Chapter 10: Mechanical Contraption

Tamina walked with purpose. Her lips were set in a grim line as she entered the Visshuddian Palace. But despite the outward appearance of calmness, her mind was very much in turmoil. Usually she had little trouble discerning her thoughts since she involved very little of her heart in matters of the mind. But today she felt different. Her heart would not yeild to logic. It kept throwing up memories of being with Roshtam, visiting the Alchemist's workshop, her childhood beliefs, the essence of Vishhuddi. Tamina's footsteps slowed down and she came to a standstill. There! She did it again! Her feet felt nailed to the ground. "Why is this so difficult?!". Her thinking seemed to be clouded with sentiment. Roshtam meant more than many people to Tamina. His values and ideas meant the world to her. How could such a person abandon the workshop? How could such a person encourage weaponry? Something had gone wrong... or, was she making a mistake with these assumptions? Were they assumptions or truths?

As the Princess stood in a enveloping haze of thoughts and feelings, a picture formed before her eyes,

"Don't bring her in here.", barked the elderly alchemist as soon as his eyes fell upon Tamina. He pulled back the long metal ladle and the slow, slushing sound of a hardening, pungent mixture being stirred, stopped momentarily. The blackened pot shook and bubbled with heat. Bits of soot flew from the coals. "When your eyes are turned, the child will run and before you know it, she'll be neck deep in trouble!".

The entire workshop was alive with activity. It was one huge hall, folded here and there in steps according to the mountain floor. There were natural levels and windows. These served as scenic niches for men experimenting with herbs, making chemicals, burning curious ash, sand baths, strange metals melted and molded, recording findings in scrolls, running and shouting to younger men, curious projects afoot, sights and smells - a child's paradise for learning!

"Don't listen to him!". Roshtam looked in surprise at the tone of authority in young Tamina's voice. "I want to stay here. I won't run"

"Now, Tamina", chided Roshtam, bending down to face the pouting Princess who was turning ten that year. "Marudh is right. This workshop is not the place for a young girl like you." Tamina looked downcast. "You have come to Vishhuddi to study and meditate, Tamina. You are the future of your city. One day you will be a great Alamutian leader and the people will look to you for strength and guidance."

"I tried to meditate and the ancient texts are so difficult. They are in different languages that are-"

"The alchemy that interests you lies in those texts!You are reading the texts of truth written by Egyptian scholars who have left their country to share their knowledge of God. You need to study hard and learn the secrets of the priests by heart and soul. Read and meditate,Tamina. When you are tired, pray. Prayer will strengthen your resolve". Roshtam tugged at her hair affectionately. "I know that what I am asking is very hard"

"It is",stressed Tamina,emphatically.

Roshtam led her out to the lawns outside and they sat down on a fallen tree bark. "My child, the rule of life is so simple that it remains hidden to many. We see many pleasing things, we are attracted by their ability to induce wonder and fame amongst others. But such things are the very opposite of what they seem. Such things are evil in disguise. Alchemy is the way of purity. There is inherent goodness in all who earnestly practice it. The brotherhood of alchemists. This lifestyle is hard and difficult but good and nourishing for the soul. You may seek lesser occupations, such as playing games, savoring sweets, jewellery, travel.. These are attractive but are a trap for the soul"

"Why?"

"It is the rule of life,Tamina",replied Roshtam, expressing reason, hands wide and palms open. He looked to his right and pointed with a smile to a small glittering object daintily hanging from a small twig in the tree. "Aha! What do you see there?" Tamina leapt to her feet and put her face close to the glassy cocoon. "A chrysallis",she breathed. "Its so beautiful. I have never seen one so close before." Her breath seemed to stir the curled up butterfly inside.

"What is our friend doing inside?",asked Roshtam.

"Sleeping?"

"Meditating!. The catterpillar has shut himself away from the world to change into a magnificent creature. He will no longer crawl on his belly but soar high in the sky with wings. But for this miracle to take place, he must spend time alone and away from the evil of the world"

Tamina looked thoughtful.

"You have excelled in your studies which if why you have been sent here to Vishhuddi. If our teachings seem wasteful to you-"

"Never,Roshtam!",cried out Tamina,instantly. "Never!"

"Good",said Roshtam, pleased.

"Will studying the ancient texts of religion nourish my soul?"

"Your soul and the souls of the others you are yet to lead"

"Then I shall study"

Tamina walked slowly up the hill towards the Palace. She turned back and found Roshtam staring after her. He smiled and waved. Tamina grinned back and waved shyly.

{...

"An honor to have such friendship with Roshtam, the hero of Vishhuddi"

"A man with a different purpose. A true leader."

"Grim and strong minded. Yet, he speaks so gently to the Princess of Alamut. Perhaps, Roshtam sees great things for her as well"

...}

This last comment satisfied young Tamina to the greatest extent. She loved the small chats that she had with Roshtam, she loved it when he was partial to her in front of the other pupils, when he discussed matters with her as if she were an elder herself. "Sometimes, I behave childishly",thought Tamina,seriously."But Roshtam reminds me of my identity. The world has forgotten the rule of life. What we see, is good for the eyes but evil for the soul. The Vishhuddian way of life is goodness and peace" Tamina turned back once more to see if Roshtam was still watching her. She frowned. Some men were on the hill with Roshtam. By their work-clothes,they were all alchemists. They were furiously pointing to the workshop. Roshtam broke into a run and disappeared from view. Tamina looked torn. She had just then promised to stay out of the workshop. She gazed curiously in the forbidden direction.

"One last look would do no harm",she assured herself, breaking in a quick jog as well.

Tamina reluctantly withdrew from her memories. They seemed to mesmerize her and claw at her senses. She slowly stepped to the statue near the stairwell and laid a deliberate hand on Princess gazed upwards. The second room to the right. Roshtam's private chamber with a large waiting room for urgent visitors. Tamina had been there many times. But this was the first time she was heading there for.. for..

Tamina looked downcast. "I have never argued with Roshtam before." She wished she did not feel so very intense just then. Slowly and determinedly, she placed her foot on the lowest step. A hand reached out and caught her arm and Tamina nearly jumped out of her skin.

Dastan stood before her, breathing hard, glistening with sweat and bursting with life and health.
"Princess!Where have you been?! I have been looking for you all morning! I wanted to talk to you-"

Dastan's exuberance seemed grindingly irritating to had several choice words to speak to the Persian Prince. Conversations she has been running over and over in her head ever since she witnessed that unspeakable sacrilege in the morning. She had feared the confusion with Roshtam would break her spirit altogether but she was wrong. She stepped next to Dastan, her eyes flashing with fury.
"Oh, you wanted to talk? You have been letting your swords do the talking for you-"
"Jhavir told me that you were one amongst the spectators. But its-"
"You've betrayed everything I told you about Vishhuddi, you have gone out and defiled the sanctity of the Palace with your cheap violence. I should have never brought you here"
Dastan's face twitched in sudden anger.
Tamina angrily climbed the stairs.
"Listen, Princess",began Dastan following closely behind. "Your account of Vishhuddi has been charming and even.. er.. heart-warming. But ultimately flawed"
"How dare you-"
"All your memories were that of a nine year old child. I don't blame you for your discrepancy-"
"Blame me?",echoed Tamina incredulously.
"-after all nine year old Alamutian Princesses are typically flighty and fanciful in their imagination. Let me tell you what I think of Vishhuddi-"
"I dont think I want to hear it"
"Well, I'll say it anyway. I do not trust Roshtam. The people here are confused. They are a wonderful blend of hill-side village people, perhaps as you say, differently educated and differently skilled than Persians, but.. I swear when they witnessed the fight, each one of them turned aggressive, drunk with passion. They were cheering at the tops of their voices, pounding their fists.. as good as Persians. Yet not one among them was a good swordsman. I seemed to show them the way-"
Tamina listened to all this and then wordlessly began to ascend the steps once again.
"Tamina-", called Dastan, vexed. "It wasn't my fault"
Tamina didn't look back.

Tamina bowed her head for a few fleeting seconds to gather strength. She was just outside Roshtam's chamber. She stepped forward and then stopped
and looked to the right. On the far end, stood a group of young girls, staring at her in bated breath. Tamina looked in the direction they were gazing but saw no one. Then she decided with some confusion that they were indeed staring at her. She looked puzzled. They were rather young girls, dressed in the customary white garments. They all wore their hair in thick braids, a style adopted by most of women of Vishhuddi. Two of them held in their hands large coir baskets full of flowers. The air smelt sweet so Tamina guessed they had been decorating the halls with the blooms. She raised her eyebrows in mild exasperation and parted the shades.

The light was unusually dim within the Roshtam's waiting hall. Tamina could vaguely make out muted speech. Someone was already inside the chamber. Tamina advanced further and peeped cautiously inside. For just a fleeting moment she couldn't make out what she was seeing. The mood of the room struck her in all oddity as something.. should she dare think it?! Sensual.. Tamina shivered just a little and then stood rooted to the spot as her eyes fell on such a startling scene. Her cheeks flushed to a deep red and she half-stumbled out in shock. Tamina swallowed in embarrassment. Her steps quickened and she fled out to the laughter came to her ears. Those girls were still there and they were giggling now. It was as if Tamina had satisfied their expectations and provided them with a good joke. They looked so young and silly. One of the girls gave the others a shove and together they descended the stairs ,giggling and poking at one another and disappeared from sight.

Time seemed to stand still for Tamina. Her body felt numb and slow. Her thoughts were sluggish. She really didnt know what to think just then. She turned around and bumped hard into Dastan.
"You again!",she gasped. "Must you haunt me everywhere I go?"
Dastan looked distant. "I am not here to talk to you". He tried to step past her. "I must speak with Roshtam"
Tamina found her senses and leapt into his way in alarm. "Why?!"
Dastan looked surprised. He recovered his cool and said, "It isn't any of your business"
The Princess looked wide-eyed and nervous. She even managed an engaging smile. "Come come, Prince. Why must you be so secretive?"
Dastan began to look hurt. "This whole misunderstanding with you can be cleared if I had a long conversation with Roshtam. You make it seem as if I am the disruptive element of your kingdom of light and truth"
Tamina laughed in a strangely choking away. She took Dastan's hand and tried to sound as sincere as possible. "There is no misunderstanding, Prince. I spoke without thinking and I am not angry anymore. So, let us be one our way. We have an evening banquet to attend to-"
Dastan refused to move away. "Why don't you want me to speak to Roshtam?"
"He isn't there"
"Oh yes he is. I asked the head-servant"
"Roshtam is too busy to be disturbed"
"Well, we shall see about that"
"Dastan, wait-"
The Prince half-irritatedly shook her arm away and stepped into the chamber. When he stepped back outside, there was an astonished, mildly amused look on his face. "Busy is right!",he said at last. Tamina took one look at his expression and angrily strode down the hallway.

"Tamina, open the door.",said Dastan, pounding on the wood. He smiled and casually waved away a few curious servants and leaned forward in a whisper. "Open the door, Princess, I am already becoming a silly spectacle, locked out of my own room!"
He heard soft steps inside and then the door slid open. Dastan gratefully stepped through.
He opened his mouth to speak but Tamina interrupted sharply,
"Before you speak, that man you saw inside the chamber was not Roshtam. Roshtam would never defile himself in such a base manner!"
Dastan silently shrugged and stretched himself out on the couch and put his feet up,boots and all on a large pile of cushions. He interlocked his fingers and drummed a muted beat on his chest.
He smiled lightly to himself and then noticing the look of fury in Tamina's face, immediatly closed his eyes and pretended to drop off into sleep. Then he heard faint sniffing and saw Tamina moving to the opposite end of the room. Her shoulders shook lightly, hinting at her angry tears.
Dastan grew ashamed of himself. He looked genuinely sincere as he said,
"I know that Roshtam is your childhood hero. I have had many as well"
"Roshtam was more than a hero.",replied Tamina,brokenly."He was like a brother, a father even- I cannot understand why he..or.. Vishhuddi has changed so much. Everything that I have said about this place is a complete contradiction to what you have seen thus far"
"Perhaps there is a singular object that has triggered this incredible change-"
"The Astra?", wondered Tamina,drying her eyes. "How could-". She grew quiet and gazed at the far end of the room.
"Dastan",cautioned Tamina softly. "There is someone hiding behind that cabinet near the door"

Dastan casually leaned back on the couch and caught the intruder's shadow in the mirror. The next nimble second he kicked away the cabinet and held his sword at Nilofar's throat. She shrank into a pathetic huddle, visibly shaking with fear.
"My Lord, my Lord.. spare my life. I had only come here to help you"

"Help me?! How? Who are you?",queried Dastan,in firm suspicion.

"She belongs in one of the villages in the valley", said Tamina, recognizing the kind of wool from which Nilofar's cloak was made. "What are you doing here?"

Nilofar swallowed and fumbled. Her brown eyes fluttered from Dastan to Tamina as she began her halting introduction,
"My name is Nilofar, daughter of Omid, a humble craftsman and grandaughter of Afshar who was once an elder of the Vishhuddian Council several years ago"

"Afshar was the oldest member of the Vishhuddian Council.",said Tamina to Dastan. "I heard later of his death during to a breathing difficulty. He had two sons and two daughters. Why have you come here, Grandaughter of Afshar?"

"I have come to warn the Persian Prince and Princess. This morning I saw her Highness with Atanas and Giv, on her way to-"

"Yes. What about it?",snapped Tamina,immediately. She did not want Datsan to know about the workshop yet.

"Atanas and Giv? Who are they? Warn us about what?",queried Dastan.
Tamina shifted her feet. "Well?",she asked Nilofar.
The girl looked confused. She turned to Dastan.
"My brother is Navid. This morning you met him at-"

"Yes. I know - What of him?",cut off Dastan, quickly. He did not want Tamina to know who Navid was. But it was too late.

"Navid? What did he have to say to the Prince?",asked Tamina. Nilofar looked blank at this question. She offered,

"Navid is hot-headed and impetuous. He will easily put others in danger. So, I have come to give you this. This is what you must look for."
She brought out a long wound of parchment paper covered with many pieces of leather to keep the moisture out."Read it my Prince and Princess. Your visit to Vishhuddi is not in vain"

Dastan handled the parchement so delicate and filled with strange lettering. While he was engrossed in it,Nilofar paddled upto the doorway and slipped out like a scared rabbit. The Prince looked extremely puzzled. He looked up and saw Tamina pointing the sword at his throat. Her eyes gleamed in sudden light. "Perhaps my biggest mistake is to keep discounting your quickness, Prince Dastan. A mistake I shall commit no seems a servant girl possess more knowledge of your intentions than me. "
"Tamina,listen-",began Dastan, trying to soothe her anger.

"Stay back or I shall use this blade,Dastan!",cried the Princess,advancing further. "Hand over the parchment. I do not know who to trust anymore!"

"Tamina,listen",said Dastan, nimbly edging sideways until he had turned a half-circle to the fuller end of the chamber. He smiled charmingly. "You know you can trust me!". He pretended to dart sideways and clumsily recovered his balance. Tamina unconsciously tightened her fingers around the sword's grip so as to maintain the threat of the blade.
"You try my patience,Prince!",she cried.
"As do you,Princess",replied Dastan. He threw himself back, arms in a wide circle and watched in amusement as Tamina struggled to swing her sword. He sidestepped her several times before grabbing the carpet from under her feet.
"Never tighten your grip on the sword no matter the temptation",said Dastan,locking the sword within its sheath. "It will restrict the movement of your arms".
Tamina smirked scornfully. She gingerly rubbed her right arm and shifted up on one sensitive elbow.
"This is an expensive parchment. Whoever wrote it was wealthy and well-educated",said Dastan."I need your help to read this,Tamina."
Dastan peered sincerely into her eyes.
Tamina acquiesced.
She gazed long and hard at the writings. Her eyes ran slowly and deliberately along the lines, pausing now and then to re-read a passage.
"What is it?",asked Dastan, curiously. "What does it say?"
Tamina broke her attention from the parchment and directed her eyes at the Prince. "This parchment gives instructions for building a mechanical contraption. The instructions are very clear and precise-"
"Hold on, give me a moment"

Dastan opened a nearby drawer and shuffled some objects found small roll of papyrus, reed brush and a black ink pot.
Tamina sat down on a chair and poured over the lengthy scroll. She began to read and translate.
"This parchment speaks of a large contraption that is inherently made of several compartments. It..er.. consists of a deposit where one can feed bits of charcoal and a tubular opening which allows the short blast of air from huge..er.. bellows"
Dastan remained silent and focused. His hands flew across the papyrus, dabbing bits of ink and brush, making a rough sketch of the contraption.
"There are a series of receptacles on the top which allow different types of metal ingredients. The quantity is measured..ah.. the measurements are specified here.. and the different metals are heated to a high temperature.. there are a series of knobs and levers.. iron is mentioned in several places.. The iron bloom is carefully guided through a series of funnels and pipes.. across a line of switches and then arrives at the casting unit.. Here, some hard wax is carved and chiseled into the shape of the original object and clay is smeared around the wax. The clay is burnt in a ceramic klin until it hardens into one fantastic mold. The wax melts and the clay mold becomes hollow and ready for the iron alloy. The liquid alloy drops through a large dropper, drop by drop and a device to control that drop and the mold is filled."
Tamina walked over to the table where Dastan was furiously sketching and gasped in shock. Dastan had sketched a monstrous contraption, complete with levers, a pulley, trays, knobs, slots and tool insertions. He was adding a final touch with the dropper and the mold.
"The other two signs of the Leviathan",said Dastan with a grin. "You haven't seen them yet?"
Tamina was speechless. She stared hard at the drawing. "How did you sketch this so perfectly? I haven't even read the finer details but you have drawn them exactly.. How could you have done this? Where have you seen these instructions before?!"