"Wake up, little one. Time for us to be on our way."
Jayza forced her eyes open, then uttered a low oath and closed them again, burying her head in the pillow. Tavan chuckled quietly and gently pulled the coverlet down.
"I know, Jayza. I wish I could let you remain in bed for a while longer. But my men are waiting. As is the Emperor. I can't delay our departure any longer."
"Do I have time to bathe?" She let out a huge sigh, then sat up, rubbing her eyes. Tavan was already dressed in his military gear and as Jayza glanced around the room, she saw almost everything had been packed and was waiting to be taken away. It was obvious he had let her sleep as long as possible, and she smiled at his obvious consideration.
"If it's quick. And if you eat while waiting for it to warm." Tavan was still moving about the room, finishing up with some last-minute packing. He moved to the small desk and bent over, penning another message. Jayza assumed it was going to be sent to the Emperor and she stretched then reluctantly crawled out of bed, issuing a large yawn as she did so. She was exhausted and the darkness outside told her dawn was still far off. Yawning again, she stepped to the side of the tub and began filling it, then poured a cup of coffee and took a piece of bread off the tray that was sitting on the low table in front of the sofa. Tavan appeared to be carrying his cup around with him as he finished packing and it now sat at his elbow. He periodically sipped it as he considered his message, then returned to the table and poured another one once the message had been sealed and stamped.
"Why do we have to go so early?" she groaned. "I feel like I haven't slept at all."
"I want to be out of Sim Hanji before most of the citizens begin their day. We have a long way to go and having to slow down because the roads are clogged will make it even longer. Besides, I always start my journeys early. It allows for time to relax before bedding down for the night." Tavan had returned to the desk, cleaning up his materials and stowing them away. Slamming the chest shut, he secured it and carried it over to the door, then retrieved his coffee as he sat on the sofa, watching her.
Jayza didn't answer, having shoved a large piece of buttered bread in her mouth. Taking a good-sized gulp of the coffee, she rose, moved to the tub and stripped. Sinking into it, she scrubbed her skin until is tingled then washed a second time. Tavan had informed her last night that it was at least two days to the pass and then at least a day and half to get through it. He couldn't guarantee there would be water for bathing until they made it into Culan, which meant three or four days of sweat and grime. Jayza was determined to make the most of the tub before she had to say goodbye to it forever.
Quickly rinsing, she washed her hair and exited, taking another swallow of the coffee before picking up the loose pants and shirt she had worn during the first part of the journey. Tavan had sent everything to be cleaned while they were at the Bazaar and when they returned, the clothes had been folded and neatly stacked on the end of the bed. She had helped him fold the rest of his clothes and put them away, then laid aside her outfit before piling the blue dress and white sash on top. Tavan produced a new cloak for her, and she had mixed feelings about the gift. The cloak, while simple, was warm and would be welcome but wearing it meant she could no longer huddle under his while riding. She wondered if he had commissioned a new wagon and meant to put her back in it but was too afraid to ask. Instead, she accepted the cloak gracefully, laying it aside so it wouldn't be packed away. Finishing with her dressing, she began working the knots out of her hair while letting her thoughts drift back to the day before.
She and Tavan had spent the entire afternoon and a good part of the evening at the Bazaar. Jayza had wandered in and out of the little shops, at a loss about what to buy. Nothing seemed appropriate. The few things that caught her eye either seemed like they would send the wrong message or would be something he would not appreciate. And she simply refused to buy anything for herself. There was no way she would ever ask him to hold onto a piece of jewelry or an item of clothing she had worn, and she couldn't stomach the idea of him allowing another woman to wear it once she was gone. After the fifteenth or sixteenth place, she had thrown up her hands in disgust.
"Tell me what you like." She stood to the side of the latest shop she had browsed, her foot tapping with frustration. "I can't think of a bloody thing."
"You're not trying, little one. Buy something you like. Something that makes you happy." Tavan leaned against the wall with his arms folded and gazed at her, his look unfathomable. Jayza uttered a mild curse, earning a startled look from a passerby. Tavan led her away from the busy walkway and pulled her into another, smaller shop. Jayza glanced around briefly, completely unimpressed with the pottery she was seeing. Turning back to Tavan, she responded to his statement, huffing with annoyance.
"So I can see it confiscated in less than fourteen days? I don't want to waste your hard-earned scrip like that."
"Don't worry about my scrip. I want to do this. And it's not like I have anything else to spend it on." Tavan was still smiling but his voice held a slight edge to it. Jayza swore once more, realizing he wasn't going to let her leave until she complied. She made a rude noise and marched out of the shop, much to the merchant's dismay. Stalking down the street, she barely glanced at the stalls she passed. Until she reached one selling weapons of different shapes and sizes. Coming to a sudden stop, she stepped over, lightly running her fingers over the various daggers laid out on one of the tables. Tavan trotted after her. When he saw what she was doing, he frowned and pulled her away.
"I can't let you have a dagger, Jayza. As you well know. So why are you looking?" He seemed genuinely puzzled but Jayza could also tell he was extremely unhappy with what she was doing.
"It's not for me," she said, jerking her arm and approaching the table again. The merchant watched, knowing a domestic argument when he saw one and wisely deciding to stay out of it. Besides, in his experience, the woman always won. All he had to do was wait. Jayza began inspecting the daggers again, turning one over in her hand before placing it back down and moving on to the next.
"No." Tavan stepped to her side and placed his hand gently over hers. "I told you to buy something for yourself. Picking out a dagger for me is not what I intended."
"You asked me to purchase something I wanted, something that will make you remember me every time you see it. What better object than a dagger you will use every day?" Jayza was looking at him, all innocence and sweetness. She had every intention of winning this argument, even if he hadn't realized it yet.
Tavan opened his mouth to protest, then shut it. Jayza had trapped him in his own words again. Sighing, he stepped away, causing the merchant to smile in satisfaction. Jayza continued her inspection, placing several daggers to the side before she finished looking at them all. Returning to the three she had selected, she asked the merchant for something to slice, causing him to first look at her in surprise, then at Tavan for permission. Tavan waved a hand, not wanting to get into another argument with Jayza, and the merchant reached under the table, pulling out several pieces of fruit as well as a long strip of cloth.
"I do not sell dull blades," he said, annoyed at the perceived insult. He placed the items on the table in front of her, his face drawn down in a frown.
"I never said you did," Jayza replied, picking up an apple and bouncing it in her hand. "I would like to test the sharpness of each. After all, my Lord needs something that will cut the toughest items while not shattering."
The merchant sighed, slightly mollified, and watched as Jayza expertly sliced the fruit first, then shredded the strip of muslin. Removing one of the daggers, she placed it back with the ones she had already dismissed, then picked up one of the two remaining ones. Quickly glancing around the shop, she spied what she was looking for and moved to one side slightly. Gripping the blade between her fingers, she raised her arm and let the dagger fly. It flew end over end in a straight line and she watched as it buried itself in one of the beams supporting the canvas canopy. The merchant watched, his mouth opening in horror while Tavan leaned against another pole, a bemused look on his face. Jayza marched over and pulled the dagger from the pole and returned, laying it down and repeating the action with the second dagger. Pulling that one, she turned to Tavan.
"Inferior quality," she said, preparing to exit. "They won't last."
Tavan nodded, watching the merchant out of the corner of his eye. The man's look went from horror to dismay in an instant. Racing after them, he grabbed Tavan, shaking his arm slightly.
"Please, sir, let me show you what I have. What I reserve only for my finest customers." He was practically begging and Jayza smothered the giggle that threatened. She nodded slightly when Tavan glanced at her, eyes dancing with amusement. Tavan let the merchant lead them back into the shop, Jayza trailing slightly behind.
"Wait here," the merchant pleaded, gesturing with his hands. "I promise to bring you daggers the likes of which you have never seen."
Tavan waved the man away, watching as he pushed aside a curtain and disappeared.
"Very good, little one," he said quietly, speaking in Garjen. The minute the merchant was out of sight, he had smiled widely at her, his look one of approval. "I was worried I was going to have to intervene."
"I'm just getting started." Jayza was smiling and her eyes danced. She was telling the truth. The Ta'njar had believed no asking price was acceptable and bargained over the smallest things. Jayza had been haggling since she was a child, and it was a pastime she entered into with a passion. "Ta'njar live to bargain."
"Yet you haven't been doing so well with me." Tavan was laughing softly, and his eyes danced merrily. Jayza felt her good humor returning. Even though she wasn't happy with what he was asking of her, she was beginning to enjoy herself. Even his statement didn't bother her as much as it normally would have, although she couldn't let it go without responding.
"That's different. You trap me with words. When I say we live to bargain, I'm talking about this." She waved her hand around the shop, dropping it back to her side when it completed its arc. "We bargain for goods like our lives depend on it. And we love it. I've watched men haggle with a merchant for an entire afternoon. And in Kif Aljar, it was not only expected, it was considered a pleasurable way to spend time."
"Then I will leave you to it," he said, still smiling. He stepped back and gave her a slight nod when the merchant returned, a tray with six daggers in his hand.
"Take a look at these." The merchant laid the tray on the table, his look much more smug as he waved his hands over them. "None finer in the Empire."
"That remains to be seen." Jayza refused to look at the man, bending over the tray and inspecting the new daggers closely. She again picked each one up, turning it over and over in her hand. She then repeated the actions she had taken with the first set of daggers she had looked at. By the time she was done, the merchant had gone a shade of gray that rivaled the dawn, Tavan was laughing inwardly, and Jayza was smiling broadly under her veil, her eyes twinkling in merriment. The dagger she had finally reached an agreement on was made of fire-hardened steel and about the length of her forearm. The hilt was silver and bronze, inlaid with a deep blue stone on both sides of the hilt. Ornate scroll work decorated both the hilt and the top part of the dagger and when Jayza handed it to Tavan, he declared it far superior in both weight and feel to the one he now carried. Jayza had reached under her veil and plucked a hair, wanting to see how sharp the blade was. The merchant had watched in awe as she deftly sliced it in two, surprised a woman was able to manage it. When Jayza started bargaining over the price, he at first scoffed, then looked at Tavan. Women did not argue price with him, and he told Tavan he would only bargain with him.
"Then you will lose a customer." Tavan pushed away from the pole and held his hand out for Jayza, preparing to exit the shop again. When Jayza took it and stepped away from the table with the daggers, the merchant, greed quickly overcoming his prejudice, began discussing the price, certain Jayza had no idea what she was doing. When it became clear she was not only knowledgeable, but skilled, he began to sweat, not entirely sure how far he should go. He kept shooting imploring looks at Tavan, who continued to wave in a negligent manner, forcing him to bargain heavily with Jayza.
When the entire transaction had been concluded, the man gratefully took the scrip, slightly ashamed he had been bested by a woman but happy with the little extra Tavan slipped him. The pair left the shop, holding in their laughter until they were well away from the stall.
"Sands, woman, I've never seen anything like that." Tavan was laughing but it was clear he was impressed with her bargaining skills. Taking her hand, he led her back into the main square and over to one of the food stalls. Buying a small cup of sweet nuts, he found a seat for them on the low wall surrounding the fountain that marked the center of the Bazaar. "I couldn't have done better myself."
"Yet you slipped him something extra. Don't think I didn't see." Jayza was frowning although her eyes still danced.
"The poor man never saw you coming. I simply compensated him for the abuse he received."
"Not abuse. Business. I told you. Ta'njar have elevated bargaining to an art form." Jayza was proud of herself. She had haggled often in Kif Aljar but never over something as expensive and high quality as this. The fact Tavan approved only reinforced her feeling she had gotten the best price possible.
"No argument on that from me," Tavan said, popping a honeyed almond in his mouth. "And I thank you for the dagger, Jayza. It's beautiful. Now, however, buy something for yourself. Please?"
Jayza sighed and tossed an almond in her own mouth. Frowning, she gave his request serious thought, then brightened. Standing up, she took his hand, tugging on it until he rose also.
"I have the perfect thing." Her eyes were bright, and she was smiling again. Tavan let her lead him, curious as to what she had finally decided on. The pair walked up and down the various walkways until Jayza found the shop she was looking for. Entering, she approached the little man sitting at the table in the back. Bowing slightly, she told him what she wanted.
"I told you. Something for you," Tavan said quietly when the man disappeared through the open doorway. He was now frowning, clearly unhappy with what she had requested.
"It is, Tavan. But whatever I don't use, you can take with you. And the quill will last for years if you take care of it."
Jayza had requested a quill with several replacement feathers, several small jars of ink, and a stack of plain parchment along with a wood case to carry it all in. When the man returned, he carried three cases stacked on top of each other. Laying them on the table, he invited Jayza to look them over, explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each. Jayza eventually chose a silver quill with several goose feathers. She only bargained slightly with the merchant, surprising Tavan who had expected another long, drawn-out negotiation. When he asked her about it after, she explained she had no idea of the real value of the items as they were never offered for sale in Kif Aljar. The only people who had quill, ink, and especially parchment were the teachers, the officials who governed the town, and some of the traveling merchants. And the parchment that was available was often reused. Kif Aljar simply had no way to make either parchment or ink and ordering it was both expensive and time-consuming.
Tavan had then asked why she had chosen those items. She had shushed him, simply stating she planned on making a record of the rest of their journey. Tavan had cocked his head, a feeling she was hiding something taking hold. But she refused to say any more, proclaiming herself done and asking if he planned on doing any shopping for himself. He had told her no and she nodded, prepared to return to the inn. But Tavan surprised her. Instead of heading back, he led her out of the Bazaar and down a side street, eventually ending up on the shore of the pool. Walking down the wide pathway that bordered this section of it, he eventually led her to a small eating establishment overlooking the water. Taking the host aside, he spoke quietly, slipping the man some scrip when they were done. Jayza watched, slightly mystified, and was unable to get Tavan to answer her when she asked what he was doing.
The host eventually returned and ushered them through the small dining area and out into a courtyard that sat between his building and the one next door. Jayza gazed in wonder at the area, realizing what Tavan had done and feeling overwhelmed once again.
The courtyard had been cleared of all the other diners. A lone table sat in the center, several screens with flowering vines placed around it so the occupants could not be seen from the walkway or either of the two buildings. The table sat low to the ground, deep cushions on one side. The carpets laid underneath were covered with scattered rose petals and candles burned both in the center of the table and from sconces mounted on the screens.
"Tavan..." Jayza breathed, eyes wide with wonder. She turned to him, her eyes sparkling above the veil.
"Not a word, little one," he said softly, laying two fingers on her lips. "I want you to remember our time here during your darkest hours. Can you do that for me please?"
Jayza nodded, too stunned to speak. What Tavan had done must have cost him a fortune. She wanted to argue, to refuse this, but she couldn't. Tavan wanted her to remember this, just as she wanted him to never forget her. Feeling as if she was in a dream, she moved to the table, sinking onto one of the cushions and folding her hands in her lap.
Jayza barely remembered the food Tavan ordered. All she could recall was that it was the best she had ever had. Instead, she remembered how easily they talked. How comfortable she now felt in his presence. And how heartbroken she was starting to feel at their eventual parting. Jayza Ur Birfa had finally admitted to herself that she was deeply in love with her captor. And that in fourteen days, she was going to lose him. Forever.
After the meal, Tavan had led her back by way of the walkway around the pool. When they reached the inn, he had asked her if she wanted to enter the water.
"I can't swim. I'm from the desert, remember? Our oasis wasn't big enough to swim in."
"No swimming, Jayza. We can just wade a little bit. The sand is soft and cool and the water warm. You might find it pleasant." Tavan had already removed his shoes and rolled up his pants. Jayza looked at the water with slight hesitation, but then removed her slippers and hitched up her skirts. Wading in to her knees, she stood quietly, gazing at the waterfalls that sent a slight mist their way. Tavan came to her side and removed her veil, tossing it back on the lawn. Wiping a damp tendril away from her face, he lowered his head, drawing her into a deep kiss.
"Tavan," she breathed softly when he pulled back slightly, "I want to thank you for today. I will hold this memory in my heart for as long as I live. But I still will not come to you as a lover, as much as I may want to. The pain will be too great."
"I know, my love," he whispered, his fingers lingering in her hair. "And I agree. You will lose hope and possibly even hate me for letting the Emperor have you. And I may come to feel the same. For submitting to me when you were at your most vulnerable and because I took advantage of that, causing you further pain than I already have."
Jayza was crying, tears streaming down her face. She began to seriously consider ending it all before she got to Culan. Because she was no longer sure it was worth trying to survive. She had no idea how to answer him and staying might lead to another kiss. And possibly something more. Turning away, she slowly made her way out of the water. Placing the veil on her head, she covered her face once more and slipped on her shoes, then began walking across the lawn. Tavan followed, his heart heavy, and he desperately sought a way to rescue the woman he loved.
Jayza had remained silent all the way across the lawn, into the inn, and into their room. Carefully removing her clothes, she slid into bed in the shift, curling on her side and crying softly. Tavan had moved to the terrace, dropping into one of the chairs and remaining there long after Jayza had fallen asleep.
Jayza's feeling at leaving was bittersweet. For a short time, the real world had seemed far away. She knew her time in Sim Hanji was temporary and eventually, she would have to face the fate that waited for her. Now that they were leaving, she wanted nothing more than to get to Culan as quickly as possible. If she was going to die, then she no longer wanted to spend days worrying over how or when it was going to happen. More importantly, the longer she spent with Tavan, the more despondent and heartbroken she was going to be become.
"I'm ready," she said softly, finishing her coffee after braiding her hair. Tavan finished what he was doing. Placing the parchment in the small satchel at his waist, he made one last sweep of the room before coming to her side.
"Thank you, little one," he said softly, pulling her into his arms.
"For what?"
"For giving me the happiest day of my life." Tavan's eyes were dark and full of pain, tearing at Jayza's heart. She didn't know what to say. Instead, she reached up and drew his head down, kissing him deeply before stepping away.
"I wish..." Her voice was soft, no more than a soft breath of wind as she looked at him, pain lancing through her.
"Don't say it." Tavan's voice was almost as soft as her and he once again placed his fingers on her lips, shushing her. "Don't say anything, Jayza. I want to remember us as we are right now."
Jayza nodded, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. Bowing her head, she followed Tavan as he opened the door and bellowed for his men. Quietly following him down the stairs, she stood meekly as he mounted Samson and complied quietly when Commander Sentel lifted her into his arms.
"No slave wagon?" Jayza peered over his shoulder at the formation behind him. As far as she could see, there were the same number of wagons as before, although they had all been outfitted with new coverings. The men were all clean shaven and their armor gleamed in the moonlight. They sat quietly at attention, awaiting the order to leave.
"The Governor claims they didn't have enough supplies. And that if he was forced to order them, it would take at least a week to arrive and several more days to construct it."
"The Governor lied," Jayza said flatly.
"And you know this how?" Tavan looked down at her, eyebrow arched.
"Because there are always supplies to construct wagons stored somewhere, especially in places like Sim Hanji. Wagons break on a regular basis. No Governor would let their town, especially one that relies on the export of food products so heavily, run out of supplies to replace the means of transporting those goods. He knew he wasn't going to get paid right away for it, if ever, so he lied to you in order to keep the supplies for the town's use." Jayza was angry. She hated when people were taken advantage of, especially by government officials. She had seen it happen to her people often enough and it always enraged her.
"At this point, it doesn't matter." Tavan dismissed the possibility, shifting position and taking up the reins in one hand. "It's too late to challenge him on this. If the Emperor chooses to take the matter up, then it will be his problem."
"You would turn the Governor in for this?" Jayza was a little surprised, although she hoped Tavan did. Would serve the little toad right.
"No. But the Emperor will ask about the lack of a slave wagon, especially since we spent several days in Sim Hanji. I will simply relay what the Governor told me." Tavan answered her absently, preoccupied with the impending journey. Jayza faced forward, her mouth a thin line.
"Foolish man," she muttered. "He should know better than to try and cheat the Emperor. Or his right-hand man."
Tavan declined to comment. Motioning to his men, he gave the order to move out. By the time the sun rose, the group were well away from Sim Hanji, the Kangula Mountains once again filling Jayza's view. And despair beginning to fill her heart.