The Return of the Dragonhawk

Chapter 45 -- Death and Birth

"Mother." Rhoz spoke gently, knowing how difficult it would be for Inteza to hear what she had to say. "It is time to let Auri be with the other children."

Inteza tore her eyes away from Auri, who was on the other side of the chamber playing listlessly with a pair of dolls. "No! Just a little longer."

"She has much to learn that she cannot learn here."

Utor's Charm of Forgetfulness had drawn Auri out of her private world, as innocent as a newborn, with no memories of her previous life, good or bad. She once again returned her mother's embraces, but her bubbly personality had not returned.

Inteza's eyes filled with tears. "What if the others speak of what happened?"

"It will be like a tale told by a bard. She must learn to laugh and play again."

"I play with her!"

"But you have forgotten how to laugh."

"How could it be otherwise?" Inteza said, her voice black with bitterness. "Was there ever cause for laughter since I was torn away from my mother and sisters?"

Rhoz sat quietly, trying to marshal some gentle but compelling argument, something better than a biting reproach or the ready wisdom of a maxim. If only they could both forget everything that had gone before and start over as a mother and daughter should!

"I take it you did not care for the match with Muktar," Rhoz said, hoping to draw Inteza out.

"My father needed horses. I was the payment." Inteza brooded for some time before continuing. "Muktar chose me because I was the prettiest. I was wont to lord it over my sisters because all the boys wanted to be with me, but I soon learned there is a price for vanity."

"Was there a special one?" Rhoz asked.

"Yes." Inteza bowed her head. "I was invited to his wedding, but Muktar forbade it. I never saw my home or my family again."

"Perhaps we can remedy that when Akynadar is free again."

"Do you really think you have the power to bring that about?" Inteza spat out her contempt. "Dys cannot defend herself, let alone conquer her neighbours."

Rhoz held back the torrent of angry words on her lips, and stood up. "Please -- let me take Auri to the children's hall. I will see that she is returned to you right after supper."

Before Inteza was able to answer, a maid burst through the door without knocking.

"Megira!" she said breathlessly. "Chatelaine Eveline has begun her birth pains!"

"Are you sure?" Rhoz asked, alarmed. "It is much too early."

The maid did not answer, but disappeared on the run. Rhoz looked after her, wondering what to do. She was loath to leave her mother in her dark mood, but she was eager to see the birthing process. She had never attended a birth, and felt woefully unprepared for her own delivery.

"I must go," she said softly. With a sudden rush tenderness, she kissed Inteza's cheek. "Eveline has been a good friend to me."

Inteza's eyes lit up, then dulled again. "Go. I will take Auri to the children's hall. Will I have leave to stay and watch?"

"If I know Martenn, she will put you to work."

Inteza's mouth curved in a wry smile. "It has been some time since I took orders from a woman."