Chapter Six: Far Across Deserted Sands
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~ Calormen ~
"Cast aside all thought and fear, and be met with the kiss of peace and friendship until the end of our days." – Elam the Prophet of Calormen.
The journey to Calormen's capital of Tashbaan took a little over two weeks. The weather had been mild and the wind good throughout their voyage, and Caspian and Drinian were well pleased with this. The river system had been trying on several individual's temperaments, however, and most aggravating entirely. It was difficult to navigate the levees and switchbacks that had to be used so ships could sail up the Farhaan; the river that flowed from the mountains down past and around Tashbaan, giving the city an excellent source of trade.
The morning they arrived, Caspian and Susan stood out on deck with the small party of nobles behind them. Because of the heat, the women found that their stiff, dark, and formal Telmarine gowns were far too stifling. The men could not wear their dark clothes and sturdy boots either because of the heat and the fact that to wear such thick clothes might become a cause of a stroke or dizzy spells. Caspian and Susan were only too agreeable to present them with some of their own Narnian attire, which Susan had insisted they bring for just this reason, though she had only told Caspian of the heat, knowing the nobles would refute her claims though she had sailed to Calormen before.
So they stood on deck, the sailors scurrying about behind and around them; Mice climbed into the rigging along with some nimble dwarves, and fauns checked the ropes and anchor chain to ensure that everything was as it should be before they sailed into the port of Tashbaan. Caspian and Susan said nothing, but their amused smiles gave away how they felt to see the Telmarines dressed – even reluctantly – in bright, comfortable Narnian clothes.
The Telmarines, all of which had never been outside of Narnia, whispered and pointed to the beautiful gardens of Tashbaan, exclaiming with awe at the lush green foliage spilling over hardly exposed white marble walls that rose from the river. The smell. . . Susan was taken back for a moment, remembering how familiar this had been. Caspian leaned over, smiled reassuringly, and took her hand in his. Susan appreciated the subtle gesture of support and comfort and exhaled slowly.
Rilian squirmed in her arms, wide eyes taking in the bright colors and exotic sounds and smells surrounding him. Slowly, the cries of people could be heard over the rippling sound of the river and the wails of birds and other tropical animals.
"Sire, there is a large gathering of nobility on the dock; it appears to be some sort of welcoming party," a young Telmarine sailor declared, hurrying over from where he'd been on watch.
Caspian glanced at Susan, a quizzical expression in his eyes. "I couldn't tell you," Susan answered aloud, puzzling over it herself. In her lifetime there had been parties gathering on the docks, but not a great multitude of people; the crowds usually began well within the walls of Tashbaan. Strains of music could be heard, and as the Pegasus sailed closer, the vivid flags of Calormen could be seen.
Susan stared at the grandeur as the ship docked and the gangway was lowered, noticing that though the people acted pleased, and cheered in the Calormene language when they came to stand at the rail, something seemed . . . off. But before more could be said on the matter, a young man with dark hair and lively brown eyes walked eagerly through the quickly parting throng, which fell prostrate as he passed, though he turned and tried to get them to stop.
After a moment, when one trembling woman fell at his feet after he brought her to her own, he gave up the endeavor and finished his sprint to the Silver Pegasus; the Grand Vizier trailed behind and many lesser men – including some Tarkaans – ran at the young man's heels, imploring him in Calormenian. He paused at the gangway, turning and waiting impatiently for the Grand Vizier to come. A commanding shout in his native language brought the lavishly dressed, elderly but portly man running and falling in a heap at his feet.
"I fear you have not heard the grave news that has come upon all of Calormen since you departed from glorious Cair Paravel that glistens by the Eastern Sea!" the boy lamented, coming to stand before Caspian, a solemn expression crossing his face momentarily. "My father, the Tisroc, has perished from a frail heart; also many of my elder brothers in a great war far to the south."
Caspian blinked, taken aback at the words. Susan was mystified, wondering why the Prince had come all this way to tell them when he could have waited at the palace. "I . . . We offer our deepest condolences for such a great loss. Though we were unaware of such news, grave indeed, we can well sail from here until you have mourned the dead." Caspian finally found his tongue.
"No! I entreat you stay; long have I read and heard tale of Narnia, now, as Tisroc, I wish to be regaled with her stories from the lips of they that know them best!" The boy smiled brightly. "We have time enough for mourning. As the great prophet once wrote most wisely 'mourn where mourning must be, but do not rest the heavy veil of grief and misery eternally.' Long have we mourned all these days, until I feel another hour with such garish display of aguish shall be my undoing!" The boy motioned for several slaves holding chests and mysteriously shaped objects under satin cloths to come forward up the gangway.
He flashed a bright, uncharacteristic grin at Susan, looking like Prince Rabadash had when she'd met him shortly after her crowning so many centuries ago. "Though I descend from a foolish man, I wish you know I think no foolish thoughts in kind; you are a great lady, Queen Susan, and most respected by myself." He turned and looked once more at Caspian.
"I was but a youth when my brothers fought in the Great Desert against you and your valiant warriors; they told me that never before had they seen such soldiers as those that fought for you. You have inspired my innermost heart, Sire, and I pray that I might become not only a skilled man in war, but one who only resorts to such mean measures when all others are removed from my sight." He nodded his head respectfully.
"You layer us with compliments, dizzy us with praise, when we are yet to learn your name," Caspian noted, unable to hold back a smile of his own.
"A thousand apologies, my friend from the North; I am called Rabshakeh, tenth son of the Tisroc and crowned in his stead only because of the noble deaths of my brothers before me in battle. My father – may he rest in the peace of the gods – requested you here in time for the Feasts of Izladi to see with his own eyes how strong the barbarian North country has become. I care naught for such things." Rabshakeh smiled in a friendly manner.
"I care only that, for the benefit of Calormen and the hospitality of myself here in the beautiful city of Tashbaan, you bestow upon me all news of Narnia, and any great tales that I have never heard tell of. There are many stories that have passed from scrolls and books, I am loath to admit; you must bring them back." The young man – boy, really – nodded to the slaves and they came forward in a line, holding out the objects in their arms.
Susan had not expected such kindness and lack of formality from the nation of Calormen; most certainly not from the Tisroc of all people! Susan had at first been taken aback by his name, and how much of an opposite he was from Rabadash. He was a charming boy, and Susan felt certain that all the harsh feelings struck up nearly seven years ago between the great nation and Narnia would be lost in the reign of young Rabshakeh Tisroc.
Everyone turned their attentions to the gifts the slaves presented Caspian and Susan; whispers of surprise coming from behind the Narnian monarchs as they marveled over the generosity of the new Tisroc. A slave removed a bright scarlet cloth from the arms of another slave, revealing several fine scimitars. Caspian reached for one of the weapons, and hesitated long enough for Rabshakeh to quickly lift the first one up and place it in his hands.
"Of the finest crafted steel; I could think of giving you no better. I know you fight your wars and battles with blades straight as saplings, but I had hoped that perhaps you find some use for these; to hang as ornaments showing our good standing?" he hinted, his voice sounding eager and youthful.
"Of course," Caspian answered, smiling and turning his head to nod at the young man while he balanced the scimitar in his hands.
"For the Queen, and her ladies of court, should she wish it." Rabshakeh clapped his hands sharply, calling out a quick command in his native language. Two slaves with a medium-sized chest carried between them approached as the first two slaves bowed their way down the gangplank. They knelt, unclasping the lid and throwing it back before bowing their heads.
"Oh. . . What fine material," Susan murmured, reaching down to run her fingers over the light fabrics which had been crafted somewhere farther South. She glanced back up at the young man to see him grinning contentedly.
"Glad is my heart that both heads of Narnia are pleased with the first two of my gifts. But, for the treachery and acts of cruelty this nation has committed against you and your kingdom, you shall be given much, much more."
Susan looked to Caspian in mystification, and his eyes held equal bewilderment. The young Tisroc was too eager to be lying, but he seemed quite anxious to please; what could he want?
The gifts that followed were astounding, and many would require the holds of the Pegasus to be almost completely empty if they were ever to bring them back to Narnia. A dozen sets of Calormene armor, ranging across various sizes, were given them. Matched pairs of silver stallions and mares – to hopefully reestablish the destrier bloodline, Rabshakeh said – were led forth, tossing white manes and arching fine crests in a showy display.
A dozen hunting hound puppies with sleek short coats and pointed ears were also given; over which Rilian squealed and Rabshakeh declared that Susan must let him play with them while he watched because it was the very thing that he should've liked when he was a small boy. A herd of these strange creatures he called 'alpacas' would be theirs; of which only one was present because the herd was rather numerous, the Tisroc declared with a slight shrug of the shoulders.
A very large and ornate box of writing parchment was shown them, and the Tisroc made mention that he would like letters once in a while, in case there was something he might do for Narnia, or just use them to record the Narnian histories upon. After more than fifty gifts of animals, liquors, delicacies, material things, and weapons, he declared that they should disembark and walk to the palace.
"I also wish to walk, remembering how loath you are of slave-borne litters to carry you through the streets. My advisors and the Vizier believe this to be of poor design, but the fancy does not leave my mind, or perhaps it is a madness? I cannot say, but I quote the poets to them: 'Of a good thing one cannot expect to partake too little.' I have come under the belief that you are a very good thing, so why should I hesitant to graft myself among you?" He smiled kindly.
"We are yet to give you our gifts, your Highness. It would feel strange were you to offer us all these things, yet expect nothing in return," Caspian pointed out.
"By Tash, that is a most blunt way of putting such an awkward position. But I believe that you speak a truth; the Vizier would mark it as queer that I waited not to take anything in return. He might believe I am secretly paying your royal Highnesses out for services I have managed to keep covered," Rabshakeh realized.
The Tisroc quickly turned to his slaves and servants, called one man forth, and they talked in Calormenian for several seconds. He looked back at Caspian, and said loudly, "I grow tired of standing in the heat, and I wish we return to the palace; from there I will look upon the gifts brought from the lands of the North. Come; let us dally little more here." He turned and walked back down the gangway.
Susan and Caspian followed after him, sensing that something was slightly amiss here. Behind them the Telmarine nobles muttered to themselves. Dristan came from a cabin; running up to Caspian, he touched his sleeve. The king looked down at the faun, eyes questioning. "Sire, I will join you later; I feel that the ship should be supervised as it is unloaded; something is not right. I believe that the young Tisroc needs your aid." The faun backed away, motioning for Caspian to hurry after Rabshakeh.
~|:Xo0oX:|~
The sunlight glinted off brass roofs and white stone as they walked the streets of Tashbaan to the palace at the top of the hill. At times, there would be young women throwing flowers or petals of bright, tropical hues from the porches, balconies, and rooftop terraces to the cobblestone roads underfoot. Around them, the high white walls gleamed and narrow steps were cut through the thick walls from the front gardens of the houses, ornate iron gates at the top of the steps to keep strangers out.
Many Calormene, Tarkaans and peasants alike, called out their ruler's many names and titles, for it had been decades since there was a young man upon the throne. But Susan and Caspian, along with Lady Remember and the Telmarine nobles, noticed several stern individuals who watched Rabshakeh with eyes darkened by hate. The Freidon came forward several times during the long walk to whisper about those she noticed. Lord Montoya, out of concern for his king's safety, brought Caspian's attention to several men who stood apart from their jubilant daughters and wives talking among themselves.
When they arrived at the palace, after touring through the main street, Rabshakeh declared he must leave them to attend matters of state; but he promised that they could be given tours of the whole of the city, if they wished, later on in their stay. Susan inquired if the house she had resided in long ago still stood. The Tisroc answered that indeed it did, but he felt they should not be housed there; he wanted no foul memories of Tashbaan stirred up.
With these parting words, he left them; trailing nobles, Tarkaans, the Grand Vizier, and many advisors that all tittered and chirped like noisy animals about things they thought important.
All the Narnians and Telmarines watched them leave before entering the large house they were to reside in for the duration of their stay. The palace was not like the castles of the North. These Southern palaces were set up in parts around a large garden and courtyard, and the one in Tashbaan was within a great stone wall that you could walk upon five abreast.
Once inside, the Telmarines looked about in awe, having never seen such things before. Susan smiled at their faces, knowing when she had been young and just crowned queen that the sights had seemed unbelievably foreign and exotic to her, too. Though she was an adult, and more familiar with Calormene style, she still closed her eyes and breathed in the scents of myrrh, frankincense, and other spices; as well as the smells of the flowering vines growing from large glazed pots to trellis up the wooden pillars of the first story room.
"Tashbaan is a beautiful place," Caspian remarked as the Freidons and sailors that had carried the trunks of clothes and other accessories entered behind them.
"But its court is most deadly," Susan declared, walking forward and picking up Rilian once more when he reached for one of the flowers growing on the vine. The boy didn't know it, but she did: the flowers hid a deadly poison that was released from the stem and petals. Lucy had learnt of this poison when a plant had been sent to them as a gift. If she had not had her cordial, Susan was certain she would have died.
"I noticed. There were more than a few Calormene who do not seem pleased that Rabshakeh is Tisroc. Do you think it has something to do with his father and brothers' deaths?" Caspian glanced at her as several slaves came into the room behind the Freidons and began taking their trunks up stairways and through doors.
"I don't know. But I do know that he is eager to establish good relations with Narnia. It is wonderful to see someone from this land so excited. Perhaps there might be peace between the two kingdoms through the friendship of their rulers." Susan smiled absently, quieting Rilian, who was starting to get fussy.
"Yes, that would be a wonderful perhaps," Caspian agreed, nodding before turning to the Lady Remember, who had just entered through the doorway.
Susan smiled into Rilian's hair at his answer and then asked one of the Calormene slaves to lead her to the rooms to be hers and the King's for their stay. She hoped that the young Tisroc and Caspian might like one another to create good feelings between the North and the South. It would be a wonderful thing if the two kingdoms could get along for once.
A/N:
This is rather an awkward hello. I have been absent from this story for almost a year, and I'm sensing the forgottenness of it. Well, this chapter was written months ago, but I never published it because I wasn't pleased with it. I'm still not quite pleased, but I want to post it and see what you readers - if you're still there! - think.
I hope to continue this, and I hope I'll be at least partly forgiven for such a long hiatus from it! I mean to finish this series, I'll have you know! Reading this has reminded me of how fun writing this was and that it was actually pretty decent writing. :)
What does everyone think of Rabshakeh? Did I do the Calormene people in-character enough? Should I rewrite something to make it more understandable? Please tell me what ya'll think in a review! And don't be hesitant with your opinions either.
Also, I swear, this story is GOING to be about Rilian. . . I just have to get past all this preliminary stuff.
R&R, please, and happy reading,
WH