He asked for triple and they settled on 2.4 times his value with thirty percent for her. Averis also agreed and they set to their calculations with great excitement. Within a week she was a partner.
If you wish to read from an earlier book, from Book 01 to Book 08, use this link button to open the LC Book Index:
5861
The Mansion was renamed The West Mansion and the new one was named The East Mansion. Kiris had the experience and money to improve on the first one and people were flocking to it to marvel at the luxury and beauty - and the high prices. Tserika took Nericha for morning tea to The East Mansion on the day it opened and Tserika had to give her little friend at least an hour to get over her enthusiasm and admiration of Kiris. It was a lovely hour for her as she could sense all the emotions of Nericha.
Exactly the way a bird will suddenly burst out in song, her childish voice sang out. “I’m so happy Tseri!”
Tserika left herself open to the acute feelings she was being inundated by and taking her little hand in hers she kissed it. She gave a mischievous grin. “Despite being forced to spend so many hours every day studying?”
She pulled a face and then laughed. “I don’t mind, I like learning new things. I used to be so bored ever since Kiris got us a maid and I had nothing to do. Did you know that he does most of his studying at night? I wish he could do some of it in the day, I usually fall asleep before he finishes.”
“Tell him. Do it in a nice way and I’m certain he will try to accommodate you. Is he enjoying it?”
“He complains, saying most of it is nonsense and has nothing to do with the real world.”
“What is real is only what we decide is real. Learn all you can and one day you will discover that your real world has expanded beyond belief.”
Once Nericha had settled down, she pointed out to her two elderly women who sat without talking, enviously watching families and friends enjoying themselves. Making a game of it she started teaching her empathy. “I wonder what their story is, they look so unhappy. Most ordinary people would say they are rich so they must be happy. The truth is that wealth does help make life fun when times are good and a little more bearable when times are bad. Imagine for a moment that they are incredibly wealthy and when they were young, they fell in love and married. With the years they found out that their husbands were cheating on them, but our world is not a very friendly place for women on their own, so they pretended they did not know. As they grew old they comforted themselves with the thought that at least they would have companionship as their husbands grew too old for sexual escapades. As their dreams started to become reality their husbands died. Can you imagine their loneliness and the envy they feel as they see us younger women, our faces still filled with love? I bet they imagine all these women are happy, their husbands love them and are faithful. Can you put yourself in their minds and imagine how they must ache for a life and dreams wasted?” Cynically she added. “The truth is that most of these happy faces are hiding the same pain, for they know their husbands are being unfaithful.” Nericha did not have a chance, Tserika was sending (faintly, so as not to frighten her) their emotions as she talked.
“Men are horrible.”
“Child, just as many men suffer in the same way. Humans are horrible. They can also be wonderful - just like you.”
When she got home, she looked in a mirror and stuck out her tongue as she taunted those she’d charged with the job of teaching Nericha empathy. We all laughed. An alien adult body with its weird to us chemistry cannot change our little Tseri-baby.
Kiris is by now importing and exporting to other cities a fair volume. His farm produce is transported by his own people so it gives him a sense of comfort and he thinks the transport business is simple and very lucrative. Averis tried to talk him out of it, even Ezikel, when asked, gave warning that it is far more complex than Kiris believes. As usual, Kiris refused to listen to them.
5862
We watched the other transporters conspire. Over the next few months his trains of goods were attacked and he lost large amounts of money. Stubbornly he added a troop of guards. He still found that his goods arrived with damages or short due to pilfering. The tighter his controls became the more it cost him and he lost money on most transfers. The other transporters worked together, their caravans travelling in groups and they shared the costs of security. The staff also knew that the staff of the other companies would report them so pilfering was at a minimum. None of them would allow his caravans to travel with theirs and he stubbornly continued to bleed financially. By the terms of her agreement, Tserika could not interfere, not that she would have anyway. She felt he has a lesson to learn and does not mind losing money. She did not foresee what the true cost would be.
The jurisdiction of the guards, the unwritten law that keeps them safe in the city does not extend beyond the official borders. Kiris convinced five guards to travel with his caravan. On the second trip they were attacked and though most of his staff were not harmed, all five guards were killed.
“We are not liked Kiris. Many see us as the servants of the rich and powerful, enforcing their rules and laws, forgetting that we also protect ordinary men and women. There are also corrupt guards who use their official positions to milk those who cannot afford their own guards. That is why there still are the odd killings of guards within the city. I warned you those you sent out would be in danger, but you listened to the foolish guards who thought their training would give them an edge. The bandits are made up out of men who were too violent to live in the city and had to leave so as to survive. It is a hard life out there and there are no guards or courts to settle their arguments. Their law is the law of the knife. Hiring guards to escort your caravans provokes an attack. Hire mercenaries, warriors like those of Lady Tserika, but do not send more guards, unless you wish them to be killed.”
“I ask those who earn their living from me to be loyal and risk their lives in protecting my interests, but I do not send men to be killed. Averis, please visit the families of those who died and arrange for them to receive three quarters of the wages their men earned. Payments will continue until their children are adults and then be reduced to a third. Give them my deepest sympathies. Hold on, let me think.” The child in him liked his idea. “Have goldsmiths prepare medallions for us. Instruct them to etch the words on top in smaller letters, ‘The Kiris Group’, below that, ‘Honours’ then the name of the man who died and at the bottom, ‘For bravery beyond the call of duty’.” He waved his hand. “Something like that, I leave it to you. We will have a ceremony to present the medallions to their wives and children. With the medallion I’ll give them a certificate that undertakes to pay the families as I have already instructed, stating we do it to honour the deceased. Ezikel, no family will suffer because their provider died in my service. It is only fair.”
Averis was horrified at the cost, foreseeing that more would die as the years went by, but he could not help chuckling. “The other traders will say you have taken leave of your senses and will soon be bankrupted.”
“Let them. I bet you all their best employees will leave them to work for us. Men work better if they are shown they are important to us.” Tserika got all teary, certain it was Robbie influencing him. I’ll remind her later.
I’m flattered! She has been monitoring my writing and demanded I explain myself. I reminded her of the lessons of Robbie and what the police officer said when his sister thanked God for sending Robbie to them. I told her she was doing the same, stealing from Kiris his due. She sent me a kiss, in apology. Gosh but we miss her! Living without Robbie was hard enough, why can’t she at least visit us when she is not meeting anyone over there? Not reading what I say now Cherine? (She sent us a grin).
Ofkertis got over his anger (or else buried it deeper) as he saw Kiris growing wealthier and more powerful at a phenomenal rate. He sent a supper invitation for Kiris and Nericha and their new lady friend he had heard so much about. Kiris was pleased and arrived home early to get ready. His face froze when Nericha told him she does not want to go. With an impatient look, as if ordering a servant, he told her to stop her nonsense and get ready. She did not argue, but she did not move, staring at the floor. Her heart was racing, but she was determined not to go. She intensely dislikes Kwintana and hates the idea of spending the entire night fending off her invasive questioning.
Kiris went for a quick bath, got dressed and came downstairs to find Nericha still sitting, unprepared. He exploded and they had their first full fight. Kiris could not accept her refusal of something he wanted and made some very cutting and insulting remarks. We were pleased to see her stay in the room, forcing herself not to run to her bedroom and cry.
5863
“Since you care more about them than me, you go. I will not sit there being bullied by Kwintana. Since you are also a bully, I’m sure you’ll enjoy each others company. I’m going to stay home and read. Kiris, you have said some very hurtful things that you did not have to say and I will not forget them.”
Her soft voice denying him, even daring to reprimand him (however gently, it still enraged him that she dared), the total way she withstood him reminded him of Tserika so he blamed her. As he drove to pick her up he vowed to himself that he would not allow them to spend time alone again. She is a bad influence he does not need. When he arrived he forced his features to relax. Tserika, he admitted, looked stunning. The night was not wasted after all, his hosts would be impressed that she is with him.
“Where is Nericha, I thought she was invited?”
“She does not feel well and stayed at home.”
She stared into his eyes for a moment. “Is that a polite way of saying she did not want to come?”
“I don’t know what got into her. They have always treated her well.” He shrugged, his face tight with anger again. “What else should I expect from a child!”
“Kiris, if you do not mind, please give my apologies to Ofkertis and his wife. To be honest, I trust the judgement of Nericha and see little point in my wasting time with people she does not like. Do have a nice evening.” Her refusal to go with him was a calamity he had never imagined could happen to him. Socially it would set him back years - or so he felt. Before he could think of something to persuade her to change her mind, Tserika added, “No point in wasting all my efforts to look nice, I’ll visit Nericha - on your way out, please order my carriage to be brought to the front. I’ll be down in ten minutes.”
“No!” His vehemence shook him also and he added, to try and soften it, “She is not allowed company tonight.” Tserika did not narrow her eyes (that is not her way) and yet, he reacted to her cold stare as if he were a child facing an angry teacher. Something whispered within him that her anger could be very dangerous.
“Sit down. There are some things to be said between us.”
“I am already running late, can we talk tomorrow?” As he asked, he sat down.
“They are of no importance. Guard, go to the house of Ofkertis and give them his apologies. An emergency has developed and he will be arriving late without his companions, if he can come. Go, he does not need your protection in here.” Guards never accept that kind of order from anyone but their employee. The poor chap had no chance, he gave one look at Kiris for confirmation, saw he was being ignored and left.
Tserika sat, tidying her clothes so that they would not be creased or show too much leg and only then looked at him. “She is being punished for disobeying you?”
“Yes. I mean, it is rude of her to refuse to go at the last mom…” he stumbled over his words as he realised they applied to her also and he himself was being extremely rude.
“I see. She is a child and since you have assumed the role of father, providing and caring for her, she must obey you without question.” He felt he should not agree, but saw no alternative and nodded in agreement. “You have decided your authority extends to me also?”
“No, I am sorry if it sounded that way. I apologise.”
“I do not need an apology. I think Nericha does though. Will you give it to her?”
“She must learn…”
5864
“Kiris, decide, here and now. Is Nericha your ward or is she your lover.” He half stood up, his face totally ashen. “Oh sit down. Do you think it is possible for anyone to be close to the two of you and not know? You both betray yourselves in many ways. You would be amazed at how many of your friends know. Do you want to know why none of them have spoken to you about it nor taken action to stop you? Because you have shown through extraordinary self control that you truly care for her and only love her gently. Her nose flaps betray that side of you and it has made us respect and admire you. Her happiness and love for you, those betray that you are a gentle and caring lover.
Fine, we have got that out of the way. Let us now speak of tonight. Has Nericha lightly refused you before? Has she ever been anything but a sweet child who dotes on you? You pride yourself on being an intelligent man who is not blinded by tradition and custom. When she refused you, knowing how brave it was of her and contrary to all she has shown she is to you, why didn’t you stop and think, ask yourself, why is she refusing, has she got a valid reason? Kiris, is she - and by extension, you, to be sacrificed for the sake of your ambitions? Even if Ofkertis is important to you in business or your other ambitions, are you not strong enough to refuse to run after him like a servant? You ignored him for so long and he came running after you, learn from that and act with dignity.
I said you do not fear to break with custom or tradition. Do you know what you should have done, however contrary it may be to custom? You should have replied to his invitation, thanking him and advising him you would confirm after consulting with Nericha and I. Accepting on our behalf is insulting to us, as if our opinion does not count. Does any man mean more to you than your family and friends?
I suspect that in your righteous anger you said a lot to hurt Nericha. If you are man enough, return to her right now and tell her you cancelled the visit because you had to return to apologise to her. Show her that she means more to you than they do. Tell her you respect her and want to know why she feels so strongly about going to their house. Listen to her out of love, not with anger, and you just may decide she was right. If she was wrong, explain to her. Kiris, she is a child and has her childish fears. Stop demanding of her that she acts as an adult in all ways - in your bed should be enough for you.
For the sake of our friendship, one last piece of advice. Do not ever think to order me again. I do not follow custom or tradition and you will not find me to be your traditional female friend. If you want me to respect you, show me respect. Now go to your child bride, she needs to see you still love her.”
His carriage had to follow him as he walked and thought. Gradually he calmed down and rode the rest of the way, now in a hurry to get to his little girl. She broke down and wept when he apologised and said things like ‘I thought you don’t love me anymore’ and he did his best to show her he does in the typical male fashion - by making love to her. Content, she cuddled against him and fell asleep. He heard her sighs in her sleep that come from desperate weeping and he was touched. He spent his last minutes before falling asleep wondering about Tserika; she truly is a strange creature, was his conclusion.
I’ve given the impression that only Cherine has taken steps to awakening empathy in Nericha. It is not true. The team that were appointed to do the job have been doing so. They do nothing dramatic (unlike Cherine) and gently nudge her to thoughts that not only make her more aware of pain in others, but also lead to thoughts that teach her about dignity and self respect. She is growing very nicely and many males in Freddie are half in love with her.
As an unspoken apology, Kiris took Nericha and Tserika out the next day.
“Well young miss, it seems your Kiris is trying to be the perfect gentleman today. What do you say, is he succeeding?”
She giggled and Kiris stared at her. “Yes. I like him like this.”
“I see he is wearing your watch today. I suspect we are meant to feel honoured. I have an idea, what do you say we conspire to throw him for a loop? He looks so sweet when he is shocked by a new idea.”
He smiled. “You are determined to make me seem foolish?”
5865
“I won’t try hard - I promise.” Nericha giggled again and Kiris felt bemused and cautious, he was certain Tserika was up to something. “Do you think it is the right time for you to consolidate your businesses? Good. Then you can afford to take a break.
I am being serious Kiris. You have Averis and some other very good partners and managers, let them earn their keep and give them the responsibility of taking care of business for a few months while you become a man of leisure. I suggest you take a trip around your country. Take Nericha to your parents’ farm so that she can see where you were born and grew up. Make peace with your own ghosts while you are there. It will help her understand the man you are and appreciate what you are trying to become. The trip will be a good education for both of you. Now that I think of it, I might enjoy coming with. If I leave five hundred thousand in cash with Averis for emergencies, will that ease your mind?”
“You would risk such a large amount for a whim!”
“Money only has value if you can enjoy it.”
“Money also represents power.”
“What is power Kiris? We all know what everyone says it is. To me, power equals weakness. If you need power over others, it really means that you attach importance to what others think of you. To me, true power belongs to the man or woman who lives his life as he or she wishes, obeying those rules that are for the good of society, but ignoring those that dictate how we must live, think or feel. The power of society over us is terrible, most people live lives they hate just so as to be seen as conforming to what others think is right. You have your values, Nericha has hers, I have mine - why should we not each live our lives according to our own beliefs? That is true power Kiris. To an extent you have more of it than most people, it is what attracted me to both of you.”
“I thought it was because Nericha is family to you.”
“Which Nericha, the one you created or the real one?”
“Damn! Is there nothing you don’t know?”
“Enough to keep me interested.” She grinned, but Kiris did not find her funny. He decided to revise last nights’ opinion of her - she was graduated to ‘scary’. That coming from Kiris must be a compliment.
Tserika argued, painting pictures of adventures, people to meet, new ideas and so on while Nericha silently backed her, hoping with all her heart. The promise of time alone with Kiris was like a dream to her. Finally Tserika came up with the argument that clinched it for them. She suggested he might learn of new business ideas, new ways of doing things that are more profitable.
Kiris would not listen to Ezikel, throwing back at him his own words. He asked that he look after Averis. “To me he is like a father, brother, friend. See to it that none of my enemies use him to strike at me. Lady Tserika has offered her men, I am taking four men, which makes fourteen. Ezikel, have you ever watched the four warriors that came with the lady practice? With only the four of them I would feel safe against twenty men.”
“What do you know of them Kiris? To trust your life to strangers, it does not make sense!”
“Sometimes, if we are to live as men, we have to accept things that do not make sense.”
Averis laughed. “Kiris says so? Kiris who always insists on logic? Ezikel, he argues with you for the love of arguing. I say, if he trusts them, he has his reasons.”
As soon as they were alone, Averis spoke to Ezikel, his voice urgent. “Find that tracker we used and gather a force of thirty men you trust. Do not speak of this to anyone, but I will not have them travel without protection. The men must stay out of sight unless they are needed. Do not worry, if he is angry, I will take full responsibility when they return.” We let Cherine know and she said she will arrange for them to prove useful so that Kiris understands what he means to Averis.
5866
While they prepared for the trip and employed seasoned caravan travellers as guides, Kiris, nervous about travelling on the road where he was attacked and robbed as a child, took the precaution of secretly sending men ahead to the towns and cities they would pass through. He supplied them with enough cash to meet all possible contingencies during their (his) stay there and for their return trip provisioning - just in case they are robbed en route.
5867
Nericha has never been happier. Kiris, Tserika and Averis spent hours each day at home with her planning the trip. They prudently collected a number of maps, since none seemed to agree with each other in the details, and the atmosphere of excitement sent her daydreaming of adventures. In her favourite one, they are attacked and she saves the life of Kiris, sometimes at the cost of her own, which made her emotional.
Men came and went as provisions were purchased, horses that went lame or proved unsuitable were exchanged for new ones, tents were packed, water supplies ensured by increasing what should be needed by fifty percent, and so on. All three made a point of asking for her opinion and listened to her, debating seriously whatever Nericha said.
Now that Kiris was aware that both Averis and Tserika know the truth - the maid had known for a while and Kiris had made certain she would not speak of it to others, he was freer with his expressions of love, holding her to him and tenderly caressing her whenever he felt like it. Averis joked that Kiris has gone overboard, buying enough clothes to outfit a school of young girls and they will need a caravan just to transport them. He took the time to find a small pair of decorated binoculars and gave it to her, with the wish that every time she uses it she remembers that he is missing her.
[[Cherine, do not comment, I will respect your privacy. I just had to say that I have worked out what you are hoping to do. I promise I will do anything you need me to do, so as to make your dream come true. I just hope you made the right choice with Kiris.]]
Dommi: Cherine told me that Sam guessed right. She is surprised that all of us had not guessed. I won’t spoil the diary by writing here what her plan is, but all of us know.
When we return to our Earth I think I better join a Buddhist monastery until I have learnt to be more humble. My ego prompted me to write my message to Cherine and it made everyone realise what I’d guessed. As both Cherine and Dommi keep telling me, my wish to be seen as clever, to be the first to see the truth, betrays me, turning me into a fool.
There is no reason for me to keep it a secret from Arthur, he has probably also guessed by now. Cherine hopes to ‘create’ a Robert and Cherine for this species - Kiris and Nericha. Averis it seems is destined to be their Alki.
Back to the impending journey. Kiris found himself alone for a short time and his mind wandered back to the days before he arrived at the city. The more he recalled, the darker his thoughts grew. There was so much that could go wrong. He felt he could not stop the trip and feelings of being trapped grew in him. He looked up with surprise when Tserika joined him; he had not been expecting her.
“Starting to get cold feet?”
“I was foolish to agree to it.”
“Are you remembering the days after your family were killed? Kiris, you are no longer that child. At that time you were defenceless and searching for a place you could call home. You have a small army now and you not only have a home, but a family also.”
5868
“All the more foolish of me then to risk all I treasure.” He felt he’d made a valid point.
“Do you sometimes look at the men who are wealthy and wonder how they achieved such wealth? You see that they are conservative and afraid of venturing into new fields and it does not make sense that such men could have created empires? You probably explain it to yourself by saying ‘they were lucky’. The truth is, as they achieved success they now had something to lose and grew afraid to risk losing everything. Do not become like them Kiris. If you would stay young in your heart to the day you die, never shy away from taking risks. You had enough to live comfortably years ago. You have struggled and risked everything you’ve built a number of times because it was a challenge. That is what keeps our spirit alive, accepting new challenges that force us to grow.”
Nervously he chuckled. “Whenever you talk to me you sound so wise, but once you are gone, the sense in what you said is not that clear anymore. I think you have the gift of enchantment.”
“I hope so. The reason you do not understand my words once I am gone is because you no longer listen to my words with your heart. Cold logic can only make safe decisions and safe decisions make you small.”
For no reason that she could sense, he suddenly roared with laughter. “I do believe that should a band of robbers attack us, you will fight them with words and win. I might as well save some money and fire our little army, as you called them.”
“Kiris, I will not be around forever. Learn to listen to Nericha, she will keep you in contact with your heart and it will make you a braver man, a force none can resist.”
“With you everything always comes back to Nericha. Nericha! Do you know, I have forgotten what her real name is!”
“So has she. All she wants is to remain your Nericha forever.”
“How strange, I did not expect to love her. All I expected of her is that she would become the key that opens doors for me. May I confide in you without you repeating what I say to her? The other day I was in the bad part of town and saw women available for money. For a moment I was tempted. I wondered what it would be like to let myself go and tear at a woman’s flaps.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I was afraid.”
“Kiris afraid! I think not. You knew deep inside you that you would feel dirty and in a way, when you make love with Nericha, the purity and beauty would not be as it was.”
He grew embarrassed at having confided male thoughts to a woman and tried to change the subject. “I read a book written by Fikzetan. He claims that the stars are suns, just like ours, and that they too have planets. He even claims it is possible there are people living there with civilisations older and more advanced than ours! Can you believe an adult can write such nonsense?”
“Perhaps I come from another star. Maybe if you saw me as I really am you would find me very ugly and call me a monster.”
He laughed. “You are teasing me. Hmm, you might be a creature from another star, for I have never met a female with a sense of humour like yours.”
“As a child I was told that I’m cheeky. I hope I always will be. Life robs us of so much that makes us special to ourselves.” He heard a melancholy note in her voice and wondered.
“Don’t you mean special to others?”
5869
“No Kiris, if you lose what is special to you, why would you care what others think of you? If such a thing as telepathy were possible and you saw that I admire you, but you do not admire yourself, do you think my admiration would fulfil you? Our own opinion of ourselves is of prime importance and yet, paradoxically, we are own harshest judges.” She smiled at him. “Come, enough of this doom and gloom, we will have many hours to talk as we ride. Check your provisions list; I think you have forgotten certain important toiletries we will all need.”
The newspapers heard of their journey and it captured the imagination of many. On the day they left, the street in front of their home was crowded with people. Most were there to wish them well and encourage them to enjoy themselves and it became obvious that Kiris has earned a reputation for himself. His keen eyes did notice that there were a number of people who watched with tight angry faces and he wondered why.
Once they left the last houses behind them, the land quickly turned arid, a layer of dust rising to cover them. Tserika took the lead and a day later moved off the well travelled caravan route (to us it felt as if she was somehow being compelled, but now that we have had time to look for logical reasons, we think it was a result of her having compressed and hidden from herself the grief that was eating away at her, somewhere deep within her heart and mind) and Kiris placed his hand above his eyes to see where she is aiming for. With a start of surprise he saw in the distance the knoll of rocks where he’d hidden himself while in despair as a child. His gaze drifted to Tserika as he wondered how she knows. As if she sensed his eyes on her, she looked back with a smile, but it did not look real, more as if it is meant to reassure him.
At her urging they left their horses and most of the men and clambered up the rocks on foot. Kiris felt the folds of his neck prickle with superstitious fear as she led them to the exact spot where he had lain.
“This place will be holy to those who love Kiris. It is here that a new strength came to him. It is here that he grew to become the man who stopped allowing others to hunt and torment him, taking charge of his own destiny.” She was silent for a moment. “I regret that we have to take the journey he travelled in reverse, this should have been the last place for us to visit and contemplate. From here on, the Kiris we follow was nothing more than the child he appeared to be, not as you all know him, a man of courage and vision in the body of a child.”
She took the hand of Nericha and led her to the exact spot. “Do not worry about your clothes, they are of no importance, lie down here and close your eyes. Imagine yourself a child, without home or family, robbed, taunted and beaten by adults. Then feel the need and call to yourself the strength that will make you mistress of your own mind. Do so my sweet child and feel the love of all of us settle within you, a companion for those moments of loneliness and fear.”
Nericha found herself trembling for no reason she understood, a foreknowledge upon her that her life, her inner world is about to change forever. In Freddie thousands left their bodies to be present, sharing no longer enough. She gave one last look at Kiris, as if pleading that he stop her, and then she lay down. As she closed her eyes, Kiris swayed as if a wind gusted and tore at him.
Tserika stood so that none could see her eyes and she closed them. “That is right, feel the child in you and the fear. Yes. Now feel a new strength enter you, not the same as Kiris, for your strengths are different from his.” Within her own mind she gently separated a sliver of her soul, infused it with her motes of empathy and love and taking it into Nericha she helped it meld, become a part of her.
Freddie could not contain himself and leaving the void appeared in the skies of Kabeti as a star so bright that it could be seen brightly shining, despite the strong sunlight. Everyone saw the star and those who stood by Nericha fell on their knees, Kiris the first of them. Only Tserika remained standing. She waited until she sensed Nericha could stand and reaching for her helped her to her feet. She kissed her cheek.
“I came for you child and sister.” She spoke louder so that all would hear. “As Nericha she shall be known forever, but she will be the Cherine of your world and reality, the one who shall lead your people to a future bright with love and empathy. She is precious above all you dream of, protect her Kiris and be her strength, for she will need you. Averis, be their father and guide them with your strength and love.” Startled Kiris saw Averis, a shocked Averis who looked as if he were about to faint.
5870
So intense were the feelings in all of us that we became visible, lime green tiny stars that swirled about them. Tserika laughed, her heart filled by our love and joy.
Tserika would not allow them any questions, ordering them and us to leave. As soon as she was alone she sank to the ground, taking her natural form. Her hair fell over her face as she called out with a pain that tore at us, “Robert my love, oh Robert.” Tears poured down her cheeks, splattering in the dust of this place that witnessed the theft of our Robbie. The grief she had concealed for so long tore at her so that she became once more that lonely child who first met Robert. She is however Cherine and the pain in her spread out so that all felt her, reaching all the way into Freddie so that all of us wept with her.
When Tserika walked down to the others, not one of them questioned her. Tenderly she placed her fingers on the cheeks of Averis. “Take one of my beloved Akiards and ride back to the city, your place is not with us just yet.” She climbed onto her horse and rode it back towards the caravan route. Hastily the others helped Nericha onto her horse and followed.
When they camped for the night, Tserika saw that none sat by her and their bedding was placed far from hers. Hunched over her knees she sipped at her tea, lost in her thoughts. With a look of love at Kiris, Nericha left him and sat by Tserika.
“It is my fault Neri, I got carried away by my emotions. Today was not supposed to be the day. We have been slowly preparing you and I spoilt it all. Please do not be afraid of me.”
Nericha’s eyes widened with shock. “It is true!? You sent me to love Kiris - I am your child? You are of them?” Kiris was already too filled with fear and shock for him to react, but suddenly he recalled the warrior who had stood by Nericha as she lay on the river bank and he trembled.
Tserika sighed. “What a foolish web of deceit I have woven.” And then remained silent for so long that Nericha thought she had forgotten her.
Tserika spoke in a voice loud and clear enough for all to hear. “Do all of you know what souls are? Some say that our souls choose the bodies and lives we live. Others say they have little choice. It does not matter which, whatever life or body is chosen; there are lessons to be learnt.
The truth is that certain souls are advanced while others are still dark with lack of love. The soul of Nericha came to a woman bearing a foetus and she was a woman whose life was hard and she was weak. When Nericha was three years old she was abandoned, left to fend for herself in the streets, among those who are so poor that none have hearts to feel pity for a child alone and afraid.
Life is never simple. People are complex and react in ways that surprise them. A man and his wife found the child. They did not wish for a child, for they could barely feed themselves. The man gathered scraps and built a shelter within an alley for the child and whenever they had a bite to spare, he left it in her shelter. The wife spoke to those with children, asking for the tattered clothes as their children outgrew them and left them in the shelter. They tried to avoid Nericha seeing them, for they did not want her to attach herself to them.
For a short time, the only company she had were a small group of street children. Then she struck it lucky. An old man who liked to sit in front of his shop saw her and his heart melted or else he was just lonely. He did not take her in. He rarely gave her food. What he offered you will think is free and worth little. He gave her companionship. He encouraged her to sit by him and he would talk for hours each day to her. This period of her life lasted a little more than a year and a half. When the old man died she was six years old.
Nericha did not understand what had happened, thinking the old man had grown tired of her and gone away. For months, every time she saw an old man she would try to talk to him. They mostly sent her away with a sharp word, bruising her heart, until she learnt to live alone again, hardly ever speaking to anyone.
She was lucky, for in that part of your city, there are many old and younger men who enjoy abusing little children. Her fear of people, her lonely ways, and her ignorance of the ways of street children protected her. As time passed she no longer remembered the old man, but she would still react to the sight of old men, wishing one of them would talk to her. Sometimes she would be without food for days and yet, if someone spoke softly to her, she would be happy for the entire day.
I hope you enjoy reading this story of fantasy, adventure and love - and should some of it be true for our reality, I hope you will love our Cherine.
Αλέξανδρος Ζήνον Ευσταθίου
(Alexander Zenon Eustace)5th March, 2020
- posted: 5th March, 2020
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