Maya's Quest

1

Maya could almost hear her own heartbeat as the ominous silence stretched on for more that thirty counts. It was her first time before the council of rulers and her request had evidently stunned the old men to no end. Barely eighteen, her feet nearly gave way to intense anxiety,  although she put up a bold exterior so as not to appear weak before the revered Aishes. As rulers of each of the ten provinces in Lionea, the Aishes wielded immense power second only to that of the Island's supreme leader, the Ishe, in principle. Despite this, the only other who could boast of power and influence that rivaled the Ishe was behind her in her quest and fortunately, he too was present. 

Standing at the center of the circle formed by the council's sitting arrangement, Maya decided the silence could only mean that they waited to hear more and as such, she cleared her throat and repeated her words.

"I seek permission to compete for the Swordsman's Glory. I have trained as  Stude alongside many others who now seek the Glory and I see no reason why I can't join them in this quest. I ask that you grant my wish, Lord Ishe."

"Such Impudence!" Aishe Even, ruler of the Even Province suddenly thundered, causing a series of both similar and conflicting reactions to erupt as the others voiced their opinions. The mutterings continued for what seemed like an eternity before the Ishe saw it fit to intervene.

"That's enough!" Ishe Reed called out in a manner that brooked no dissent. In addition to being the supreme leader, he was also the eldest of the sons of the Island's founder and as such, the voices progressively dwindled until order was once again restored. 

"Maya Sint. I believe we all heard you the first time. However, the more pertinent thing we wish to know is the reasoning behind your absurd request."

Maya knew that if she voiced her opinions in the exact way she felt, her request would not only be denied, but she could be punished for insolence. It was true that Lionea boasted of the most egalitarian society obtainable in the known world. However, it was only a front, an illusion instituted to keep the women feeling grateful for what wasn't even real. To begin with, how was it that although they trained alongside boys as Studes, they were virtually not allowed to become province guards, or Sentors or anything else other than to join the female spy group known as the Spyinmes? The group, revered for it's name and all was only tasked with espionage and it seemed oddly consistent with the notion that women were more inclined to gossip and spy on others than men were. The only thing a Spyinme could aspire to was to become the head of the group and officially, the position was not even above that of a regular member. The worst of it was that the positions of import such as the Ishe, Aishe, HN and Legator were all reserved for men! She knew that due to physical limitations, women were not always well suited to certain tasks. However, it was unfair that they weren't given the choice of refusal. After all, there was a good number of men who weren't as strong to handle such tasks but they were allowed to opt out by choice and not exclusion. Sadly, men were not like to understand such niceties, should the issue be tackled with words. Hence, she knew that the only hope to be taken seriously was if women challenged men in what they thought was traditionally masculine and she was determined to be the one to take the first step.

Reigning in her emotions, she replied saying. "Lord Ishe, my reason is the same with all others who wish to enter the competition. I seek glory, respect and validation. All the years I've spent in training shall count for something if I can prove myself before all of Lionea. That, as I understand it, is the spirit of the games and as such, I haven't asked for something that is not within the confines of the law."

"Bold words from a bold girl," the Ishe began. "Unfortunately, what would be said of us rulers if we allowed a young woman to come to harm at the hands of overzealous men? You do realize that your safety is at..."

"My safety, Sire, is in my hands. Of what good is all my training if I can't fend off these men you speak of?"

Had the head of the military, HN Ruki Sen, not widened his eyes at this juncture in warning, Maya would not have realized her mistake in interjecting the Ishe. To avoid reproach and salvage whatever chances she had, she quickly added. "Apologies for cutting you off, Sire. I can barely control my emotions due to the depth of my conviction. Still, my behavior is inexcusable."

Ishe Reed smiled and replied. "Maya Sint, you may find it hard to believe but I was once young and I can clearly remember just how hotheaded I was at your age. You're forgiven. However, your request puts you in harm's way and I as Ishe cannot but decline."

Maya was about to object when he added. "However, my opinion alone shall not suffice in deciding your fate in this. Each council member shall vote and the decision of the majority shall stand. Lord Aishes, please take two minutes to make your decision. Once the time is up, you will each take turns to vote using the words 'Yes' or 'No', nothing more. If you seek some elucidation, you may now ask the girl directly."

Maya breathed a sigh of relief at the realization that there was yet hope. Virtually shaking in anticipation, she glanced around the room as she waited for questions from the Aishes. 

"Maya," her grandfather, Aishe Sint, began. "No Glory will validate your skills or training. Your service to this nation as a spy is validation enough. You will..."

"Aishe Sint," the Ishe cut in. "I understand your concern for your grandchild but unless you have a question to ask, please hold your peace."

"Apologies," the Aishe replied. Though it was evident to all that he was sure to have words with the girl as soon as the council was dismissed. Maya knew his vote was a definite 'No' and this made her odds even lower, seeing that the Ishe had already voted against her request. At the thought, a burst of panic coursed through her, causing her to almost gasp for breath. Just when it seemed like she could not contain her impatience any longer, the dreaded words finally came.

"I believe the two minutes have elapsed," the Ishe announced. "Council, please return with your verdict."

Muttering a silent prayer, Maya steeled herself in preparation for disappointment.

(Comments... Votes... Much appreciated!!)