“Tis fitting,” Valcan answered, “And you will, once you partake of this medicament.”
Thya took the small bottle that Valcan held out and drank the bitter liquid. The solution burnt her throat as she swallowed it, yet it warmed her being, giving her a revival of strength. Soon she was able to step down from the throne. He wrapped a dark, hooded cloak around her shoulders and ushered her from the Escos.
Thya was surprised to see a tril moon. What length had she spent grieving her loss? It felt like only moments ago when her world collapsed. By now, the entire city would have learnt of the occurrence. She wondered if they pitied her.
The Changlins did not lighten her mood, even when they told her that she and Alkazar were destined to be together and not to lose hope.
Valcan would not allow Thya to return to the Recas until he was certain she was well. Instead, he took her to the Tora, under his care. She felt too broken to argue and allowed herself to be ushered away.
Alkazar took Siren to her dwelling where the whole generation of Humal's waited for their arrival. He passed Siren's hand into the hand of the head of the family, as was the custom.
“I will receive Siren as my companion and father our child.” He spoke with dignity, though inside, he felt like a broken, defeated Bora.
“Tis how it ought to be. Praise the Changlins,” the family chorused.
After the toast, Alkazar left.
Oh, how cruel breath is, he silently cried. He yearned to be with his sweet Thya, and yet fate had shown an alternative formula. Their destiny was written, and his and Thya's paths, although mapped, were fated not to cross. If only he could console her, for he deemed her to be as broken as he felt. “Oh, how cruel is breath,” he called out unhappily.
Thya and Alkazar's paths did not cross again until the morn of the matrimony. The bride and groom were called to the Escos, where Thya, against her will, blessed the marriage.
“Tis that our love was doomed from the beginning,” Thya said. “Despite this, you will forever be in my heart. You receive blessing by the guardian of the Changlins, and I desire health and happiness to your union and that of your child.”
How those words cut her sharper than any knife. In front of her stood her love, Alkazar, proud Alkazar. Whether he accepted the justness of it, he did as his duty demanded, stubborn and noble. He would form into a first-class spouse though sadly, he would not be hers. She accepted this, despite the Changlins declaring otherwise. How could she relate to the Tsinians that the Changlins did not bless the wedlock? She was the only one who communicated with the sacred stones, and it would seem done out of bitterness. If any hope remained, she prayed the Changlins voiced it now, for her thoughts were silent.
Alkazar wept silently. Thya had to bestow her consent to the union. He detested to sight her unhappy, yet was compelled by the code to accept his duty. It was his responsibility to raise the child as a Kapil. He would cast aside his feelings for Thya and concentrate on his new family. It mattered not how hard it might be. He wished for his real love's existence to overflow with all the love and happiness she deserved, yet that he could not provide.
Thya was the first to withdraw from the Escos. The council followed, and then the bride and groom. The marriage was performed in the Plecky with only Thya, Nimas and Omad as witnesses. The ceremony was quickly over, and so Thya thought, there was nothing remotely loving or romantic about it. Siren swore to love Alkazar beyond others and be a righteous mother; Alkazar promised to be a faithful husband. Once the oaths were over, they left the Plecky amid congratulations and cheers from the villagers. There was concern for Thya's wellbeing, only she was putting on such an act of cheerfulness, they assumed she had accepted the situation.
It pained Thya beyond belief to go through the charade, only she knew it would not have looked right if she left before the festival began. Alkazar kept his distance from Thya and knowing his wife watched him, tried not to make eye contact.
Three tedious tril moons had yet to pass before Thya's departure. She doubted she could tolerate being around Alkazar for that long. Even though she had barely laid eyes upon him, knowing he was close by was unbearable.
“My lady…”
Thya was woken from her thoughts. Athron stood beside her, smiling. “My lady, tis satisfactory for you to withdraw, and I deem you have desired to do so for some duration.”
His smile warmed her heart. “Would you be gratuitous enough to escort my return to the Recas?” Thya asked him.
“It would emit great pleasure, my lady.”
Thya made her excuses to Alkazar and Siren then left with Athron.
For a while, they walked silently, when at last, Athron spoke. “Do not renounce hope, Thya, for you and Alkazar are destined to be together.”
His speech stopped Thya. “Why do you remark such, good Athron? Tis not the first occasion I have been informed of this. Alas, they are one. Declare to me how you are aquatinted with this?”
“Am I not the writer of Oracles?”
Thya gasped. “An Oracle has predicted Alkazar and my happiness together. How can this be? Are you assured of this?” Athron pulled an unhappy face at her statement. “Certainly you are. I doubt you not. What did you sight?”
“You are familiar with the code, Thya. Tis forbidden to disclose an Oracle ahead of the council.” Thya looked disheartened. “Despite this,” he continued, “what I relate to you has to be maintained between ourselves.”
Thya nodded in agreement.
“I sight grave moments for both you and Alkazar; torment and pain. Retain your strength for there is light some distance away, only when you arrive at this light will you truly be together. For tis written so it will be,” he told her proudly.
When they reached the Recas, Thya took hold of Athron's hands.
“I am grateful, Athron, for your assurance. You have permitted me peace. The grace of the Changlins sight favorably upon you.”
Athron bent down and kissed her hand, then waited until his princess was inside before leaving.
Although both the Oracles and the Changlins had foretold it, Thya was resolved to forget Alkazar and Tsinia. What good was there hoping for something that could never be. She looked forward to her life back on Earth, now even more so. She missed McDonalds, and rock music, and how she yearned to hear the screaming of infants and the laughter of children. She longed for her cosy house and missed her fast-paced job.
Since the defeat of the Senxs, Tsinia had relaxed and Thya felt idle, as though she wasn't needed anymore. Though there had been many days (back home) when she had wished for lazy days.
Thya spent the following days in the Recas and would not venture outside in case she came across Alkazar or Siren. She had many visitors calling on her, most bearing gifts for her to take home.
It was the day before her planned departure that Thya decided to visit Siren. Believing it was better to leave on good terms. Then, if she had to make an unexpected return there would not be any bad feelings. It took a lot of courage, only Thya was a proud and determined Tsinian and her mind was made up.
Thya found Siren alone in Alkazar's dwelling. She preferred to talk to her in private though it wouldn't have mattered if Alkazar had been present. Thya had not laid eyes on him for some time and needed to prove to herself that she could control her emotions in his presence.
There were no doors to the entrance of the house and only a muslin curtain stopped the telents from entering the homes. Thya noticed Siren lying on a couch, resting comfortably in the corner of the room. She seemed engrossed in the book and did not see Thya standing outside.
Feeling it was rude to walk straight in, and being unaware of Tsinian protocol, she tapped on the side of the porch. “Can I enter?” Thya asked.
“Your authority allows you this right without permit,” Siren answered back.
“Do not rise,” Thya instructed as she walked in.
“I had not intended to.”
It was going to be harder to converse w
ith Siren than Thya first thought, but even so, she intended to attempt her best.
“I realise we will never become allies, nor agree with each other's views. Regardless, I desire for Alkazar's sake, whom we both love, that we can be civil to one another. I intend to depart presently, and I am doubtful I will return. If it occurrs that we should encounter one another again, I would prefer to feel welcomed by all my subjects.”
Thya seated. Siren stared scornfully at Thya. “I have been studying Alkazar's books to gain comprehension of why you are so dissimilar, and yet preferable to me,” Siren said. “Tis inquisitiveness that enticed Alkazar to you, naught else. I am satisfied you retain understanding of his interests in diverse cultures and worlds. Once he had sighted your planet, he would soon tire of it—and you.” Thya remained silent. “Your world intrigues me,” Siren continued. “Do you feel the loss of your homeland? Do you yearn to sight your nation?”
“Very much,” Thya answered.
“Then we retain an additional shared sentiment, aside from Alkazar,” Siren said. “I agree, as with you, that you do not hold a place in Tsinia. It would be preferable if you departed and did not recur.”
Thya's anger rose. If anyone else had remarked that, she would have been happy. Knowing it was said in spite, and that it was Siren who spoke the words, Thya was ready for a fight.
“I am confident Alkazar would have been satisfied and happy in my land,” Thya announced. “Do you truly believe you could ever satisfy him? You are delusional. You could never generate happiness. You are compelled to accept that Alkazar was pressured into wedlock. Tis not his own will. Alas, such is fate. I will survive my loss with the awareness that Alkazar will never love you.”
Siren rose from the couch and walked to a table laden with fruit. She smiled smugly as she popped a cherry into her mouth. She watched Thya thoughtfully as she ate, trying to decide whether or not to reveal her secret. Vengeance, rather than sense, won over, and so she laughed. “Tis naught to do with fate.”
Siren's statement puzzled Thya, only it suddenly dawned on her. “Your gift of Illusor, I wonder how effective it is?” Thya questioned.
It took a moment for Siren to realise what she was getting at. She laughed mockingly. “Nay, Thya, Valcan would not be deceived. Nonetheless, tis clever to imagine such an event. I would not have envisioned such a concept.”
“I am aware of this. Tis the difference between you and I, and what entices Alkazar to me.”
Thya did not like the way Siren was looking down at her and so rose to regain eye contact. “I am certain you retain a strong desire to reveal all.”
Siren deliberated for a moment. Revealing the truth would not do harm. Alkazar belonged to her now. Even the code could not dissolve the union. In addition, it would present Siren with great satisfaction to sight Thya's expression.
“The baby is not that of an illusion. I am with child, only Alkazar is not the father.”
Thya felt her body go rigid. A familiar fire burned through her blood.
She remembered no more. When she awoke, she found herself on the ground in the forest some distance from the Recas. However, she could not remember how she got to be there. She remembered conversing with Siren, after which her mind was blank. Feeling dizzy, and weak from fatigue, she made her way back to the Recas. She had hardly stepped through the door when Pertius came running to her in deep distress.
“My lady, I hold a grave announcement,” he gasped. “Siren is deceased and Alkazar has been seized.”
“What?” Thya cried. “Remark that to me again.”
“Alkazar is accused of removing Siren's breath. He is bound and requests your counsel.”
Thya staggered back. Pertius took her arm to steady her.
“How can this come to pass? I met with Siren and she was well. Nay, there is an error.”
“If that was so,” Pertius said sorrowfully. “Alkazar has admitted blame for the fatality and surrendered himself. Nonetheless, he will not divulge what occurred until he converses with you. Will you follow?”
“With certainty, at once. Where is Alkazar being held?”
“He has been bound and escorted to the Escos. We do not possess facilities for incarceration, tis the first intentional fatality within our great nation.”
“We do not recognise that the death of Siren was deliberate. Declare to me, Pertius, if Alkazar is found responsible for Siren's demise, what is the punishment?”
Thya knew the answer, even before he replied.
“Regretfully, the punishment is forfeit of breath. Alas, a trial will not be held as Alkazar has admitted to causing Siren's demise. By the code, Alkazar is accountable.”
“I will investigate this,” she said.
As Thya entered the Escos, she was stopped by the sight of Alkazar, bound to the sidewall of the chamber.
“Release him at once,” she commanded.
“My lady, tis not prudent. Alkazar is a dangerous felon,” Zarc declared.
“Nonsense,” Thya retorted. “You all recognise Alkazar to be a gentle, trusted, Tsinian, and until I state otherwise, he will be treated as such.”
“What if he absconds?” Zarc dared to continue.
“Alkazar, do you voice your oath that you will not attempt to flee?” Thya asked.
“I surrendered myself freely to the council. I hold not the intention to flee. You receive my oath.”
“Very well, release his bonds,” Thya ordered.
Pertius cut the ropes that held Alkazar then left the Escos. Alkazar rubbed his wrists, keeping his face turned away from Thya. He would not look at her, and she noticed this.
“Leave us,” she demanded.
“This, I will not undertake,” Omad answered. “Whether Alkazar is recognised as a faithful subject or not does not suffice at present. He may have the sickness upon him and is not to be trusted. Tis well advised for you not to be isolated with him.”
“I am of a different opinion,” Thya objected. “What reason is there for Alkazar to harm me? I will remark again, leave me.”
Omad was not convinced. “Yet, was there reason for his harm against his spouse and child? Nay, my lady, I will not permit this and will accept any punishment you deem fit.”
At first, Thya was angry at his refusal, but then she calmed and felt grateful for his concern over her safety.
“My lady,” Alkazar called, “If tis permitted, I would gladly be bound for the sake of your protection.”
Thya smiled, thankful for his intervention.
“Omad?” She looked to him for a reply.
“This will satisfy,” he answered. “Be aware I will be yonder if you require my assistance.”
Omad departed, motioning to the council to follow. Alkazar's hands were bound behind his back.
“Not too tight,” Thya instructed.
Once Alkazar was secure and standing before her, the last of the guards departed. Thya and Alkazar faced one another.
“Oh, Alkazar,” she cried. “Do not concern yourself with this folly. Tis my duty to liberate you of these charges.”
“Thya, I do not surrender myself lightly. I am guilty of what has passed.”
Thya's stomach dropped. “Relate to me what occurred and why Siren lies deceased.”
“Upon my return to my dwelling, I perceived raised voices and was startled to recognise one of them belonged to you. I hid and was attentive to what was conversed. I stayed hidden until you had withdrawn then proceeded to enter and confront Siren. She confessed all to me—her lies, her deception. Siren is the cause of our misery. She ruined our future out of spiteful jealousy. I put my hands around her throat and choked her. My mind was cloudy and full of hatred at her trickery. Despite this, I understood my intent. Her betrayal and rebellion against the crown warranted her demise.”
There was no hatred showing in his eyes, just pain and misery.
“Nay, Alkazar, there is error in your judgement. Siren did not deserve this—and what of the innocent child. I cannot and
will not believe this of you. You do not retain one drop of immoral blood in your body. You would not deliberately remove breath.”
She caressed his cheek, and he turned his face inwards, nuzzling into her hand. She embraced him and they kissed, his fevered kiss tasting, lapping like a hungry animal.
Not a moment had passed since marrying Siren when he did not long to hold Thya in his arms. Although he tried to ignore his feelings, his desire for her never left.
“Grant me absolution, Thya. To perceive it from you will bestow strength to cope and contend with my appending doom. Oh, how hopeless this is,” he cried.
“Do not surrender hope, my love,” she pleaded. “I will converse with Pertius, there has to be some means to reverse the judgement. I will not permit this.”
“My darling Thya. Sweet princess, how I love you.”
They kissed until she stepped away. “I have been presented with a belief that all will be well. Both the Oracles and the Changlins remark that we are destined to be together, my love.”
“Oh, if this was genuine,” he cried. “Even so, I deserve my punishment. I removed Siren's breath, and that of an unborn. I recognise my crime and accept my punishment.”
“Do not remark such. Oh, Alkazar, why has fate played such a cruel hand? Do not abandon hope. I will return with glad tidings, this I am confident of. Rest easy, aware that you possess my love, always and forever.”
She kissed him softly on the lips and after brushing away her tears, she made for the door.
Alkazar watched her leave. “Thya, how I love you,” he whispered. “I desire that you never discover how I sacrificed for my love of you.” He watched Thya stagger wearily towards the exit.
Again the power had weakened her strength. His dying desire was that she acquire the skill to control the strange force inside her.
After the door to the Escos closed, Alkazar fell to the floor, once again a broken man.
Thya walked out of the Escos with as much dignity as possible. Many had gathered around the building, waiting to hear more on the scandal. Not one would believe what they had been told.
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