Blood (Epic of the Mediterranean) [Book 1]

Chapter 32

Gardening and botany were alien skills to her. It could also be attributed to the fact that no matter what type she kept around, they ended up dead. Hettie had helped her in picking out some plants which would not only be able to persist, but will also look good. As for the Lord's preferences, he would love anything as long as it was thriving.

Naya wiped her head with her wrists, still leaving a trail of dirt on her face. She had been at it since the break of dawn. Asmaka was far too busy to have come around, to catch even as much as a glimpse. She wanted it to finish before he did see it though. Her clothes and skin all muddy in the process of creating a whole new orchard.

She had a hard time nonetheless. Nothing had been moved or cleansed since the fire put it ablaze.

"Whatever are you doing?"

She jumped out of her skin, the sapling in her hands released in surprise. As if a thief found out on his commencements. "Oh, no, nothing", she stood up quickly, brushing her hair behind the ear.

"Doesn't seem so to me", he placed his fist on his lips, hiding the smile which slowly extinguished.

"Well yes", she sighed, her shoulders falling, "I wanted to give something back to you. I know I am no good at this, and it makes me feel awful. But I really, really want to do this before we leave."

"It is alright, you see. After this burnt down, I realized nothing holds me back anymore, I have no bid to work for. I finally was able to let go of emotions which shackled me down and constructed my limits. I was able to look beyond what I beheld as my obligations." He wiped her cheeks off Earth with his sleeve, "Young and strong rise from the ashes of their ancestors. If the old reign for long, they lose their glory."

She smiled warmly, "I am sorry. It is but quite a mess here."

"No, it is wonderful. Only, we will do it together, just not right now. We need to get ready to leave. Let's get back in, I have got you dresses and accessories which I would like you to wear on our visit. And we might as well bring back some foreign plants, variance is the essence of beauty."

"I wonder if Egypt would have to offer some vibrant ones though."

The Lord looked at her with grave thought, "We have Persis in the way after all. And while returning we might as well have a go in Babylon. You would like that."

Naya chuckled. She hadn't meant it this seriously.

Asmaka clenched the pendent he had brought. He hadn't procured a chance at giving it to her since. And it didn't propose as a good time either. It was decided then, he would bring it to her notice in Babylonia itself. It posed as most ideal.

***

CAPITAL CITY PERSEPOLIS, PERSIS

CAPITAL OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE

The royal convoys of the shahanshah and the Bactrian lordship were to travel amidst the wilderness which made up for much extent of the empire. The reasonability could be traced in the fact that most imperial processions were led under secrecy and disguise so as to provide a hassle free and safe journey.

It went without saying that the shahanshah was more than elated at the news that Asmaka had considered a change of plans and had decided on accompanying them.

Carriages accompanied by armed knights and horsemen passed through the lands of Bactria and Aria and into the territory of Drangiana. Then the capital state of Persis. Land travel came to an end there and they were to board Persian ships for a further sea voyage from the Persian Gulf which would terminate in Egypt. The king of the kings had a taste for foreign lands, hence a circle around Arabia posed as a long yet enthralling use of days.