Daring to Dream

Daring to Dream

Chapter Three

Though he was loath to admit it, Lord Peridan of Narnia hated sea faring. Tall, broad-shouldered and strong, he was among the finest warriors of his land, a shrewd and learned diplomat, as well as a lord of high renown; he was widely respected, and yet found himself nauseated by the mere pitching of waves upon the sea. In particular, he associated his violent seasickness with his first experience of sailing, when he had been but a lad of twelve, eager and excited about his first voyage over the sea, he had spent the night before their journey celebrating with his friends, sharing some stolen ale, feeling very grown up indeed. However, the next day, they had not been half an hour out to sea, when he had felt the ale returning and had vomited heavily over the side of the boat, continuing to do so until they had reached their destination.

Thus had it been for the past fifteen years of his life, and though he had grown more accustomed to the pitching and tipping of the deck with frequent sea-going, he had yet to undertake a voyage where he did not experience the nausea at least once, and this one had been no different. Now leaning upon the wooden rail of the small ship, he watched the horizon, blue and hazy in the bright sunlight, thinking longingly of the green hills and deep forest of the land that he loved. In his mind’s eye, he pictured Cair Paravel in the summer months. A tall, magnificent castle, situated high upon a crest of the hills that rolled to the shore, the sand glistening golden and warm to touch in the sunshine. The trees rustling gently in the light breeze, their green leaves softly lifted by the wind as the castle’s inhabitants went about their business beneath the boughs.

Smiling to himself, he imagined galloping across the green country on the back of his stallion, saw the High King Peter and his brother King Edmund riding alongside him, both his lords and dear friends of his boyhood, for they had grown into manhood together in that fair country. They had hunted together ever since their first coming into the land from another world, and at the mere ages of fifteen and twelve, had fought and become kings of Narnia, defeating the White Witch. So golden and prosperous had their reign been that Peridan often had to remind himself of the oppression that they had faced within their lands before the coming of the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve into Narnia. For, still clearly, he remembered the day when he had ridden into the Narnia with his father from his birthplace of Archenland, offering his sword in the protection of the neighbouring country, feeling a strange kinship with these great lords of men.

“Land ho!” Peridan jerked free of his reverie, turning to stare at the thin strip of pale land that was Calormen, unable to stop his heart from sinking somewhat at the sight of its sandy shores. For, though he would be glad to experience the sensation of having solid ground beneath his feet once more, he liked not the mission that lay ahead of himself and his men, to act as ambassadors for his country, to see that everything was prepared to their satisfaction for the arrival of Queen Susan. He clearly recalled the previous visit of Prince Rabadash to Narnia within the summer months, and found himself distrusting the almost smarmy countenance of the Calormene prince, had seen a falseness to his kindness that had put him instantly on his guard. Upon further discussion with his friends, he had discovered a similar suspicion within the hearts of both the fair queen’s brothers, and had even spoken to her of it himself, always having thought of her as a sister. In response, Susan had smiled and thanked him for his care of her, but had spoken of how she had thought the prince to be sincere in his kindness, and of how she had been greatly flattered by his treatment and respect of her, taking a liking to his considerate manner and gallantry.

But now that he saw the land once more, the doubt returned to linger within Peridan’s heart, and he considered how the Queen Susan’s sweetness and innocence had often been thought to add to her loveliness, making her seem all the more appealing to men. For, in appearance, she was undoubtedly lovely, having long, flowing hair of the darkest brown, a pale, smooth complexion and eyes of the brightest green, and adding to this the slender grace of her figure, it could be understood why so many kings for distant lands had sought her hand in marriage. So loving was she, and so gentle, that the mere thought of anyone trying to hurt her brought a real anger to Peridan’s heart, and from that moment, he vowed that he would never let Rabadash hurt her, and would protect her with all his might from anyone who might wish her harm.

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When Karna awoke the following morning, she was amazed to find her bruises completely healed, the discolouring of her cheek faded, and upon looking at her daughter, her mother showed no less amazement.

“But how did they come to heal so completely overnight?” she exclaimed in disbelief, “I would not have thought it possible.”

“Neither would I,” Karna murmured. She said nothing of the lion.

Tarneesh’s response on seeing her healed was, as predicted, an immediate command for her to return to work, and for the first time in a long while, Karna wholeheartedly agreed with him, so great was her eagerness to leave the confines of the house. Unable to keep from smiling at her daughter’s enthusiasm, her mother allowed her the chore of going to fetch the water, struggling to keep from almost laughing at the way that Karna almost skipped out of the doorway and into the sunlight, and, had she not been respectful and very careful of customs of their land, she was certain that she would have heard her daughter singing all the way to the well!

Karna’s welcome back to her work was no less joyful than her exuberance that morning; for, all about her, the girls welcomed her back, praising Tash for her quick recovery and hoping that she would ever enjoy good health. Smiling at them all, Karna thanked them heartily, feeling oddly excited that day as she slipped into her blue clothing, feeling happy to merely be amongst them once more, and be active after an entire week of confinement.

She was not disappointed either, for the day was indeed a busy one, being the final day before the arrival of the barbarian lords upon the morrow, and the home was a hive of activity, with every floor and wall being polished; even the courtyard was given a layer of oil to make the paving slabs smooth and gleaming in the sunlight. The girls were set to scrub the floors of the great house within the morning, and then needed to practise the dance that they would be doing upon the night of the feast celebrating the arrival of the Narnian lords. Thankful that she had been gifted with the grace of her mother, Karna soon picked the dance up and was able to join in with the others in the graceful swaying and twirling that was central to their land’s traditional dance.

When they had finally completed what felt like their fiftieth rehearsal, and it had eventually been performed to Kediza’s satisfaction, they left, feeling tired but pleased with the way that they had performed that day. Tarlana in particular was greatly excited by the prospect of the barbarian lords’ coming on the morrow, and came as close as Karna had ever seen her to bouncing down the dirty streets as they walked home, smiling and speaking excitedly of what the lords would look like. Upon arriving home, there was another surprise for them, and one that caused Karna to actually squeal in delight.

“Karlis!” she exclaimed, rushing to embrace her sister as soon as she had seen the younger girl. Smiling joyfully, Karlis returned the embrace, even allowing herself a quick kiss upon her sister’s cheek before she moved away.

“How came you to be here?” Tarlana asked, moving to hug her sister as well.

“Ahoz is working late within the meat market, he thought that it would be enjoyable for me to visit my family, and I am so grateful to him, for there is nothing that I would have rather done.”

“And how are?” Karna asked, motioning for her sister to sit by her upon the rush floor mat. Karlis smiled happily in response, sitting beside her sister,

“I have never been happier, oh Karna! I had never imagined how wonderful it would be to have an entire home of my own with simply Ahoz and I. I feel almost greedy having such a great amount of space for simply the two of us. He is the kindest and most wonderful of men, so gentle and tender. I have never thought to be so blessed by Tash (may he be praised) within the marriage state, for I am blessed indeed to have such a husband.” All three women smiled at Karlis, their happiness at her joy shinning from their eyes.

“I could not have prayed to Tash (may he be praised) for more great a joy that this,” their mother stated, taking her daughter in her arms, “to see you so happy, Karlis gives me the strength to endure any hardship, my contentment for you is complete.”

“If only we could all hope for sure joy in our marriages,” Karna commented, hugging her knees to her chest.

“All works out according to Tash’s will (may he be praised), oh my daughter. You must accept your lot in life, and be grateful for the joys that you have within it.”

“But, Mother. I do not understand why Tash (may he be praised) would create life only to see it destroyed before it can truly live. For, did I not tell you of the death of Maralis’ mother’s baby? He died of a fever just last night, and he was born but a week ago. Why take life when it has only just begun to live?”

“My daughter, if you understood the ways of Tash (may he be praised) deemed things to be, why would he be god? We are not meant to understand why things happen, if we did, that would make us equals to Tash, the inexorable, the irresistible.”

“But mother …”

“Peace, my daughter. It is not for us to question Tash (may he be praised). Be grateful that you have a roof over your head and food to eat.”

“Yes, oh my mother,” Karna replied, lowering her eyes submissively as was expected. For, she did not wish to argue with the one whom she loved above all others. She had simply found herself wondering about things that day as she had worked, could not understand in her mind why the baby had had to die, why Maralis’ mother had had to go through such pain just a week before to have her joy taken so soon away.

She sat for a while, silent as the others began to prepare dinner, she ran a hand over her leg, and, lifting up her skirt for a moment, stared at the smooth, tanned skin that had so recently be darkened with the bruising, and yet was now completely healed. Without thought, She moved her hand to touch her cheek, marvelling that the skin had healed under the simply touch of the lion’s gentle tongue. Yet, it had not just been the bruising and aching that had healed, for within her very heart, she had felt a strengthening and a peace settle upon her as the lion’s sweet breath had touched her face, she had felt the courage to live for the next day, to go on. Something about that lion had touched her, she did not know how, but he had seemed to almost understand her suffering, had almost seemed to have tears in those great yellow eyes as he regarded her…

“Karna! Why are you so dreamy this day? I have already asked you three times to take the bucket and fetch some water from the well.” Startled, Karna hurriedly apologised, hurrying to fetch the wooden pail, determining to put the lino out of her head until she had the time to dwell upon him without interruption.

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Tarneesh returned from the market that evening in a foul mood, having sold less that half of his carvings that day. He exhausted it by raging at his entire family, no-one was spared, least of all Karna, who got the brunt of a full hour-long tirade after she accidentally knocked the pail of water over, soaking the already heavily-worn rushes of one of the mats. In the end, Tarneesh’s anger abated and he received his meal without comment, grunting at his wife to fill his cup with more ale, before asking Tarlana about the arrival of the barbarian lords on the morrow. His daughter eagerly replied, telling him of how two lords and a small escort of warriors were arriving earlier, having been sent ahead by their king to make sure that everything was prepared for the arrival of their queen.

“What is the purpose of sending men ahead to ‘prepare’?” Tarneesh demanded, drinking heavily from his cup. “Do they not think that our great Tisroc, may he live forever, would not have known to make the appropriate preparations for the arrival of our Prince’s betrothed?” None of the family spoke. “I suppose that this barbarian queen is supposed to be more beautiful than any creature that was ever seen within our great land of Calormen?” He continued, taking another lengthy swig of ale. “I do not know how a woman with pale skin could be seen as fair, but I suppose that there must be something lovely about her for our noble Prince Rabadash to have chosen her. Do you not think so, wife?” Tarneesh asked, suddenly regarding his wife in a manner that made her blush and avert her gaze. “Well? What say you?”

“I expect that she is very beautiful, oh my husband,” his wife replied, colouring, her eyes lowered. Suddenly, Tarneesh rose, ordering his sons to go to the tavern and his daughters to both go and get more water. “Leave that,” he barked at Karna, who had been in the process of wiping up the water, “I wish to be alone with my wife.”

Suddenly fearful for her mother, Karna attempted to take as much time as she could in putting away the rag and pail, be rewarding with a cuff around the head for her trouble. “Get out, now!” her stepfather ordered, pushing both Tarlana and her roughly on to the street with the pail, “don’t come back for at least an hour.” Karna spun around, only getting a single glimpse of her mother’s anxious face before the door was slammed in their faces.

“I hate it when he does that,” she said to Tarlana after their brothers had stumbled off to the tavern. Sighing gently, Tarlana brushed the dust off herself from when she had fallen and nodded sadly to her sister.

“But, my sister, it is a husband’s right,” she stated, slowly picking up the pail.

“Did you not see our mother’s face, Tarlana? She always looks so fearful when he gets that glint in his eye. I saw none of it within Karlis’ eye this day.”

“Maybe it is different with each man?” Tarlana suggested, “I do not know what happens, but maybe every marriage is different. How can we know until our father has chosen a husband for us? It is something private, only to be shared between husband and wife.” Reluctantly, Karna forced herself to nod, falling slowly into step beside her sister as they headed absently in the direction of the well, nodding greetings to their neighbours as they passed, eventually coming to pause outside Tarmara’s father’s home.

“Should we ask if Tamara is allowed to join us?” Tarlana asked her sister. Karna considered it, and in the end, they knocked. A flustered looking Maralis opened the door,

“Good evening, Maralis, in the name of Tash (may he be praised), how fares your family?”

“Well I thank you, Karna, in the name of Tash, (may he be praised), how fares your family?”

“They are all well, I thank you. We came to ask whether Tamara might join us this evening for a walk to the well?” Glancing over her shoulder, Maralis nodded, calling for her daughter to bring the pail, she ushered her out, saying loudly that she would need more water. “I hope you have an enjoyable walk,” she added before softly closing the door.

Tamara regarded her friends in surprise,

“What did my mother just do?” she asked, confused. Karna grinned,

“She gave you permission to spend some time with us this evening.” Realisation suddenly dawned on Tamara, causing her to grin,

“Were you banished from your home?” The sisters nodded,

“We are supposed to spend an hour fetching water.” Tamara nodded in understanding,

“It is often the same within my father’s home. Although it is somewhat harder for me, having to keep a six and an eight-year-old entertained, my little brothers get soon bored.”

Glad to have this unexpected hour together, the three girls walked along the narrow back streets together, talking and laughing quietly, enjoying the quiet of the evening, revelling in the joy of merely being able to be together without the pressure of having to work upon their heads.

“I am anxious about the dancing tomorrow,” Tarlana admitted when they had finally reached the well and were perching upon the rough stone edge, “I find it difficult to move with the grace that the rest of you are, for I am so much larger in build.”

“Oh Tarlana, that is ridiculous,” Karna exclaimed, regarding her sister’s figure, “you move with perfect fluidity and grace. It is I who look ridiculous, for I am so tall and awkward.”

“Karna, now you are being ridiculous,” Tamara stated, “you are the most graceful of us all.”

“Indeed I am not,” Karna declared earnestly, “I have none of Kediza’s sensuality, or any of your ability with my footwork Tamara, you are so light on your feet.”

“I think you are both ridiculous to argue over something that does not apply to either of you,” Tamara said sensibly, “you both dance featly, well enough to delight all the barbarian lords in the world. I think it is in every girl’s personality to doubt some aspect of herself, so it is nothing to dwell upon or encourage, we all find fault with ourselves, but we do not improve the situation, or change it by complaining.” Neither Karna nor Tarlana could fault Tamara’s irrefutable logic, and gave way, seeing the stupidity of their argument, both regretting the very selfishness of it.

Ever the peacemaker, Tamara steered the conversation back to safer territory, namely, that of the barbarian lords, and the disagreement was then forgotten as soon as it had been started.

“How many are arriving tomorrow?” Karna once asked her sister.

“Two,” Tarlana replied at once, “the greater of the two lords is supposed to be a close friend of the high kings of the barbarian land; both of them are brothers to the barbarian queen. They also bring with them a small escort of warriors, though merely for protection, not as a threat.”

“Why would they feel threatened?” Tarlana shrugged,

“I suppose because they fear the greatness of Tisroc (may he live forever) and the great Prince Rabadash.”

“What is the name of the barbarian queen?” Tamara asked, “has she some strange sounding name?”

“Well, I think it’s rather plain personally,” Tarlana answered, “but I suppose if Prince Rabadash finds her attractive, it should not cause us to think less of her.”

“But what is it?” Tamara persisted.

“The barbarian queen is named Susan.” Tamara blinked,

“Susan? What sort of a name is that?”

“It does have a very peculiar sound to it,” Karna agreed, “but what of the lord, did you hear of his name?” Tarlana shook her head,

“I only overheard Kediza and another speaking of Prince Rabadash’s betrothed.”

“I cannot wait to see her, I often find myself wondering about the barbarian land far to the north, what it must be like to live there.” Tamara and Tarlana stared at Karna in surprise,

“Why, my sister, would you wish to live in a barbarian land that is void of all civilised society and living? I overheard Master Tirshan speaking of the strange land they hail from. Apparently, they do not worship Tash (may he be praised), the inexorable and irresistible, but a lion.”

“A lion?” Karna’s eyes widened as she beheld her sister. “They worship a lion?” Surprised by the violence of Karna’s reaction, Tarlana merely nodded,

“Are you well, Karna?” Tamara asked anxiously, “you’ve gone pale, and you’re shaking.” Karna shuddered, forcing herself to focus, managing a pained smile,

“I am, thank you, Tamara, but it simply seems so strange to worship a lion rather than the creator of this earth.”

“Maybe it is some demon,” Tamara suggested, still disturbed by her friend’s reaction. “Are you sure that you are well, Karna? Do you fear lions?” Karna almost laughed,

“No, I thank you Tamara, I truly am well, simply surprised that the barbarians worship a lion instead of Tash.” Tarlana shrugged,

“I suppose that they are not named barbarians without reason.”

“Do you think it is true that their men do not even wear turbans and shave off their beards to appear clean-faced as boys?” Tamara asked. Tarlana nodded gravely,

“I have heard the same; there is little wonder then why it is referred to as barbarian land when they don’t have even a knowledge of common decency.”

“Why on earth would they do freely that which is considered a public humiliation?” Karna exclaimed in surprise, “For, did not Lamarla’s father have his beard plucked out when he was caught stealing? Why do such a thing voluntarily?” Tarlana shrugged darkly,

“Are we meant to understand the way of barbarians? Don’t worry about it Karna, we need not seek to understand the mind of a barbarian, they are different and not worthy of such thoughts.” Karna nodded, saying no more, but completely confused in her mind, unable to understand why these barbarians were so different, and why she had seen the same species of creature as that that they worshipped as god.

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Though he had been hoping, praying to Aslan for some relief, Lord Peridan had known how their welcoming to Calormen would be, and he had been entirely right. Overly lavish, and fussily fancy, they had been forced to endure a lengthy, condescending speech from the Grand Vizier, a man named Ahoshta Tarkaan who spoke long and pompously about the Greatness of the Tisroc in agreeing to welcome these barbarian visitors on behalf of his son, to treat them with such favour in the presence of such greatness. With much flowery and haughty language, he continued on in this vein for some time until a young, tall man whom Peridan recognised as the Prince Rabadash finally interrupted him. Making no attempt to hide his arrogance, the swarthy prince advanced upon Peridan with the stance of one greatly favouring the hearer with his valuable attention.

“My Father, the great Tisroc, may he live forever,” he said, “welcomes you to his illustrious land of Calormen and bids me bring you to the palace of his greatness where we will to celebrate your arrival, and make preparation for the even greater arrival of my betrothed and her brother. If you will join me now, barbarian lord, we shall journey through the city.” With all the grace he could muster, Peridan bowed to the Prince, though he felt nothing but disgust and distrust for the arrogance of this man in his heart, he forced himself to keep a civil tongue in his head.

“I thank you, my lord Prince Rabadash for the hospitality of your father the Tisroc, and his deigning to welcome us to his city of Tashbaan. It would be my honour to join you this day, and thank you on behalf of my land of Narnia, their majesties the queens and king, and his most royal highness the High King, Peter the Magnificent. I am Lord Peridan, and bring but a small guard with me, they are to merely aid me in the preparations for the arrival of her majesty Queen Susan, nothing more.” Rabadash nodded, his look suggestive as he returned Peridan’s bow,

“I look forward to my meeting with her grace Queen Susan dearly, Lord Rabadash, I am anxious to see her again and look forward to our marriage. It will be a great day.”

“Your marriage, my lord Prince?” Peridan could not refrain from answering, “I do not believe that her majesty Queen Susan has yet given her consent.”

“Not in word, my lord Peridan, but if her look and gesture are any indication, I find myself expectant of an acceptance from my fair queen upon her arrival, and if you are prepared, may I show you the palace of my father, the great Tisroc.”

Thus with a forced smile and grudging nod, Peridan approached the stallion offered and mounted upon the proud beast’s back, following Rabadash along the paved street and towards the gates of the city, knowing at that moment that he had never wished to be in a different place so greatly in his entire life.

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Foolish though she knew it was, Karna could not stop herself from grinning as broadly as Tarlana as they made their way through the back streets of Tashbaan that evening. For, that day, they had been informed that all of the dancers at that night’s festivities were to have new, beautiful outfits in cloth of the brightest shades of purple, red and gold, clothes that would bring glory to their master Tirshan as a statement of his wealth. Unable to help herself, Karna smiled at the prospect of her golden clothes, the rarest and therefore most precious of colours in cloth, yet bought for mere servants to wear by their master.

“I cannot believe that we will see the barbarian lords tonight!” Tarlana exclaimed, “I hope that our dance will be of a good enough level to bring renown to our master and glory to Tisroc (may he live forever).”

“I am sure that it will, my sister,” Karna replied, “we have been practising for several hours a day and nearly for an entire week now. I am certain that we will perform the dance to perfection.” Smiling to herself, Tarlana did an excited little skip-step, very unlike her usual, carefully placed steps, the sight of which caused Karna to laugh.

“Tarlana!” she exclaimed, “you are more restless than a little child, I do assure you, we shall see the barbarian lords soon enough.” Tarlana stilled herself, smiling apologetically as they entered the finer side of the city, soon entering the house of Master Tirshan, their eyes dancing as they both hurried into the room usually set aside for their changing. When they entered, they found a crowd of excited girls, all of them giggling and talking at the top of their voices as they waited, all of them still dressed in their normal clothes.

“When are we to receive the outfits, Tamara?” Karna inquired, hurrying to where her friend stood.

“Once we have all arrived, Kediza is to lead us to where the clothes are being stored, they are apparently rather … sensual.” Her eyes widening, Karna attempted to imagine what style the clothes would be cut in, considering the usually modest style of dress that was worn by all virtuous women in their society.

However, their curiosity was soon answered by the arrival of Kediza who entered suddenly, causing a widespread intake of breath amongst the girls. For her long hair fell loosely around her face; a few braids adorned her dark tresses, golden thread interwoven with the hair. Her forehead bore a single, pale jewel, her eyes cleverly lightened with some powder, accentuating the already exotic allure of her appearance. The outfit was in two pieces, and cut so suggestively that it completely shocked the servant girls. The top of the outfit was an intricately embroidered bodice, daringly cut so that the bare skin was left visible between the bottom of the bodice and the top of the skirt, revealing the belly button. A long, heavily decorated skirt flowed from her hips to the floor, swirling with every movement of her feet.

For a moment, Kediza merely observed the amazed, slightly fearful expressions of the girls, a sardonic smile playing across her lips.

“I know that this outfit may cause surprise, but it is the wish of our Master Tirshan that the barbarian lords be impressed, and he believes that these outfits will have the desired affect upon his guests. There are outfits of purple, red and gold within each of these sacks, take great care as you handle them, and aid each other in dressing, for the lacing of the bodice is somewhat complex.”

More fearful of displeasing than anxious about the outfits, the girls immediately divided into pairs, aiding each other into the suggestive costumes, they sought to be as swift as possible. Yet, as she stood, patiently waiting for Tamara to finish lacing up the top of her bodice, Karna found herself crossing her arms across the bare expanse of flesh, feeling uncomfortably exposed in the outfit. Made impatient by her discomfort, she fingered the heavy cloth of her skirt, marvelling at the number of beads and the amount of gold thread that had gone into the decoration of this skirt alone, astounded by the obvious wealth of her master. After just a minute, she turned to aid Tamara, and worked at the lacings with nimble fingers, regretting for the first time that she and her sister had to participate in the dance. For their society was one that emphasised the virtue and modesty of a woman, and yet their master thought it suitable for his servant girls to dress in such a manner for the sake of the Narnian lords? Confused and uncomfortable, she stood with Tamara, waiting for the other girls to finish before Kediza addressed them once more.

“Our great Master Tirshan has purchased a number to jewels similar to my own,” the head servant girl said, motioning to the one upon her forehead. “They are simply applied and require only a small amount of this substance to be attached to the forehead, but they are only required for those chosen to wear gold among us. The rest of you will braid coloured thread into your hair, dependent upon the colour of your clothes, be sure to copy my own style as best you can, the aim is to keep the majority of it falling freely about your face. Those of you who are wearing gold, please come to me now.” Uneasy, Karna approached Kediza along with Larmarla, the only other girl whom she knew well that had been chosen to wear gold.

Once they were out of hearing range of the other girls, Kediza smiled at the girls who stood before her, for there were about fifteen of them in all.

“You girls should consider yourself blessed this night, for you were chosen to wear this coveted colour, out of all the other servant girls, because you possess something that the other girls lack. Our master has watched the rehearsals carefully and hand-picked all of you to wear this colour, so be proud, and try to bring prestige to our master through your dance this night, may Tash be honoured this night through our actions (may he be praised).”

“But why were we chosen out of the others to wear this wondrous cloth?” a girl asked, a curiously smug expression upon her face. Kediza returned her smile,

“It is because you were considered fairest by our great Master Tirshan, he wishes his guests to be greatly pleased by this night’s festivities, and I hope that they will. Now, the jewels are simple to attach and require only a dab of this mixture to be secured to the skin, you will form a line and I will attach them to you by my own hand.” Obediently, the girls formed a line as Kediza went about her task and, near the end of the line; Karna and Lamarla were able to have speech.

“Why were we chosen?” Karna asked in surprise, “I have never been considered fair, my own stepfather cannot bear the very sight of me.”

“I know not why I was chosen either,” Lamarla stated, “though, it is rather flattering to have been from all of the servant girls in Master Tirshan’s employ.”

“Flattered? But Lamarla, we have been picked to be at the front and dance closest to where the barbarian lords may glance at what we are wearing. Do these outfits not make you feel uncomfortable?”

“At first I suppose,” her friend admitted, “but the cloth is so fine and beautifully embroidered, I am starting to feel rather grand actually, for I have never been dressed in such a way.”

“But my friend, we are dressed in such a way for the men to see more of our skin than is normally allowed. I see nothing grand about it.”

“Oh Karna, why must you always worry so greatly? Have I not ever been the small, overshadowed daughter of my family? Despite being the eldest, in all my life, it has been my sister Taranis that was considered the beauty, and yet this time I have been chosen, am considered fair. I care not that the clothing I wear maybe provocative, for my entire life, I have been told to be modest, yet now we are told to wear beautiful clothes and dance for foreign lords. Can you not merely enjoy the experience? Who knows, a lord may fall in love with me and take me away from this city, to a place where I will not be overshadowed, but be loved.” Karna stared at her friend in dismay, wishing that she could tell her the real reason for their wearing such finery, but not wanting to disrupt Larmarla’s dream. For, in their dull, monotonous existence, she of all people could understand the need to believe that there was something else within life better than what they had.

After a while, all of the girls were ready, their hair had been braided, the jewels attached to foreheads, and the initial embarrassment at having to wear such outfits had given way to nervous excitement. As she stood in line, waiting for the moment when they would have to enter the great hall, Karna felt mildly sick, not from fear of forgetting the steps, but at the prospect of having to make such a spectacle of herself before the lustful glances of old, leering men. However, it could not be put off forever, and eventually, the moment came for them to leave the comfort of the changing chamber, to hurry, giggling through the darkened corridors of the house, and to eventually pause before the large, cedar doors of the great dining chamber.

In that moment that she stood, waiting in the darkened corridor, Karna found herself thinking of the lion she had met in moonlit courtyard, smelt the sweetness of his breath upon her face, felt his rough tongue gently wiping away her tears. Even heard those words echoing in her mind once more, “Peace, dear once.” Suddenly, she felt courage enter her heart, and she knew that she could bear this, that she could endure once more. Thus, with a bright smile forced on to her face, she drew a breath and ran into the great dinning hall.

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