Journey to Water's Heart

by Lea Ben Shlomo

  Another time, Zoded met his mother when Iralu arrived at the camp, galloping on her horse, behind her a wagon loaded with donations that she and her compatriots from SSPN—or as they were now called by all, the Rakers—had collected. The association led by Iralu had grown and now included women from all over the country. These women encouraged recruitment and organized provisions.

  When Iralu entered the camp, she was welcomed with applause and enthusiasm. Zoded was happy to see her, yet dreaded the meeting. Now that his mother had received an enthusiastic welcome that wouldn’t shame the beloved Queen Cyan, how would he stand before her? As her obedient, submissive son, or as the commander of the army of volunteers?

  Iralu dismounted her horse, rushed to him, and hugged him tightly, while the applause swelled to one loud roar. His fears dissipated just then. Iralu was proud of her son and of his actions; she respected him. She announced that this was a short visit, because she had a lot of work before her, but she wanted to talk to him privately. It was hard to scatter the admiring crowd surrounding them as the two of them, the founders of the volunteer movement, sat by the remainders of the bonfire before Zoded’s tent. Around them, at a distance, the people of the camp stood and whispered among themselves. Iralu’s companions and equipment bearers were the center of attention, too, and received warm and eager hospitality.

  Iralu asked questions about the camp and the number of volunteers. She suggested an inventory system and other ideas to organize and distribute the equipment and donations. She reported to him about her women’s progress. They discussed ways to expand their activity. In the end, Zoded asked about Tipin Village and after Arisan and his father.

  Everyone was fine. His father was busy all day long with his work, which was harder than ever for him and the rest of the villagers of Tipin, after the young people had left the village. His father was taking care of collecting and documenting the donations, organizing equipment, and packing it. Arisan was fine. She was helping with the housework and packing. Ah, and she wanted Zoded to know that his father was teaching her how to read and write. She had sent him several words she had written herself. Zoded took a letter from his mother, which was written in painstaking arrow writing, and started reading.

  “What is it?” his mother asked when she saw him reread the letter, furrowing his brow.

  “I don’t understand what she meant when she wrote, ‘I’m Sahur and not talking.’ Maybe she made a mistake.”

  “Arisan didn’t make a mistake,” Iralu said. She leaned over and whispered to him. “We changed her name. That’s what she wanted to tell you. We found out about strangers who came to the village more than once and asked about a runaway girl. You can’t hide something like that for long in a village as small as ours, you know. So we dressed her in your clothes and introduced her as your cousin from the Gairan district. His name is Sahur, and so they won’t notice the strange accent, he simply doesn’t speak. I mean she. Not next to anyone except your father and me.”

  “I fear for her. Tell her to be careful.”

  “I’ll tell her,” Iralu said softly. “I mean, him, Sahur. When I return home. And another thing…”

  She pulled out of her bag four scarves, knit like a work of art.

  “Matana and her friends sent you all gifts. You and your friends.” Iralu smiled. “Matana refused to say which one she knit herself. Nice girl. These days, as it happens to girls, there’s no one to appreciate her merits.”

  “Send them our thanks. I’m sure my friends will appreciate their work. Tell them that there’s nothing like these scarves to warm our hearts and nothing better during the cold nights.”

  “You’ve matured, my son,” Iralu said and reached out to ruffle his hair. But she stopped just in time and patted his shoulder. “And the change is for the better, without doubt.”

  “With all due respect, my dear mother, I’m not the only one who has changed. And I’m also talking about a change that’s all for the better.”

  They laughed, and she kissed him and stepped back. “Who would’ve thought my own son would have changed this way,” she said to herself as she waved goodbye and went on her way.

  Chapter 37

  The Gardener

  Tanti rode his horse, Larimer, around the camp. Since the arrival of the volunteers, there had been such a commotion that he didn’t know how the army commanders would be able to control the young, lively camp. The volunteers were divided into different outfits. Sheds and training facilities were built. The soldiers received instructions and memorized the army rules, which constantly kept changing. The Blue army was coming together and reinventing itself from day to day. Tanti’s subordinates had already started training the new arrivals. Tanti found himself with more and more spare time on his hands as the days passed.

  One morning, he found himself thinking that perhaps his role as a horse trainer had come to an end, and he could be on his way.

  Even though he dearly wanted to continue searching for the mushroom, Tanti had to admit to himself that it wasn’t so pleasant to discover he was no longer needed. Were he riding Gayalo now, the horse would’ve stretched his long neck, turned his head and huge eyes to him as if saying, Why don’t you decide, Tanti Marin, what you want?

  But right then, Larimer, his new horse, was prancing proudly down the greenish-blue path, tossing his head as he and Tanti circled the camp and its extensions, taking the path that led to the castle and back again.

  The next day, he passed his duties and authority to the cavalry commanders, reducing his activities. Together with Zanef, the head groom, they selected and recommended the best cavalier to serve as the senior commander. The man received the nomination from Azium Nasusion himself in an official ceremony.

  “Why did you pass on your duties? You’re behaving like a man who’s preparing to retire from his position,” the military commander said.

  “Indeed, that is my intention,” Tanti said.

  “If I were you, I wouldn’t give up such a high-ranking position, which you attained in such a short time.”

  “I think that from now on, your cavaliers can manage without me.”

  “They still need you, and we’re prepared to promote you to a higher rank. We’ll also raise your wages, which will elevate your social standing.”

  “I don’t think I’m made for the life of a soldier.”

  “Think about it. If you change your mind, you can come to me or Balanter anytime.”

  “Your offer is very flattering. However, I don’t think I’ll change my mind.”

  Tanti took his leave of Azium Nasusion and turned to go to his room.

  ***

  His room was bright and quiet. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d spent time there during the day. The silence was both calming and disturbing.

  Tanti took his scarf off his neck and spread it on the table. For a long time, he studied the map hidden among the colorful embroidery. The way led him to a cave. There, he would have to search for the Heart of Water, where the mushroom grew. He noticed the signs were cut off abruptly; he wondered what kind of obstacles he’d encounter. A stormy river, a high wall of mountains, perhaps the border, or swamps?

  A light tapping on his window drew Tanti’s attention. A familiar head appeared on the other side of the window. Tanti folded the scarf quickly and went to open the door. “Come in, my friend,” he said, leaning forward. His friend was no longer there, but in the room, the window wide open, letting in light and a fresh breeze.

  Dionun came to hug him. They hadn’t met for quite a while. Dionun looked different. His face was tanned from the sun, his body sturdy and muscular.

  Afleck appeared at the doorway. When he noticed Dionun, he studied Tanti’s face. When he saw Tanti was pleased to see his guest, he greeted Dionun and hurried off to bring a tray full of bread, vegetables, cheese, fruit, and wine. After that, he left them alone.
r />   The two of them sat and ate heartily.

  “I’m glad to see you, my friend. Where have you been until now?”

  “In the mountains, you know. I’ve been busy recruiting and training the new Lizards. Today, I was invited to a meeting with Balanter. Of course, I couldn’t return to the caves without seeing you first.”

  “I was busy too,” Tanti said. “With the horses.”

  “I know,” Dionun said. “You’ve made quite a name for yourself as a horse trainer and a mentor of cavaliers. Good for you, Commander Tanti.”

  “You could’ve been a lot of help, had you showed up earlier.”

  “In war, each person gives what he can. You trained horses, and I trained Lizards. The number of people joining now is higher than usual. The training that my recruits go through is excruciating. It lasts from morning until morning. We have no time to lose.”

  Jolly from the excellent wine, they reminisced about their days in the White prison and laughed about that day, the eve of their “execution,” when they prepared for their escape. They remembered how Tanti pretended to be ill and wounded, and Dionun behaved like such a greedy, repulsive fool that the guards left in disgust, leaving behind the sheet, which helped them escape.

  Yet while he laughed, Tanti shivered. “If you hadn’t gotten us out of there, Dionun, we’d have been hanging from a noose the next day.”

  “Relax. Nothing would’ve happened,” Dionun said. “At the most, I would’ve escaped alone, and you would’ve remained there, a prisoner in the White Tower.”

  “What are you talking about? They sentenced us to death.”

  “Yes, Galrock did order your death,” Dionun said. “But the queen and Nikon didn’t approve the verdict. They relied on the ancient book of laws, which raised doubts as to whether you were a Blue.”

  Tanti paled. “Dionun, are you sure? Are you saying the queen didn’t approve my death sentence? How do you know?”

  “I heard them saying it when the commander of the guard relayed his orders to the wardens. You also would’ve heard of the change at the last minute. That’s how the Whites work. They have hearts of ice.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Tanti, don’t be mad. You were trapped there, a foreigner, frightened, beaten, and bruised. I couldn’t leave you alone. It was only your persistence to live that helped you overcome weakness and pain.”

  Tanti’s face grew dark.

  “Dionun, you helped me during difficult moments and supported me when I no longer had any strength left. I won’t forget that, and I thank you. Nevertheless, I feel uncomfortable. You took my fate in your hands, and you didn’t share that with me. I thought we were friends. Now, I’m no longer sure.”

  “What’s wrong with you, Tanti? Of course we’re friends.” Dionun grabbed Tanti’s shirt and shook his shoulders. “Think about being free in the Blue Palace, eating and drinking under the king’s patronage, a private servant taking care of all your needs. You’re not in the White Tower, in the hands of Galrock, and at the mercy of the Ice Queen. Didn’t I make the right decision?”

  “Perhaps. Nevertheless, I would’ve preferred to make my own decisions about my fate,” Tanti said, and immediately regretted his words. Why did he have to be so ungrateful?

  Dionun let go of him and stepped back. Tanti wanted to tell him he was sorry. That he appreciated what he had done for him and thanked him. But a strange anger and discomfort blocked his throat.

  Dionun opened the window and skipped out to the garden.

  “I must return to my men,” he said. “I can’t leave them alone for too long or they become rowdy.”

  Tanti came to the window. “Goodbye, then.”

  Dionun leaped and swung from the branch of a tree facing the wall. “Galrock still has some surprises coming to him,” he said and sat on a young branch. “And you, don’t let sorrow fill your heart,” he said from his perch high above. “You must understand that I’m used to being the master of my subordinates’ fate, from start to finish. I don’t ask them what they want. It’s a bad habit, yet necessary in order to turn a band of outlaws into outstanding warriors. With you, perhaps I should’ve acted differently.”

  Dionun leaped to a higher branch, and from there, leaned down toward Tanti. “And one more thing before we say goodbye…” His voice became a whisper. “You cannot know or guess how much danger you were in. So if by taking you away, it cost us our friendship… I can live with that.”

  “No, no!” Tanti said. “Our friendship is still solid, Dionun.”

  Dionun had disappeared. He didn’t know if he’d heard him.

  “I’m such an idiot,” he said to himself. “Someone should kick me.”

  “I’ll do that the next time we meet.” He heard Dionun’s voice above his head. Leaves fell on his face when he raised his head toward the voice. There was a faint rustle. Tanti saw a dark figure crawling on the wall and disappearing on the other side.

  ***

  Tanti closed the door behind him and started walking down the path leading to the garden, examining its wild beauty. Cheerful fountains were scattered around the garden, with light blue water flowers in them. Flower beds crowded next to each other in clusters of blue and purple. Ancient water basins, covered with greenish ivy, and statues peeked charmingly from among the flowers, some old and worn, others fresh, gay, and surprising. Wide-trunked, ancient trees were scattered around the garden, their treetops abundant with drooping foliage, spread all over the grounds, a habitat for the population of chattering birds.

  The large garden surrounded the palace. Beyond the fruit orchards were sprawling lawns, swings, vine arbors, and meeting arbors with blossoming creepers decorating their walls. Here, the palace people and their children would visit. Here, social gatherings took place, lovers’ rendezvous, and picnics on the lawn, with groups of musicians and singers entertaining the visitors.

  Not far from his room was a wall of honeysuckle bushes. A small cave between them led to an area of the garden that was barely visited. The paths were narrow and winding, sometimes disappearing altogether between the branches of trees, which invaded undisturbed. Tanti walked deeper into the jumble of vegetation, discovering hidden corners and plants that he’d never seen before. The path led him to the gardener’s cabin, hiding between the tree trunks and the leafage of huge ferns, their fronds spread out like a lover’s arms. It was obvious that a loving, dedicated hand tended to the garden, although he didn’t see the gardener himself. Branches were pruned, plants were tied to supporting sticks, the earth was packed, and the pool water was clean of leaves and rot.

  Today, he saw a slender girl there, wearing a blue dress, standing amid the bushes, a blue flower in her hand.

  The girl said, “Yes,” and ripped a petal from the flower. She ripped off a second petal and threw it while saying, “No.”

  “Yes.” She tore off another petal and turned her head toward Tanti. “He does love me. You see?” she said happily.

  “Of course. One can understand him.” Tanti inclined his head politely. He tried to remember where he’d met the girl.

  Another petal was torn off.

  “No, he doesn’t love me,” she said with a high voice. Her face fell.

  “Who?” Tanti asked.

  “Yes.” The girl chirped, tearing off another petal. “He always gives me a special look.” Before Tanti had time to react, she tore off another petal and said, “No.”

  Her hand stopped before tearing off another petal. “The girls of the palace are charmed by him. Why would he love me?” She closed her eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply.

  “Yes.” Another petal tore from the flower’s heart and she beamed. “He always says my eyes are his secret lakes.” She blushed, and her big eyes seemed to grow even bigger. “And then I tell him that he’d better be careful he doesn’t drown. We laugh. We talk a lot. An
d we always have even more to talk about. But he’s never said anything about how he feels about me.”

  Tanti hoped she’d stop tearing off the petals. The next “no” petal was flung to the path, and the light in her face dimmed.

  “What was I thinking? There are other girls much prettier than me, who spend their days choosing clothes, painting their lips in red. They always try to run into him, as though unintentionally, you understand?” She turned to Tanti and raised the flower toward him. “The last petal is the crucial one, and I’ve picked almost all of them.”

  Tanti saw that only two petals were left and feared that the girl had quite a sad day before her. “Why don’t you ask him what he feels?” he asked carefully. “I’m sure he won’t reject such a nice girl like you, unless he’s blind, dense, or stupid.”

  “Balanter isn’t stupid. How can you even think that? He’s the smartest man in Nautilin, as well as the surrounding countries.”

  Tanti remembered where he had met her. It was Tiponet. Queen Cyan’s lady-in-waiting.

  “Well then, Tiponet, you have nothing to fear,” he said.

  This time, her smile lit up the entire garden. “There’s truth in your words, Tanti,” she said. “And I’d better make do with them today.” She looked at the remaining petals and sighed. “Perhaps I picked the wrong flower.”

  At that moment, he thought he heard one of the bushes rustle. Out of the tangled vegetation emerged a tall, thin man, wrapped in a tangle of hair that had leaves stuck to it. “You’re doing it again, Tiponet,” the walking bush yelled and waved a hand holding a pair of crooked pruning shears.

  Tiponet squeaked in fear, dropped the ragged flower, and ran off.

  Tanti recoiled. The man bent down toward the drooping flower. He reached out with an arm covered with greenish-brown fuzz, as though a layer of moss were covering it. He held the stem, with its two orphaned petals, carefully picked up the petals thrown on the path with long, thin fingers, and placed them in his palm, clucking his tongue with every petal he collected.