The Ties that Bind Me Book 1

An Unnerving Interruption

The days turned into weeks and then months with working with Hao and I had never been so sore in my life. Every night he would kick my ass and hand it back to me in pieces. It was odd, I knew as well as he that I was improving, but something was blocking me from fully attaining what it is he was trying to teach. I could clear my mind and when I finally did I could hear the sound the reed made through the air before it connected with my arm. I had to focus on my surroundings to learn that danger could spring from anywhere. It was the one time we actually worked past daylight when we heard a rustle in the bushes behind us. I could see white skirts flee back to the building. I knew that if I didn't do something, harm would come to Hao, Gethin, Lolek and even Sarki of whom I hadn't trained with yet.

I ran after the person and finally cornered her in the hall near my quarters. I couldn't believe it. I could have sworn that it would have been Inara, but Rasha was a different story all together. She and I got along great so I had to ask what it was that made her run.

Imiri* رشا ما هذا؟ ماذا دهاك؟ (Rasha what is it? What's wrong?)

Rasha* اميري هل أنت بخير ، رأيته يهاجمك ولم أكن أعرف ماذا أفعل. يا ما كان كل شيء. لقد رأيتك عن طريق الكدمات وأحسبت أن هناك شيئًا ما يحدث. لقد بدا دائما سهل الانقياد. (Imiri are you alright, I saw him attacking you and I didn't know what to do. Oh what was it all about. I have seen you about with bruises and figured that something was going on. He has always seemed so docile.)

I couldn't help but to giggle a little bit. She looked at me like I had gone crazy but still she smiled a bit. It wasn't truly laughter but more of her trying to hide her confusion.

Imiri* لا لا لا رشا. هو تدريب لي. لقد تعلمت الدفاع عن نفسي رشا. لقد جرحني فقط لأنني لم أدرك تمامًا ما يجب أن أتعلمه حتى الآن. (No no no Rasha. He is training me. I have been learning to defend myself Rasha. He has only been injuring me because I haven't fully grasped what it is I am to learn yet.)

Rasha understood then and started to laugh. Her laugh was contagious and I couldn't help but laugh with her.

Rasha* أنا آسف جدا. اعتقدت انه كان يضايقك أعتقد أنك تريد مني الحفاظ على هذا السر؟ (I am so sorry. I thought he was just bullying you. I guess you would like me to keep this a secret?)

Imiri* يا نعم رشا هل من فضلك. أستمتع بدروسي وأرغب في المتابعة. من فضلك لا تدع أحدا يعرف ، وسأكون ممتنا للغاية يا صديقي. (Oh yes Rasha would you please. I am enjoying my lessons and I would like to continue. Please don't let anyone know, I would greatly appreciate it my friend.)

Rasha nodded quickly and hugged me before she ran back to her job serving the household. I ran to the kitchens grabbed a meal and then headed to unload the trucks. I knew that Hao had left for fear that it was Inara and we were going to be hurt. It took most of the day to unload the trucks, but I managed to find Lolek and have him pass a message to Hao that everything was alright. I wouldn't dare put them in danger for me. After I ate lunch I went to my room and tried to figure out where I was having problems with Hao's lessons. I stood up on my toes placing my right leg over my head and closing my eyes to clear my head.

I heard the hand on my doorknob before it was even turned. I opened my eyes quickly and moved behind where the door would open. I smiled as Lolek looked for me until he closed the door.

"What were you hiding from Imiri, it's just me. It is always just me." He hugged me tight and it felt wonderful to be in his arms again.

"Ah, but see that is the thing. You never really know who is there or what is going to happen. It is better to. Always. Be. Prepared." My thoughts slowed as did my words as it finally dawned on me what it is that I wasn't getting.

He looked at me oddly and held me at arm's length. "Imiri, what is it. What's on your mind?" His voice was a bit shaky as he spoke giving away the fear he felt.

I bounced up and down like a child who just got a piece of candy. "That's it, that's it, that's it. I got it Lolek. I finally understand what it is I was missing all this time. Did you get it. Did ya, did ya, did ya, did ya?" I was excited and I wanted to use my new found knowledge to surprise Hao when we next got the chance to train.

Lolek shook his head and smiled at me. He knew exactly what I had been waiting for and he nodded before handing me a piece of paper and starting a conversation for anyone who may have been listening outside our door. "Yes, I got it today. It was interesting to get something new and I really hope I didn't put Veata out, but she is the best when it comes to stitching leather."

I caught on quick as I read the note. "Can I see? You know I really should ask her if she could help me out with maybe a pair of soft leather pants. They look so comfortable."

The note from Hao was short and to the point and I understood the few words:

"Three nights, East wall, sundown."

Lolek continued the conversation as we got things cleaned up and got ready to head to the baths. "I think you would look great in leather pants, but maybe I have become biased."

We grabbed up out things and headed out of the room and to the baths. As always we held up the pretense that I was his pleasure slave by him walking in front of me and my head downcast. It was something I could live with since every day I got to tell him that I loved him and I knew I got his love in return.