariness in their eyes she expected. In fact, she admonished herself, she had been far more wary of them than they were of her, but no longer. She chuckled to her self, as she was willing to wager she had more fun than did they.
The door to the waiting room opened. She would have made herself known, but she heard men's voices. One she recognized was that of the Kerlian, the Regent. She had an odd feeling and so remained where she was, not wishing to make her presence obvious.
"Regent, we did perform a thorough investigation."
"Not good enough Kiam. There is something about her I do not trust. It just doesn't make sense."
"What is it you wish me to do, Sir?"
Cathain heard steps come closer to where she was and she sunk further into the cushions, wishing she could be somewhere else. The sofa creaked and she imagined Kerlian was leaning against the back of it.
"Look Kiam, this has to become a priority of the highest regard. The very future of the empire is at risk."
Cathain drew in a quick breath fearing that Anobia's life could be at stake as well.
"Kiam, the emperor is not thinking clearly and it is my job to think for her in these instances. She is so blinded by her love for this off-world woman that she would never see the threat."
Kiam echoed the surprise in Cathain's thoughts. "In love with her. But surely, Regent…"
"Yes. So you see Kiam, we must act quickly. This woman has already stolen the heart of our emperor and she very well may steal the empire as well."
Moments of silence followed as Cathain felt panic begin to rise within her. She knew that if they suspected her then finding her here would clearly cast further doubt on her. Then there was the point Kerlian made about Anobia being in love with her. Her panic began to seek an outlet and she was not certain she could remain still for very much longer. Just then, she felt the couch creak again as Kerlian stepped away. She covered her mouth hoping to keep in the scream she felt rushing to escape her lips. Now I will be discovered, her thoughts screamed. But the footfalls became fainter and then the door closed.
She waited for what seemed an eternity and then waited some more. She felt she was near passing out as she held her breath and her pulse galloped just beneath her skin. Finally she peered around the arm of the sofa. She saw no one. She stretched her head up and over the couch and again, she saw no one. The color faded from her face and she began to shake violently. She felt bile rise in her throat and she rushed to the inner suite to relieve her self. The emperor entered the room as Cathain collapsed emerging from the suite. Anobia rushed over to her, calling out for a page to summon the doctor.
Anobia impatiently waited for the doctor to arrive but never left Cathain. She lovingly smoothed Cathain's hair from her face, continually murmuring words of encouragement, all the while terrified that this one would be taken from her, as had all the rest.
Cathain struggled to regain consciousness, somehow sensing that Anobia was frightened. Using the distant sound of Anobia's voice as her beacon, she focused on that and did not divert till she opened her eyes and took in the tear-puffed face of the young woman.
Feeling as though her limbs were sodden with mortar, Cathain struggled to raise her arm. Anobia became aware of her movements and whimpered in relief.
"Don't go Cathain. Please, just please don't go."
Cathain fought to maintain her concentration on the crisis at hand. Memories of the conversation she overheard were fresh in her mind and she felt it necessary to forewarn Anobia.
"Anobia get me out of here. Let me not be found here."
The emperor was confused. It was an odd request, but in her state of worry, she picked up Cathain with little struggle and carried her to the imperial suite. Before passing out again, Cathain made her promise to tell no one where she had been found.
The next day, Liama found Cathain staring out at the gardens below her suite. The cloud of color enveloping Cathain was not one Liama had hoped to see.
"Ahem." Liama cleared her throat giving Cathain fair warning. Still she did not move. Determined, the old woman knocked fiercely on the door. Only then did Cathain sense someone was in the room with her. Liama shook out her hand and rubbed her knuckles glad that she didn't have to repeat the painful knock.
"Yes," Cathain said mutedly.
"Lady Cathain, I have come to see how you are." Liama put her cheeriest self forward, hoping against hope to figure this mystery out and set everything to right again. The doctor had told her in confidence that he suspected a great fear had taken over her and that he was at a loss as to how to explain it.
Liama proceeded to where Cathain was standing. Carefully she reached out to touch her arm. Cathain turned immediately and fell into the old woman's arms taking them both to the floor. Liama held on, comforting and soothing the distraught woman.
After sometime, Cathain's tears ebbed and she began to calm down. Liama coaxed her into talking about what happened. Fury began to build with the old woman, the likes she had not experienced in many years. As Cathain related the story to Liama, she began to formulate a plan.
"Shh child, do not worry. I know of your heart and I trust that Anobia does, too. We will see this through and when we do, all will be right again."
Cathain drew her head back and looked at the curious, old woman. Before her was a diminutive woman of more years than anyone really knew. The rains of time had etched deep wrinkles in her face, leaving swirls about her eyes and mouth. Her hands were knotted and rough with use, yet there was strength of unparalleled staying power which Cathain had never noticed before. Her eyes coursed over the visage of the old woman. Liama watched all this with some amusement.
"Child, do you have a question for me?"
"How old are you?" Liama burst into laughter and Cathain winced in her impudence.
"Ma, I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I…I don't know what came over me."
Liama's eyes twinkled in mischief but she just patted Cathain on the hand comfortingly.
"Hush child. It is all right for you to ask. In fact, let there never be a question that you feel you cannot ask. I simply reserve the right to not answer. " She finished with a quirk of her brow. A breath passed between then they both laughed falling back on the floor. This is what Anobia saw when she entered.
All day, Cathain had refused her company and the emperor was beginning to worry. The doctor had said Cathain would come out of it but now, enviously she watched Liama be the one to bring a smile to the red head's face.
In a gruff manner she made a noise in the back of her throat, hoping to break up the joyous tableau. A stern look crossed her face as she moved toward them. Liama saw her first and stood to greet the emperor.
"Trying to be all things to all people, Your Majesty?" Liama confronted Anobia in her own inimitable way. Anobia stopped, chagrined at her jealousy. Anobia favored Liama with a knowing smile and then went to Cathain's side.
"I see you are feeling better Ma, Cathain. Now perhaps you can tell me what happened."
Chapter 7
Anobia stalked about her chambers like a caged tigress. Her voice, dripping with condescension, was rough in anger. "How dare he! That insipid fool!" She paced aggressively back over to the windowsill. Slapping it gruffly, she turned around crossing her arms defiantly. "You warned me, Ma."
Ma Liama simply nodded, a dour look was on her face. Anobia slapped her hands on her legs as though having made a decision, and charged off toward the door.
Liama bellowed, startling both women. "Stop right where you are, 'Bia!" Using the diminutive form of the emperor's name called on her long bond with the older woman. It also clearly told her that Liama felt she was being impulsive.
Anobia stopped cold in her tracks. "What?" She barked back. Liama, faster than either woman could comprehend, was in front of the emperor pulling her down fiercely by the collar.
"Now you listen to me, young one. You go charging out of here with no plan, no understanding of what is at stake and you could unbalance your reign. People have fought over less, you know."
Anobia wrestled Liama's hand away from her collar and tried to hand press the wrinkles away. Still fuming over the incident, she churlishly responded. "I suppose you have a plan?"
Liama slapped her, the sound shocking all to silence. Then she commanded. "Sit down!"
Cathain watched all of this from a distance. She was worried about how her arrival had tipped the balance among the leaders of this world. She was now concerned for the safety of the emperor. Lastly, she was thoughtful of her own safety. But the drama between Anobia and Liama was worrying her most of all.
Quietly she offered. "I could just leave."
Both Liama and Anobia quickly stepped out of their own quagmire and focused on Cathain. Anobia bent her head, covering her face with her hands.
Liama spoke up. "Forgive us Lady Cathain. We have long dealt with one another and sorrowfully overlooked your needs." She shot a withering look in the direction of Anobia who winced in reaction.
Mustering her dignity, Anobia stood tall and walked over to Cathain. Her shoulders were slumped as though her essence was seeping away before their very eyes. When she reached her, Anobia sat beside her and pulled her into her arms. Looking over her head she spoke to Liama. "Yes, Ma. We need a plan."
The rest of the evening, the three of them contrived an intricate plan to right the wrongs and expose Kerlian. After all was said and done, Cathain who had emerged from her state of powerlessness to contribute to the planning, looked knowingly over at Liama.
"Ma, remind me to never cross you. You have quite a gift for subterfuge." Both Liama and her charge laughed uproariously and while the moon continued to rise in the night sky, Anobia began to regale Cathain with cherished stories of Liama's cunning.
The next morning Cathain appeared for class, looking none the worse for wear. Actually she was relieved that her part in this operation was minor. It was reasoned that she should continue to perform her duties, making herself visible. Her visibility would enable Liama and Anobia to work behind the scenes. She would be the ringer. She was to act as though nothing was amiss and that she was oblivious to any and all suspicion surrounding her.
During the morning recess, as the children played on the palace grounds, she sensed she was being watched. Carefully she looked around to see if she could catch whoever it was. Much to her surprise, she found Anobia trying to hide behind a nearby tree. Seeing her, believing she knew why the emperor watched her, caused Cathain's breath to hitch.
The Regent's belief that Anobia was in love with her was the one topic they never breached yesterday. Despite all the time they spent talking. Cathain did not know how to bring it up and was uncertain if Liama had told Anobia of this news. Perhaps it was merely fear and jealousy on Kerlian's part that caused him to say what he did. Cathain had not told anyone about the notion except for Liama. She recalled that, curiously, Liama hadn't said anything in response.
As Cathain turned her eyes away from the emperor, it occurred to her that perhaps it was only in Kerlian's mind. Perhaps Anobia didn't really have any feelings for her. But what surprised Cathain the most was the sadness accompanying that thought. Surely, I have no feelings of that kind for the emperor, she asserted in vain. But the sadness would not leave when she continued this line of thought. Testing herself, she looked again where she had last seen Anobia. Again her breath caught when she could not find her. Actively her eyes sought her out. She felt the beginnings of a low level apprehension develop as she searched everywhere. Suddenly, blocking her view was a flower. She jerked back, surprised. With her eyes she followed the line of the stem to the hand that held it and then to the beautiful face beyond.
Smoothly, Anobia pivoted from where she stood and sat next to the teacher. The laughs and childish giggles of the students could be heard in the background if one listened, but Cathain was too distracted by the rushing sounds of her own rapidly beating heart thrumming in her ears. She glanced over at Anobia. Her lips were pursed and her brow was furrowed. She was fidgeting with the rose stem, virtually tossing the bloom to and fro threatening to damage the yellow petals.
Cathain gently placed her hand over that of the emperor's stilling her movements. A shudder ran deeply through Cathain and she quickly removed her hand.
"Don't."
Cathain inhaled quickly at the depth of pain evident in the emperor's voice.
"Don't what, Your Majesty?"
"Don't pull back from me." A pause of two breaths passed and the young woman concluded. "Not now, Cathain."
Cathain released the breath she didn't realize she harbored. She looked over at Anobia's hands noticing for the first time how youthful they were despite their attachment to a figure of royalty. They were long and elegant with one knot appearing near the tip of the middle finger. Cathain supposed it was from writing a great deal, though she had assumed Anobia had a transcriptionist. Without thought, her hand reached back over and covered the hands of the emperor. Anobia retracted her left and covered Cathain's giving it a hesitant squeeze. The teacher returned the gesture and they both sat quietly on the bench watching the children play in the grasses beyond.
From a tree bough a few feet away, Beama grinned happily. She saw the colors Liama had talked about during their afternoons together. At first the colors had seemed murky and sad to the little Seer. But she saw that the longer the two sat together, the richer and more varied the colors surrounding them became. She was so excited about seeing them that she scurried on down from her perch and quickly headed off to see Ma.
Running as fast as her little legs could carry her, Beama paid little attention to where she was going. Taking a sharp corner to turn down one of the adjoining halls, she narrowly missed colliding with one of the guards. It was on the second turn that she made direct contact with the sturdy legs of Regent Kerlian. As he grappled with retaining his balance, he landed against a nearby wall. He grabbed the little girl to keep her from falling and gruffly brought her to him.
"Let me go!" She demanded.
Kerlian chuckled. "And just where do you think you're going, little one?"
Struggling to escape she declared. "I am going to see Liama. I have seen the colors!"
In a flash, she saw the colors around Kerlian darken and she knew immediately she had made a mistake. Internally she whimpered, oh Liama, I'm so sorry.
Kerlian desperately tried to reign in his temper. This is a child, he reminded himself. In a voice sickly patronizing, he asked, "Where did you see the colors, Beama?"
She looked at him blankly, knowing somehow that she could not say any more. He lost his patience with her in short order.
Muttering in anger, he tightened his hold on the girl. "Damn Seers, I thought we had gotten rid of the last of them." He snarled at the youngest in a long line of prophets.
Sealing her mouth with his hand, he quickly looked about for an escape. Finding no one else in the hall, he ran quickly to an emergency escape corridor built into the walls lining the hallway. Few knew of these passages and he now counted on those people not being around for long.
Liama was just pouring her afternoon tea when she felt a vibration ripple through her. She dropped her cup when the vision became clear. "Beama, nnnnnnoooooooo!" She cried out as she ran frantically to find Anobia.
Anobia came running into the classroom, frantically motioning for Cathain to come to her. Settling the students with their next assignment, she went over to where the emperor was pacing.
"Your Majesty?"
"Cathain, have you seen Beama?"
Quickly the teacher looked over the classroom. Nodding her head she suggested, "Perhaps she is with Ma Liama."
Vigorously Anobia shook her head, her anxiousness rising rapidly. "No. Liama sensed that something has happened to her." Cathain saw colors rolling red and black around Anobia and somehow knew Liama was right. "What can I do?" Cathain asked with a slight hitch in her voice.
Anobia motioned over to the children. "Keep them here with you. They must not know." The redhead agreed and turned to check on the students. Anobia gruffly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close. "Cathain, we can't find Kerlian either."
Cathain brought her hands to her mouth damming the flow of fear that rose so quickly to the surface.
"Do you think…?" She left the remaining thought unspoken.
Anobia ran her hands through her hair trying to give her something to do rather than pace right now. "I do not know for certain, but Nubo was just telling me about a talk he recently had with Kerlian and I do think it is possible he has some deep seated resentments toward me."
Cathain tried to remember her immediate responsibility was to the children but she felt an anger and fury develop within her that she was terribly unfamiliar with.
Deeply, her voice rumbled from her chest. "Why, Anobia?"
"Apparently Kerlian never could grasp the idea that he and I would never wed. I believe that is what is behind his suspicion of you." She realized only afterwards what she was intimating. Her fists clenched repeatedly over this gaff and she hoped against hope that Cathain would not pick up on it.
There in the midst of this crisis, Cathain received confirmation of what she had heard from Kerlian and what she herself had begun to feel. She reached out and firmly held Anobia's hand. Had she taken time to think, she would have not acted so rashly. But instead, her heart responded sensing what to do next.
"Look at me," she firmly asked.
Anobia faced her. "Now really look at me and find what you seek."
The young woman looked deeply into her eyes. She pulled back and took in the expression on Cathain's face. No fear, no doubts, only understanding and love did she find. Cathain pulled her closer wishing to hold and comfort her, but instead she said, "Know that what is between us will be here after we find Beama. For now, just find the little one." She reached up and nestled the emperor's face in the palm of her hand. Anobia fought the tears that brooked her eyes and then rallied her resolve, once more becoming the emperor. A brief smile graced her face.
"Cathain, I have much to say, but as you so wisely said, we will have time later. After the children's dinner an extra guard detail will escort them to their rooms and keep them secure through the night. Once they have gone to bed, I want you to join Liama in the temple. I feel certain she will need your support in this."
Cathain nodded and with one last look, Anobia turned and left.
The temple was situated on a ridge in between the palace and the capital. Rather than have corners and a rigid structure, the building seemed to rise up from the surrounding land. It appeared as though it was a part of the landscape. Constructed of earthen materials, its form was flowing with rounded features, and large glass panes allowing for ventilation and sunlight.
Cathain entered the temple after sunset. The guttering candlelight provided for dim illumination and she waited for her eyes to adjust. That the structure was large, bordering on cavernous, did not escape Cathain. But what really peaked her curiosity was the feeling that she had been here before. Down the long aisle, at the base of the altar, she saw Liama on bended knee. She quietly walked the length of the temple nearing the seer.
"Kneel."
Cathain was taken aback by the abruptness in the old woman's voice, but responded as directed. Out of the corner of her eye she observed Liama. The old woman looked weary, weaving a little as she mumbled her thoughts. The younger woman realized a rhythmic pattern in Ma's mumbles and without her permission it lulled her into a sleep.
Cathain awoke in a small clearing within a forest. She looked around to determine her location but nothing seemed familiar. Suddenly she heard footsteps coming closer. She sought for refuge but none appeared. As a figure began to take shape at the edge of the clearing she felt an unexpected sense of calm wash over her. Lowering her self to a seated position, she waited.
The figure emerged from the woods and smiled on Cathain. The figure was feminine in shape and instantly she was cradling the off-worlder. Cathain thought nothing of the alteration in size that enabled the figure to hold her so. It seemed natural that she should be held. Nestle against comforting breasts, Cathain looked up onto the woman's face and saw soothing beauty surrounded by a soft light. No words passed between them as they looked at one another, but Cathain understood clearly what was being communicated. A comforting melody came from within the being and again Cathain felt herself drift off into a deep sleep.
When Cathain awoke she was again within the temple, her head resting in Liama's lap. The old woman was stroking her hair lovingly. Liama smiled upon her much as the Goddess had done. Cathain returned the smile fully.
"You have been blessed by the Goddess, Cathain. Will you receive it?"
Cathain sat up and noted how she felt rejuvenated and yet very different. It was then that she beheld the Light of the Goddess flowing within and around Liama. She held her own hands out before her and saw that the light glimmered about her as well. She looked toward Liama, questions and concern flickering in her eyes.
Cathain swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. "What does this mean, Ma?"
Liama struggled to her feet, stiff from her long meditation. She held out her hand to Cathain and said, "Let's walk, you and I. There is much to be discussed." Together, they walked out of the temple and into the deep dark of the night.
Following the path to the palace gardens, Liama motioned for them to take a seat on one of the benches.
Plopping herself down next to Cathain, Liama began.
"The Goddess has shared with me what transpired between you. She has given me leave to answer your questions and serve as your guide if you want."
"If I want?" Cathain exclaimed. "Whatever else would I do?" Panic began to surface and threatened to overwhelm the younger woman. Liama quickly pulled her into an embrace, allowing the flow of the Goddess to ebb from her to Cathain. Quickly, her fears dissipated and the previous sense of calm she had felt in the arms of the Goddess returned.
A heavy sigh emanated from her charge. Cathain lifted herself from Liama's arms and searched out her eyes.
"I do not know if I am ready, Ma. But I want to help all that I can to find Beama and remove this cloud of suspicion that follows me." She paused. Then despondently she allowed, "But I feel so small and unprepared."
Liama reached out and took her new charge's hand in hers. "That is why I am here. You know what the Goddess revealed to you. She has given you the tools to accomplish what is before you. It is up to me to help you notice them and develop them." Softly, she asked the question again. "Do you want to receive this gift and all that it entails?"
Trembling in realization, Cathain stood before her new path: a path that made her an integral part of Kuulkuk's future and that of its emperor. A smile wistfully graced her face as she thought of her future with Anobia. She had seen some of the tribulations which would befall them but none of them eclipsed the joy should would find with Anobia at her side. She reconciled her life prior to arriving on this planet to the life before her and a deep knowing came over her.
"Ma Liama, if you will teach me, I will accept."
Chapter 8
The sunrise seemed as though it came too early the next morning. Cathain hurried to dress and join the children for the morning repast. Beama's absence was sorely apparent at the table and Cathain knew the children suspected all was not as it seemed. No one knew that better than Cathain. She had just been introduced to the Goddess and had been shown a future that was distinctively different from anything she had ever experienced before. Back on Remora when she realized she needed to make changes in her life, she had not foreseen that essentially every aspect of her life would be altered. Nothing is as it seems, she pondered, sadly adding, I am not as I seem.
As though cued, Anobia appeared at the door in Cathain's line of sight. The Remoran locked eyes with the emperor never faltering in her gaze as the tall young woman came nearer. Well, Cathain corrected her self, maybe some things are exactly as they seem.
The young emperor, though radiating her confidence and surety, had not slept since the disappearance of Beama and Cathain could tell it was wearing on her. She stopped behind Cathain and hesitantly placed her hands on the woman's shoulders. Cathain remembered being comforted by Liama last evening, receiving what seemed to be a flow of energy from her, not merely solace. Cathain wished to be able to provide this for Anobia now. She closed her eyes reveling in the contact. Focusing on the energy within her and sending it upwards, she imagined it leaving her and traveling through Anobia's fingertips to her heart, filling her with the strength she needed.
As she did this, Anobia's grip became insistent upon her shoulders. It was not painful, but it seemed as though her intention was known. Anobia stood closer, pressing her body against Cathain's back. Now Cathain felt the energy flow increase as multiple contacts points had been established. She marveled at the sensation, not really having believed it was possible.
She closed her eyes and a vision of the Goddess appeared in her mind's eye. She knew the source of the energy and felt part of the ineffable mystery. Cathain let her left hand subtly fall to her side as she reached back grasping onto Anobia's calf. Anobia emitted a faint moan of thanks, rubbing her thumb lightly across Cathain's shoulder.
All of this took only moments, but in the time that belongs to destined lovers, it was gloriously forever. Cathain felt Anobia draw a step back. Anobia then lifted her hands, breaking their connection. Cathain felt sad at the loss of contact and yet overjoyed at what had just happened secretly between them. She felt a light touch behind her ear as the young emperor caressed her neck sweetly. Shudders coursed through her and the audible intake of breath roused a chuckle from Anobia.
Scolding, Cathain looked up. An expression Anobia took to mean she was being reprimanded was answered with a low, knowing snicker for Cathain's ears only. Still looking into the gray eyes she loved, Anobia mouthed a thank you and was forgiven with a shy smile.
Whispering to Cathain she admitted, "I have to tell the children something."
Cathain again reached down and discreetly grasped Anobia's leg, reconnecting them for encouragement.
"Children." Anobia brought them to silence. "As you can see, Beama is not with us. We know that yesterday she was out on the fields with you, but we have not seen her since." A surge in childish murmurs began but Anobia simply smiled and raised her hand for quiet. Feigning calm in this matter, she continued.
"Now we all have stories to tell of how Beama can get lost and we feel that this has happened again. Do any of you know where she might be or could tell us when you last saw her?"
The murmuring began again in earnest as the children asked one another what they knew. Moments passed. Then a small girl with strawberry colored curls came forward. She tugged on the emperor's coat hem. Receiving Anobia's attention, the little girl flexed her finger signaling Anobia to bend down. Kneeling before the child, Anobia gave the girl her undivided attention as she whispered her tale. The emperor tempered her scowl so as not to alarm the child, but had summoned a page to take the girl to Ma Liama's.
Cathain looked at her expectantly. "I believe we have a clue, Cathain."
Anobia then signaled for a retinue of her personal guards to escort the children to the palace meadows for a day of exploration and fun. "Children, I believe we will find Beama, shortly." A collective sigh went out among the children and Cathain was in awe of their level of caring for one of their own. She considered how Anobia had truly managed to bring all these disparate children together and make a family. "Until then, the guards are going to take you on a expedition to the meadows. There will be hidden items you are to find and games to play. You will not return till the evening meal." She nodded to the ranking officer to begin as cheers rang out among the children.
She proffered her hand to Cathain helping her to stand. "You are to come with me," Anobia said.
Never letting go of the older woman's hand, Anobia led them to Liama's. Entering the seer's chambers, they found the old woman and the child drawing lines in a sand tray.
"Good Morning, Emperor," Ma greeted them cheerfully. "Aleena is showing me about some secret passages in the palace that Beama knows of."
Anobia slammed her fist into a tabletop startling the others.
"Yes," continued Liama, "I too, thought they had been closed off after a certain emperor-to-be had gotten lost in them, low these many years ago." Anobia blushed a little and Cathain produced a lopsided grin in response. "Apparently there was one passage that not even you knew about."
Liama winked at Cathain who was trying desperately not to laugh outright.
"My emperor, I believe that Beama might have been telling Aleena about the colors and was overheard." All the while, Liama talked in a sweet sing song voice so as to not alarm the child, but Anobia had no such guard against the simple ruse. Somehow, she thought, Kerlian must have over heard the little girl.
It was well known that Kerlian put little stock in the abilities of Liama and her kind. Though his actions were not overt, Anobia sensed he did not trust them. But how far would that distrust go, she wondered?
Liama interrupted the emperor's train of thought. "Emperor, Aleena also tells me that one day when she and Beama were traipsing around the secret passages she heard some men talk about another man named Rebellin. She thinks that Rebellin may have taken Beama." All color disappeared from Anobia's face as she stumbled toward a chair.
Liama stepped outside of the room and called to a guard. She whispered instructions to him then called for the child to join him.
Returning to the room, she closed and bolted the door. Over in the far corner she tapped a loose brick and suddenly a door, previously hidden, opened. She motioned for Cathain to bring Anobia and they disappeared behind the wall.
Not a word was exchanged as Liama led them down the dark and dusty passage. When they finally emerged from the corridor, Cathain realized they were in the temple. Liama hurriedly stepped behind the altar and leaned over to uncover yet another hidden passageway. This led into a small room dank from disuse and decay. Ma scurried around lighting candles. One by one the candles were lit, slowly unveiling murals depicting the Goddess and her history with the planet, Kuulkuk.
The room was, in short, breathtaking. Anobia and Liama allowed Cathain a moment to take it all in then Liama spoke.
"It will be necessary for us to push up the plan, now."
Anobia nodded in agreement, but Cathain was confused.
"What part of the plan addressed this contingency?"
Anobia hung her head, "The part we didn't tell you."
Cathain was perturbed and it showed. "Do I have a part in this?"
"Anobia and I have to carry this out."
"But why? Am I to just sit back and wait?"
Anobia reached across and touched her hand. "Cathain, there are forces at work here that are of greater importance than even the successful recovery of Beama. I have suspected for sometime that Kerlian was leading a rebellion against the Empire. He has enough of a following that even if he was not successful, many innocent people would die. He has always wanted the power of the throne, but lacks the love for the people and the old ways too." Anobia's voice grew sad and she stood up, turning her back to the others.
Liama continued, "Kerlian and Anobia were school mates and friends when they were children. Friendly competition existed between them through the years. But when Anobia was crowned, Kerlian resented it. He apparently felt he would make the better leader. However, he was not an orphan. The emperor did not adopt him. Nor did the goddess bless him for this purpose." Liama paused. In an almost flat tone she continued. "Some people, Cathain, want more than they are ready for. Kerlian is one of those people."
Cathain watched Anobia while Ma was talking. A cloud of frustration and sadness had descended around her. This is what Anobia had meant the first day they met. Anobia was emperor, true enough. But here was a young woman burdened by her reign and the complexities of it. She was also a woman in need of comfort and love.
Cathain stood and walked over to her. Gently she reached out and touched her arm. Anobia jerked her arm away.
"Do not," she commanded.
Cathain took a step closer and touched her again.
Anobia yelled. "I said do not!" She spun around, a feral look of rage setting her face ablaze. Cathain recoiled instantly, but then pressed back, saying she hoped, the one thing that would allow her in to comfort the woman who was emperor.
"I know who you are, Anobia. Come to me."
Liama sat back with eyes full of wonder.
Cathain took charge in that moment and relieved Anobia of the burden of command. Reaching out once again, she firmly grasped onto the emperor's sleeve and pulled her forcefully into her arms. She held onto Anobia with a strong sense of resolve. Gradually she squeezed harder trying to assure the emperor that she could let go in the safety of her arms.
Slowly Anobia's weight settled into Cathain's hold. She reached her own arms around and clung to this off worlder wanting to convey as much care as she was receiving. A small kiss brushed her cheek as they drew back from one another. Looking into one another's eyes promises were made and truths were shared.
Liama coughed.
Anobia turned to her, still wrapped around Cathain. A sweet smile graced the young woman's face revealing her happiness and fulfillment. Liama sent thanks skyward for the Goddess' guidance and all-knowing wisdom in this, for Liama knew it wouldn't be long till she joined with the Goddess.
Ma spoke distinctly. "Anobia, we must call on Lumina."
A heavy sigh escaped from Anobia and concern settled across her brow. Resigned to the idea, Anobia reluctantly nodded sending Liama on her way. Cathain reached out for her wishing to ease her worry. A weak smile was her reward as Anobia covered her hand with her own.
"I was hoping to avoid this," Anobia confessed.
"I am not sure I understand. Who is Lumina?"
Anobia sat down, bringing Cathain to sit with her as she began the tale.
Before the days of the Borghese Dynasty there was an elite force of warriors trained and honor bound to serve the emperor. The Clan of the Blade had a long and secret heritage, always behind the scenes insuring the safety of the ruler.
When Anall became emperor, the warriors saw their service as lessened in light of the peaceful declarations and policies he instituted. There was a threat inherent in having underutilized, highly trained assassins. Anall, realizing this, did was what was most unexpected. He challenged the leadership of the warrior clan.
Much honor was paid to those who demonstrated skill in battle and cunning in approach. This bold move, though respected within the structure of their code, was nevertheless tantamount to declaring a coup. The clan had always been autonomous, though in theory that was dependent on their protection and service to the emperor. As the years went on however, the potential for threat to their authority had lessened. Steeped in secrecy and conjecture, the clan developed an aura of permanency and independence. In challenging the leaders, Anall was attempting to bring the clan directly under his control, thwarting any potential to his leadership and his vision for the empire.
As a young boy, the Goddess had come to him in a vision, telling him of his future. Subsequently, a woman posing as a priestess of the temple became his tutor. She was, however, far more. She represented the dark side of the Goddess: the need to protect and defend at any cost. She was a member of the clan. Her escape was by way of feigning death so that she might leave and carry out the wishes of the Goddess.
Anall's training had been exhaustive. When the war had begun, many had questioned his style of warfare, suspecting its origins but incapable of understanding how he possessed such knowledge, for the clan was closed to outsiders. Once admitted, one was honor bound not to leave except by death. That is how Lumina, Anall's mentor, came to be with him.
Once the war was won and Anall was seated as emperor, Lumina came to him once more to tell him of the potential threat from the clan. A time, auspicious to the members of the clan, was set for the challenge. Anall spent the preceding days meditating and fasting.
On the day of the challenge he arrived at the compound. Dressed simply in a brown tunic, his sword honed and secured within his scabbard that lay across his back, Anall stood before the clan and declared his intention.
"I will defeat any champion you bring forth. Upon my victory, according to your doctrine, I will, as will my successors, lead this clan. All my successors will, in honor of the Clan of the Blade, be trained as clan warriors to uphold the traditions and distinctions of the Order."
The temerity of the emperor was unknown to the clan. Their true concern had been that they were to be disbanded or worse, killed off to thoroughly eliminate any threat. A murmur crested through the gathered members and a representative of the clan stepped forward. The woman walked toward the emperor with familiar deadly grace. As did everyone present, she had a sword secured at her side. A few paces from Anall, she stopped and deftly removed her blade. Dropping to one knee and placing her sword on the ground before her, her eyes never left those of the emperor. Clearing her throat, she made known the thoughts of the members.
"The Clan of the Blade awaits resolution to this challenge through negotiation. As our primary directive is to protect and serve the emperor, we will agree to continue in this role if our traditions are upheld and we can remain cloistered." Then in a voice softened for only Anall's listening, "I am Luminina. I recognize my mother's teachings within you."
Anall steadied himself against the shock. The eyes, unwavering and green with intensity, the way she carried herself, the voice: yes, she had to be of Lumina, he concluded. Feeling himself moored securely in the hand of the Goddess, he sent silent prayers of thanks windward then addressed the clan.
"I vow to lead this clan to the new destiny which awaits you. With the honorable traditions intact, we will see a new day dawn for us all. Till we meet again on the morrow." Then he departed.
Anobia turned to face Cathain. "So for two hundred years, the Clan of the Blade has been a force answerable only to the emperors and the emperors have been clan leaders."
Cathain was beginning to adjust to the constant surprises wherein Anobia was concerned. She had recently taken to watching her walk and something about it had rung familiar. Now it was clear. Anobia possessed the walk of a very well trained warrior. Her husband had had it. In fact she realized it was something that spoke of a familiarity in Anobia.
Cathain spoke up. "But surely you are not suggesting that the Lumina who trained Emperor Anall is the same Lumina you seek?"
Anobia looked puzzled, then clarified, "Oh no. But Lumina became the title of the clan's representative to the emperor. The clan has always been matrilineal in leadership and as in our culture, the name Lumina refers to Light of the Goddess, it only seemed fitting that the position reflect an understanding of the Goddess' will in the new structure. "
Cathain, who had never felt much connection to any deity, let alone believed in the existence of one, sat dumbstruck. All she had believed impossible now seemed so concretely believable. The level of seemingly direct involvement of the Goddess in the lives of the people was unsettling to her, though she could not dispute the presence of the Goddess, having come in contact with her mere hours ago.
Cathain, despite secretly believing she was made of stronger stuff, began to reel at all the revelations and changes she had experienced in her brief time on Kuulkuk. Then she looked over to Anobia. Concern had tinted her appearance and Cathain chastised herself for not seeing it earlier. A gentle wave of peace flowed through her as she continued to look upon the younger woman. As I always believed, when things move fast, I must be on the right path. Therefore I must be very much on the right path. She shook her head in a tremor-like fashion to jostle the feelings of doubt away from their perch.
The upper door opened suddenly, startling the two women. Anobia rushed in front of Cathain and struck a defensive pose. A voice called out, "Settle down, Bia it is only me and a very skilled assassin."
Cathain released a rushed sigh and tried to calm her nerves. Anobia just shook her head in disbelief and smiled, greeting the two women with arms open wide. Cathain took a moment to assess the newcomer. Deceptively short of stature, the other woman seemed wiry with an obvious undercurrent of energy flowing just beneath the placid exterior. As she watched the woman walk about the room with the grace of someone who was in deep control of her body's abilities, she couldn't help but note the informality with which she conducted herself around Anobia. There was closeness belying more than friendship. Cathain felt an unfamiliar surge of jealousy. Without volition, she stood to join them.
"We have missed you, Your Highness." Lumina taunted the young blonde.
"Well," Anobia offered lamely, "There have been matters of state…"
Cathain arrived at her side and deliberately stood close so as to touch Anobia. "And of the heart." She challengingly added, looking up at Anobia. The surprisingly territorial declaration caused Anobia to sputter.
Lumina crossed her arms and leaned back on one leg. "Oh really, Bia? Do tell." A mischievous twinkle added to the request and Anobia suddenly wished she were somewhere else. Liama for her part was sitting back reveling in the display of possession. She had no doubt that Cathain was the one destined for her Bia, but nonetheless, it warmed her heart to see the teacher reveal such backbone.
Anobia shot a look of desperation to her guardian only to receive a shrug indicating that Liama felt the emperor should get her self out of the tangle. Adding insult to injury, Liama settled back in her chair folding her hands across her stomach as though ready for the next act of an enjoyable play. Mentally, the blonde sagged under the predicament and turned to see both women looking to her for an answer to Lumina's request.
Lumina seemed to be enjoying Anobia's discomfort, while Cathain appeared to be a little impatient with the young woman's delay. The emperor saw that the situation could rapidly deteriorate whether or not she said anything but she opted to speak hoping to salvage a modicum of control.
"Cathain, Teacher to the Children of the Royal House, meet Lumina, Royal Representative of the Clan of the Blade." Then as a means to make clear her intended further association with Cathain, she looked to Lumina declaring, "She is the one foretold by the Goddess."
Cathain was still off center about her given purpose despite her knowing of Anobia's feelings for her and the Goddess' revelation. She assumed Lumina knew of the full import of the emperor's statement but the brief reaction that blew across the Clan's representative's face was, nonetheless, childishly pleasing to Cathain.
Cathain glanced over at Liama, whose hands were now steepled in front of her face, failing to fully hide the look of delight at the intrigue. The fiery red head boldly scowled at her, resulting in a surprising pout from the Seer.
"Well, I must say, I am surprised, but pleased, Anobia." Lumina looked as though she was forcing the sincerity, but somehow Cathain felt that Lumina would get past her dismay. Perhaps later I can ask Anobia about their affiliations, the teacher mused.
Looking at Cathain and smiling sweetly, Anobia closed the topic of discussion. "Yes, the day has finally arrived."
Lumina walked about the room releasing some of her pent up energies. "I suppose we should get to the matters at hand, shall we?" She invited them to the table and a serious discussion of the previous events began.
In a bunker south of Lammar, Kerlian was addressing his commanders.
"We know that the palace has fewest guards on duty during the night, so that is when we will launch our assault."
Kiam, quickly promoted to that of commander spoke up. "Regent, what of the girl?"
Kerlian's brows furrowed and his demeanor darkened. Through clenched teeth he responded. "What of her?"
"Surely, you do not intend to make her a martyr?"
The regent slammed his fist on the table. "She would only be martyred if there was anyone left to notice!"
He pushed back from the table abruptly. A subtle gasp went out among those seated.
Kerlian straightened himself and challenged his commanders. "This is war, gentlemen. There will be losses. But you all have pledged to see the patriarchy returned at all costs." He looked at each one of his officers. Then he reminded them. "The dye has been cast, men. There is no turning back. We have victory in our grasp, even now, for I will go further to ensure that victory than She will."
A chill followed the intent of Kerlian's final statement, though no one dared contest his resolve. Kerlian walked over to the door. Before exiting, he paused. Over his shoulder he added, "In two weeks' time, when Kolan's troops arrive, we will attack. Run your people through their drills, tighten up perimeter detail and for the sake of our futures, lose whatever softness stills remains with you. Temper yourselves, the Time of Fire is here."
The Fire represented the old religion. Patriarchal in structure, the Fire represented the drive within men to consume. Their icon was the Sun: hot, constant and burning brightly each day. The religion supported conflict among the tribes, ensuring that the Belief was the only constant in the world and therefore the only certain power. In turn, The Fire supported whoever was in power in exchange for fealty pledged to the Religion.
Somewhat symbiotic in relationship, The Fire depended on rulers to support them as the rulers depended on the authority of The Fire for authenticity to their right to rule. However, whenever a ruler fell out of favor, or stood in the way of The Fire gaining more authority, The Fire would switch allegiances, handpicking and supporting the successor. By maintaining the power under the guise of Religion, The Fire amassed incomparable influence over time.
In the last war, Anall defeated the current ruling emperor and caused the collapse of the Religion, introducing The Light and the deity of the Goddess. Bringing about peace and the policies through which to enforce it, gave credence to the Goddess and her champion, Anall. But not all were satisfied. Relegated to private services, the remnants of the old religion went underground.
When it was evident that Kerlian could wield influence within the palace as Regent, he was recruited by The Fire's representatives and fed the beliefs and contrasts, turning his heart from the Goddess. When he realized that he had no hope of ruling beside Anobia, The Fire took advantage of the situation, further poisoning him against the empire and supplying him with a small, but well trained, army ready to move at his command. Resistance, fed by anger and jealousy, makes for a mighty weapon when directed by those with ulterior motives.
With the plan soundly hammered out, Lumina bade them a good night and left for the compound to alert the other clan members as to their assignments. The three remaining women also left, returning to Liama's chambers through the back passages. Anobia, deep in thought, did not notice the weariness settle on Liama as they neared her rooms. Cathain had noticed, however. She reached silently for the old woman and wrapped her arm around her waist lending support. A weak smile was her thanks. Once they arrived, Cathain escorted Liama to her seat and fixed her a cup of tea. Serving the Seer, she held a questioning look that was answered by Ma.
"Cathain, I think we should suspend school till this mess is over. Instead, I think we need to concentrate more intensely on developing your skills." She nodded at Anobia, who was gazing through the windows to far beyond the palace grounds. She lowered her voice. Nodding to Anobia, she said, "She is going to need you and all you can provide, very soon." A deep breath escaped the older woman. Using her seniority to prevent further discussion, she protested defiantly, "You two go on. An old woman needs her rest. Scat!"
Cathain went to Anobia and interrupted her concentration to lead her from Ma's. They walked soundlessly through the corridors of the palace arriving at the Anobia's suite. Standing before the door, Anobia suddenly wondered how she had gotten there. Then the personal exchanges she had shared with Cathain and the declaration of the woman's role in her life came bearing down heavily on her shoulders.
Cathain saw the darkness flow over the emperor and she reached out to stem the tide. Anobia looked down at her and quickly opened the door to her chambers. Grasping tightly onto Cathain's hand she led her decisively into the room.
Once behind closed doors, Anobia let go and began to furiously walk about her quarters. Cathain deemed it to be a tantrum of sorts. The manner in which Anobia now held herself, hands clenched, shoulders pitched forward as though she was forcing her way through a crowd of people, reminded Cathain of a petulant child.
But no child was this. Anobia stood before her: Emperor of an entire world empire, leader of the Clan of the Blade yet also a young woman full of needs, desires, and fears. Cathain felt momentarily awed by the depth of responsibility and expectations placed on the woman. Putting those aside for the good of her Anobia's heart she took a step forward, blocking Anobia's path. Doing the only thing she knew to do, the only thing she felt she could offer, she reached out and grabbed the emperor by the arm and drew her aggressively to her. Clamping her hand around Anobia's neck she brought her lips fiercely to her own in the hopes of distracting the young woman and simply allowing for a release of the tension she must be feeling.
What never occurred to her was the potential sheer intensity of the exchange. Anobia responded heatedly to her kiss. Lips bruised one another in the frantic collision. Their hands ran roughly over one another as the animalistic drive took over.
But just as suddenly, Anobia grasped Cathain's shoulders and thrust her away, parting them abruptly. Deep, heavy breathing bridged them as their eyes sought for focus on what was happening and what could have been.
Struggling to ease her breathing, Anobia rasped, "Oh my Cathain, what I would not give for a this night to be with you."
A panting Cathain replied, "I am willing and ready, Your Majesty." Her eyes cast to the floor, Cathain wondered what it was that enabled her to pursue this, but stopped wondering when she again looked upon the reddened cheeks and dilated eyes of the young blonde.
The emperor took a deeper breath and slowly released it. How many of my subjects would offer themselves as this one just had? How many have I taken in a manner just like this? These very thoughts prompted her to quickly reconsider. Her expression softened as she continued to look at the teacher of her children. More controlled now, she drew Cathain to her in a gentle embrace.
"My Cathain, "she whispered. "It is true that right now I could take you and give you carnal pleasure. But that is not how I want it to be… not with you." She reared back slowly and took Cathain's face in her hands. The look on the sweet teacher's face was one of confusion and not a little insult. Anobia lightly chuckled and once again pulled her into a tight embrace. "Cathain, I want our first time to be of joy and time. I want to linger over your gifts and taste of your passions. Now would only be about me and this crisis we are in."
Cathain tried to interrupt but was halted by two soft full lips pressing ever so gently against hers. Softly Anobia's lips moved across hers as she finished her plea. "Do not think you are undesirable. For I think that it is only by the will of the Goddess that I can restrain myself. What you offer is more than I am truly worthy of, and therefore deserves the attention I can only give it after this emergency is over. Will you wait, my love?"
Cathain was at once embarrassed at her lack of control and decidedly agitated by the thought of now waiting.
In hushed tones Cathain muttered, "It was not my intent to cheapen our first time, My Liege."
Anobia tightened her hold on the woman. "No, I sense that, my darling. I realize you were so unselfish in your offering." Peering deeply into Cathain's eyes and allowing her the same opportunity, the young ruler continued, " I know I do not have to explain this to you, but I want to be sure I am understood. Cathain, my beautiful Cathain, This need not be about me, and what you can give, but what we can give one another. In understanding me as a woman, you must understand this. Your pleasure will be my pleasure, as I hope the reverse will be true, too. I want it to be solely about you and us. This evening would have been primarily for me."
Anobia dropped her hands to her side and faced away from Cathain, putting distance between them. "My dearest, if it was merely about sex, I could have any woman in the empire, and frankly I have." Turning briskly back around to face the off-worlder, she looked at her pleadingly, "That is not what I anticipate with you. Although there will be a good deal of that." She waggled her eyebrows at Cathain, causing a reaction of severe blush to course across the teacher's cheeks.
A soft laugh issued from both of them. "Cathain, we will have so much more, and I have waited for so long." A deep pause occurred, and Cathain held her breath in anticipation. Resolutely, Anobia squared her shoulders and looked directly into Cathain.
"What we have shall not be compromised by a base need for release. Do not fear that my love for you is lessened, for what you have offered is of the greatest value I have known, but I love you so much more than to allow you to offer yourself in such a manner. I pay honor to you, and to what we have, in waiting a little longer. Can you do this for yourself as well as for us, Cathain?"
Cathain, looked away wrestling with her newly found desires and her hope for what lay ahead. For years her husband had sought her out for release, and though he was never brutal, he seldom asked about her desires and needs. Yet, here was this exceptional young woman denying herself for what the future had in store for them. Could I not honor her as well in this, she wondered?
A wave of peace rolled across her heated pulse, calming it to a controllable level. She breathed deeply, releasing her pent up energy. Looking upon the pleading expression of her new love, she asked teasingly, "My Lord, are you saying that you love me?"
Anobia bit off a raucous laugh. Such is it when tensions have been running high. With a smile bright, enough to light the night sky, Anobia answered, "Aye, My Lady, I do love you." With a twinkle in her eye she volleyed back. "Is it possible that you love me?"
Cathain knew for certain that her heart was melting into an unidentifiable mass. She rushed toward the emperor latching onto to her tightly. "Aye, My Lord, I love you with all that I am and all that I will be."
A kiss of a gentler sort ensued with, however, no less passion or intent than had previously been shared. Beama would certainly have been pleased with the colors surrounding her two favorite adults, but it was Liama who, far across the palace, awakened to the intense repercussions of the emotions and hurriedly reached for a cup of cool water to quench the sudden thirst she had developed.
Chapter 9
The next morning, as Cathain lazed in her bed thinking dreamily of her Anobia, a harsh and rapid knock on the door barely preceded an abrupt entrance by one agitated and sleepy looking Ma Liama. Marching over to Cathain's bed she yanked the covers back and fiercely grabbed the teacher's arm, pulling her forcefully from the bed. As all of this had occurred quickly, Cathain hit the floor a little dazed and unsteady.
"Alright, young lady, stop dreaming about our emperor and get thee into the bathing room. We have a long day ahead of us."
"But Ma!"
"Don't 'Ma' me, young lady. With all of this going on and your little close encounter with Bia last night, I've not had nearly enough sleep and I have little to no patience for foolishness. Now get! We have an empire to save!"
While Cathain shuffled off the cleanse herself, Ma made herself busy making the bed and mumbling about young love and the suffering of others for it.
Sheepishly, Cathain emerged from the bathing chamber. Liama huffed at her, motioning with a nod of her head that she was to follow. Back to Liama's they walked, with Cathain having difficulty keeping up. Once inside Ma's chambers, Liama pointed to a chair for the teacher to occupy. The old Seer went over the small stove and set a kettle of water on to boil. She then rummaged around through some of her apothecary jars and extracted various ingredients. Cathain looked on curiously, but dared not say a word. Once the water came to a boil, Liama placed the mysterious items in the water to steep. Soon, two cups of the steaming brew were placed in front of Cathain as Liama sat in front of her. Exhaling loudly, Liama motioned for Cathain to drink and she began the training.
"For over one thousand years there has been a sect of Seers on this planet of ours. We were a gift from the Goddess to the people of this world. You must understand that the Goddess loves her people even when they do not love her. She exists in all things and through all things. She is the Womb of the Whole.
Cathain was steadily drinking her tea, seemingly incapable of stopping. Liama stood and began walking around. At various places she stopped and picked up items placing them in a satchel. As she did this, she continued extolling her tale.
" In the time before time, there was Chaos and She longed for a counterpoint. Being all that Is and Isn't, She possessed the ability to create. She is the Question, the Void, the Womb."
Liama's voice sounded as though it was moving farther and farther away. Cathain found it more difficult to concentrate. She felt her arms grow strangely heavy and suddenly she was groggy. Placing the cup back on the table she fell back into the chair and slipped into a heavy sleep. Liama watched all of this with deepening interest. Once she was certain the teacher was deep in slumber she went out into the hallway and signaled for a novitiate of the temple to help her. The novitiate, named Belen, a large mute woman, hoisted Cathain's light frame over her shoulder and through the hidden passageway they exited.
Cathain awoke in a dimly lit space. The walls surrounding her, mottled red and glistening, felt somehow familiar. She held her hands out in front of her remarking in the lightness of her skin against the darkness of her environment. Then she looked down. Her body was covered only in a light sheen of sweat. Her clothes were gone, yet she found she was merely curious, not fearful.
Lying down along the floor, she noticed it was warm and had conformed to her shape. She had never had a more contented feeling and she drowsily snuggled against the enveloping surface. As she again slept, images of hands lovingly carving shapes in stone came unbidden. She watched as the pair of hands created large tufts of a white substance and strew them about a sky blue background. Crafting trees and grasses from particles of dirt, the hands moved about sculpting animal shapes from the same clay. Then when all was completed, Cathain saw the hands move along down along its knees and part them. Within her den, the Remoran felt a rumble and was shaken from her slumber. From behind her the surface, on which she lay, began to roll coursing moving her as though she rode a cresting wave. Waters rose up all around her and sent her careening through a tunnel, which suddenly appeared. The tunnel walls pulsed in rhythmic contractions egging the waters and its cargo ahead. In one great final thrust, Cathain was ejected from the tunnel and crashed into pooling waters below. As she was carried by the torrent, the figures of clay were washed along as well, becoming animated when the waters embraced them. All manner of life now swirled in this great swell with her, yet neither they nor she felt frightened. The purpose was clear. They were bathing in the life giving waters of the Goddess: Goddess as Anima.
Cathain allowed herself to be completely immersed in the salty water, feeling it permeate her being, quench her thirst and feed her soul. Her body, buoyant in the fluid, reveled in its warmth and a laugh bubbled from her. Softly, the waters ebbed and she drifted along a diminishing wave. Gently she was deposited on a grassy bank. She opened her eyes again and was besieged by the freshness of color and light all around her. A feminine form, robed in white, as in her vision before, moved toward her. The Form extended a hand to her and enveloped Cathain in her arms. Certainly, the Form brushed her wet hair from her face and then pulled back the white robe to reveal a weeping breast. Eagerly Cathain nuzzled it prompting sweet milk to seep steadily from the nipple. Voraciously, she suckled, having no question about the act.
The Form cooed and hummed all the while, filling Cathain with her essence that had given her life and now sustained that life.
"That's right Little One. Take from me. Take what you need and know that it is I who nourishes you. This is the Milk of Ma. To you, I will give everything. For I am All and you are my All. Many will try to deceive you, but know that I am always waiting in the Light for your return. I was the beginning and I will be here in the end. I am in you and around you.
"Within you is all that I am. You need only look within to find me. My essence is now of you."
She pulled Cathain away and covered her breast. Righting the teacher into a seated position, she ran the hem of her robe across her damp body, drying and cleansing it. Cathain felt an energy flow through her as she was rubbed and she felt a strong urge to run without direction, wishing to dash across the new creation and take it all in. Her mind and her eyes were hungry for all that Was. She leapt to her feet, quickly hugged Ma, and ran fleet footed along the banks and up into the surrounding meadows and forests.
Never before had Cathain felt such energy throb within her. Never before had the images of all she viewed revealed such depth of color and radiance. It was as though all life pulsed with the light of the Goddess Ma. Everything was new and crisp. Colors were rich and vibrant.
The Remoran ran and ran watching the sun travel across the sky and when the moon crested the hills, she watched its full form emerge and was reminded of the full breast of Ma. She knew now she was tied inextricably to the cycle of the Great Mother. By Her Moon all life would cycle. Blood of the womb would spill to begat life to the rhythms of the Mother Moon and new life would emerge when the Moon was it's fullest, ready to quench the thirst of the newborn.
Cathain had asked and was answered. All life was precious to Ma, but people were her pride and joy, more closely tied to the cycle of creation than all others of her making. Not seasonally would her people know of the joy of begetting but in every moon phase they would be invited to join in the creation just as the Ma had created. And as a gift to her chosen, they could share in joy as they created. For all, it would be an act of creation. But foremost in the heart of Ma, the purpose in the joining of two people, would be to create love and sustain love: for without that, no other creation would last.
Clearly the intent was divined to Cathain. It mattered not whom one was with, as long as there was love to be found and tended. As the relationship with each of her beloved was specific so should our relationships be with one another.
Cathain rested herself against the trunk of a large tree and watched the moon roll across the night sky all the while sending thanks to the Goddess for her love and her gift. Thoughts of Anobia soon accompanied her thanks and she closed her eyes to picture the face of her beloved.
The tell tale smell of smoke abruptly assailed her senses and ripped her from her musings. Off in the distance, she saw a fire churning away at the landscape of the valley. Smoke billowed about her as it scouted for the fire to find fresh fuel to quench its insatiable hunger. A voice echoed in her mind as she turned and hunted for safe ground.
"It is the Time of the Fire, Cathain. See how it consumes, but does not replenish. It must not succeed. For it will ingest all before it, till there is no more. Then it will eat of itself till even it is gone. It consumes men's hearts and leaves them soulless. It manipulates for its needs only. It must be stopped."
Smoke threatened to overwhelm Cathain as she listened to the words of Ma.
"What shall I do? What can I do?"
"Let go the waters of Ma, Little One. The waters will douse the flames and stop the carnage."
The smoke now thick about her, choked Cathain and she fell into unconsciousness.
Fighting the strangling effects of the smoke, Cathain coughed herself into awareness, gasping for fresh air. Immediately she was propped onto her side by someone and they began clapping her back gruffly.
"Easy Belen, we don't want to lose her now!" The voice, Cathain thought, is Liama's. But where did she come from? What is she doing in the line of Fire? I have to protect her, for Anobia! Cathain wrestled with the one behind her and was brought up short when the person held her tightly as though she was only a medium sized basket.
"Let go of me! Cough…cough… I have to save Ma." A small chuckle was her answer that only served to increase her panic. She resumed her struggled but to no avail. Then she heard Liama's voice again.
"Hush child, you fight the wrong foe. You are all right, now. Calm yourself." A soothing hand removed her hair from in front of her face and Cathain finally saw the face of her mentor. Tearful eyes smiled at her and the arms that were holding her let go. Cathain fell into the arms of the old Seer and she began to weep.
"Oh Ma it was so incredible, I have not the words to describe it! " Silence fell upon her as she sought internally for a way to explain all she had experienced. Liama spoke to ease her frustration.
"Cathain, the experience was for you alone, yet all with whom you come in contact will know you had an experience. That is all need concern you or anyone."
Cathain jerked away. "But Liama, the Fire is coming."
The novitiate reared back upon hearing this. She looked startled and her eyes shot around the room as though needing to escape. Liama merely patted her hand and she settled down.
"No Belen, she speaks of a rival to our Goddess. "
Liama turned back to Cathain and placed a robe across her lap. "Dress now, Little One, we have much to do." With the help of Belen, Ma Liama stood up made her way to the door of the secret room in Temple. All three of them returned through the secret passage and once they had arrived, Belen was dismissed.
Only moments later, Anobia came storming through the door.
"By all the stars, where have you been?" She demanded. Her expression was one of terror tinged with anger. Liama calmly smiled and said, " You know Cathain has training to accomplish. That's where we were. Now sit down and have a cup of tea."
"Tea! You all have been gone for three days! Why was I not told it take this long?" With eyes sorely distraught, Anobia begged Ma. "My initiation did not take that long, Liama. I was so worried." Her voice cracked before she could finish. Cathain was just as shocked. She had no idea how long she had been gone and she flashed a look of reprimand at Liama. The old woman just shrugged her shoulders and proceeded to get them all some tea.
Cathain approached Anobia carefully. Standing next to her she felt as though her heart would burst from all that she was now feeling. Gently she reached out and caressed the emperor's cheek. Her hand came away damp with tears. She reached again for Anobia's arm and pulled her near. Long strong arms quickly embraced her as the tears increased in number and they stood silently embracing one another, comfort and consolation flowing easily between them.
As the tears slowed Anobia pulled back and asked quietly, "Are you all right?" Cathain tucked her head and laughed softly. "Yes, My Liege, I am more than all right." She paused a moment, looking away. "I have had a most incredible experience." She returned her gaze to Anobia. "Yet I can say that it is not nearly as incredible as being here with you."
Anobia flashed a brilliant smile as thanks and swept her love into her arms twirling them both around and around.
Liama pretending to be bothered barked at them, "Here, now. Stop this nonsense. These are small quarters and you're liable to knock something over."
Anobia put Cathain back on the floor, but maintained her arm about the teacher's waist, holding her close. "Now Ma, we could always move you to the other end of the palace." Anobia teased.
"Ah, ptewy!" Ma cursed as she spit. "A pox on your head if you move me! I'd rather be here, away from all imperial goings on. Besides its not as though I have to be near you to know what is going on. For the sake of Light, girl, I'm going to have to disconnect or something if I ever expect to get a night's rest from here on out."
Cathain blushed fully. The young emperor looked at her in question. Bashfully Cathain responded. She cleared her throat. "Apparently, Liama was much disturbed by the energy we cast the other evening."
Anobia threw her head back and laughed hard. "Ah serves you right old woman."
Liama brought the tea over to them. "Oh hush up. I will probably rue the day I ever came to this silly place." Anobia was still laughing. "Go ahead! Make fun of an old woman. I'll have you know you young people know nothing of passion! Why in my day…"
Liama went on to tell story after story of her footloose days, keeping them all entertained late into the evening. And that is why she did it. Tomorrow they would need to start fast and furiously to stem the Fire that was fast approaching. Tonight was for laughter and reveling in the gift of being together.
Chapter 10
It was early the next morning when the Clan council convened. Representatives from all aspects of the clan gathered and sat in seats dusty in testimony to the long-standing peace on the planet. But not too distant reminders of the Clan's history cluttered the walls. Portraits of courageous warriors, long since dead, hung amid an array of weapons of death and defense. Lumina thoroughly explained the mission objectives and what was at stake. As members of the War Council discussed the various aspects of this new mission, Lumina looked upon the faces of her kinfolk and made a silent vow to do them honor in the upcoming battle. Suddenly, her ears pricked at the sound of her name and the voice calling on her.
"But Lumina, is this a battle we should take on?" The voice belonged to Volan. He was virtually her antithesis. More than any other member of the clan, he could push her to her limits, seeming to revel in it. Now, however, he had overstepped his bounds.
Lumina slammed her fist against the table. Seething from the question, she ground her teeth and growled a response. "Defending the emperor and the empire she rules is our purpose! It is why we exist, you dolt! Of course we take this on."
Lumina stormed about the room to let off steam. Everyone knew the whip-like action of her reflexes and rather than provoke her further, they waited patiently as she centered herself. Faced with a challenge, the magnitude of which the clan had not seen in recent memory, it was imperative that everyone comes together in solidarity. It was, Lumina knew, a certain test of her ability to lead the clan. She also knew Volan was a wild card in his youth and impatience. Her next few words needed to be clear in intent to see which way his loyalties lay.
Lumina centered herself and turned to look out a nearby window. Her back to him, she proceeded in quiet tones reminiscent of a lull before a storm, "Volan, I know not what motivates your question, nor why you would even question our mission, but know this and know this well: for two hundred years we, as a clan, have followed the Goddess without fail and She in return has not failed us. For longer than that we have served the Emperor as ultimate warriors protecting the Empire at all costs. For the last two centuries, the emperor has been a part of us and we of them. And that is why we fight. That is why the battle is as much ours as it is the emperor's."
Turning for emphasis and pinning him back in his chair by her glare alone, she concluded. "She is of us, she is us."
A silence, thick as a fortress wall encompassed Volan, isolating him in censure. Noticeably a stiff swallow coursed along his throat. Lumina quickly sought for votes among the faces of her fellow clansmen. Finding agreement and support there, she leaned onto the table closing the space between she and the young man. The look in his eyes was all the confirmation she needed. He had asked the question out of ignorance and impetuosity. It was for these characteristics that he remained weapons chief and not in command of an assault team. As a team player he was effective in skill, but tended to be a rogue. He was, more often than not, assigned to first strike drills where individual cunning was a must and reliance on others was less an issue. In short, he was an assassin.
An assassin whose skills must be honed for the upcoming mission, Lumina thought to herself. Determined to plane his edges off, she addressed the remaining issues at hand.
"What has our surveillance revealed?"
Hunter, a stocky woman from the northern territories, was an adept cartographer fully versed in the various terrains and geographic nooks and crannies where a rebel force could hide out and launch assaults.
"We feel that the Rebels must be in the third quadrant, six hundred miles northwest of the capitol. The natural resources could support as many as two legions and there is a repository of convertible minerals and gasses for fuel. As for weapons potential and supplies, I need to turn that over to 'Leon."
With a nod from Lumina, 'Leon began. "It took much of my vast skill to procure this information, but as usual, I was able to provide us with very important details that could turn the tables for us."
'Leon was short for Chameleon, as he seemed to blend in with whatever environment he found himself. As a spy, it made him invaluable. As a person, it made him unbearably arrogant. However, he was a master of disguise and was artful in his manner of getting behind enemy lines. Over the years he had additionally developed a network of informants rivaling that of any official imperial intelligence enclave.
"I believe that the weapons are coming from what remains of the Remoran Rebels. Fighters with ship to ship and ship to surface tactical weapons number in the low one hundreds. My theory is that the rebels there are consorting with the rebels here to affect a coup, and then they will mount another assault on Remora when our rebels are victorious. Or so they hope.
"My sources confirm what Hunter suspects. Travel along the roads north of the capitol has been steadily increasing and some of the surlier members of our empire have taken sudden 'vacations'." 'Leon paused for dramatic effect and lowered his voice. "My sources tell me that there has also been a bit more talk of The Fire. Not much, mind you, but any increase cannot be seen as favorable. A few more words spoken here and there, and one could easily believe that this could be a rebellion of religious proportions."
Lumina exhaled abruptly and ran her hand across her face briskly. Staring at the table to gather her thoughts she then peered up at her clan and spoke. " How sure are we that there is a resurgence in the Fire?"
'Leon took a moment and presented his case. " There has been some talk among the outlying villages and sightings of what might be ritual fires burning in the hills. But more than that, it would seem that there has been a renewed interest in the old ways."
Lumina shook her head. "But why would we go back?"
'Leon responded. "Lumina, not all have been happy with the Goddess and Her ways." Lumina began to interrupt, but 'Leon put his hand up requesting he finish.
"Lumina, a lot of power was vested in the Fire and there were those who benefited from that power. I know and everyone here knows, that overall, things are better. But there will, unhappily, always be those who hunger for power and will do anything to gain it."
Silence again fell over the group assembled. Hunter's eyes became wide and she inhaled abruptly. With a nod from their leader, she spoke up.
"Lumina, if 'Leon is right and the Fire is behind this and if the Remorans are helping, then the Fire will spread to Remora if they succeed. Should that happen, then they would be in a fair position to take over this entire sector of space."
And there it was. The full scope of the resurgence in the old religion was laid before them. The timing was good, the supplies present, and the potential great. Lumina had to hand it to them. As a strategist, one longed for full scope opportunities such as this. Plus, they have everything to gain and nothing to lose, she realized.
The clan leader mentally made plans to leave soon for the palace and inform Anobia of their findings as she glanced over at Volan. She noted that he had remained uncharacteristically quiet, but as she sensed nothing untoward, she turned her attentions back to 'Leon.
" 'Leon, if the Fire is behind this, your task from now on is to find the religious leaders and subdue them. Take any measures necessary. We've got to cut the head off of this snake." 'Leon nodded silently and left. Lumina rolled out a map and began to pinpoint assault strategies with Hunter and the remaining clansmen. Once everyone was heavily distracted with the planning, Volan drifted toward the door unnoticed and made his exit as well.
After a rousing breakfast with the children, Cathain had returned to her suite to prepare for an afternoon training lesson with Liama. Below, in the courtyard of the palace, Anobia was drilling alongside the palace guard. Cathain watched from her upper story window, careful to hide her presence behind the trellised vines.
Slowly, methodically the four hundred warriors danced in ritual formation, each movement in precise rhythm and position. They had been training at this laborious pace for over an hour and though it appeared effortless, Cathain could see from her vantage point that the tunics of the warriors' had begun to darken with sweat.
In unison they came to a halt and Anobia stepped out from the ranks. She stood motionless as a member of the guard stepped forward. They both bowed to one another and then stood in positions of defense. Cathain felt her breath catch and she wondered at the wisdom in this aspect of the training.
Her fears were shortly allayed as Anobia made quick work of her opponent, sending him sailing to the ground after a sweeping kick. She saw Anobia smile and reach down for the man. Once righted, he leaned into the emperor nodding in response to her apparent pointers. One by one the soldiers came forward and despite the tiring effects of successive challenges, Anobia managed to upturn them all. That is until a stocky, older man came forward.
With interest, Cathain wondered at the foolishness of this old man. Anobia towered over him and by the looks of it out matched him in strength as well. He appeared bent and way past his prime. But nevertheless, Anobia bowed deeply to her next opponent. Cathain went ahead and ordered lunch to be sent up, believing that the match would soon end and the emperor would want lunch.
Returning to the window to watch, she noted that they had taken to using blades and she couldn't help but notice the furious pace at which both of the warriors performed. Anobia was actually suffering under heavy blows, the likes she had yet experienced. Suddenly, a maneuver she had seen Roban, her late husband, execute, brought thoughts of him to the forefront. Though she was still standing at the window looking down on the soldiers below, Cathain felt as though she was in the battle with her husband. Instead of seeing Anobia, she saw Roban fiercely countering the old man, fighting for his life. Cathain felt anger rise within her, anger at her loss, anger at Roban's dying and leaving her, and anger at how he had sheltered her. Somewhere in her mind she also directed the anger at Anobia, for it had not occurred to her that the emperor would engage directly in combat.
Cathain, distracted by her anger and feeling once again helpless, forgot herself and let out a yell in response to a fierce parry which, in Anobia's distraction, found purchase in the young woman's ribs. That completed the vision for Cathain, for as she saw it another loved one was in danger and she was not there to protect them.
Anobia's opponent recoiled in response to the injury and once again became the old decrepit man of an hour ago. Cathain, was however, already on her way, flying down the stairs running past pages and servers with indifference. All she could envision was her Anobia dying in a pool of blood as she imagined her husband had.
Without thought, she rushed out into the courtyard and ran directly to the old man. His thoughts, however, were fixed on the fallen form of his pupil, watching as medics performed a triage to stop her bleeding. The wound was not serious but the blood loss was ample.
Cathain caught the old man unaware, and in her rage, hit him squarely with a right cross. Her force sent them both tumbling. Cathain quickly righted herself and dragged her victim to his feet. The surprise of it all caused his voice to crack as he pled, "Get this badger off of me!"
The teacher disheveled and heaving from her outburst, was pried away from her opponent by two palace guards as Anobia looked on with utter disbelief. Laying on the ground, grasping at her dressings, Anobia tried to ascertain what had just happened. The old man and practically everyone else mirrored her look of wonder.
A quick snicker was heard from within the enclave of guards. Anobia snapped her head around to see who had dared make such a noise, but then she looked again at Cathain. The woman was still struggling against the guards and the expression she had was indeed one of an enraged badger.
As Anobia replayed the skirmish in her mind she realized how she had obviously underestimated the capabilities of the older woman. For here before her was a frothing, angry woman ready to rush in at any cost to protect the emperor.
No, Anobia reasoned, not emperor, but me. Cathain's sheer visceral response was at once endearing and comical. The fact that she had adeptly taken down the best martial arts teacher in her world, whereas no one else ever had, caused Anobia to laugh.
She laughed at herself and at the predicament of the woman she loved. She laughed at the situation they all found themselves in. Lastly, she laughed because she would probably not find any reason to again for a long while to come. One of the guards holding Cathain noted her ever-increasing ire and took a moment to tell Cathain just what she had accomplished. Her eyes went wide as she took in the news.
Moments later when released, she immediately went over to the combat master. But he would have nothing further to do with her. He had been affronted and, furthermore, laughed at. He strode off mumbling about an off world demon. Cathain looked lost but one glance at Anobia and her worry for the old man ceased. Anobia, now standing before her, was bandaged but still wounded and the renewed fears it conjured were more than Cathain could manage in public. As a look of confusion and horror began to overwhelm her, she charged off the grounds and retreated into the palace.
Pacing about her suite, Cathain made a path around like a drunken bee going from spot to spot unable to stand still for long. A soft knock on the door went unheard, so focused was she on her internal chatter. The creak of the hinges did, however, snap her concentration and she whirled around with shoulders hunched, a grimace thoroughly clouding her expression.
It was this expression that caused Anobia to recoil when she peeked her head around the edge of the door and glanced into the room. She released an audible 'shoo' and felt an unsettling trepidation that she, as emperor, had never felt before. She realized that though a little of the fear was for Cathain, it was primarily a fear of losing her and what they had.
Taking in a deep breath to settle her nerves, she sweetly called out. "Cathain?"
A heavy thud against the door was punctuated by a shattering of whatever the teacher had thrown. Anobia pulled the door closed a bit, but persisted in bridging the gap between them.
"Cathain, we should talk."
Thud. Crash.
Some of the shards began to make their way beneath the door. Recognizing the colored slivers, Anobia wistfully thought, I always liked that vase. She then felt the challenge rise within. All right, that's enough of that. With an inhalation of determination, she straightened her shoulders and looked ahead, all the while throwing the door open abruptly.
The boldness caught Cathain off guard and she quickly grabbed another vase in reaction. Hurtling it through the air, Anobia deftly caught it and solidly placed it on a nearby table.
Still she pressed on. As she came nearer, Cathain threw herself at the emperor, fists flailing about trying to damage whatever it was that had her so angered.
Only fits and spurts of words were intelligible as Anobia struggled to pin the other woman's arms to her side. Some of the blows had found a target in her chest and truly hurt, as so much fury was behind them. Anobia knew she could not let this rage continue but knew also that whatever was fueling it needed to be expressed without injury to either of them.
Piecing the garbled words together, the young woman understood some of Cathain's anger. It was clear that Cathain had been deeply wounded by the loss of her husband and Anobia chastised herself for not having drawn it out of Cathain sooner. It was, Anobia sadly acknowledged, a denial on her part. She did not want to know whose shadow she walked in. Her greatest fear was that she would learn of Cathain's great happiness with Roban and that she would never measure up. Now she kicked herself mentally for her childishness, believing that it now caused her love's pain.
Finally wrestling them both to the bed she fell on top of Cathain effectively pinning the woman under her. The smaller woman persisted in twisting and turning but soon had exhausted herself and cried out from sheer frustration.
Anobia loosened her hold to express more comfort and consolation as Cathain heaved great sobs of grief and soon they were lying side by side as Anobia locked in behind the teacher, enveloping her with arms and legs.
Quite sometime passed before the sobs ended and Anobia heard even breathing, signaling that Cathain had fallen asleep, emotionally and physically spent. Liama's words of long ago came to her as she cradled Cathain. The demons of grief, she recalled the old woman saying. It was after the young emperor-to-be had unleashed a dreadful tirade on her adopted father. Scathing words had leapt from her mouth seeking to injure him. As Ma had interceded, the emperor walked away and Anobia had called out yet further epithets. Liama had summarily yanked her from her feet and dragged a young 'Bia to her room where she pushed and prodded the young girl till all the sadness and pain she had been harboring left her in great sobs and yells.
Later as she cuddled the gangly young girl, Liama had told her of the demons of grief and how they stab and prick one, till they lash out to hurt others. The demons liked pain and it served to keep them around. To rid one's self of them, Liama told her, one had to just let them go understanding that the pain we suffer allows for more joy to be noticed, if only one will.
Anobia vowed, in the morning, I will tell Cathain of the demons and how I am certain that we have much joy to experience in our future together. As her thoughts focused on an imagined future with her love, she grew sleepy. Looking around the bed for a blanket, she instead pulled the corner of the bedcover up over them and she settled in to hold her heart's mate for the remaining night.
The next morning Anobia awoke with her arms empty and chilled from Cathain's absence. She peered around the room to find the woman sun beaming in through the window. Anobia sensed darkness around her love, but she cautiously arose not wishing to disturb Cathain. A creak of the bed frame caught Cathain's attention, however, and she directed a glare in the emperor's direction.
Anobia sat stock-still wondering if she should stay, say something or leave quickly.
"You could have told me you'd have to fight." Cathain's voice was deep and rough from all the crying and her chastisement drove home the effect. Quickly Anobia was kneeling at her side. A crestfallen look set heavily on her young face, as she finally understood the entirety of Cathain's reaction.
Daring not to reach out yet, Anobia hoped her words would be a poultice to heal Cathain's hurt.
" Cathain, you must believe me. You are of course correct but it never crossed my mind that the exercise would affect you so. It was thoughtless of me. But understand that I am going into battle. There is a chance that I could lose and more than just my empire. Rulers who lose do not get to retire."
She paused allowing her words to settle. Brows pinched in thought, she paused yet longer. This was exactly what she had always feared: her life as a woman versus her life as Emperor. A moment of prayerful thought rendered her an odd sense of peace and she proceeded.
" I know this was never in your plan. Much of this whole affair was not. But I am Emperor of this world and I must defend it. If this has turned out to be something you do not want, then you are of course, free to go."
She choked back emotion swelling in her throat.
"I never wished to add to your loss, Cathain, so understanding your desire to leave is not difficult, but know that I can only let you leave because I love you more than I ever thought possible."
Silence fell between them. Anobia thought, this is more than a matter of demons. What seemed an eternity passed and Anobia noticed Cathain's lips move. No sound was heard and as she wasn't sure what to do, Anobia did nothing and waited apprehensively.
Cathain was taken aback by her own reaction, as was Anobia. But the sheer anger she had felt and the inability to temper herself was most unsettling. Never before had she been so out of control. If during a mere drill, she wondered, I cannot contain keep from the fear of losing her, then what possible good can I be to her in the midst of a battle? She looked deeply at her love, memorizing the face, the feelings she had for her, and then a soft whisper left her lips.
"I need time, Anobia." Without another look to the kneeling woman, Cathain left from the other side of the chair and walked out of the room. Anobia remained motionless in shock and fear for what lay ahead.
A quiet knock on Liama's door was answered by ample grousing as the old woman hobbled to the door. Flinging it wide open, she barked, "What took you so long?"
Cathain was in no mood to cajole anyone and was on alert for any patronizing quips the Seer had stored up. Barbing her retort, she shot back.
"Look, I didn't come here for tea and sympathy."
The old woman spun around and glared. Taking a moment before answering, she noted the dark cloud enveloping Cathain and knew this was more than a lover's quarrel to be resolved.
Softly she began. "What do you want to do Cathain?"
The teacher slumped where she stood and all her spark died down. In a muffled reply the younger woman answered honestly, "I truly do not know." Pleadingly she looked to Liama and then crumpled to the floor sobbing again. Liama simply walked over and reached out grasping Cathain's hand, tugging for her to stand.
"Do an old woman a favor and at least collapse where I can reach you." She motioned to the couch. "Sit here."
She led her protégé to sit and then curled around her from behind, allowing Cathain to rest against her. Gently the old woman cooed and comforted Cathain permitting her to release the tears that threatened to fall again.
Anobia, for her part, remained in Cathain's room for a while longer, and then her anger began to surface. Resentment for her position and the suffering it was now causing her, served to fuel her rage even more. Setting off for parts unknown, she barked at a page and sent her scurrying to the stables to see that her horse was saddled and ready when she got there. Anobia turned down a darkened hallway and entered a dank and musty room. Here she found what she was looking for. Chain mail and a light breastplate hung haphazardly in the corner next to a large battle sword. Her adopted father's armor never did quite fit her, but in her maturity it seemed less of a child's dress-up game and more of a source of comfort in her disquiet. Securing the armor and sheathing the sword in its scabbard, she again headed for the stables.
The armor indeed had transformed her. Age had darkened the plating to match her current state and the armor revealed some wear, symbolic of how her heart felt right now. Arriving at the stables she double checked the cinches and then quickly mounted the steed and charged out of the barn, sending tradesmen and children scurrying to get out of her way. Leaving the palace walls, she spurred her horse on faster not caring where they stopped so long as it was away from her life and it limits.
Grey with black stripes across his legs, Courage, her horse, was of a long-bred line of chargers who had served the various emperors well. An ancient random genetic anomaly rendered the stripes on the legs marking them for the royal stables. Courage had been found at an abandoned stable on the far side of the empire. The owner had died and left no heirs. As his farm was remote, few people stopped by to check on him. Consequently, when the farmer's scheduled feed delivery came, his body and the starving herd were rescued. The scrawny colt, though wormy and covered in sores was nonetheless taken to the royal stable whereupon, Anobia, then a young teen, fell immediately in love with him and loved him back to health. From that moment on they drew strength from one another and were inseparable.
So it was natural that she would, in times of despair, turn to her first love for reassurance. Courage always seemed to sense her moods and served her willingly. Today he knew she could not be failed. He felt her tension and sadness ripple through him and he pushed harder to outrun those emotions surrounding them.
As the sun peaked midday, Anobia slowed her pace and looked around, noting that she was finally far from all she knew. Here, she was simply a young woman. Out here she could be just Anobia. It was here she that she would come to escape when she was younger.
She gave herself a look and sadly smiled at the accouterments that said she was really something else. Emblems of the royal house were on her armor and her tack. She halted Courage and dismounted. She then removed her armor, but strapped her sword on the side of the saddle. Deftly she stripped the tack of all royal symbols as well. Gathering brush against a tree trunk, she buried her identity among the debris, remounted her horse and walked away.
For hours she and Courage walked along the forested area not heeding their direction. If she had been paying attention she would have seen the signs, would have heard the voice of the Goddess within the forest warning of her folly, but such was not the case. Foolishness reigned from the throne today, not the levelheaded young woman. Such was the power of love and its loss: to make thinking individuals dumbstruck and turn the strong into weak babes.
Courage tried to warn her of the unsettled sense he had, but not even he could shake her from her thoughts. That was why the marauders came upon her easily. They were simple folk and did not note Courage's markings or they would have known she was of royal bearing. As it was, they saw a pretty young woman, a good horse and wicked fun in store for them this evening.
Later, as Anobia sat bound and gagged in the marauder's disheveled camp, she tried valiantly not to cry, knowing that it would be unbecoming a person of her station, but as her current position was deplorable and all of her own doing she couldn't help it.
The ropes holding her in place had chafed her wrists to bleeding, but she continued to twist her hands back and forth, attempting to loosen the ties. Looking over to the makeshift corral, she saw Courage restlessly pacing, fending off the advances of the other horses as they vied for his submission. He had already received one close kick and she knew that, if for no other reason, she had to escape or risk losing her dearest friend. This prospect set loose her tears and she let them freely fall.
One of her uglier hosts misread the meaning of her tears and taunted her.
Laughing gruffly, he walked over and spat at her feet. "Oh look, the little woman cries. Scared are you, sweetheart?"
He knelt near enough that she could smell his sour breath. Her stomach flipped in revulsion and again her reaction did not escape him. He came nearer. Leering, he placed a grubby hand high on her thigh squeezing it mercilessly.
"You look like you're used to finery, sweetheart. But I'd guess you never slept with the hired help. I could teach you a few things about us laborers, you know."
He leaned in toward her. Saliva built up in her mouth and she knew she would vomit soon. She gathered up her spittle and adeptly cast it into his face. He lunged, knocking her to the ground, but as they had tied her legs up under her, he was unable to do much but maul her breasts and rub his unshaven face roughly across her lips. His frustration was building and Anobia felt him harden against her leg. Sensing an opportunity, she thrust both legs up and struck him between the legs. He howled as he rolled away, summoning his comrades.
Rushing over, they merely laughed when they figured what had happened. Then a piercing sound was heard and he collapsed.
A man appearing to be in command stepped through the crowd of men and they fell silent.
"I told you she was not to be touched. The Gener'l will want her and the cleaner she is the better our reward. Now clear outta here."
Still, there was no movement from the men. "Now!" He bellowed, sending them to the corners of the campsite.
The man, who had saved her, though for gain, knelt beside her and hoisted her upright. He brushed her hair back out of her face and bit out "Sorry, " as he stood and walked away. Dangling from his hip, Anobia noticed he had a saber gun, a device that sent out pinpoint laser blasts. This was the source of the noise she had heard before her assailant died. Good to a distance of one hundred feet, she knew that if there were more of these weapons around, then her escape could prove futile. Resigned to waiting for a better opportunity, she calmed herself in prayer to the Goddess begging for forgiveness of her foolishness.
Lumina arrived at the palace just as the evening bells were ringing in the capitol. She was ushered in to Anobia's suite to wait. Only moments later Cathain rushed in, startling her.
"What are you doing here?" They both exclaimed. Lumina chuckled at her possessiveness, but Cathain was not amused.
Lowering her voice in challenge, the teacher declared, "I believe I have a right to be here. What is your justification?"
Lumina would have been insulted if it had been anyone else questioning her, but this was the lover of the emperor and she was no longer. Lumina took a moment to appraise this woman. Using her skills in assessment, it took her not long to determine that the potential of this woman was not to be questioned. Already the clan leader could see a strength and resilience emerge from within the slight woman.
She decided that peace would be better achieved if she deferred to this off worlder, now.
"Ma Cathain, I was brought here by escort to wait for the emperor. It is an old habit of the imperial staff, but one that is fitting tonight for what I have to tell her. I meant nothing by it and ask that you remain and keep me company till she arrives. I am sure that she will want you to hear what it is I have to tell."
Cathain, in a glance, assessed the clan leader and saw what was appealing, yet what kept her from wedding Anobia. Lithe and attractive, she could see that Lumina and Anobia were too much alike. Both were tied to their responsibilities. Cathain knew that times occasionally called for one member of a couple to be subordinate to the needs of the other and whereas she felt Anobia would be capable as would she, the older woman sensed that Lumina probably could not. Fun and trustworthy, yes, but willing to put aside her own needs, or those of the clan, for another? Not likely, she pondered. Cathain felt an air of security fall about her and she nodded her consent, taking a seat near the hearth.
A tense quiet developed as neither was certain what to say. Lumina fell back on common ground and asked about Anobia. "Just where is our fair emperor?"
"Her attendant said that she went out riding earlier."
"Oh."
Silence again.
Cathain decided it was her turn. "I've not ridden in so long. When did Anobia learn to ride?"
That question was all it took to start the clan leader into sharing story after story of a younger Anobia. There were only a few years separating them and as such, they grew up together. Lumina seemed only too happy to paint a rich picture of the adventures of the young 'Bia.
As Lumina told it, Anobia had a knack for getting into trouble. The cool reserved woman Cathain was getting to know was only one facet of the emperor and Cathain made many a mental note with which to goad her love. It was when she got up to light some candles that Cathain realized how late it had become. Turning to Lumina she stated quietly, "She has yet to return."
Lumina pulled her attention from the fireplace and stood up. "I have a bad feeling about this."
Cathain stilled her breathing and nodded. Walking over to the window and looking out, Lumina asked, "Do you know where she went?"
Cathain merely shook her head. "This isn't like her…unless she is upset." Lumina offered. Cathain's head dipped in remorse. Lumina gently inquired. "Cathain, was she upset?"
Cathain began to tear up, feeling responsible for Anobia's disappearance. She told the whole story as Lumina walked about the room.
Letting her breath out in a rush, Lumina walked over to Cathain. Placing her hands on Cathain's shoulders, Lumina said, "Blaming yourself will not help either of you. We have to get her back and soon. I cannot tell you what is going on, but the rebels have a lot more to gain from winning this war than we first thought, so it is imperative that we find her soon… tonight if possible."
Lumina went over to the door and summoned a page. Quickly writing an encoded note she handed it to him and sent him off to the clan house.
Then turning to Cathain she asked, "Can you really ride?"
Cathain's eyes became wide with the thought of riding again. It wasn't something she was fond of but she'd be damned if she was going to sit around and wait for Lumina to bring Anobia back.
Defiantly she responded, "Yes!" Lumina caught the subtle changes sweeping across Cathain's brow, at once amused and proud that she had decided to go.
"Alright then. Let's find some horses and go get her."
Cathain stopped cold in her steps. "Do you know where she is?"
Lumina shrugged, "I've known her a long time. I have a pretty good idea of where she headed, yes. So come on. We cannot wait any longer."
"But wait. Shouldn't we tell somebody?"
Lumina stopped abruptly and then circled around coming face to face with Cathain. Perturbed, she was short in her response.
"If we tell anyone and there is nothing wrong with her, it will shake people's confidence in her…particularly now. If there is something wrong, I have already sent a message to the clan as to her possible whereabouts. "
Cathain let a wry smile appear. "I suppose that outside of these castle walls I should defer to you." Lumina understood all that was said in those few words. Hesitating only slightly, Lumina nodded agreeably and smiling in return. Then picking up the pace, she grabbed Cathain by the arm and suggested, "Consider us outside, now. We have to hurry. " She urged Cathain on as they charged off for the stables.
Chapter 11
As the sun began to emerge from the night cradle of the Goddess, Anobia strained against her bindings once more and felt a slight pop. Immediately her wrists had more freedom to move. She twisted her hand a bit more realizing she might be able to break free.
One of her hosts walked over and stood her up. She ascertained his strength but forlornly saw no weapon. The emperor knew she'd have to have one if she was to succeed. He grunted at her to follow and she obeyed, till she was told to stop next to a horse, saddled and ready to go. Two other henchmen came along side and hoisted her up into the saddle. She looked around for Courage and saw him tied to the back end of a supply wagon. She saw he was nervous, so in her own way she nickered at her friend, settling him down.
All day they rode and only occasionally was she given water. The one time she was allowed to relieve herself they loosened her bonds only to cinch them up again. But at no time did she see a way to escape. As the day wore on she fought despondency. Only thoughts of Cathain kept her from completely giving up.
Near sunset they came to the river Cabo, said to be the Goddess' own life giving waters. Further downstream it flooded the valley surrounding the capital depositing rich silt, which resulted in fertile land providing the bulk of the empire's food.
So, she thought, we travel north.
She then searched her memory for what lay ahead and remembered that the Nor Valley was several hundred miles from here, but would serve as adequate surroundings for a military outpost. In fact centuries ago it was an outpost, but as the new regime had taken hold, many of the outlying forts had been closed: their usefulness obsolete in the new peace of the empire.
Her only hope now was that her captors were taking her there and to the 'General'. At least she would be able to ascertain their strength and learn of their plans.
They all loaded onto a ferry and were carried to a larger craft waiting in the deeper waters of the river. Once on board, the ship expelled air through huge shafts below the ship, giving it buoyancy. Drawing little water, the ship now fired up its engines and they skimmed along the top of the water at great speed. Once underway, the leader of the marauders came over to her and loosened her bonds allowing her to stretch a short while. Then he retied her hands but this time in front, explaining, "If we should crash, this way you could maybe swim."
She looked at him. He was about her age she guessed, his hair light and wavy. She surmised that this wasn't his usual line of work. He had an edge to him, but she noted his hands were fairly well groomed. His eyes, she noted, seemed to take in everything.
Without thinking she voiced an opinion. "This isn't what you're trained for, is it?"
He laughed. "No, I can't say it is."
"What is your name?"
He eyed her closely, determining if he should respond. It was odd, she thought, that she had yet to hear his name being called. 'Captain' was all she had heard and she thought that odd. Also, she noted that in comparison all of her captains had well trained soldiers and carried themselves differently than this one. This man, she considered was merely in training or perhaps was thrust into this position prematurely.
"Volan," he answered finally. "What's yours?"
Anobia was barely able to control her surprise. She immediately recognized the name and her heart stopped. She had never met him, though had heard plenty about him from Lumina. Quickly, she thought of an alternative name she would use.
"Mila. My name is Mila." Mila was the name of one of her old school mates and as she thought it unlikely for them to have met, she felt safe in using it.
"Well, Mila," His voice was sweet but had an edge to it that alerted her to danger. "I don't know exactly what the General will do with you, but I'll be watching you till we arrive. Any poor judgment on your part will result in you being weighted and cast aside." He paused for emphasis. "Am I understood?"
Anobia fought against all of her training and imagined herself a child. Conjuring this image allowed her to feign meekness and she cowered in response. Volan patronizingly patted her on the cheek and turned away.
For two days they stayed afloat coursing further north on the great river. Anobia ate little and slept not at all. During the night she cast her eyes toward the waning moon believing the Goddess was still watching over her. At nightfall on the second day the moon had turned its back on her and she fought her mounting despair. The ship's engines were shut off and they came to a stop, weighing anchor against the strong current of the mighty river.
As they had arrived, so they left. A ferry carried them to the shore and once again, Anobia was placed onto an unfamiliar horse and the band left the shoreline entering into thick forests. This she knew was the forest surrounding the former outpost. They had traveled so many miles in the two days that surely, she thought, they had to be near. After what seemed to be hours, they reached the opposite edge of the forest and what lay before her brought swells of tears to her eyes.
Several hundred campfires pocked the landscape of this clearing signifying that a thousand soldiers were encamped here. Her mind reeled with the implications. Thoughts of this many people dying in what would surely be a most bloody battle nearly caused her to fall from her mount.
What would be the allure of this cause that would convince someone to forego his or her life? She wondered. And then she thought of her own soldiers who, in defense of the realm, would be sacrificing their lives as well. Tears continued to fall as the party entered the campgrounds.
She was taken within the fortress walls and what she saw there was overwhelming. Tall stacks of munitions and weapons lined the walls and a multitude of large containers, of what she assumed were foodstuffs were layered around the barracks and supply depot. Even at this hour, hundreds of soldiers milled about like ants.
Looking around her she made a decision. We must bring the battle to them. If we allow them to get near the city, they could destroy it and hundreds of thousands of lives would be lost. And then a great shudder past over her. Should we lose, we would lose here, giving the people time to evacuate the cities. A deep anger began to build within her and she sent prayers to the Goddess to heavily guide her so that she might get back to her people to alert them.
"Good evening General." Volan's voice shook her from her thoughts and she strained in the firelight to see her opponent.
"Volan, " the general responded. "What have you brought me?"
Whatever discussion followed, Anobia did not follow, though the voice she knew all too well.
"Well let's see." In a moment, Kerlian was standing at her stirrup looking up. With all the reserve she could gather, Anobia raised her head and looked directly at him.
She heard his quick intake of breath. "Volan, you say she was alone?"
"Yes, Gener'l"
"You are certain?"
"Yes, sir why?"
Then Kerlian laughed: prideful and dangerous.
"Because Volan, you seem to have captured the Emperor, herself."
Anobia was quickly ushered into the General's quarters. He ordered a bath to be run and sent clean clothes for her. Loathe as she was to take anything from Kerlian, Anobia had been five days without clean water or clothes so she availed herself of the opportunity hoping she could somehow recall some energy once refreshed.
Partway into her dressing, Kerlian entered the room unannounced. She continued to pull her clothes on ignoring him. As he came nearer, she quickly fastened her tunic.
"Why do you bother?" he asked.
"There is no need to do otherwise." She declared.
He laughed again, perhaps too strongly, for Anobia's comfort.
He turned smartly around to face her. Taking her roughly by the shoulders he challenged her.
"You will never give up, or give in to me, will you?"
She returned his glare and strongly shook her head. "It would never be enough Kerlian. You will never have my heart. And that is what you want."
He shoved her aside and walked about the room. "Its that woman, isn't it. All that I wanted I would have given up for you."
Anobia hung her head briefly. "No, you know that is not accurate. You desired to rule. You had determined that to have me would have granted you that privilege. But it never would have, Kerlian. "
A chair sailed near her, crashing against the wall behind.
"You do not know, 'Bia. You do not know."
Then it all became so very clear to her. Kerlian was using the forces he had gathered to defeat the empire so he could rule but he had planned on making her his empress.
Kerlian stormed over to the door and throwing back abruptly, he called for a soldier.
"Take her and put her with the other." The soldier grabbed Anobia gruffly and pushed her into another room across from the General's quarters. Opening the door, he shoved her inside. It was dark and chilly there but she slowly felt her way about looking for a lamp or some source for light.
She stumbled into a something that whimpered back in reaction. Hoping against hope she whispered, "Beama?"
Suddenly her legs were immobilized as two small arms wrapped themselves in a crushing hold around her knees.
Through overflowing sobs, Beama cried out, "Anobia!" The emperor fell to the floor and held onto her precious charge, cradling her and shushing the little one's laments to allay her fears.
"Shh, little one, its all right. I have found you. I am here now."
Her heart-deep relief at finding Beama alive was rapidly diminishing next to the intense fury wishing to be unleashed upon Kerlian and anyone threatening her empire and her loved ones. But for Beama's sake, she knew she needed to provide calm and comfort. In this moment, it was all about her little Beama. The young girl represented her empire, her heart, and her reason for being. She spoke thanks to the Goddess for allowing them to be reunited and turning her mistake into an opportunity.
As Beama's tears subsided, she asked her, "Is there a bed we can rest in?"
She felt Beama's head nod against her chest, and the girl guided her to a thin mattress resting on the floor in a corner. It was not what she would have wished, but she urged the girl onto the bed and then curled around her, giving as much warmth in the contact as possible. Soon Beama's breathing slowed and deepened, the rhythm lulling Anobia to sleep for the first time in days.
Lumina looked behind not for the first time and wondered if Cathain was going to be able to continue riding. In her defense, the horse she drew had a stiff gait, but it was the only gelding in the lot and since Cathain had not ridden in some time…
Just then she heard the crack of the crop against horseflesh and Cathain came sailing past her, well in her seat setting a pace to drive the rough edges off of her mount. Several hundred yards ahead she came to a grinding halt and waited for Lumina to catch up. Both rider and horse were breathing heavily, but a smile tickled at Cathain's lips.
As Lumina approached she heard Cathain admit, "We both were rusty, I think." Cathain turned her horse around as Lumina came alongside and they picked up the pace, loping the rest of the way. As they neared the grove where Anobia liked to get away, Lumina sensed there was something amiss. Trained to track, she noted an odd placement of brush sitting at the base of a tree. The sun just glinted off something within the pile and Lumina dismounted immediately.
As she suspected, she found pieces of tack and the emblems of the Royal Stables beneath the pile of twigs. She turned, holding them up for Cathain to see.
Cathain naturally thought the worst and as Lumina remounted she realized the woman had misunderstood.
"Cathain, do not fear. If Anobia wanted to get away, then she would have to remove all signs of who she was." Handing Cathain a medallion from Courage's tie down, she said, "This means we are on the right track." Turning her head slightly, she paused.
"And not a moment too soon, either. Here come the reinforcements." Cathain twisted around in her saddle to see what she was talking about but could not see anything. Then in front them the clan emerged from the forest. Four of them, astride marvelous horses, they rode abreast once free from the trees. Outfitted in clan colors of red and black, they were a formidable sight.
Immediately, Lumina looked for Volan, but noted his absence. She waited for them to approach.
"Clan Mother." Hunter nodded when they met.
"Hunter, where is Volan?"
The surveyor shook her head. "We do not know."
Lumina pursed her lips momentarily as a creeping thought nagged her.
"Mother, we saw tracks up ahead." Hunter's voice brought her back to her current concern.
Cathain looked expectantly at Lumina, who now felt the increased responsibility of having brought the woman.
Sensing this Cathain asserted, "I'm not going back, not without her."
Lumina chuckled lightly. "Well so be it. I couldn't spare anyone to escort you back anyway."
The teacher looked over her cortege. Hunter introduced herself and then her fellow clansmen, Daima and Kevo. Both men were rather brusque in appearance, but when Cathain glanced at Lumina during the introductions she saw pride and respect in the leader's eyes setting her mind at ease.
Cathain breathed a tenuous sigh of relief and then addressed the clan. "I am Cathain, teacher to the Royal House and …and"
Lumina spoke up. "She is the chosen of our emperor."
The members of the clan conducted a renewed assessment of her. They knew the import of the announcement both in terms of what role she played in the Goddess's plan for Anobia's future and the problematic aspect of protecting her. They also realized what this meant for their leader.
Secretly, most of the clan had wished for a union between Lumina and Anobia, but as time went on it seemed less likely. Now, before them was the reason why. For Anobia to declare this woman to be her chosen could have only come about with the blessing of the Goddess. Hunter wondered about how the kidnapping factored into the plan.
"This is what we know." Lumina began. We found the emperor's emblems of office buried over there. So it is possible that no one knows who she is. Did you notice anything else where you found the tracks?"
Hunter spoke up. "Yes, there seemed to be possibly ten horses all shod and carrying riders. The tracks indicated that they came out of the brush and surrounded another rider. We did find one clear impression of a shoe from the royal stables."
Cathain struggled to swallow and glanced over at Lumina. Without reserve, the clan leader reached over and squeezed her hand. "We'll find her, Ma."
Resolutely, Cathain took in a deep breath and focused her attentions inward. She felt strength and determination surface from deep within. Lumina observed this in wonder.
When the teacher reopened her eyes, gone was the fear and the worry. Present now was a certainty of who she was and what she was capable of.
Silence hung over the clan as they witnessed this subtle but effective transformation.
Breaking the silence Cathain asserted, "Of course we will and we will do it soon, unless you feel the need to sit here longer."
Lumina was taken aback by this sudden forthrightness, but bowed her head, showing she honored Cathain as the chosen.
The off-worlder understood the gesture and then smartly turned command over to the experienced clan leader.
"Lead on, Clan Mother."
All fell into rank. Lumina took lead with Cathain right behind her. The remaining clan members took positions enabling them to surround the teacher should trouble present itself. And they had a sense that it would.
Arriving at the campsite, Lumina was disgusted at the shambles the glen was left in. Debris was scattered everywhere, leading her to conclude that the kidnappers had no concern of being followed. The trail they left would have caught the attention of the blind, she thought. As the others looked for traces of the emperor, Lumina noticed Cathain kneeling down at the edge of the clearing, brushing away at the dirt. She went over to her.
"Ma, what are you doing?"
Looking up, Cathain had an odd expression on her face. "She was here."
Lumina responded. "We know, Cathain, this is the trail we have been following."
Cathain looked sternly at the clan leader. "No, She was HERE… in this spot. Look."
She handed her a medallion. It was one that commonly adorned the top of the cavalrymen boots. Lumina had watched Anobia polish those boots enough to recognize it. The clan leader looked at Cathain with renewed respect. "Well it seems you will come in handy after all." Cathain glanced quickly, but none too friendly, at Lumina.
"I wouldn't have insisted on coming, otherwise." She barked.
"Of course, My Lady, forgive me." Lumina tipped her head sincerely and stepped back.
"I apologize, Lumina." She looked away for a moment. "It would seem that what little time I have been in training with Ma Liama has not been a waste. I suppose I am more surprised than anyone."
"Has she been working with you on the mysteries of the senses?"
Cathain looked away again and nodded.
"Well, what do you sense?"
Cathain fell quiet and focused inward. She had not really tried this without Liama and now she was uncertain if it would work. Steadfastly she concentrated, closing her eyes. Following her mind's eye, she went down through her soul to its foundation. Here she could feel Anobia…could feel the connection between them. She felt arms surround her and heard the steady beating of her love's heart thrum within her. Immediately she felt her heart's rhythm bind to Anobia's. This is what Liama had told her could happen…their hearts, bound through the Goddess.
Lumina looked away, wanting to grant Cathain her privacy, but nevertheless she was drawn to watch, for something subtle, yet unmistakable, was happening. There was an energy radiating around Cathain the likes of which Lumina had never seen. It was not so much seen as experienced. Ashamedly, she felt a desire to run as it was unfamiliar, but she also felt powerless to move.
All activity in the camp ceased as the energy seemed to reach out to the others as well. The breezes rested in the trees and the forest animals stopped their chattering. It was as though this force embraced all that surrounded them. And then it was gone.
Cathain shook her head slightly and stood. Stridently she walked past Lumina saying one word.
"Water."
Lumina was puzzled. Then it became clear to her. "Of course," she said aloud.
"Clan, mount your horses! We have to get to the river before sunset." Hurriedly they scrambled for their horses and off they went. The pace was much quicker as they no longer had to look for clues. Pushing the horses beyond what was wise they, nevertheless, arrived at the river just as the sun was setting. The gelding heaved deep breaths beneath her while Cathain marveled at the breadth of the river. So broad was it that one could not see the opposite bank.
It would be good for protection, Cathain mused, but hellish to cross if one was the invader. Recollection of her journey out of the Goddess' womb came to mind and she pondered the similar landscape.
"We'll camp here tonight." Lumina's voice interrupted her thoughts.
The teacher turned abruptly to face the group. "What?"
Hunter spoke up. "We will need to stay here tonight. The horses are tired and there will not be another ferry till tomorrow."
Cathain urged her horse over to Lumina. With a look that normally would brook no refusal, she demanded, "We have to keep going!"
Lumina took all of this in. Years of discipline had curbed her predisposition to quickly anger. In this pause, she again saw the strength and determination within the off-worlder and admired it.
Calmly, careful to keep any patronizing tone from her voice, she responded. "Ma Cathain, Hunter is correct. The horses cannot be pushed any further. There is no other transportation available till morning.
"Listen," She reached out and touched Cathain's arm in comfort, "The moon is against us tonight. Even if we wanted to go on, it would be foolish in the darkness. In the morning, a ferry will come and we will gain back the time by going up the river. " She finished with a whisper appealing to Cathain's heart. "I know you feel her. I know you want to get to her soon. But really, this is best."
Cathain wanted to press her point further but in the fading light of the sun, she saw the rich colors of Lumina's truth shine around the woman. Accepting the words of the clansman, she merely nodded and walked back to the riverbank.
The next sunrise found all of the clan waiting for the first ferry. As the ferryman neared he caught sight of just who his passengers would be and he stopped in mid-stream.
Lumina cursed. "The rebellion must have him." Reaching over to her saddle, she withdrew a weapon. Sleek and black, it looked to Cathain as though it was merely a stick.
Lumina extended a handle from the center of the weapon and then rested one end of it against her shoulder. She depressed a small button on the handle and a fierce light shot out from the opposite end hitting the ferryman squarely in the chest. He collapsed with hardly a yell.
Cathain looked on in wonder. Not a blink, she noted from the other members. A brief glance from Lumina revealed that this was an act she would not be questioned over.
"Hunter, doesn't the river look inviting?" Lumina posed nonchalantly.
With that, Hunter and Lumina handed off their reins and walked up the bank. A few hundred yards later, they walked into the river. As they had anticipated a strong current, their hope was to swim far enough out that the current would carry them the rest of the way back to the ferry. Cathain was speechless as she looked on.
The undercurrent was fierce as the two women fought to cross to the middle. Meanwhile the ferry continued to drift downstream, if they did not hurry, then all would be lost. At times Cathain forgot to breathe as she assumed they would surely be taken under or the boat would sail past them. But despite appearances, they did indeed get to the middle and let the river take them the remaining distance catching up to the unmanned boat. It was in underestimating the speed of the current however that caused them the most trouble. Hunter, the heavier of the two reached the ferry first and slammed into the side. Lumina came right after her and further knocked the wind from her lungs. Grasping on to edge, Lumina was able to hang onto the tall blonde, but she could not pull herself up into the craft. From bank-side, the clan looked on, helpless to do anything but pray.
Finally, Hunter came to and wrapped her arm around Lumina's legs hoisting her up so her leader could pull herself over the side. Lumina then found a rope and dropped it over to Hunter. Lumina then pulled her on board as well. Hunter then scrambled to bring up the anchor as their leader steered them to the bank.
Now, with everyone including the horses on board, Lumina started up the engines and they began their journey upstream. After they both changed clothes, Lumina turned the helm over to Hunter and made her way to Cathain. She had been watching the teacher for some time now. Sitting at the bow of the bridge, Cathain was meditating to pick up on other signs of Anobia. Her concentration was hampered by the harrowing events of the morning, but she was determined to connect once again. Lumina stopped a few feet away from her and observed.
The sunlight was casting long shadows this morning and the light set Cathain's hair ablaze in color. Her slight form, Lumina noticed, was quite lovely and the warrior stepped back momentarily as she caught the beginnings of attraction. She chuckled to herself, unaware that Cathain heard her.
"What causes you to laugh, Clan Mother?"
Embarrassed, though no one was the wiser for her thoughts, she bent her head then cocked it looking at Cathain. "Oh just pondering imponderables, I suppose. I think we should laugh at ourselves occasionally, don't you?"
Lumina hoped to be able to side step the real answer. Cathain looked askance, but allowed the leader her privacy.
After a moment, Lumina hesitantly asked, "Do you sense anything, Ma?"
Cathain, shook her head, "No, no change from before. I believe, therefore, that we are still on the right track and should maintain course." She returned her gaze to the river ahead. "How far does this river go?"
Lumina took a seat next to her. "Well it goes for seven hundred miles further. It is the planet's longest river and seen as the source of all life."
"Hmm, I understand." The teacher paused briefly, changing the subject. "Lumina, you love her, don't you?"
The clansman was taken aback, but then she realized this question was a long time in coming. "Yes, but I suppose it is not a love like yours."
Cathain did not dare look at the woman knowing that some questions are best asked with distance. "But do you want that?"
Lumina grew uncomfortable with the direction of the questions. She was not accustomed to talking about such things but sensed Cathain needed some answers.
Sighing, Lumina spoke up. "Yes, I'll not lie. I want that…but it is not possible with Anobia. I am apparently to find it elsewhere."
Lumina looked down at her hands to rub calluses and cuts she found. The older woman briefly watched her. She sensed the seldom-addressed loneliness that Lumina lived with and that perhaps her affair with the emperor had really been more of a distraction for both of them. Cathain felt saddened but relieved. She looked behind them and caught Hunter gazing at Lumina. The look was unmistakable. Don't look too far, Lumina, the teacher thought.
Taking shifts, the clan was able to continue upstream through the night and the next day. Late in the afternoon Lumina stopped the engines and coasted the ferry to the bank. Silently signaling to the others that they were to remain but keep a low profile, she motioned for Hunter to join her and they jumped onto shore running further upstream.
For an hour they waited. Cathain, who had been asleep, awakened shortly after the two women departed and now she was pacing about, despite the protests from Daima and Kevo. A rumbling caught their attention and around the bend came a large craft that seemingly glided on top of the waters. At high speeds it created quite a wake and the waves buffeted the smaller ferry as the ship made it's way toward them. Hunter came out on deck and waved vigorously. Everyone laughed, except for Cathain who simply nodded at Lumina's cleverness.
Hunter prodded, "We haven't any time to waste, load up, everyone! "
Cathain was ushered to the hovercraft as her gear and horse was brought on board by one of the clan. Hunter helped her aboard and said encouragingly, "Now, we have a chance."
Cathain mulled this over once she was secured in a seat. The boat expelled air from beneath and the craft rose to the top of the water. Then with a rush of power to the engines, Lumina jerked them into motion and they continued their mission.
Days had passed and though Anobia felt Kerlian was too distracted with his rebellion to pay attention to her, she knew that her very presence would eventually bring him to her. Whereas Beama had been allowed little, with Anobia here, Kerlian had provided for two meals a day and fresh water.
Beama for her part was trying to act brave, but her cries in the night, let the emperor know that she was truly worried. This of course lead to sleepless nights for Anobia and it was beginning to show. Additionally, Anobia's wrists had gone unattended for too long and though she tried to keep the wounds clean, she felt their heat and knew infection had set in. She encouraged herself and Beama by leading daily prayers to the Goddess and made efforts to maintain a regular schedule of activities for the little one.
It was during an afternoon of story telling that a guard came to retrieve her. There was something oddly familiar about the guard but Anobia failed to place him. 'Leon stilled himself to keep from reacting to the emperor's appearance. He had managed to work his way into the fortress, sensing that the Priest of the Fire would soon make an appearance, but when he learned of the capture of the emperor, he knew Liama would agree to his change of objectives.
Posing effectively as a guard, he quickly observed her wrists and noted she favored the left side of her body, but her movements were slight and he assumed whatever wound caused it was healing. When he saw Beama, however, his heart stopped, the girl was ghastly white and obviously frightened. When he looked at her, she drew back, but then a curious look came over her and he thought he saw a tiny smile emerge. He grimaced, to shore up his profile, sending Beama scampering into Anobia's arms.
Kerlian had called for her, the guard announced, and that the girl was to come along. Anobia picked her up and held on tightly. As they walked down the hall and into the courtyard, Beama whispered into Anobia's ear.
"He is not one of them."
Anobia turned her head to her and asked, "How can you be sure?"
Beama grinned certainly, "I saw his light."
Suddenly, Anobia no longer felt so alone. She felt hope and held onto Beama wanting to share that with her. Their joy was short lived, however.
"Anobia?" A voice echoed over the throng. It was Kerlian.
It appeared as though the entire army had amassed within the fortress walls. Wall to wall with men dressed in uniforms of red and yellow there was hardly room to move forward. Anobia felt little Beama's breath quicken.
"SHHH little one, all will be right soon enough."
In truth Anobia believed that, but she wasn't sure at what cost. All of these men, she realized, had a desire to see her empire in ruins and death come to the Goddess. An overwhelming sense of dismay threatened to paralyze her.
"Follow me." A voice from behind them ordered. She glanced back to see Colonel Volan accompanied by four large soldiers. They surrounded her and served as a buffer between her and the crowd. Slowly the sea of soldiers parted and they made their way to the stage.
She was directed to a seat and Beama was taken from her. Somehow 'Leon had managed to be in place to take the child, resulting in a lessening of Beama's panic. The young seer trembled in 'Leon's arms as she took in the awesome display of disturbingly dark colors enveloping the gathered crowd.
Without thinking she spoke aloud. "It is awful."
'Leon looked at her and knew that what might happen on that stage could not be seen by one so young. Stepping ever so slowly toward a number of soldiers who had gathered on stage, 'Leon was able to slip behind them and secret Beama away.
Kerlian stood center stage now and the soldiers' voices rose in deafening cheers for him. Anobia felt the beginnings of panic set in but she fought it off vigorously despite watching wave after wave of cheering break out among the soldiers.
She watched Kerlian take it all in. So this is what he wanted, she ascertained. She watched him stand there, his chest puffed out, his smile bigger than she had ever witnessed. He seemed to be reveling in this fame and attention. And then she saw it. "He does not believe he can lose."
Anobia knew that anyone certain of winning was more open to losing, as pride was blinding. Near the protective walls of the fort, she saw what she hoped was Beama being carried away, for she feared what her fate was to be on this stage. Turning inward, she let the din of the crowd fall away and she sent thanks to Ma Liama for all she had meant to her. Nestled deeper within were thoughts of her Cathain and she tried to sum up all that she thought about her chosen. As her feelings were the only adequate expression, she made effort to identify each feeling and let it stand alone, to experience and appreciate it.
At the deepest level she heard a thrumming that conflicted with her own. She focused on it searching for its origin. She felt the rhythm hitch slightly and then it suddenly synchronized with her own. Warmth came over her and she remembered a tale Liama told her long ago.
They had been sitting on the fence overlooking the horse pasture, 'Bia watching intently as the horses ran about chasing one another. She observed that when apart, the horses seemed to whinny more and then run toward one another. When reunited, she noticed they ran in unison, each horse's hoof beat keeping time with the others.
She remembered Liama commenting, "It is natural for them to be in unison with one another. When that occurs, they are then in rhythm with the Great Mother. This, too, shall happen with you one day. You will run to the one you are to be with. When this occurs, your hearts will be bound in the Great Mother."
Anobia hid a gentle smile within and listened to the beating of the two hearts.
"…Men, we have already achieved a great victory. For the Fire has rendered unto us our enemy. I give you, Anobia, Emperor of Kuulkuk."
Jeers and boos rolled from within the crowd and across the stage like a great wave, shaking Anobia from her trance. The uproarious response numbed her senses. Anobia was yanked from her seat and dragged to the front of the stage.
Kerlian stood beside her. When she looked upon him she was startled by what she saw. His eyes were lifeless, not the rich, warm brown she had grown to expect. If she had harbored any hopes of pleading to his higher self, they were now all but dashed. The Fire had consumed him and now he was but a husk of the man she once knew.
Kerlian addressed the crowd again. "Men, hear me when I tell you that we soon will claim what is ours. For too long we have been denied the role to which we were born. "
The fevered pitch and revelry of the crowd loomed dangerously close to pandemonium and Anobia hoped that Kerlian was aware of it. He was close to losing control of the crowd. She saw fights begin to break out among his followers and the throng was inching closer to the stage. She quickly looked around for a possible escape, but found none. All about her were fervent followers of the Fire and Kerlian was carelessly fanning the flames of their ardor.
"Men, I tell you we will celebrate this moment tonight and when we win on the battlefield, we will celebrate an even greater victory. To the Fire! Long may it burn."
Suddenly armed guards grabbed her dragging her from the stage. The pace they set kept her from regaining her footing and so she continued to be dragged back into the headquarters. They unceremoniously dropped her in Kerlian's room. Heavy footsteps followed her and before she could stand, Kerlian was at the threshold, looking down on her. Looking at him, his intentions well broadcast, Anobia knew this evening she would have his attention and she sent prayers to the Goddess that she would endure.
Lumina looked over at Hunter. Piloting the hovercraft adeptly, Hunter had taken over the role so Lumina could think. But now, Lumina's thoughts were distracted by a niggling thought. Her mind kept trailing back to when she thought Hunter was going to drown and the fear it engendered. She shuddered even now as she glanced again at her second in command. Feeling that someone was watching, Hunter looked over.
"Bothered by something, Lumina?"
Lumina stuttered. "No…nnnnono…" Smiling at her childishness she just waved at Hunter, concluding, "No. Just so much has happened lately. I guess I am distracted."
"Uhmmm. You know I know you better than that, 'Mina. But I will allow you your thoughts."
Biting back a sly smile, Hunter returned her attentions to the river ahead. Lumina frowned and left for less distracting environs.
A few hours later Lumina rushed back in and ordered Hunter to come to a full stop. She immediately shut off the engines and the ship settled into the water.
"Set the engines on troll and get us as close to the bank as possible. Cathain says Anobia is near."
Coming Soon - Hearts Bound - Chapter 12