Chapter 9. Mozart

The rains were on their way, she could tell. Ever since she was a girl, Mozart of House Starsky always seemed to know. Though the desert sky looked clear and there didn't seem to be any sign, just an instinct told her they were coming. They only came about yearly, and brought life and beauty back to the desert that was lost in all the times of dry and aridness. The sun was always bright but for this young mother and widow, the skies always seemed gray. The rains would always come, in her mind and otherwise.

What had she been thinking? There were days where not even Mozart seemed to know. She loved Carlos, with all her heart, and he loved her. But he wasn't Lord of House Lazuli, but a nobleman who was loyal to them, a mere adopted son of Cazana and Big Si. Their son JD would've been given to her to marry. She took the greatest risk and ran away with Carlos. They married and started their own house, House Starsky. They lived in isolation, somewhere between the capitol and the Commandos territory. They had a daughter, little Sophie, who was their pride and joy. Everything was going so nice as more and more loners and outcasts rallied to their cause to make their house strong.

And then…IT happened.

Carlos grew to be ambitious. He only wanted what was best and he set off to take over the lands ruled by the Commandos. They never even stood a chance. Nikita and Hannibal had one thing in common if nothing else at all: Both were absolutely vicious in war. Carlos had gone up against the giant Hannibal and was left with a large wound on the side of his face. Knowing he stood no chance, Carlos and his few soldiers tried to return to the territory, but the Commandos took no prisoners. Carlos was found and was killed by Hannibal. As Mozart mourned the loss of her husband, general and the father of her daughter, Nikita and her soldiers attacked the Starsky lands with full intent to kill her and Sophie. The Whiskers heard of the fight and, led by Zaphod and Yossarian, hurried to Mozart's aid. Yossarian found their home in ruins, but managed to save them both. For this, Mozart was infinitely grateful to her uncle and silently pledged her loyalty to him.

The only thing that held Mozart together now was her little Sophie, now only four years old. Every time she asked where her papa was she felt like crying. Nothing, not even a crown would fill the hole her beloved Carlos left. She stood out in the gardens watching, waiting for nothing.

When Mozart had returned home, she begged her mother's pardon, and pleaded that her daughter not be bastardized like she had bastardized herself. Flower removed Mozart from the line of succession but as a precaution added Sophie to the line. When Flower died, Mozart's younger sister Rocket Dog was to become queen rather than her. It was this declaration that, in her mind at least, that started this war.

"I haven't heard back from him" Yossarian's voice sounded pulling Mozart from her reveries.
"So it's still in question that the Commandos are coming".
"Still in question. It's odd. It doesn't usually take this long to hear back from Zaphod. Your mother's worried sick. She drinks a little more than she used to".
"If you see something-"
"Say nothing-"
"And drink, to forget" they finished together with a laugh.
"Would you like some company?" Yossarian asked, holding out his arm.
"I'd love some, dear uncle" Mozart gladly took it.

They walked through the garden then, enjoying each other's company. Even as a child, Mozart adored her uncle. He always seemed so miserable and lonely, and deep down she knew Yossarian was probably the most unhappy of the Whiskers clan. And given all that was going on, he needed someone.

"So do you think dad and Mitch are okay?" Mozart asked.
"I have nothing but faith in your father".
"Even though you don't like him?"
"Sibling rivalry, my dear. I'm sure you know much about it".
"But it goes beyond that, doesn't it? You and dad have been in competition since for the role of King since long before I was born".
"We're both ambitious".
"What do you want, uncle?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean. You're the oldest son of Lord Belgarion of House Lazuli, you feel entitled don't you?".
"I won't lie, when I was first married to your mother yes. As Zaphod was married to your aunt Vialli, I felt as though I had every right to be Lord of House Whiskers, but after all that…well, I have to say that I still wouldn't trade this life for any in all of Kalahari".
"Why?"
"Coming to the faith has taught me much, Mozart".
"Like what?"
"Humility. Spirituality. Understanding. I mean I knew morals as a boy with the Lazuli, but I just feel I'm living a more full, complete life now. So rather than a punishment I now see this as a life altering experience".
"It must get lonely though".
"Indeed, but men like me make the most of our circumstances".
"And why were you punished?"
"Because after the Whiskers Rebellion I took the side of my sister, I thought you knew".
"I do, it's just…you never talk about her".

Yossarian sighed and looked down a little. Mozart knew talking of Cazana was a touchy subject for her father and uncle. They both had loved her greatly but took opposite sides when it came to her fate.

"You don't have to" Mozart put her head on Yossarian's shoulder, "But at least tell me…why have you always done so much for me?"
"You're my niece".
"I thought we were speaking truth here".
"That is the truth".
"Well I know that. But I mean…the full truth".
"Have you ever seen a picture of Lady Ziziphus?"
"Lord Belgarion's wife? I can't say I have. Most pictures of her are lost aren't they?"
"And that's another good part about being in the faith. I'm allowed to keep some old things from my life. But if you really look at yourself in the mirror and then at a portrait of her, your resemblance to her is very striking, Mozart".
"But you nor dad are her sons".
"That's the strange part. You are a lovely woman, Mozart. Any man who has you has a very special, very rare treasure. You will find someone who's worthy of you and who is good to Sophie. Someone who is brave, gentle and kind".
"Like how he was".
"Perhaps" Yossarian cocked his head to the left with a grim smile, "Preferably a little smarter-"
"Uncle Yossi!"
"What? Oh c'mon any man who thinks it's wise to go up against a commandos army with only a small army of his own is a fool".
"And you wouldn't have done it?"
"No. I tend to avoid opponents I know are superior to myself".
"Uncle Yossi…how is the Other?"

Yossarian stared off into the distance. He had successfully avoided an outburst for the past few months. Mozart could only hope her uncle was getting better. Ever since she was a little girl, Yossarian was prone to fits of aggression and violence. She always thought there was two sides to her beloved uncle. One was more peaceful and docile, though a bit socially awkward. The other frightened everyone else. More than once Mozart heard both sides talking to one another, which was also frightening.

"He's quiet for now…but for how long is always in question" Yossarian finally answered.
"C'mon, we should go in" Mozart changed the subject, "I get a feeling the rains will be bad this year. A big storm is on its way".
"Now with that, I agree with you".