Chapter Seven (Pt.2)
The warriors had already shed most of their outer clothing, leaving only cloaks covering light tunic and trousers as the royal progress left Arcspan behind them. It had been three years since Leah had last experienced the dry heat of Kurabar, and the memories were bittersweet. She loved the exotic land, but her last visit had been to pay her respects to Finlonel for the loss of Gwilliyn and Eoli, both mercilessly cut down by the evil that was Shalyer; she hadn’t been back since.
The flat, alien terrain was covered with tall grass, more golden than green, which swayed hypnotically in the light breeze. Only the trees, some tall and lean, others short and squat, broke the monotony of the landscape.
It didn’t take long for Leah’s searching gaze to fall on their escort. The group were sat quietly astride their grey horses, waiting under the sparse shade of a clump of tall trees. Shrouded in many layers of light coloured cloth, they walked their mounts towards the newcomers; the one in the lead loosened the cloth around his face just enough to address Edmon. Formal pleasantries exchanged, they arranged themselves around the outside of the warriors to proceed towards Kurabar.
The pace was unhurried, as they made their way along the road, no more than a wide path that was edged with tall grass. Leah frowned at the unfamiliar view; gone were the vibrant tents of old, swelling in the breeze with carefree abandon. Now the terrain stretched tediously from horizon to horizon.
“Where is everyone?”
Leah started slightly; she didn’t realise that Evalan had moved his horse closer to her.
“I remember, when I came before, there were so many colourful tents... so many friendly people.”
“Many were killed, Evalan,” she replied softly.
“It is no longer as it was before, young prince.”
They turned to the Kurabaran who was riding close to them. He’d pulled the cloth around his face further down to reveal his dark, weathered face, framed by large earrings. His grey-streaked beard shifted slightly in the never-ceasing wind that whispered around them. “No longer do our people make their home wherever they please. Now, because they are so few in number, they live closer to our city where they feel more safe.”
Not for the first time did Leah feel grim satisfaction that she’d succeeded in ridding their world of Shalyer. She remembered the Kurabarans whose tents once dotted the land: a cheery, dark-skinned people, they were known for their selfless hospitality and friendliness. They always insisted on sharing their water, and always shared their tents with any passing warrior patrol. Now, the royal party had to pitch their own tents to shelter from the unrelenting heat of day. And keep their own company until they could travel again in the cooler hours of the evening.
* * * *
As the sun began its westward journey, the progress continued on its way until the spiralling towers atop the white buildings of Kurabar hove into view against the darkening sky. The starkness of the buildings contrasted heavily against the colourful tents arrayed around and sprawling away from the perimeter. As they approached, men stepped out, their movements slow... cautious. The cloth that covered their heads failed to hide the circular earrings they all wore. A few women, intricate silver jewellery jingling around their necks and wrists, hurried out, glancing at the newcomers through lowered lids; they ushered their wide-eyed children back into the tents.
“How different Kurabar feels without the outgoing friendliness it’s known for,” said Maeve, and Edmon softly agreed.
The outsiders were escorted in, the broad walkway allowing them to ride five abreast with room to spare. Various alleys led away from it to out-of-sight places; the people of the city gathered to watch the royal party’s progress.
They came within sight of the large buildings that dominated the centre of the city. Waiting for them was a tall, rotund man robed entirely in white. His head was covered with a white cloth held in place by a rope of red and gold. It was impossible to see his mouth, hidden as it was by his bushy moustache and beard. He held his hands out in greeting.
“Finally, you have come, Edmon.”
The king dismounted and strode up to take the man by the arm. “Flindt, it is good to see you again.”
The Kurabaran leader stepped back. “You remember my wife, Mara?” He beckoned her forward, the lovely-looking woman with milky brown skin.
“Of course,” replied Edmon as he bowed. “Lady Mara.”
Seemingly years younger than her husband, she was dressed in a gown of vivid blue, heavily embroidered with red and yellow thread. Her blue-black hair left uncovered, snaked over her shoulders, highlighting the intricately designed silver earrings that hung from her ears. Discs of solid silver joined with thick red cord, adorned her slender neck. Thin, highly polished bangles covered her lower arms, jingling musically with her every movement.
Moving up to join her husband, she graced the king with a low bow. “My lord.” Her eyes, jet-black discs, twinkled merrily as she smiled and extended her arms towards Maeve. “My lady, welcome.”
Maeve stepped into her embrace. “Lady Mara, please call me Maeve.”
“Then you will call me Mara.”
Maeve looked past her. “Ah, your children...”
Flindt said, “My son and his wife.”
The clean-shaven young man stepped forward.
Leah failed to stop the gasp that escaped her... she was barely aware of Maeve glancing back at her in surprise. Both mother and daughter had recognised Nadeen even though the dark-skinned young woman said nothing.
Flindt’s son bowed respectfully and Nadeen did the same; Edmon showed no sign of having recognised a former warrior.
Then Mara was summoning the two younger girls, one taller than the other, to come forward to meet the royal couple. And Flindt proceeded to invite Edmon and his family to partake of the welcoming feast that had been prepared in their honour.
Returning Evalan’s wave, Leah watched her family walk away. But her attention was on Nadeen. She’d been devastated when Artur had been killed; when her family had suggested moving back to Kurabar, she’d agreed without any arguments. All the while Leah had known her, Nadeen had never once mentioned the Kurabaran royal family... yet here she was the daughter-in-law of the leader.