Chapter 20: Thal’s Assignment
“Anax?”
Ben looked up to see Thal standing in the doorway to his study. She was wearing and elegant silk robe, purple with gold trim. It fell almost to her slippers.
“Oh, hey! Thanks for coming here so late.” He nudged an empty whisky bottle beneath his desk with the tip of one shoe. “I’m Ben now. No one’s around. Come on in.”
Thal stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. “How may I be of service?”
“Shut the door, please.”
Thal, pleased, did so, her heart beating a little faster.
“I want you to mentor Fiela,” the man said as she approached his desk.
She stopped dead in her tracks. This was not what she expected to hear. Reassessing her situation, she said, “Mentor? You mean in the sciences?”
“Everything. The sciences, of course. Nisirtu stuff, too. Court life. Reality. I want you to ensure she is not taken advantage of by a political operative. She is naïve, Thal. She doesn’t want to be a queen, but she is, and the day might come that Lilian isn’t around to stop her from doing something stupid, or being manipulated into doing something stupid.”
Thal pulled her robe tighter. “Ben, my father and I-”
“You’re Ordunas. You think Fiela should be queen, not Lilian.”
“As you say. I am therefore not-”
“That’s exactly why I am tasking you with this. You guys are always watching her, or watching out for her, depending on one’s perspective. Putting aside your possible schemes against Lilian-”
“Anax, we don’t-”
“-putting those aside,” he continued, “I cannot think of a better person to instruct Fiela. I can’t trust the Lilies to educate her. It needs to be an Orduna.”
“Why me, in particular, though? There are other Ordunas.”
Propping his chin in one palm, Ben said, “You’re uber-smart. I like your style, too. You lived and worked with Ardoons like me.”
“Not like you,” Thal protested.
“Ardoons, all the same,” Ben said. “You are mature and the most level-headed person I know. I trust you.”
There was a silent exchange between them before Thal said, “You are very kind, but Disparthian could mentor her. He has a moral compass that remains intact. He is also Peth and can better communicate with her.”
“No. I don’t need her trained as a Peth, Thal. I need her trained to be a queen. Besides, Diz is…well, a man. God only knows what kind of rumors might start if they spent too much time together. Also, call me old-fashioned. I think another woman would better understand Fiela’s psychology and needs.”
“Surely Lilian is that woman.”
“No. She’ll let Fiela get away with almost anything. Lilian might scold her on occasion but it’s all a show. Besides, Lilian’s been too occupied with her own ‘queenly’ activities to spend much time with Fiela.”
Thal considered nominating the traitor Persipia, but that would be taking things too far. Her dislike of the woman was intense. Instead she said, “Why should Fiela listen to me? She is my queen. I cannot compel her to study or to do anything else. Only you and Lilian can do that.”
“Yeah, Fiela can be obstinate when dealing with...”
“Subordinates.”
“Right. I can take care of that.” He saw the indecision on the woman’s face. “Okay, look, how about a trial period? A month. Just a month. Give it a try and if things don’t work out, you’re off the hook.”
“Very well. If things do work out, I would not mind continuing the assignment. If it would make you happy, of course.”
Ben’s relief was palpable. “It would. You’re the best.” He motioned at the chair on the other side of his desk. “Take a seat.”
As the scientist moved to obey, Ben stifled a burp and pulled a nearby pad toward him. He picked up a pen and began writing.
Lilian, Fiela, Wilfred, and Thal:
For the next four weeks, Thal is to mentor Fiela. Lilian is not allowed to interfere in anyway, directly or indirectly. I’m serious. While she is mentoring Fiela, Thal takes orders only from me and is only accountable to me. Thal, you’re in charge of Fiela. She is your responsibility. Teach her. Fiela, listen to Thal and do whatever she says. She has a lot to teach you.
This letter he signed, in big letters, “KING BEN.” He smirked dumbly, liking the flamboyance. On a separate sheet of paper, he wrote:
Wily: I want you to tell everyone else that you got it from me, directly. Do not implicate Thal. I know she’s an Orduna but this was my call. She had nothing to do with it and honestly doesn’t seem too keen on the plan, but I’m the king and all that.- Ben
He put both letters into envelopes, sealed them, and wrote ‘Wilfred Barnum eyes only’ on the front of each.
“Done,” he said. “I want you to take these letters to Wilfred Barnum tomorrow morning. Not before then. Don’t let anyone see you. Do you understand?”
“Of course.”
“When he summons you to a meeting to announce you’re going to mentor Fiela, you’ll act surprised. Don’t tell anyone we had this conversation. That’s for your own good. Lilian needs to believe this was a unilateral decision on my part.”
“May I ask why you don’t give these to Wilfred yourself?”
The man stood, swaggered. “Because I’m going on a trip. A surprise trip. To Nebraska. I don’t want the annasas to try to stop me, which they would.”
“Nebraska? When will you return?”
“In a few weeks. I’m just going to blow off steam.”
Thal moved closer to the man, knowing he was a little more than tipsy. She could smell the whiskey. “Ben, are you okay?”
“Yeah,” he said, leaning against his desk. “Mostly. I just had another blowout with Lilian. It’s getting to be a routine. Not your problem, though.” He managed a smile and looked at the woman. “I’m sorry we can’t talk longer.”
The woman nodded her understanding.
Ben cleared his throat. “Hey, I’ve been wondering - what’s your ancestry? Do you mind me asking that?”
“Of course not. You mean in Ardoon terms, I assume. My most recent ancestors were from India, Iraq, and Greece. Why do you ask?”
“You’ve got kind of an exotic look. Like that woman who broke into Hollywood a few years ago. I forget her name.” He raised his shoulders. “Anyway, I’m sure she’s dead. Everyone else is.” He frowned and shook his head. “Sorry. That was macabre, wasn’t it?”
Thal looked amused. “It is not unpleasant being compared to a Hollywood actress. But I regret you are so unhappy. In your marriage. I know you were compelled to marry Lilitu – I mean, Lilian.”
“Fiela makes me happy, at least. When she’s not causing me grief.”
Thal laughed. “She does love you, Ben. I promise that I will do all I can for her.”
“That means a lot to me, Thal. Thank you.”
The woman put her hands behind her back and gently swayed her hips. “Ben, was there someone else in your life before you met Lilian? Did you have to give someone up?”
“No. Thank God. I think that was be design. A lot of my life was scripted. I know that now. There was never any possibility I’d be allowed to stumble upon my dream woman. The scripts insulated me from chance encounters.” He looked at the scientist. “You?”
She shook her head. “No. But we Nisirtu are not allowed chance-encounters. You know that.”
Ben chuckled. “Yeah. That eugenics thing must lead to a lot of broken hearts. You’re still human, though. You still have crushes, right? You can still be attracted to a person, even if you know they are absolutely off-limits.”
Thal nodded. “Of course.” She cast her eyes toward the floor. “It happens all the time. Frequently, even.”
They stood there, saying nothing, for a long time.
Finally, Ben said, “I’m afraid we won’t be studying the tablets together for awhile.”
“They will be her
e when you get back. So will I.”
Another period of silence followed.
“We’ll talk more when I get back,” the man said.
“I am always available,” said the woman, shrugging. “Just say the word.”
“Anax, are you certain you want to do this?” asked a troubled Disparthian. It was just after midnight and the two men stood in the courtyard surrounded by the hundred-plus mounted Peth about to depart for Nebraska. The King’s Squadron.
“I’m sure,” Ben said, taking the reins of his horse. He holstered his carbine on the side, put a foot in a stirrup, and hoisted himself into the saddle.
“Anax,” said Disparthian again, “If you intend to travel outside of our territory, I must go with you.”
“No. You stay here and hold down the fort.”
“Is Annasa Fiela traveling with you, at least?”
“No, this was a last minute decision. Besides, I’ve got other plans for her.”
Vedeus was already atop his saddle, his horse facing Ben’s. Disparthian looked at him and said, “Captain Vedeus, you are aware of your responsibilities if the king is riding with you?”
“I am, Lord,” the man said, nodding. “His safety is paramount, of course.”
“Do not return without him,” warned Disparthian.
“As you say.”
“Don’t worry,” said Ben. “A week out and a week back. Maybe we’ll spend a week there. Three weeks, tops.”
Vedeus said. “We have an HF radio and antenna with us, Lord.”
“How many batteries?”
“One.”
Ben saw the look Disparthian shot Vedeus and said, “My call, Diz. It’s all we can spare. We’re running through our batteries faster than expected. Look, we’ll radio when we arrive at the site, or if there’s an emergency. That’s it. I’ve given the frequencies to the command center already.” He brought his horse about. “Notify our sentries that I’ve given Sam and his family a pass to come and go as they please. I’m hoping they stay but the old man seems pretty attached to his homestead.”
“As you say.” Looking pained, the lord said, “What shall I tell them, tomorrow? The annasas?”
“Tell them I had a last-minute revelation that required me to go and examine a site, and that I am in good hands with a squadron of Peth around me. Tell them not to worry.”
“They will be upset,” said Disparthian so quietly that only Ben could hear him. “Annasa Fiela, in particular.”
“Yeah, but one queen is always upset with me and the other is prone to forgiveness. I just want to spend some time with the guys. You wouldn’t want a hen-pecked king, would you?”
“I have served under such a man before.”
“Bet you didn’t care for it.”
“I was less opinionated at the time.”
Ben laughed and extended his hand. “Look after my girls, Diz.”
Disparthian accepted the proffered hand and the men shook. “I shall.”
Rising in his saddle, Ben said, “I almost forgot. There is one other thing.”
“What is that, Anax?”
“Send a scouting party to Denver International. Tell them to look for…oh, anything weird.”
“Weird?”
Ben shrugged. “They’ll know if they see it.”
“As you say,” replied the confused man.
Ben nodded. “Adios, then!”
Disparthian patted the flank of Ben’s horse. “Godspeed, Anax. Return soon, and in good health.”
“Fiela, please stop pouting. It is unbecoming.” Lilian waited for a fetch to refill her coffee and then waved her away. They were having breakfast in the King’s Suite so that they could be alone. “Diz said Ben will only be gone three weeks. Our husband is accompanied by a squadron of our best Peth. Vedeus is a very competent man. He just traveled here from the east.”
Fiela scowled at the woman. “Our husband did not tell us he was leaving, Sister. You know why.”
Lilian waved a napkin in the air. “He and I have disagreements on occasion. That had nothing to do with it. He has never left before, has he?”
“You were yelling at him.”
“He was yelling at me,” Lilian said with controlled indignation. “Perhaps I yelled a bit, too. That happens when people argue.”
The girl pushed her plate away. “What did you say to him?”
“Nothing!” Lilian gave the younger queen a beseeching look. “Please, Fiela, believe me, it was nothing. Just a minor tiff about food rationing and the Ardoon.”
Fiela crossed her arms. In contrast to the frilly translucent morning gown of her sister, the Peth wore a large football jersey which dropped to mid-thigh. “I should be with him,” she said, looking out the window. “He would have asked me to go if you two hadn’t been fighting.”
Lilian said, “You’re wrong. Did you not travel with him to Denver only days ago? He is a man. As Disparthian told us, Ben said he needed ‘time with the guys’ or something along those lines. We cannot expect him to entertain us always, Fiela. Do you realize he has had no time apart from us since you cornered him at that coffee shop last year?”
The memory of the encounter brought a bitter smile to the other woman’s lips. “I do not want him to be apart from us.”
“He must, don’t you see? On occasion. Do you really want a husband who lives only to please his wives? I’d rather be married to a mule.”
Lilian was far more concerned that she let on, though. Had Ben really left because of the argument last night, she wondered? She struggled to remember what, exactly, she had said to him, knowing that on at least one occasion she had just stopped herself from saying something very stupid. But he had been so unfair to her! He had belittled the Nisirtu and the kingdom! How could the man do that, knowing he was responsible for both? Why could he not see things her way?
She said, “He will return refreshed and full of life and passion. All will be forgotten. You’ll see.” She shook her head. “How is it that you were so affectionate last night and yet so wicked this morning?”
“You do not even remember last night,” Fiela said, as if upset about that, also. In reality, she couldn’t be happier about how the previous night had gone. Lilian had blacked out as soon as Fiela had convinced her to go horizontal on the bed. She hadn’t even so much as touched the woman aside from removing her clothes, which was necessary for the illusion to have permanence this morning. Fiela and Persipia had developed a remarkably decadent story of the night’s events that they planned to leak to Lilian over the coming days.
“I’m sorry,” said Lilian. “I was-”
“Drunk and high. Why do I bother trying to please you? Do you not remember any of the things I did?” Just to twist the knife, she added, “Or that Persipia did to me?”
Lilian’s expression revealed that the absence of the memories was extremely distressing. “Some of it, I think,” she said lamely, pinching her nose as she concentrated.
“It was so humiliating!” continued Fiela. “Of course I responded. Gods, everyone here must have heard me! But the reward was hardly worth the price. I will never do those things again, Sister. Not if you care so little that you can’t even remember them.”
“No,” the other woman moaned, “do not say-”
There was a gentle knock on the door.
“Come in, Persy,” said Fiela, knowing the consort was the only person it could be at this hour of the morning.
Persipia stepped meekly into the room. “Annasas, Wilfred Barnum is requesting your presence. Both of you.”
“Why?” asked Lilian, giving the woman a reproachful look.
Staring at the floor, the visitor said, “He would not tell me, Annasa.”
Lilian snorted and threw her napkin to the table. “Very well, tell him we shall be there shortly.”
“As you say, Annasa.” Persipia made a hasty exit.
Fiela said, “Sister, I should like to talk to you about Persy.”
“Yes, yes,??
? said Lilian. “She is quite out of hand. Did she really do such terrible things to you?”
“No, I mean-”
“Fiela, let’s talk about this later. In detail.” She rose. “For now we must assemble ourselves for Wily.”
Lilian sat with mouth agape.
“Lady Thalassa is to be given independence? Immunity from my commands?”
“Only for four weeks,” said Wilfred Barnum, the Fifth Kingdom’s resident legal expert. He was sitting in his high backed chair, a brown tome in one hand. “There are limits, of course. She must remain a loyal citizen and so forth.”
“I can assure you I am that,” said Thal, her hands clasped in front of her. “I am my father’s daughter, Annasa, and that must trouble you. Have faith in my loyalty to the king, if nothing else. I would not abuse his trust.”
Fiela said, “I do not understand, Wily. What am I charged to do?”
“The law says that you must obey the king, and the king has said that you must obey Lady Thalassa. It is really that simple. Again, there are limits. Obviously, she cannot rule by proxy, which is to say, she cannot command you to perform any action normally reserved of a regent. Outside of that…well, the king did not cushion his language, did he, lass? His meaning is clear. There is no doubt this was written in his hand. It is law.”
“I will not have this!” exclaimed Lilian.
Barnum laid down the book he had been consulting. “You have no say in it, Lilitu. I’m sorry. It was clear that the king did not want you to interfere with his desires. He has deprived you of power over Thal and removed Fiela from your sphere of influence. There’s nothing to be done about it.”
Lilian was very close to exploding. Had Ben stupidly issued a last minute command that he thought would only result in only classroom lessons for Fiela? How could he not realize that he had just made Fiela a slave to the Ordunas?
“I’m sorry, Wily,” she said, collecting herself. She ran her hands along her skirt to smooth out imaginary wrinkles. “I do not mean to be confrontational. This is not your fault, of course. It is only for a few weeks. There is really nothing to get excited about, is there?” She turned to Fiela. “I’m sure Thal has many useful things to teach you, Sister. Obviously, as it is our husband’s wish, she has my support.”
“But-” blurted Fiela.
“We shall discuss the merits of this situation with our husband when he returns.”
“But-”
“Fiela,” interjected Thal, daring to step forward. She had, until that moment, stood in the background, as a subject should. “I promise this will not be in vain.” She turned to look at Lilian. “Annasa, you understand that Fiela is now my charge. The king has, perhaps unknowingly, made me responsible for her very life. As such, I must require that she reside with me until the king returns.”
Surprised, Lilian said, “Do you mean she would reside with you, in your tiny suite? It is far too small, I think. Besides, it would be unseemly for my sister to reside outside the royal wing.”
“True, yet I am neither wife nor consort to the king and cannot sleep in the room you share with him.” She paused. “However, perhaps there is a middle-ground. My understanding is that there is another room set aside for your private use – the ‘Queen’s Suite?’”
“Her girl cave,” mumbled Fiela.
Lilian snapped, “It is not a ‘girl cave.’ I use it to conduct business.”
Fiela huffed.
“Could you perhaps conduct your business from the king’s study while your husband is gone?” asked Thal.
Lilian took a moment before nodding her assent. “Of course.” Bitch.
Fiela said, “Sister, I would rather-”
“It does not matter what you would rather do, Fiela,” replied Lilian, still looking at Thal. “You have no say.”
Thal said, “We shall make the most of this, Fiela. We will work together to determine your strengths and weaknesses, and shall focus on-”
“My strength is killing people!” the girl said loudly. “That is what I should be doing now, with my husband, if my sister had not angered him!”
“Fiela, the king is not as petty as that. He wished you to remain here in order that you might learn.” Determined to assert her position, Thal intentionally called the queen by her given name instead of Annasa. She saw Lilian glaring at her. The younger queen seemed oblivious. “Do you not obey him?”
Fiela looked up sharply. A nerve had been touched. “Of course I do.”
“Then you must also obey me, for that was his instruction to you.”
The girl opened her mouth to object, but said nothing, and Thal knew the necessary wheels were now turning in her new pupil’s brain. Fiela was the product of five thousand years of careful breeding, and an important part of the Peth-Allati program had been selecting those who had a genetic proclivity to obey authority. That was one of the characteristics that made Peth so dangerous in battle. They did what they were told, even if that meant running into a line of bayonets barehanded and blindfolded.
Some Nisirtu erroneously believed that Fiela had rebelled against her former superior, Moros, prior to the apocalypse. But Thal understood the girl’s actions were a result of her loyalty to her then-exiled sister, whom Fiela had viewed as the rightful queen of the Fifth Kingdom. Moros was Lilian’s enemy. A queen trumps a knight, and Fiela had done what she was bred to do. She obeyed whom she perceived as the higher authority.
Barnum cleared his throat. “That’s all I have for you ladies.”
Lilian rose. “Very well. Thank you, Wily.”
Thal moved toward the door. “Let’s go, Fiela.”
“But I must-”
“No,” said the other woman firmly, a hand on the room’s doorknob. “You will come with me. Now.”
The words had the desired effect. The Peth stood. Thal turned towards Barnum. “Wily, before we leave - what books do you have on the peerage of the Fifth Kingdom? That will be one of our first subjects.”
Fiela moaned.