The two moons lit up the night sky with a bright blue glow. The city of Sondast gave off a soft glow and sparkled with many different colored lights. It was a late evening as Kalalii was finishing up her training with her tutor, Ellerin. They spent this final lesson together out on the terrace in the royal garden. Shojak stood at attention from a good 100 paces away from Kalalii staying alert but keeping his eyes on her without blinking.
"Narkinai!" Ellerin snapped, "Focus!"
Kalalii was in no mood for any more lessons tonight. She had much on her mind to be worrying about the proper etiquette of royalty behaviors. Being a narkinai was unbelievably dull. Never capable of traveling any where far from the palace, never allowed to be alone and have privacy. Always told what a narkinai should and should not do, always criticized for doing anything wrong, always having to worry about appearances and living up to her parent's reputations. She felt trapped as if she were suffocating living this way. Kalalii had the strongest urge to be free for once. She would do anything to feel freedom for just one day, she thought.
"Narkinai Kalalii!" Ellerin said exasperated, "You are impossible!"
"Forgive me, Ellerin. I do not feel myself this evening." Kalalii apologized.
"Okay, let us start from the beginning," She sighed and motioned Kalalii to continue.
Tonight was Kalalii's last chance to perfect her speech to her people by tomorrow night's celebration. She started her speech off by greeting her fellow Farrians and thanking them for joining her in festivities for the evening. Then she began to recite the rest of the speech.
"As we have come together this evening to honor my day of creation I wish to remind you that we should also remember the day of our forefather, Rhaokunkos, who died on this very day. If today shall be a day of celebration in my name then let it also be a remembrance of the day the Lamrian Clan was created and our beautiful city came to be known as Sondast. Let Rhaokunkos' vital spark always guide us through darkness and wash away all fear. May the light be with you my fellow Farrians."
Ellerin crossed her arms across her chest, her hands straight and stiff reaching the tips of her shoulders, and then bowed her head to Kalalii. A common symbol of the Farrian's as they do this as a form of greeting, thanks, apology and just to show complete respect.
"Your speech is well done, Narkinai," Ellerin began, "however, you must not sound so bored when you give this speech. Be sure to keep your chin up, your spine straight, your shoulders back and show some pride. Speak loudly, do not yell it, but project your voice to be heard. You have a great mind, Narkinai Kalalii, but I'm afraid you have not yet found the power of the voice."
"Thank you, Ellerin," Kalalii bowed, "I will do my best to achieve this. You have been a great tutor and I appreciate your knowledge shared and patience with me."
Ellerin looked very pleased and let out a sigh of relief, "I suppose this concludes our time together. Take great care, Kalalii. You will make a fine Shuenja someday."
They bowed to each other and said their farewells. Kalalii walked into her private quarters off from the terrace and collapsed onto her mound of cushions. Shojak just stood in the doorway without saying a word. He waited for an order from Kalalii. It was getting later and she knew that Svyyn would be waiting by the ancient tree for her. Knowing Svyyn, she was always up to no good, but what secret did she possess that would intrigue her? As much as she hated to admit it she was curious. She wanted to know. But she had to find a way to escape. Slipping away from Shojak will not be an easy task.
"Shojak, do you mind going into the corridor and turn anyone away who wishes to see me. I think I would like some time alone tonight."
"Of course, Narkinai." Shojak marched across the room and closed the large door behind him leaving Kalalii alone in her bedroom. She listened for a few seconds then decided to quietly change her clothing. She slipped out of her soft green satin gown and went over to her wardrobe to which she had a secret compartment that held a pair of commoners travel clothing. She removed her jewelry and did her best to disguise herself as a normal citizen of Sondast. She worked as quietly as she could and snuck out through the terrace doors and made her way to the ancient tree trying to go unnoticed.
It didn't take her long to reach Svyyn. She was waiting patiently until she saw Kalalii. The corners of her lips rose into one of her famous grins that was far from being kind. As soon as they came face to face they took a few seconds of silence before Svyyn was first to speak.
"I was beginning to think you weren't going to show."
To be continued...
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