No more than a knock at the door, and the world fell from Avtandil’s feet. Like a steed galloping across an open plain, his heart raced within his chest. He had never met Tinatin alone. There were always prying eyes in the Kingdom. No one was aware of his secret, but, despite the late hour, the ache in his soul would not let him resist her summons.
The pain of keeping silent about his love had grown greater with every new dawn and dusk separating him from her. Often, he felt himself more like a brother to the moon than a man. Each of them was shackled with chains, trapped, and eternally yearning for the sun, yet never able to reach her. An ocean might be measured from the tears he shed to quench the fires within, but he had never succeeded. Now, her invitation set him ablaze.
As he considered what to wear, he imagined putting a crown of fire on his head and giving her a bouquet of stars. Smiling to himself at his mortal limitations, he settled for dressing in his best clothes. He hoped his joy would shine as brightly as any Heavenly gifts he might have otherwise brought.
Despite the late hour, he left his room with bold steps. He answered to none but Tinatin and Rostevan, and only a fool would deny her. As he followed the servant towards her chambers, his spirits soared with thoughts of looking on the woman he loved.
When he entered, she quietly greeted him, and he carefully seated himself. Alone with her for the first time, he gazed into the depths of her eyes. To his surprise, he found a storm of mourning was brewing within them.
She sat next to the window like a wounded nightingale. A priceless red veil hid the rose of her lips, and she wore a gown of unlined ermine, but Avtandil did not count these baubles. His thoughts were entangled in the long tresses of hair twined around her pale throat, and the onyx of her eyes piercing his heart.
When his head cleared, he wondered at her sorrow before gathering the courage to ask.
“How can a man speak with one such as you? My mind departs, leaving me without leisure to think. I am utterly consumed and fear my tongue will betray me, yet I must learn what disturbs you. How may I help?”
Tinatin looked at him, choosing elegant and modest words before speaking.
“Although you have always remained far from me, I am surprised to see you meek or timid for a moment, but you are correct. There is something you can do for me.”
“A malady afflicts me like a plague. It wounds my heart and leaves me in constant sorrow. I cannot stop thinking of the day you and my father killed game on the plain.”
“I was told tales of a strange Knight in panther skins who refused to speak. Do you remember this youth who wiped the crystal of his tears away before disappearing? I have been as prey to thoughts of him. How is it one capable of standing against you and my father could be so distraught? He gave neither challenge nor contest to you. Instead, he fled the field. But why?”
“My father believes he was a Devi, as none of his soldiers found any sign of a man, but you and I know differently. If the goal of this stranger was to ruin our King, he would not have run from battle. So, I ask you, my Knight, to seek out this man and learn what ails him. Find out whether he really is a monster. Perhaps he may even be a brother in arms.”
“Go beyond the borders of Arabia, and search for three years. Travel far and wide, through all the earth and bounds of the Heavens in service to me. Should you find him, return singing of your victory. Yet, if you who has no equal among my Knights are unable to do this, I too will believe he was no more than a Devi.”
“I understand this task is great, but do not think I am so callous as to ask so much of you and give nothing. Until now, I never had the chance to sit in private with you, but I am not blind. I have seen more than you might be aware. You have been patient and virtuous, and your reward will be greater than what I ask. But first, I must share my own secret with you.”