The Chronicles of Heaven's War: Sisters of the Bloodwind

  * * *

  The evening had not been kind to Mihai. Her earlier speech was now all but forgotten due to later events. And her kingship? Only a few visited their congratulations upon her after the council meeting was finished. Few remembered, she supposed. A confusing kaleidoscope of visions and words spun around in her head. Trisha’s warnings still painfully echoed in her thoughts, acting to jumble the tortured recollections of earlier proceedings.

  What was clear, though, was the fact that the world was about to change, was changing…had changed. The new field marshal had seen to that. Tomorrow, war would arise, and this time it would not attempt to contain the enemy by treaty or armistice. No! This woman spoke of total war, a battle to the finish either by annihilation or expulsion of Asotos and his people from this realm. One or the other, or by their own extinction through the same combat, there was no other option offered this time - total war, leading to total victory - or total extermination. Oh well, she was to sit this one out, only having to decide when the slaughter was to begin. ‘Not tonight! Ponder it another time.’ Mihai forced her mind on to other matters.

  What of Darla? Mihai shook her head, thinking about the humiliation heaped upon the girl this eve. The councilors were blind to the reality of this person, Darla being outstanding in loyalty and resolve. She was loved and trusted by those who stood the course of battle beside her, but the Council? There were few upon it, truly, few at the meeting tonight who understood war let along actually having shared in making it. Valiant mighty ones like Terey, Planetee, Euroaquilo, and PalaHar were rare among the councilors.

  And of Tizrela? Mihai didn’t know. From the battle of Melas, the Black Pit, during the Third Megiddo War until Memphis, she had been one of the outstanding proponents for total war. But something had changed the day they carried her shattered body away from the blistered plain in front of that city. Maybe it was the destruction of her regiment in Din’s counterattack – so many of her closest companions slaughtered - or the severe injuries that took years to heal. Or was it the cumulative effect of seeing so much death and destruction from the endless wars? Whatever it was, the woman seemed to have lost her edge, her subdued support of the new field marshal or of Darla a reflection of it. Did she still have the mettle it took to lead armies? Mihai wondered.

  What of herself? Darla received little support from her, the person who should have been the girl’s most loyal confederate. Why, even that Garlock fellow, a man never sharing the blade with the woman, stood defiantly in Darla’s defense, describing her as the ‘most ardent supporter of the innocent soul of all of Yehowah’s children’, a statement that rankled more than one at the Council. Mihai? Well, she acted kingly, staying aloof and not openly choosing sides. Mihai hung her head in shame. But that was no excuse! Even her throbbing head gave leave to absolution. She just had not thought it that important, that is, until she watched the devastation grow on her sister’s face. By then it was too late.

  A smile of shame grew on her lips. At least Euroaquilo stood up for the girl. And Terey and Planetee, why, they were ferocious in their defense of Darla! Had more, just a few, possibly just she, herself, raised a fist in support, the crowd might well have been swayed to see it Mother’s way without her being forced to cast humiliation upon her daughter.

  Ma-we had done the best she could, seeing her new king did nothing. Not wanting to usurp the throne, she worked out a compromise that still permitted Darla’s presence at the Prisoner Exchange while salving the concerns of the child’s opponents. Ardon would stand in as guardian, being near just in case his protective services were needed. But protecting whom? The ‘WastePipe’?! Mihai rested her head in her hand, slowly shaking it in sadness.

  What of Darla? The woman proved she was tough as nails. Mihai had looked into her eyes when the pronouncement was passed by Council vote that she must submit to Ardon’s oversight. She had been pummeled for over twenty minutes, one councilor after another publicly extolling the child’s unstable sickness, which statement was always followed apologetically by ‘through no fault of her own’. Then to be crushed by Mother’s request she promise to respect and obey the Council’s decision? How devastating and humiliating!

  What made Mihai feel the worst was the fact that Darla stood alone through all those insults, only slipping away after the Council was finished with her and had moved on to other subjects. And Mihai? The new, great and wonderful king? She had not even noticed the girl leaving.

  A gentle hand touched Mihai’s shoulder, stirring her from those thoughts. She looked up into Terey’s face, forcing a smile. How old Terey looked - that is, if the people of this world ever looked old. No, it was more like worn and tired, like a weathered tree that has seen too many winters. She sighed, “Well, my Dear, we have survived another one.”

  Terey smiled oh so lonely, and took to gently massaging one of Mihai’s shoulders. At length, she asked, “The Chisamore pulls out tomorrow. I will be leaving by shuttle from the Palace City Spaceport in the morning. Will you come to see me off?”

  Mihai stared at her, a questioning gaze growing on her face.

  Terey answered without being asked. “They are short experienced pilots, so I volunteered to help them out for awhile. After all, I wasn’t needed at the Prisoner Exchange, me only being here tonight to offer support to you and that new field marshal of yours. The Chisamore is an old tub more ready for the bone-yard than a front line carrier, but it’s the best we’ve got, seeing production’s behind schedule on its replacement. It’s been refitted as best as could be. I don’t think its engines will blow.”

  ‘How tired she appears, almost pallid.’ Mihai thought as she looked into Terey’s troubled face. Terey needed some rest, a break, but could she survive one? Maybe the woman’s body needed rest, but could her mind take it? No, Mihai doubted it. ‘Better to keep busy than have idle time to think.’ The mind might take a person to places it rather not be. Still…

  Mihai was concerned for Terey’s safety. The Chisamore was a relic by any stretch of the imagination, better suited for a museum than for fighting. Originally built as a capital ship, it served valiantly for several decades until being torpedoed with the loss of half its crew during the GrayStone Debacle. It was salvaged from deep space and refitted and then rebuilt into an attack carrier, it remaining on front line service for over the next three hundred years, until the end of the King’s War. Its list of honors included every major engagement of the Fourth Fleet during that time.

  ‘Wheel within a wheel...’ Mihai grimaced at the thought, last of the Korvikion class carrack, designed for ramming but upgraded to dreadnaught. Four times it had been decommissioned and once written off for scrap. But the endless need for ships to patrol their vast empire necessitated the need to revive it. She believed it should have been long gone to the scrap yard, but when Admiral Sujin was Commissioner of Salvage over the navy yards, all that was brought to a halt. Every ship thereafter that came off line, no matter its condition, was either placed in mothballs, parted out, or refitted and sent back to work in some other capacity.

  Mihai questioned Terey’s decision to go on station with the Chisamore. “Why that boat? Even with a refit, it’s still a flying deathtrap…was when it was new, more so now. Why, a modern frigate can outgun it, could turn it into a Roman candle before it could bring its own guns to bear. There are several other carriers in desperate need of qualified pilots. Why the Chisamore?”

  Terey frowned. “Dear…my dear, you know full well the sacrifice each of us must make to keep this kingdom safe. Is my soul better or more important than the other hundreds who are also sailing on her? They needed a good fighter pilot. My 17 was sitting idle, so I offered to fill in. For life or death, is the way I see it.”

  Mihai turned to stare at the table, she feeling selfish for wanting to keep Terey safe for herself, to satisfy her heart’s needs. Terey and Mihai went way back, the woman having
been Mihai’s personal flight instructor in the days of the glider races so many eons ago. The two were wing mates since the Second Megiddo War, flying in the same squadrons, sharing the same bunks, rations, facing the same dangers. Mihai did not want to lose her dear companion to an accident caused by a piece of flying junk.

  At long last and in subdued voice, she asked Terey, “Where are you headed?” looking back into Terey’s eyes.

  Terey stopped massaging Mihai’s shoulder, stepped back and sighed. With effort she answered, “Eden’s Gate…”

  Mihai looked at the pain that crossed Terey’s face. Bitter were the memories from that place. Hundreds or possibly thousands of good, brave, fighter pilots had come to their end protecting that portal. ‘Portal to the Universe’ it was called in days of peace. ‘Passage from Hell’ was the name often heralded by sailors now, it being constantly in need of protection from an enemy who wanted it desperately and was willing to expend their own thousands to get it. If the children lost Eden’s Gate, they might well lose the Empire. The issue had long been settled by high command. ‘Hold Eden’s Gate at all cost.’

  “We… we are to rendezvous with the Fourth Fleet at some undisclosed location.” Terey frowned again. “You know Admiral Sujin. He’s the one who renamed the Chisamore after her last resurrection from the abyss… was the old Argototh, named after the Battle of Argototh Heights on Stargaton…” She shook her head. “I’m sorry. Why am I telling you? You were there. Well, anyway, Sujin is all about giving need to know commands. He’s a queer duck, always wary, never trusting anyone. The old ‘what the enemy doesn’t know’ thing… Guess I shouldn’t complain, but ever since he was appointed to the Chiefs of Staff, he’s pushed for all this secrecy. Makes old guard people like me feel shoved out, if you know what I mean.”

  Mihai nodded. She knew, yet she had given her final approval to the admiral’s appointment. Gabrielle was adamant about the whole thing, having been Sujin’s mentor and companion for many long years and believing he was the right man for the job. In some way, considering how fussy he was concerning doing things just so, Mihai felt a little more secure about Terey’s safety while aboard the Chisamore.

  Terey sighed again. “Once on station, we will relieve the Merimna, transferring some of its fighters to the Chisamore. From there, we will patrol parts of the Southern Ring, including Eden’s Gate.”

  Mihai stood. She began to gently fuss over Terey’s silky blouse, carefully working the wrinkles out of it. Looking down at her shirt, she quietly crooned so resigned and motherly, “You and PalaHar shouldn’t romance in something like this. It gives you away you know.” Then staring into her eyes, she asked, “How long will you be gone?”

  Terey closed her eyes. Watching the loneliness on Mihai’s face was too troubling. She opened them to see Mihai’s fathomless blue eyes still fixed on hers. A feeling of guilt swept through her heart as she answered. “Three months… maybe a year.” Then shrugged, “You know, it depends on how soon the new carrier is finished.”

  The selfish child in Mihai could no longer contain itself, its frustration carried on accusing questions. “Why? Why are you going now?”

  Catching the child up, Mihai suppressed her selfish wants, waxing selfless. “You returned from your last patrol only two weeks ago. You need more rest, more time away.” She fussed again, the little girl escaping once more, “I only returned this very day and… and… we’ve been apart eight months now. We’ve…”

  Terey put her hand up to silence Mihai, the stress of the moment reflected in her curt reply. “You know full well, dear one. Our people are tiring out. They’re losing their will to fight. Every day dozens of our best flight crews retire from active duty, or request extended leave. And that doesn’t include our rapidly dwindling army. For the grunts it’s even worse, all the privations forced upon them for lack of supplies and the growing indifference of their officers.”

  She stepped back, shaking a finger in gesture. “If that lady, Trisha, didn’t cast a powerful enough spell over the people tonight, there will soon be no army left to protect this city, let alone this Empire!”

  Mihai tried to object.

  Terey stopped her. “Don’t misunderstand me, dear. I have not surrendered to the darkness yet. Mother will succeed. I have full faith in that fact. But you know her ways allow us to create our own destiny. She will permit us to fail, maybe already has, will provide rescue some other way… maybe already has… to our eternal shame.”

  Terey shook her head, echoing remorsefully, “The prophets called us the ‘sons of light’, that we could never fail. They wrote of our presence with hope, writing of us as the ‘warrior guardians of the universe’. What would they think of us now?”

  Angry, she smashed a fist into an opened hand. “Mihai! We were the rulers of these worlds! Just one of us could strike fear into the hearts of thousands! Look at us now! We need a woman born in the realms of backward ignorance to wipe our noses and dry our eyes! I fear our brother was right when he accused us of being too weak of mind to see things through. Look at us! What have we become?”

  Mihai stood, dejected. She knew that Terey was not accusing her for the many failed attempts of her people to bring this rebellion to a finish. Still, wasn’t she the warden of war, for two thousand years deciding how the game was to be played, and always falling to the wiles of her adversary? As Euroaquilo had earlier stated, even in defeat, Asotos managed to come out winner.

  Returning to the moment, Mihai forced a smile as she caressed Terey’s arm. “I will be there to see you off on the morrow. I promise.”

  “Well, hello!”

  Mihai and Terey turned to see Paul and Symeon ambling up, offering cheerful and congenial greetings. The two had been patiently waiting and had become tired of pretending to be studying some maps and drawings scattered upon the council tables. At length, at Symeon’s prodding, they made their polite intrusions. Seeing the men’s attention was focused on Mihai, Terey quickly excused herself, feigning her need to finish preparing for her early departure, kissing first Mihai ever so sweetly and then doing so with Paul and Symeon, but much more formally.

  Mihai was tired, moreso weary, the night having taken a toll on her constitution. Pushing that aside, she entertained some time with the men, they being eager to discuss earlier events and, of course as always, having many questions. Besides that, she was beginning to feel a lonely melancholy enveloping her spirit. The thought of Terey’s leaving hurt more than expected. Smiling, Mihai tenderly kissed her two closest of companions. “Please, I’m sure this night has provided you with many more questions than answers.”

  Paul and Symeon waited for no additional invitation to begin. They rifled one question after another at Mihai, Symeon taking the lead. This was the first time either man had witnessed Lowenah’s Grand Council and both were excited over it. What was surprising was not the men’s excitement, but what they were excited about.

  For the children of these realms, Trisha’s visions and rousing speech were troubling, offensive, and/or profound. To Paul and Symeon, it was little more than expected, the children from the Realms Below long anticipating those very prophecies fulfilled. Mihai was pummeled with questions concerning the leading members of the Council, who they were and some of their history. They wanted to know more about the Prisoner Exchange, what was to be expected of them, how they were to act, what the enemy might do.

  Mihai was forced to repeatedly slow them down, attempting to answer all their questions, one at a time. What else could she do? These were not foolish chatterers. The men had legitimate questions that needed answering. Mihai began to ponder if waiting so long to deliver her two close friends to these realms had been such a good idea. Ma-we waited until only four seasons ago to deliver Paul here, Symeon a year later, she saying they would serve her purpose to keep them bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for coming events. Well… maybe they were a little too bright-eyed for
the coming Prisoner Exchange.

  In time, after answering a couple of questions twice and having some others asked that made little sense, Mihai began to conclude there were other subjects these men wanted to broach, but feared doing so. Although tired, Mihai patiently waited upon the moment. When they were ready, it was Symeon who betrayed himself first. His fidgeting only increased to the point of nuisance. Finally, stopping Mihai in mid-sentence, he stammered, “You know… well… ah… you know… well, in all these years… you know, I’ve never seen him.”

  Confused, Mihai asked, “Who?”

  Sheepishly, Symeon began, hesitated, embarrassed and began again. “Ah, well…” Then rubbing his hands in self-consciousness… “The ‘Snake’… You know, the ‘Serpent’. You know, Satan, your brother.”

  This was the one question Mihai should have expected, but she was the least prepared for. Swallowing down bile and attempting to ignore a sudden nauseous feeling growing in the pit of her stomach, she stepped back, resting a hand on a chair.

  Symeon and Paul both apologized for their rudeness. Mihai motioned them innocent, indicating they wait until she caught her breath. After all, it was not their fault. Long ago she had been warned that as mentor she would be called upon to reveal all the secrets of this universe to her former companions from the Lower Realms. She owed it to them. Besides, if these newcomers were expected to stand the line facing such an insidious foe at the Prisoner Exchange, they needed to be prepared for it. Now was as good a time as any to introduce the matter.

  Taking another breath eased her stressful stomach. At length, she began. “There are things… things… you want to learn if you are to be successful in the coming days. We do not often use titles like ‘Snake’, ‘Serpent’, ‘Devil’, ‘Satan’, and so forth to describe the Wicked One. They are only words that partially describe him anyway. In our language, for that matter in any language, there are no terms that can accurately portray the evil man he is. In fact, there are those among us who curse with an oath when his name is mentioned. The injuries he has delivered upon his brothers and sisters, especially Mother, are so deep and the pain so great… Well, I hope you can understand.”

  “I will tell you the truth, but you must remember not to speak aloud to others what I say now, other than this: The name for this man is no longer spoken by my people and, since the Rebellion he has come to have an open disdain for it. Around Mother, we use the term ‘brother’ when forced to mention him. It helps to soften the blow to her heart.” She admitted. “Mother speaks not of it, but her heart still aches over the loss.”

  This was truly noteworthy information, making Paul and Symeon’s ears tingle. Mihai reminded them of their promise to remain silent and then continued. “The name you will hear his fellow conspirators address him with is ‘Theshileo’, or ‘Alithea’, their root meaning coming from your common tongue ‘AletheuoPhileO’ – ‘The tender Father who is faithful and true’. We will not honor him in any such way, using only ‘Adelphos’ – brother – when we do have to address him. It eases Mother’s heart to have it so, and it is a truthful title, he having once been our brother… and in the flesh still is.”

  She wagged a finger in warning. “The rest of what I am to reveal you must not speak aloud in the company of any, other than, save your closest and most trusted companions. Should your tongue slip at the Prisoner Exchange, not only will you trouble Mother’s heart, but you may well bring the wrath of the Evil One down upon us, thus threatening the very souls we seek to rescue.”

  “You have heard some of the children use the name ‘Asotos’ when referring to the man. It is the name given to him by Mother’s faithful house, meaning ‘the one who lays waste by riotous living’, from the root words ‘waste pipe’ or ‘sewer pipe’. He is well aware of its use, hates it so much that it is unlawful for his people to speak the word ‘waste’ aloud upon pain of death. It will be wise to remember my warnings should you have need to address him at the exchange, though I doubt the arrogant fool will trouble you with his attention.”

  Symeon asked. “So should he trouble us, how do we address him?”

  “As I have said...” Mihai pointed a finger at Symeon. “ ‘Adelphos’! Nothing more! Nothing less! He is our brother by blood. Show honor for that blood, for it is our Mother’s blood that flows in him. Show honor to her.”

  Pondering Mihai’s answer, Symeon rubbed his bearded chin. “I can only see ugly evil, a deformed twisted monster.” He looked at Mihai, asking, “How does your kind manage… I mean, how do you manage to speak in such affectionate terms?”

  That question troubled Mihai. She wanted to scream out her deep revulsion for the man, the woman having more hatred for Asotos than most. With considerable effort, she forced those feelings aside, hiding from Paul and Symeon her emotional struggle. Looking into their faces, she realized they needed to be given understanding into how this world thought and reasoned.

  “Please…” Mihai began. “Be patient with me and I will give you understanding and wisdom. You have not yet the age of the rings of a very small tree, but you make judgments as with tongues of men borne along by the ages. Let me remind you of the facts.”

  She spread her fingers, touching her heart. “In this world, I am considered little more than a child, there still being those sitting the Council wondering why such a new birthling be given such undue power and glory. Yet I - I walked the haunted worlds of distant star systems long before your home of old was little more than a burning mass of boiling fire. In my own time, I have seen the mountains rise to new heights between Palace City and Oros to the east.”

  “Lord Ardon, I must tell you…Lord Ardon remembers when there existed no mountains there at all, but a huge fresh water sea that lapped at shores no more than a day’s walk from the city’s eastern wall. He has also told me of the time in his youth when a jungle filled all the area of the inner wall, with only this Palace butte existing within the ocean of green.”

  Mihai frowned, resting her tired weight upon the table. “Asotos… Adelphos… remembers far more. Through our dream-shares, I have seen the massive translucent dome that once covered this castle enclosure. Indeed, I have see all seven of the Crystal Cities that once covered this plain, each with an equally impressive wall system, each designed for reasons of life experiments, bringing new life into existence on this planet, all of it built by the hands of the Ones Who Came Before. All that - the domes and scientific activity - were gone by the time of other Ancients, the mysterious Tolohe remembering but little of the previous days of glory.”

  Symeon blurted out. “But you say you saw those things!”

  Mihai nodded. “I said I saw them through my dream shares with Asotos.”

  The consternation showing on Paul and Symeon’s faces forced Mihai to explain. “Yes… and you must remember the ways of my people… I have also shared Asotos’ bed. For many years I did, as have all my sisters, other than Darla. He was our lord, our mentor, the giver of the Dream of Dreams. That is how he could take control of our souls…that is until the darkness took him. Burned to ash are his powers of lovemaking, though a few refuse to believe it down to this day. It is through what you call ‘intercourse’ that the dream-share is fulfilled, as you have already come to witness.”

  Symeon blushed. Paul said nothing, staring down at the floor.

  Mihai fussed. “Grow up, you two! I have shared the bed with the both of you and given many pleasant dreams to you. Did I not promise such a thing long ago when I spoke of drinking the wine anew in this very realm? Well, Asotos’ powers were far, far greater than mine. He could transport a woman as though in body to any place in the universe his mind might conjure. And, as a child, his ward, he showed his glory to me, I seeing through his eyes the world as it was in his youth.”

  She swept her arm in gesture. “From wall to wall, the Great Dome of radiant hues shielded this place from the surrounding world. Asotos remembered the
giant man-things heaving on cables and cranking huge wheels, delivering the sea monster up to its watery home. Yes, the very seas once lapped upon this mountain butte. Here was the home of many living creatures, Asotos having been witness to much of it. How long he has lived is secret to all, other than himself and Mother, and neither has ever revealed that secret.”

  “Asotos – Adelphos - was, still is the greatest and most knowledgeable of all our wizards or scientists. He assisted in the creation of life on your old planet, directed most of it. The major varieties of life existing in your world of old came from his fertile mind. He was given a free hand with few restrictions regarding how things were to be, carbon-based life being one of those things. Mother had her reasons at the time. He even had limited access to the Web of the Minds.” She pointed at her head. “…the reason for Darla’s and my sickness. It is a power he has long lost.”

  “It was told me that he personally designed the body and soul of your first ancestor, the man called ‘Adam’, making him in his own likeness and personality. It was said that he even wove his own DNA…” Seeing the confusion on the men’s faces, Mihai added, “Blood, it’s like blood, in the blood. He created a man-son in his own image, an exact likeness of himself in Adam. That is why no hope exists for that man, for his heart rebelled in like nature to that of Asotos, forever cutting himself off from the power of the Web of the Minds.”

  Both Paul and Symeon responded together in nearly shouting. “That’s impossible!”

  Mihai’s bitter laugh was chiding. “You are fools to not believe me! Yes, that’s right. You, yourselves, are sons of the Devil. The blood of the Great Satan flows in your veins. And if it wasn’t for the wisdom of Mother, there would be no hope for all your kind, because the nature of his wickedness in an imperfect body would lead any man to damnation. So many of the things you call impossible are so commonplace for my kind. Your obstinate refusal to accept that all things are possible with God, and nearly so with our kind, has led your kind down the path of manipulated calamity several times.”

  Paul attempted to argue. Mihai cut him short. “My friend, I love you…loved you so much that I risked losing you when I revealed my true nature to you on that desert road many years ago. You believed in me, but never once wrote or spoke of the matter to anyone - even Symeon here - or your close friend, John. Why? I will tell you why: you were afraid…afraid of being totally discredited among your peers, possibly being stoned by the very ones you had shared in converting to believing in me. If I sent you in fire and glory this very day to my people on your home planet to declare to them the truth about me, who would listen and not ridicule you, or even accuse you of blasphemy and say you were sent from Beelzebub?”

  “Now let me tell you this, so that you both will have a little understanding and appreciation for my mother, your God. Mother did not allow Asotos permission to design your ancestress, the woman Mother named ‘MihaiAstron’, after me - a name I acquired long ago in the days of peace. JabethHull bestowed that name upon me in one of his rare, affectionate moments. It is a name I have cherished down to this day. In my exact likeness, using my own blood, you might say, Mother created that woman, using only a small portion of Asotos’ nature in the woman’s making, taking the rib from his invention to build only the woman’s physical structure. That is why there still rests hope for her future days, my blood being so strong within her.”

  Mihai wagged her finger again. “And that is why there exists any hope at all for your kind. My blood flows in all the bodies of all men, some to a greater or lesser extent than others. It is by the blood of the Wicked One that all men are condemned and by the blood of your sister, here…” She pointed at herself, “that all mankind is saved. Now you see the need for me to have made a personal appearance upon your planet so long ago. I needed to lay legal claim to that right to activate my blood’s saving power. Had Asotos had his way, only his blood would have been found in both your father and mother, thus, through its corruptive energy, all mankind would have dissolved into the same hopeless evil manifest by that snake.”

  Mihai returned to the moment. “I have wandered from the path. Listen, please, and learn. Do not underestimate the power of this fallen hero. His special might is still greater moreso than most, possibly all. I do not know. His mind is dangerously powerful, enough so that what appear to be minor, winsome comments can get inside your head, taking control and manipulating your thoughts. And he has other powers of mind and spirit control that are still beyond any of his siblings. Mother made the man very strong in mind and soul.”

  She reached out, taking hold of Symeon’s arm, warning, “Do not! I repeat, do not attempt a coup on this man! Few have survived unscathed while doing so.”

  The visible pain that raced across Mihai’s face gave pause to both men. Paul especially felt guilty for bringing up the subject in the first place, he telling Mihai so. She waved him off. “This you needed to know. It would have been such a disservice on my part to not have warned you. You did nothing wrong. Tomorrow, when I am rested, will be sufficient to discuss further with you these important matters.”

  “Well, well, how are my little darlings this morning? It is morning, you know, bedtime for my babies.” Ma-we’s voice startled Mihai and the others, she having silently approached while the three were in deep conversation.

  “May I join this pleasant company?” Without asking, she crowded in, wrapping her hands around Mihai’s arm. Looking into her daughter’s weary face, she cooed, “My dear, I do feel you need some good company this evening. I suggest you not forget to take my boy, Paul, with you when taking this morning’s leave. It is so good for the soul, you know.”

  Mihai smiled weakly but, before she could reply, Paul spoke up. “Mihai has been pummeled with our questions concerning the Prisoner Exchange and… and other related subjects important for us to know. I believe we have worn out our welcome. She may well not abide any more company.” Symeon nodded in agreement.

  “Nonsense!” Ma-we then addressed Mihai, telling the others not to leave. “I have some important business to attend to in other parts of my kingdom and shall be on my leave for several days. Tell no one of my absence. I will certainly be returned before our departure for EremiaPikros. Now, I want you to care for things while I’m away, seeing that you have taken over the chambers of the Firstborn… or so I’ve been informed.”

  Mihai said that it was so.

  Squeezing her daughter’s arm, Ma-we smiled. “All the necessary locks have been reset to accommodate your entrance… and this fellow’s here.” She pointed toward Paul. “I have left the place a mess.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Been so busy, I have. It’s in need of a good cleaning, has been for some time. It would be nice if you two would tidy it up a bit.” She grinned. “Who knows what treasures one might find lost in such a mess.”

  She turned to Paul, warning, her eyes still a’ twinkle. “This little lady should not be expected to do all the work herself. After all, if you expect her pleasure in the bed, she should expect your elbow grease in the kitchen.”

  Paul’s face flushed red. Symeon laughed.

  Ma-we went on, putting on an oh so serious face. “Be a good dear, please. I so much need to hear a good report about this when I return.”

  At first, Paul was taken aback, until he observed the twinkle in Ma-we’s eyes. He smiled, offering a slight bow of his head. “I shall do all you wish, my Lord, and more should this beautiful lady only ask me.” Then he waxed poetic. “Shall she seek a star from the heavens, or a jewel from the oceans deep, it would be as asking for but a drink of water for my soul to seek it for her.”

  Ma-we laughed, pointing at him. “Be careful, for what you offer may well be taken up by her on a whim. She does have a selfish streak in her, you know.”

  Mihai fussed at her mother’s comments.

  Ma-we laughed again. “Please help my girl with her move into the Pala
ce. Do take the time to run some errands for her. It will help you learn the city better. And…” She glanced back at Mihai, “help her with her bath, please. The girl has such a hard time getting all those spots that need scrubbing. We want our child all bubbly clean now, don’t we?”

  Embarrassed, Paul promised he would, Symeon grinning from ear to ear.

  Ma-we turned her attention to Symeon. “You… I want a word with you…in private!”

  Symeon was shocked and concerned. Ma-we’s countenance was grave, her voice so serious.

  As she took Symeon’s arm, Ma-we ordered Mihai and Paul, “You two stay here. I may need you soon. I’m sure you can find some meaningful conversation to occupy your time.”

  It was so difficult for either Mihai or Paul to concentrate, what with Ma-we and Symeon only a few paces away, and Ma-we acting so serious. It was easy to see the expressions on Symeon’s face - first those of serious concern, then curiosity, then deep sadness, when suddenly it exploded in an astonished grin. Symeon whooped with glee, doing a little dance of excitement. He hurriedly started for them, but Ma-we’s strong arm stopped him, she whispering something in his ear.

  Then, slowly and deliberately, the two returned to the curious couple ridden with need to hear the latest gossip. Symeon was beside himself with anxious desire to reveal all he knew, but Ma-we would have none of that. She was a master at suspense and savored the excitement of the secret as much as the revealing.

  Eventually, holding Symeon’s hand as if in comfort, she explained, “I’m sorry my dears, but your friend will not be journeying with us to the Prisoner Exchange. I have great need of his services elsewhere. This will certainly be a loss to all of us, but there was nothing else for it. And… and, I’m sure it will be a disappointment for Symeon as well.” She reached out and took Mihai’s hand, speaking so consolingly. “You will just have to find a way to do without him.”

  That was it. Symeon could contain himself no longer. He blurted out. “I can’t go… because… because…” He let out a joyful cry, “because she’s coming! My little girl, my daughter child is coming, coming back to us, here! Soon! Here!”

  Symeon began to laugh and sob at the same time. He bent his head as his hands came up to meet his face, crying tears of joy. Ma-we hugged him around his waist, nodding while wearing her motherly smile. “I think my boy has had a full night. He needs some well-deserved rest. I’ll see him home.”

  As they were leaving, Ma-we turned back to Mihai and Paul. “Life should never be taken for granted. Even forever is never long enough to do everything one wishes. Don’t waste your life chasing impossible dreams. Take what is yours for the moment and drink it to the full.” With that, she led Symeon to the door, exiting the chambers.

  “What did Lowenah mean by her words?” Paul asked, while taking Mihai’s arm.

  Mihai sighed with tired satisfaction, smiling. “Sometimes even we children forget the value of gifts we possess while we search the shadows for others that are uncertain. Life is not to be measured by what we might accomplish tomorrow, for tomorrow is not guaranteed, but full of uncertainties. No, joy comes to those who understand the treasure that exists within our grasp while life still courses through our souls, while it remains ours to possess.”

  She looked into Paul’s eyes. “My Lord, master of my dreams, will you please take your servant girl home?”

  Paul nodded, smiling. With that, the two journeyed up the stairs to the upper deck and through the doors leading to the outer balcony. Stepping into the cool freshness of early morning, Mihai watched the gray of that early morning battling with the blackness of night. For some time the two stood there, silently watching the distant warring.

  At length, Mihai asked, “Has my Lord ever seen the sun rise from the battlements of the eastern tower on the outer wall?”

  Paul looked into Mihai’s face, saying not a word, his eyes seeking her lead. The two stood motionless for some time, appearing as silhouettes painted upon a darkened screen. Finally, still gripping his hand, Mihai motioned their leave, whispering, “The cooing of the morning dove is so sweet from those towers, Love, its scent like that of lotus blossoms.”

  They walked down the stairs into the darkness of the night, disappearing into the courtyards far below.

  * * *