GODS AT THE CENTRE ( EDITING)

CHAPTER XIX, KINO: WHEN BELLS KNELL AT NOON

He was getting slower as he was getting shorter. His frame that once stretched like a vigorous palm was bending now like an unsteady reed. It couldn't be helped it. That what comes of getting old. How long before he needed a staff permanently?

He paused a bit, trying not to pant too hard. He had barely seen seventy harvests and things were like this!

His guards were lagging behind with few steps.
Eagerly, they rushed to close up the distance. Ari that fat one, seemed as if he would burst with each jog. Just look at his jowls shake?

Dayin, the youngest came in last looking embarrassed. His clean shaven head was catching the sun like a puddle on a dirt track. Itami that crook seemed unconcerned, his run was almost carefree.

Look at them, I'm older than them yet they can't keep up with me. Youths of these days.

He served them a glare before striding down the street. I ought to strip them of my colours and sigil, he thought eying their crimson uniforms.

The ache in his lower legs didn't subside, so he settled for a dignified amble. No doubt his lazy guards were grateful. Ari was still bent over panting. Kino hissed in disgust.

He sighed wistfully as a rider on a black horse trotted down the road. Maybe he should have taken the litter. It would have made his journey easier. The time when he could trek from one end of the City to the other was long gone. Old age has caught up with him. And even this evening walk that he had taken everyday for the last twenty years to the temple of Ania was now becoming too much for his bones.

Was this a sign? How long before he went senile and babbled like a baby? High gods! How long before he began to fail Asina in bed? The gods knew that beautiful girl never complained of anything. She was dutiful caring. A picture of her nearly expressionless face filled his head, her ebony skin polished like marble.

Ah, she made him feel younger again.
But would she stand him when he grew weaker and had to be led to bed, when his strength failed?

How could old age be a blessing?

He scowled at his guards, he cursed the youthful energy coursing in their veins. It was being wasted.

He wasn't too old yet, maybe tommorow he would use the litter. It was too late for that now. The temple was already close. Just down the Tailor's street, following the junction where the four roads met, yes from there he would see the grand gates.

What would he pray for today?

Like every day, he would offer thanksgivings for himself, his family, pour libations to honour his ancestors.

The children are doing well. I have no reason to be ashamed. Jamas my son is governor of Siv. Ilaris is rising in the military. The girls are getting good suitors.

Kino had gotten much as he dared from being an Assembly man.

How far he had gone? Yes, he was established, even though his senses were to fail him tomorrow, the roots he had set in would bear him.

Elections were coming soon. The season of the sun would soon pass. It would only be two seasons away at year's end. Perhaps, he would still have enough strength left to handle it like the last one.

The last one had bore good fruits. He allowed himself to smile. Yes, politics that was something he would probably never grow too old for.

It was all a careful business. Who would have expected an Ozian and Orian to unite? Asila his stubborn nephew didn't think it was possible, still didn't think it was. "Uncle, the Ozians are our rivals. Everyone knows it. You cannot trust them, they will betray us!"