One Hundred Keys (CH 36)
The Knight in the Panther Skin, Book One: Avtandil's Quest
“A man from Pharsidan woke me at dawn with a message, ‘My son, I know you desire rest, but you were away for three months. In all this time I have not hunted or eaten game killed in the fields. If you are not too tired, come to the audience hall. I await you.’”
“Though I was weary, one does not lightly refuse the summons of a King. So, I dressed and made my way to him, where I met packs of hounds outside. As I entered, I was surprised to see the chamber filled with birds of prey and him sitting in the middle of them. He wore hunting finery and shone like the sun. When he saw me, he clapped his hands with glee, laughing and rejoicing at my arrival.”
“I did not know it then, but earlier, he had he met the Queen in secret before inviting me. There, he shared a plan with her, ‘When I gaze on our hero returned from war, my heart sings. He should be seen by all in this way. It brings light to those around him, however dark their hearts.’”
“‘Whatever I ask of you this day, do it without delay. Though I made this decision without your consultation, you are a part of it. Our Nestan will one day rule, and today she will be seated beside you. So, wherever you are when I return with Tariel, you must both come to meet us. We will be full of joy from the hunt, and he will rest his eyes upon her.’”
“Unaware of their plans, I only saw a hunting party arrayed before me with my King at the ready. I joined him, happy to be home in India. We left with our hounds in tow, followed by countless falcons and hawks. The two of us hunted over the plains, crossing over foothills and up small mountains in our pursuit of game.”
“We returned before sunset, carrying the bounty of our hunt. The people were joyous when they saw us, still flush with news of my victory over the Khatavians. Men playing ball stopped, dropping their games unfinished to laud us with praise and share their happiness at my return. The city overflowed with people cheering, and they spilled out from the bazaars and onto rooftops to see me.”
“I wore tasseled robes, with the veil and cloak I found in Khataeti. To our onlookers, I appeared as a pale-hued rose, bathed by the tears of an angel. All who saw me swooned. Those whose hearts I drove mad with adoration became more maddened. Every step went on like this until we reached the palace.”
“Once there, the King dismounted and invited me into his private apartments. When I stepped into the banquet hall, my breath was taken. There she stood, the desire of my every waking moment. Her cheeks sparkled like sunlight, blinding my eyes, and leaving me trembling. I did not expect to see her here. Especially not in front of her father, who normally kept her hidden from all eyes.”
“Yet she was here and real, clad in brilliant orange and shining like a rose. Her spirit illuminated the room, and I could imagine the light from her spilling into the streets like a sun. She showed the briefest of smiles, but I was dumbstruck and could do no more than stand there, my wounded arm hanging useless in its sling.”
“Then, the Queen came to meet me, tenderly kissing my cheek as a mother kisses her son. She loved me, as did my foster father. Their boldness in the presence of the assembled people and Nestan brought both surprise and joy to me. She turned and addressed the people gathered in the hall, ‘The Amirbar returns victorious. From this day, we can expect no foe to challenge him further.’”
“The guests applauded, heaping praise on me, and she seated me opposite her for whom I was slain. My seat pleased me, for I could secretly watch Nestan. Throughout the evening, I stealthily stole glances at her, and she to me. While we exchanged many a look, there was no conversation between us. Every time the ceremony required me to tear my eyes from hers, my heart died a little.”
“Yet, all around us, people celebrated and shared their merriment. Tables were set with goblets and cups crafted from ruby and turquoise, next to jeweled golden plates worth a Kingdom each. Wine flowed like a river, and Pharsidan invited those who might drink too much to stay and enjoy the hospitality of the palace apartments. Everyone feasted with him and his Queen as though they were all equally Lords.”
“I gave myself up to the joy surrounding me, though I could not long keep my eyes from the flower of my soul. The pleasantry of being face to face with her after so long overwhelmed me. I became wild to see her, and whenever she returned my gaze, the fires in me stilled. Yet, I feared to stare too long or obviously. I did not want my affection for her to be noticed.”
“After several hours, the King ordered the minstrels to cease singing. They bowed their heads in silence, and he turned to me, ‘Tariel, my son, I cannot tell you how we rejoice at your return. It is a bliss to be with you again. Meanwhile, our enemies are filled with woe at the folly of their ill-conceived challenge.’”
“‘Many are the men and women in these halls who rightfully are your admirers. They do not sing your praises idly. It is the truth they speak, and we too would honor you. As is custom, we will clothe you to match the might and glory of your deeds, though we will not take away the beautiful robes you wear now.’”
“‘Instead, you who light our lives with the fire of your Heavenly rays will receive a gift from our hands. In this way, you may order whatever you desire sewn. Do not be bashful, for your victory is ours too, son of India!’”
“They handed me the fabled one hundred keys, which everyone knows lock away indescribable treasures. Empires would blush at the hoard of wealth this gifted me. I gave blessings beyond counting for their generosity, and they rose, kissing me tenderly. Each of them was shining, like two suns come down to illuminate me. At no time had anyone honored me as much as they did that day. Nor did any army see gifts equal to those I would later present my soldiers from the treasure I received.”
“The King and his Queen took their seats once more, joy radiating from them like sunlit cherry blossoms. All around us, the singing and drinking increased. The gentle melody of lyre and tinkling of harps soothed and caressed us as we feasted. When the kiss of dawn tugged at the edges of the sky, our Queen retired to her rooms. However, many of us remained and continued celebrating, though our joy was lessened by her absence.”
“When evening came, the feast finally defeated me. I could drink no more double goblets of wine and took my leave, paying my respects as I left. When I made it to my chambers, I fell to my couches like a man dazed, rejoicing at the memory of being so long under the raven lashes her who I so loved. My heart and body were still her prisoners, but I had no power to extinguish the fires which consumed me.”
“As I rested my head, a servant came to my door with news of a veiled woman waiting for me. I understood at once who was there and ordered him to let her in. Asmath came through my door with the elegance of an angel, and I kissed her on the forehead. I took her hands and stopped her from bowing, seating her near me on the couch as I greeted her, ‘You are a blessing to me, like a new shoot from a spruce tree, filling me with wonder and joy. Tell me of her who has slain me with her eyes, and nothing else.’”
“She smiled, pleased to visit me. With a laugh, she shared the words of her mistress, ‘Do not think I came here for no purpose other than idle chatter. I have enjoyed my time watching your pleasure at the tender sight of one another. It is by her command I have come, to bring you more than news, as you will now learn.”