Esther's Innocence

by Benjamin Boswell

“Hmm, I see your point.”

  “I think I might have a plan though,” said Malachi, pulling a chair out and sitting down, “While I was working at the palace this morning, I walked by the Hall of Scholars where the court Wisemen work and study. Several of them are just bumbling fools who will say anything to please their audience, but most of them are scholars, mathematicians, and physicians,” Malachi said. “It’s not unusual for scholars and doctors to come visiting from far off lands and places, to learn and study with the Wisemen, sharing knowledge and learning from them.”

  “Yes!” said Joel, “Dr. Scott could be a learned doctor sent from Ardmorr, which would give us access to the palace and a chance to try and find out how the Uncle is planning on carrying out the assassination.”

  “You’re partly correct, Joel,” said Malachi, “But we won’t be able to introduce your Dr. Scott as having been officially sent from Ardmorr, or the Ardmorran Ambassador and staff will become involved and see through our ruse. Also, the doctors entourage would need to be relatively small, allowing only a few of you access. This is why it is so fortunate that we have Oluchi, Nkiru, Esther, and now Marigold.”

  “And why is that, my husband?” asked Shauri, puzzled.

  “Because, instead of saying that Dr. Scott was sent from Ardmorr, we’ll say he is an independent physician who is traveling to learn different techniques for healing used in different places. Even if they are not sent by a sovereign nation, physicians are almost always welcome at the palace to study with the Wisemen of the court, especially if they are accompanied by beautiful young women,” Malachi said with a smile and winked at Esther and Marigold.

  “That just might work,” Geoffrey interjected, sitting up straight as the ideas began to flow. “I spent most of my time while onboard the Ngozi discussing medicine and surgical procedures with their ship’s surgeon. I wasn’t there very long, but I did pick up a few interesting pieces of knowledge I can share, and the fact that it came from a ships surgeon and not a traditional physician might mean the physicians among the Wisemen may not have already heard about them. Also, on our way from Deyr, I learned about some desert plants that have certain medicinal qualities. Most of those they probably have already heard of, but it could help solidify my story.”

  “Yes,” said Malachi, “And having an Easterner warrior accompanying you for protection will also lend a great deal of weight as well. It’s obvious that Dr. Scott and Marigold are from Ardmorr or one of the Northern Kingdoms. Even though Marigold’s skin is as dark as that of Oluchi and Nkiru, her speech and mannerisms are too Northern to pass as an Easterner, and I doubt she knows much of the Easterner language herself, do you?” he said, turning to Marigold.

  “No,” Marigold replied, “My ancestors arrived in Ardmorr at the same time as the first settlers from the North after the plagues ended and the area was recolonized.”

  “I thought so,” said Malachi, “Esther speaks Hadiqan fluently and looks and can act enough like one to pass as one from the provinces—perhaps from Deyr? It’s obscure enough that no one will ask much about it, and you’ve been there if they do. It helps that her given name is used often in both Hadiq and Ardmorr. That would make your entourage small enough to work—and the mixture of foreign assistants and servants should give your background the weight it needs.”

  Everyone around the room nodded, seemingly pleased with the plan.

  “Dr. Scott,” continued Malachi, “Your job will be pretty straightforward. You will simply do what your cover story says to do—learn and share as much as you can about medicine with the Wisemen.”

  Malachi turned to Esther. “You say that this assassination plot is going to happen the day before Lammas?”

  “Yes,” she said, “Although the Madrausan High Priest said it was going to happen by the Jiyamna before Lammas. That means it could happen as early as tonight, or as late as the last day of the month before Lammas, which means we have to hurry and find out how he’s going to do it.”

  “I’m afraid there is no easy way to do that,” Malachi said, “As urgent as this may seem, we need to be patient. We absolutely cannot rush this, do we all understand?”

  Esther and the others nodded.

  “I don’t think the High Priest would have mentioned the Jiyamna if it was going to happen much before then,” said Malachi.

  “I think you’re probably right,” said Esther, “but I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the possibility.”

  “I understand,” he said, dipping his head in acknowledgement, “And thank you. If it wasn’t for your perseverance—and even pushing me when I thought it was impossible—we would never have even come up with a plan.”

  Esther nodded, her cheeks flushing at his compliment.

  “Alright—Esther and Marigold—you are going to be Dr. Scott’s assistants and will spend most of your time with him and the other Wisemen. Try and find a couple of them that you think you could develop some sort of relationship with—not necessarily a romantic one,” Malachi said quickly when he saw the startled look on Esther’s face, “Just a friendly relationship that would allow you to talk freely about things. See what they know about the Uncle. Nkiru, you are a bit too young to be an assistant, however, we do need someone to fill the role of a servant. Would you be willing to do that?”

  Nkiru nodded.

  “Great. Part of your job will be bringing food and drink from the kitchens to Dr. Scott, Esther, and Marigold, but most of the time, I just want you to listen to what the other servants are saying. Make friends, but don’t ask any questions, just listen to what they have to say. I want all three of you to become familiar with the Hall of Scholars and the areas that you can access. See what you can find out and listen to what you hear people saying, but be discrete. Don’t try and sneak around, just act…curious about everything. I have a rotating shift, but I will try and get in touch with you every day to find out if you have heard anything that we can use.”

  Malachi turned to Oluchi.

  “Oluchi, your job will mostly consist of escorting them to and from the guest residence area. There will be other foreigners in the guest residences and so you will be expected to provide protection for Dr. Scott while he’s there, but when he’s in the main part of the palace itself, you will not be expected—or even allowed—to stay with him armed with a sword or spear. You will be allowed to mingle with the other bodyguards and palace guardsmen, so ask questions. Get to know them…why they are there…things like that. But be discrete as well. Remember, we can’t rush this.”

  “Joel,” continued Malachi, turning to the Bosun, “I’m going to tap you and Baird into the underground here in Al Farnaka. You may have to do a job or two that might be a little unsavory, but I’ll make sure I don’t put you into contact with any of the truly bad elements. I want you to find out if there is any noise about what may be coming. Mac, I’m sorry, but I’m afraid you seem just a little too refined to pass for a criminal.” A chuckle ran around the room. “We’ll have you on hand if we find a need for your expertise, but for now, I think we’ll have you manage some of the logistical functions on this end, if that is alright.”

  “That’s perfectly fine,” Mac responded with a grin.

  “If anything goes wrong, I have a trusted friend that owns the first shop on the left as you enter the central marketplace from here. He lives there and doesn’t have any family. If anything goes sideways, that will be our meeting place. His name is Alborz. From here on in, we’re committed. Are there any questions?” Malachi paused, looking around the room at each of them, “…and so it begins.”

  - - -

  Esther sat in front of the large mirror that stood on a cheap chest of drawers in Shauri and Malachi’s small bedroom, dressed in her nightgown and brushing her hair. Marigold was standing on the other side of the bed behind her, pulling her trousers off to change into her own nightgown. Shauri had lent them her room to change in and get ready for bed since their children’s room would be crowded with young kids al
so getting ready for bed at the moment.

  “So,” said Marigold matter-of-factly, “What’s up between you and the doctor?”

  Esther stopped brushing her hair and turned around, feeling an embarrassed blush creep up her cheeks. “What do you mean?”

  “At first, I wasn’t sure, so I asked Joel. He says you and the doc are—well, you’re something,” said Marigold as she slipped the nightgown down over her head.

  Esther turned back to the mirror and continued to brush her hair. “He’s nice.”

  “Yes,” replied Marigold, “And very handsome.”

  Esther blushed again. “Yes, and very handsome.”

  “So how did this come about…I’d never pictured you in a relationship. I mean, you’d always been so focused on reading and your experiments and things. I just never would have thought…”

  “Yeah, well…it just sort of happened, and I’m not really in a relationship. He hasn’t asked to court me or anything.”

  “You’ve kissed him, haven’t you?” said Marigold.

  Esther looked down and didn’t answer.

  “That’s pretty serious, Esther,” said Marigold, dropping her nonchalant attitude. “Especially without a declaration of courtship.” Esther looked up in the mirror and could see the concern in her friend’s eyes. Marigold walked over, took the brush from her hands, and continued combing through Esther’s hair.

  “I know,” said Esther, “He’s a good man, and Mac has talked to him. Things are just so…unsettled right now. It’s just…with everything that’s happened…I guess it’s nice to still be wanted, you know? I mean, it’s not like I was getting a lot of attention from anyone in Tewksbury, and with what happened on the Ngozi…” Esther paused a moment. “It’s not just that though. He makes me feel…like me. He’s smart, witty, and I can talk to him without feeling like I have to pretend. I’ve never felt so natural talking to someone…even my mother.” Esther laughed. “Or maybe especially my mother.”

  “Then I’m happy for you,” said Marigold, putting her hand on Esther’s shoulder.

  “Thanks Marigold, and I appreciate you looking out for me. You’re a good friend.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  CHAPTER 28

  The Palace

  To see the palace up close was an experience I will never forget. It was simply majestic. I try not to let the press of events lessen the beauty and wonder that I see all around me, which, of course, isn’t just limited to the architecture and environment, but to the people that I meet as well.

  Esther marveled at the sheer size of the palace complex and the architectural wonders of its various buildings, towers, bridges, and gardens. She looked up as she walked under a giant pointed arch, beyond which lay the courtyard in front of the palace. People bustled about everywhere—soldiers, servants, bureaucrats, and foreign dignitaries. Esther had to bite her tongue and restrain herself when a group of Ardmorran’s walked by in order to keep from running up to them and shouting, “Hey, I’m one of you, take me home!” The thought brought a smile to her lips. The palace grounds—from the first plateaued tier all the way up to the tier where the palace itself sat—were all spectacularly landscaped with beautiful gardens everywhere.

  A warship passed overhead from where it had been docked with a massive tower next to the courtyard. The late morning sun shone overhead, casting delightful shadows from the nearby buildings, towers, buttresses, and bridges. A pleasant breeze blew from the west and the morning air smelled fresh. The mid-summer’s heat would grow unrelenting later, but for now, the temperature was pleasant.

  Esther reached up and pressed her hand to her chest where she’d slipped a piece of parchment under her choli blouse. After waiting nearly a week, they had finally gained permission for Dr. Scott to study with the Wisemen. That parchment allowed them continued access to the Hall of Scholars, a normally restricted area of the palace grounds. If Dr. Scott had been a well-known doctor, wealthy, or even officially represented by the Ardmorran Government, obtaining the papers would have been much easier—and faster. They had eventually come through, thankfully, and arrangements were made for them to stay at a small apartment in the guest residence structure. It only left a little over two weeks until Lammas and Esther felt the press of time, but—as Malachi had counselled—it was important that they be patient. They were involved in dangerous business now and one false move could lead them all to their deaths.

  They had stopped earlier at the guest hall on the second tier of the palace grounds where they would be staying. It was a beautiful building with four minarets on each corner that rose up above the building. Luxurious furnishings adorned its interior. A thin man with a mustache had showed them to their apartment where they had stowed their trunks and other gear.

  Now, as they approached the palace, Esther’s heart began to beat faster. This is it, she thought. The palace stood over them at the top of a long set of stairs, its golden dome gleaming in the bright sunlight, contrasting with the white stone of its walls. Pointed arched windows and doors, as well as the secondary towers—little more than minarets really with their golden roofs and white stone—gave the palace a sense of space and coordination. The architecture was magnificent to behold. The view literally took her breath away and she had to consciously force herself to breathe again.

  It was strange because Esther had always thought that seeing such luxury, when so many people in the world had so little, would evoke feelings of frustration and anger. But somehow, the majesty of it all didn’t seem opulent or overindulgent. It just seemed grand—as if all the Hadiqan Empire had come together and said, “Come look at what human ingenuity can do!” It felt like something marvelous—a goal for humanity to strive for. And maybe that’s what it was—a symbol of what can be done, and what human endeavor could accomplish. Esther realized that her present feelings were likely to be tempered after going inside and meeting the self-important members of the court, but for now she let herself experience the grandness of the palace unfettered by the underlying negativity. A faint breeze brought the smell of garden flowers and she took a deep breath of the fresh, wonderful smelling air.

  “Dr. Scott!”

  Esther turned to see Malachi waving as he walked down the expansive stairs. Esther followed Dr. Scott as he led them over to meet Malachi, who reached out and shook Geoffrey’s hand.

  “It took longer than I would have liked, but you’re finally in,” said Malachi, “Come, I’ll take you up to the clerk who will introduce you at the Hall of Scholars. Oluchi, I’m afraid this is as far as they will let you go. There’s a room in that building over there,” Malachi pointed to a building flanking the courtyard, “Guards of foreign dignitaries and off duty imperial guardsmen meet there to socialize, or entertain themselves with games of skill or chance. You could also leave and return just before sundown to escort Dr. Scott back to the Guest Hall if you’d like. Just let the Sergeant-at-Arms on duty at the courtyard gate know where you’ll be and if Dr. Scott has need of you sooner than that, a runner will be sent to fetch you.

  Oluchi nodded, glancing at Esther a moment, then turned and left. There had been a look in his eyes that Esther didn’t recognize. Not knowing what it was, and not having the opportunity to ask him about it, she dismissed it, trailing after Marigold as she followed Geoffrey and Malachi up the stone stairs to the main doors of the palace. Several sets of pointed arched doorways lead into a large open area with a high ceiling. The doors were open, letting in the cool morning air, with people coming and going as they went about their various tasks, their voices and feet echoing off the marble-like floor and columns.

  Malachi led them over to a desk where several men were standing. They handed their papers to the men and waited. The clerk scrutinized their papers, then looked up and said, “Wait here and an escort will be with you shortly.”

  “Thank you,” said Geoffrey, stepping away from the desk to wait.

  “Alright,” said Malachi, “I have to get back to my duties, but I wis
h you all good luck with your studies.”

  “Thank you, Malachi,” said Geoffrey, shaking his hand.

  It was several minutes after Malachi left before their escort arrived. He gestured for Geoffrey and his entourage to follow him. He was a tall, lanky fellow with skin a shade or two darker than Esther’s own light brown skin. Esther chuckled to herself when she saw his eyes linger on Marigold before he could jerk them away. True to form, Marigold had taken the ghagra choli skirt and blouse that Shauri had donated to her and used her impressive tailoring skills to modify it extensively. The end result looked Ardmorran with a hint of Hadiqan. It was downright conservative compared to what Marigold had worn in the past, but it still showed large amounts of skin that would have made Esther blush had she been wearing it.

  “You have permission for continued access to the Hall of Scholars and the palace as far as the King’s audience chamber,” said the man, leading them through a door out onto the garden grounds. They headed towards a large building to the west of the palace. “But never go beyond the King’s audience chamber,” he continued, “Guests are not authorized beyond those areas, and anyone caught doing so risks a long period of confinement if they aren’t killed outright, no matter their position or standing. The Imperial Guard does not have a sense of humor about this matter, so do not test them.”

  Maybe that was another reason why Hadiqan Royalty were so difficult to assassinate, thought Esther. Even the highest noble in the land could be killed instantly by entering the King’s presence uninvited.

  The man led them up a set of stairs and through a peaked arch. Just ahead of them was a large room surrounded by pillars, with a spacious domed roof overhead. Sunlight shone through wide windows set high on the walls just below the dome that lit up the whole area. Sizable flat stones made up the floor. Behind the pillars on each side of the room were long tables with all sorts of equipment on them. This was the Hall of Scholars.