The ball went high. It landed on the storm shutters that stuck out above the window like a canopy, rattling down the wooden slats. For all the quiet of the courtyard, it sounded like the MaShaitani were making their assault upon the city. He cringed below the window, fearful he had woken the entire household.
His concern was in vein. No one stirred in any of the windows he could see from where he hid. Thinking to try one last time to get the Princess’s attention, Rakam slowly rose to his feet. He made one last look around the courtyard, searching for any sign of the guard or other unwanted personages. Then he saw her.
Negara was hiding in the shadows, at the very verge of the window. She had wrapped herself in a dark blanket, mostly covering the white of her nightdress, but the collar of the dress was poking out at her neck, making her visible. Smiling, Rakam balled the tallow in his hand, thinking perhaps to surprise her. But that was when he saw the Princess held a bow, outstretched and at the ready. An arrow was at the string, her hand drawn back about halfway.
That was why the white of her gown had become invisible, not because of any oversight, but because she was on guard. Holding the tallow ball in his hand, Rakam waved, knowing if she feared him, she could shoot him where he stood before he could move out of the way. Struck by the situation, he wondered if he had to duck out of the way if he should go to the right or to the left. He wondered if she knew which way he would go better than he did.
Tentatively, Negara waved back. Rakam put both hands on the windowsill where she could see them. Leaning out toward her, he mouthed the words, “Can I see you?”
Negara looked doubtful. She lowered the bow, but stood indecisive as Rakam tried to make himself understood more clearly.
He asked the question again, adding, “I would like to talk to you.”
Either finally understanding or giving in, Negara nodded, pointing to the courtyard, a small bench that lay below her window. Smiling, Rakam climbed out onto the windowsill.
Though he was on the second of three levels, the first level was nearly three times as high as he was tall. Despite the age, the stones of the palace were well fitted and the smooth plaster made the wall seem to be hewn from a single stone. There was no crack or ledge to take hold of. As he could think of no other way down, Rakam finally let himself hang by his hands from the windowsill and drop. He landed rather awkwardly but with very little noise on the soft soil in a patch of sweet herb.
None the worse for the drop, Rakam turned to see if he had been observed, still a little fearful of the guard. He saw no one, which was reassuring enough. Where he came from, the sort of behavior he was engaging in would at the very least receive an instant rebuke if not a call of alarm.
Negara was more practiced in her escape methods than Rakam. Out of her window on the third level came a length of knotted rope. Having dressed in clothes more appropriate to a stable boy than a king’s daughter, she skillfully descended, so quiet and quick that there was not a creak to be heard.
“So, what is it you want?” said Negara at last, a little more irritably than Rakam expected. He was put off a bit, thinking perhaps in his fantasy she had received some mental projection of his affections for her, that she knew why he wanted to see her. She added impatiently, “Well?”
Keeping his voice to a low whisper, Rakam said, “Ah, oh, I was awake. I thought you might like to talk.”
“Talk? About what?” she replied, crossing her arms over her chest.
Rakam stammered, “Well, I don’t know, I thought that you might just want to….”
“So, in total disregard of all propriety, at the expense of my reputation, and in the likely event you would be killed if we are discovered, you thought you would pull me out of my bedroom just to have a little chit-chat.”
“I didn’t think of it that way.”
“You didn’t think of it that way?” Negara repeated sarcastically, her voice rising.
Becoming defensive, Rakam said, “No, I just thought it might be nice to talk. I didn’t realize I was doing anything wrong.”
“A young man and a young woman, out together unsupervised while everyone else is sleeping. That didn’t strike you as improper?”
“No. I had no ill intent.”
“Not a thought beyond your intent, even when the man and woman are both of royal houses?”
Rakam laughed, “We don’t go in much for that sort of thing where I come from. Birth is all fine and good, but a man’s real worth is defined by his actions.”
“Oh, so first you put my life in danger, and then you insult me.”
“I’m not going to take advantage of you, Princess,” said Rakam, his voice rising above the harsh whispers to nearly a shout. “If you are so worried about what your father thinks, then you should climb back up that fancy rope of yours and go to bed.”
There was an unexpected noise from above. Rakam ducked down, as if in reaction to having been assailed, taking Negara by the arm and quickly guiding her to a spot behind the bench that was hidden by a flowering bush. Together they hunkered down in the shadows as they listened to the movement. Someone was definitely awake.
From one of the windows above them, up and to the left, someone was making an excessive amount of noise, perhaps finding a chamber pot, such was the haste and clatter at which the object was sought. Rakam held Negara tightly to him, trying not to breath, trying to will the person to find whatever it was he or she was looking for. The noise went on unabated for some time. Rakam was beginning to wonder what all the fuss was about, seriously beginning to believe he was becoming a witness to murder, when he heard the telltale signs that his first guess had been correct.
Negara began to shake slightly at the sounds, and when Rakam looked down, her hand clamped tightly over her mouth and her eyes shining, he found he couldn’t help laughing either. They clutched each other, trying to keep their giggles from rising and giving them away. The man, it was most definitely a man, gave a final sigh and completed his work.
Rakam and Negara huddled close in the shadows lest they be spied by a casual glance from their unsuspecting interloper. They could hear the man return to bed, and before long, settle into sleep once again. Rakam rose, still holding the Princess’s hand, and led her to the front of the bench where they sat down.
Not letting go of her hand and before she could say a word, he said, “I apologize for what I said. Sometimes I can’t seem to keep my foot out of my mouth.”
“Then I must apologize, as well,” Negara replied graciously. “You deserve more respect as a Kasisi and as an honored member of the royal house.”
He looked into her eyes, not letting her turn from him, and he said softly, “We are cousins by marriage only, not so closely family.”
“Oh?” Negara replied, looking down. “And, why is that important?”
Rakam put his other hand to hers and said, “Why do you think?”
“Me? What does it matter what I think? You obviously have your own opinions about things, and what I say has little bearing.”
“What you think means more to me than all your Council of Elders and all the people of your city.”
“Why should I matter so much to you?”
Chuckling, he said, “Well, if you plan to take me as a husband, as you say.”
“That? No, I’ve changed my mind,” said Negara, looking away. “I’ve decided upon Kolojo. He really is the better man. He knows how to conduct himself in civilized company.”
“He knows how to follow the rules, then.”
“Yes.”
“Well, I will not argue that Kolojo is the better man, by any standard, but he is not the man for you.”
“And, why not,” Negara said defensively, “is not a king’s daughter good enough for him? You think he will not have me?”
“No, it’s because you don’t want someone who is going to follow your rules.”
Abruptly turned to anger, the Princes said, “And why should you want me now? Why is it that you come to me as you do, wh
ile all others are asleep, speaking sweet words and trying to gain pleasures like I’m some pagan trollop!”
“No, no, not at all,” Rakam replied quickly, off balance.
“Or is it because you see the wealth of my father’s household and wish to have it for your own? Do you wish to make yourself rich and an heir to a kingdom?”
“Of course not, you know me better than that.”
“Yes, I know the Rakam I grew up with. Why were you not so interested in my affections then?”
“But then we were children, and now we are no longer children.” He lifted her chin so that she would look him in the eye. Despite the shadows, Rakam could tell her cheeks were hot with blood. “We have both changed. Will you not now give me the chance to win your heart for how I acted as a child?”
Softly, she said, “Well, since you have come to my window, risking your life if my father sees you, then you should at least have your say.” She tried to look away as she spoke, but he cradled her face in his hands and gently made her look at him.
“Then might a man who risks his life not request the favor of a kiss?”
“A kiss? But then if the guards do come, your life would surely be forfeit.”
“Perhaps I value your kiss above my life and would gladly make such a trade.”
“Then, you are a fool.”
“But then fools are so often the happiest amongst us. Let me be a fool for if I do not kiss your lips, my heart will break; and I will surely die anyway. Do not let me die in vain.” He bent toward her, and their lips touched. Softly, gently, they kissed, lips speaking in gentle passion.
The man from the room above had not returned to sleep. Though his stomach was upset from the rich feast and using the chamber pot was a relief, he could not find rest for all the events of his troubled realm. So Pakali had risen from his bed, studying a plan for a new thrashing machine. He sat at his window, forgoing a candle, using the light of the sister moons as he made a few suggestions to the craftsman whose plan it was. It was then he heard voices, quiet yet furtive, two young people alone in the garden.
Smiling, he heard what he thought to be the sounds of a rising ardor. Remembering young love and his own moments of forbidden passion, he leaned forward in his chair and looked down to see the young couple below. They finally separated, looking deeply into each other’s eyes, embracing fondly. He watched as the two said their goodbyes, the young Kasisi finding his way out through the gate, his daughter climbing up her secret rope and back into her room.
Chapter 17
A special meeting was called by the Great Council of the People to investigate the claims Rakam and Mabetu made concerning the return of the MaShaitani. Feeling as if he were on trial, Rakam stood before the assembly of grumpy looking old men in their garish robes and told his tale. He began his story with the lands of the Purple Fern, but neglected to include the incident with the Jinn and the loss of his gift of True Sight.
Pakali had recommended as much, though he had not come out and said one way or the other what Rakam should do. The politics of the situation eluded Rakam, but he thought it best to stand behind his uncle, the rightful ruler of the land. After they listened to what Rakam had to say about the MaShaitani, allowing him to speculate on what course of action should be taken in dealing with their ancient enemy, the Great Council of the People excused him to a waiting room.
Finding the waiting room most comfortable, and suffering somewhat for his adventures with the Princess, Rakam soon lost himself to sleep again. He was having a strange dream about a man with a white face, riding a shooting star down to the world from the heavens when he was awakened. The Council was calling him to stand before them once again, but for what reason the guards would not say.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes even as he was walking into the council chamber, Rakam saw Negara was there. The Princess was formally attired, with a circle of gold on her forehead. She watched Rakam enter, as they were all watching him, but she kept her face impassive, like the time they had spent together had never happened.
Rakam thought it best she do so, but he was certain he could not look upon her with as little emotion, even though he tried. Instead, he focused his attention upon the Council members, his great-grandfather, and Pakali. When he had reached the front of the room, Rakam made a bow and was about to descend to his knees, but before he could the King gave him a sign to remain standing.
A mischievous grin on his face, Pakali gave Rakam a quick wink. Then the King motioned Negara to stand next to Rakam, putting them before the assembly. Rakam was puzzled by the look from his uncle, and when he sought explanation from his great-grandfather, Mabetu returned only a stiff smile and avoided making eye contact.
“Thank you, my lord and king, for summoning me again,” Rakam said, making a smooth bow. “How may I be of service?”
Standing, Pakali motioned for Rakam to sit in front of the gallery, in the place for those of rank who were not members of the Council. “Yes, thank you, very well said.”
Rakam gave another bow and found two finely carved chairs provided, the only places open. He looked questioningly to Pakali, who was as impenetrable as stone, and then sat as instructed. Negara followed him. She had a look of irritation, as though she expected all was not as it seemed.
Returning to his throne, Pakali gathered his robes and looked out over the full Council, the men of rank and the minor nobles, the wealthy merchants and craftsmen who had earned their place in the kingdom’s government. “Thank you for answering my summons at this time of fear and doubt. The Long Night has come and our ancient enemy has returned, their will set upon our utter destruction.”
Pakali let the words fall to silence. The crowd watched him, saying nothing, the fear and tension building. “Though our enemy is at our door, soon the festival of the night will begin.”
“Nonsense,” Bathubo grumbled loudly, “such frivolities at a time of war are foolishness. You would waste the harvest and future of our peoples for no good reason when our future is so uncertain.”
“Nay,” said Pakali, a glint in his eye, “for the celebration will be provided for out of my own estate. Though my kingdom and the entire world may come to an end, the festival will be held. I have ordered warriors to bring in extra stores of game, and to travel to the villages to gather what has been left in the haste of our people to come here.”
Bathubo interrupted, “Again I say it is a waste. We shall have need….”
“And, with the festival of the night, I should like to also celebrate the wedding of my daughter to Rakam, Kasisi of the lands of the Falling Lakes, great-grandson of Mabetu, the highest and most renowned Kasisi of the entire world.”
Pakali strode down from his high throne to where Rakam and Negara sat, one just as stunned as the other. “Well, Rakam, what is your answer?”
His eyes shot to Mabetu for guidance, but the old man merely nodded and smiled. Finding that his voice shook as he spoke, Rakam said, “I am most honored, dear uncle, and honored king. I would gladly have Negara as my wife.”
“Good,” Pakali replied, giving him a knowing smile. “Flowers of the garden must bloom in their own time, don’t you agree?”
“Yes, my lord, and I would not have it otherwise. But I should like to ask her myself, if I may be permitted to do so.”
“Yes, I think it best. Know also that this union has your family’s blessing. The women of your kin agree as does your great-grandfather.”
“Thank you.” Rakam stood, finding his legs could not support him. It was all going so fast. He had known this beautiful young woman since they were children, but it still felt as if he knew hardly anything about her at all. Taking a deep breath, steadying himself, he then went to his knees before Negara. She sat motionless, but she was smiling and her eyes were filling with tears. “Negara, will you marry me?”
Catching the implication of his words, Negara blushed. She held out her hands and Rakam took them in his, looking into her dark eyes, tears falling freely f
rom them both. “Yes, I will marry you. I would be honored to call you my love and my husband.”
Addressing the crowd, Pakali said, “Good, and so shall it be done. Rakam will marry Negara, and then the festival will be held.”
The King then turned his attention from the crowd back to Rakam and Negara. “Immediately following the festival, you will take up an errand for me. You will travel to the Gray Rock Village, a place in the farthest reaches of my kingdom. Though we have had no emissary for many rains, I have not forgotten the oaths spoken between us. As my subjects, they must also be warned and protected. Before now, I have had no one I could trust to send. Go and bring all the people of the Gray Rock and the surrounding villages to me here in this place of strength.”
“What?” Negara shrieked, nearly knocking Rakam over as she stood. “So that is your plan, to marry me off and then send me away, far from the people that I love, the city that I love, so that I will not face the dangers of battle. Really father, this is beyond even your usual meddling.”
“Quiet daughter,” Pakali said. “I have chosen you a fine husband, a man to your liking, I am certain. But I will use all my subjects for the purposes that I see fit, especially at this, our time of dire need.”
“I will not flee from danger.”
“True enough, I’m sending you away. This is, I admit, in part to protect you, but the Council and I agree. The people must come here for their own protection. This is the only place of safety, and I have no others as capable of succeeding on this errand.”
Pakali then went to Negara and bowed to her, saying gently, “Will you not follow my will in this matter? I beg it of you. Do as I ask.”
Chapter 18
“Well, where the hell are they?” Crenshaw shouted as the Private, one of Captain Jones’s men, made his report. “We’ve been looking for the better part of a week and still no sign. What are you idiots doing out there? We were right on top of them.”
Reign of the Nightmare Prince Page 15