Battlefield

by Debbie Kluge

Story 5 in the Jealousy Series. Jonny and Jessie face separation and their own personal fears as Jonny tries to help a young friend.

14. Homeward Bound

Chapter 14 -- Homeward Bound

Searching our hearts for so long . . .

Hadji entered the palace library and looked around for Kefira, but she was not immediately in sight. He began moving through the room slowly, searching for her. Finally, he spotted her as he rounded a long shelf. She was seated at a table surrounded by books. Her head was bent as she poured over the text of the open volume in front of her. Hadji stopped to gazed at her. Her raven hair cascaded down over one shoulder to lie pooled on the table beside the book. Her face wore an expression of intense concentration and a slight crease formed between her eyebrows as she contemplated the information in front of her. She chewed thoughtfully on the pencil she held in one hand and finally used it to make some notes on a pad of paper. Hadji was utterly mesmerized. Finally, she sighed slightly, closed the book, and added it to the pile that sat not far away. As she did so, she looked up and saw him standing there. For an instant, Hadji's heart simply stopped as her dark brown eyes stared into his. Then she smiled, and he could feel his heart soar as though it rode the high winds with Haresh. "Hello, Hadji."

Those two words seem to snap him out of his trance, and he crossed to her quickly. "Hello, Kefira." He sat down across from her and observed her for a second longer. Then he said, "I have spoken with your father." He could see her smile falter. Hastily, he went on, "He has agreed that you should go on to school. You will not have to marry Subir."

The astonishment on her face was clear as she sputtered, "You did . . . he said . . . I won't . . . marry . . . school . . ." He laughed softly as her words stumbled to a halt. "But HOW?" she demanded.

"Your father cares about you very much and wanted only what he felt was best for you. When I pointed out that anything that made you this unhappy could not possibly be good for you, he began to see reason. And when he realized that I supported your desire to continue on to school, he became much more receptive to the idea."

"But what about Subir and his family? And the new stone that Father needs for the business?!"

Hadji grinned. "My understanding is that your father intends to renegotiate the deal with your sister as a potential wife for Subir. He seems to feel that she will have no objections to the arrangement."

Kefira stared at Hadji for a long minute. Suddenly, she tossed her head back and laughed. It was a joyous sound. Hadji quickly joined her. Others in the library turned to look at the laughing couple, and across the room, an old man smiled secretly to himself and nodded. As her laughter abated, Kefira looked across the table at the young sultan. With great dignity, she rose and bowed deeply to him. "I thank you, Sultan, for your kind intervention with my father. I, and my family, owe a deep debt to the House of Singh for your assistance. You have only to command me and repayment shall be yours."

A spurt of anger flared in Hadji. He hated this. Why couldn't things just be simple? Another part of his mind answered him. You know why not. You are the Sultan. You rule these people. This is what has been expected of them for generations beyond number. They understand their role. As long as you rule justly and with fairness, these traditions bring them security and stability. And with this thought in mind, Hadji rose and returned her bow formally. "I could do no less, for I would not see you suffer under the burdens such an arrangement would have caused. And at this time, I require no repayment." He paused, thinking quickly. "However, a time may come when I will ask . . ." Her face had stilled and she waited expectantly. He continued, hastily, "When the time is right . . . and if you are in agreement . . . that is, if you are willing . . . to consider . . . " He stumbled to a halt. He could feel his face flush and hoped it wasn't obvious to her that he was confused and embarrassed. He just didn't think now was the time to bring up the subject of marriage. She would need time . . .

Kefira looked at him for a minute. He looked flustered. And suddenly, Kefira felt herself on firm ground again. With a gentle smile, she bowed deeply to him again. "Excellency, I would be honored to be your wife."

Hadji stood, stunned. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. "You would?" His voice cracked and he cleared his throat hastily, gathering his thoughts. He continued quickly, "I would not ask such a thing of you after such a short acquaintance, Kefira Subramanian. I know you will need time to get to know me better. There is much about me you do not know. Of course, you will need time. But if, after you have had the chance, you are willing to marry me, then it is my wish that we tie our families together in this way." He finished up formally, grasping at the formula answer to help him gather his wits. But her next words set them skating to the winds again.

"I do not need the time. I know all that I need to make this decision."

Hadji sat down hard, staring at her. He just couldn't believe it. He had dated while living with his American family. He had met a lot of girls that he liked. And he had come to understand and play the coy games that went with dating. But he was totally unprepared for this type of straightforwardness -- this calm, composed acceptance of a future that would change her life so radically. He was completely speechless.

Kefira sat down across from him, and, reaching out, took his hand in hers gently. She smiled and said, "Are you so surprised? Why? Would you really believe that I would not be willing to marry you, Hadji?"

He shook his head dazedly, not looking at her. "You do not understand how different your life would be. The type of responsibilities you would have . . ."

She laughed softly. "Of course I do!" She shook the hand she held gently. "Hadji, look at me." When he finally looked up, she said, "Yes, I do. Hadji, I have lived here all of my life. I understand the role of the Sultan . . . and the Sultana . . . in our country. You have not. You were raised in America where things are much different. I would no more have refused your marriage proposal than my sister would have. We both understand that our acceptance would be expected and we would have complied."

Hadji jerked his hand back and stood abruptly, his anger spilling over. "No! This is not what I want. I will not take a wife because she 'accepts that it is her responsibility'. That is wrong! This must be a free choice." He was sufficiently upset that he didn't notice he was speaking freely to her for the first time. "I will not force you into this because tradition says you must obey me. I want you to WANT to be with me..."

The look of joy that crossed her face stopped him mid-tirade. She looked up at him and said softly, "But, Hadji, I do want to be with you . . . with all my heart." She shook her head in wonder. "I do not understand how this happened, but the truth is, when I think of the prospect of spending my life with you," she looked at him with shining eyes, "my heart sings."

He sank slowly back into his chair, staring at her in disbelief. Finally, he whispered, "Just like that?"

She grinned at him. "Just like that." She looked at him knowingly. "Was it any different for you?"

Dazed, he whispered, "No." He shook his head, sighed, and repeated, "No, it wasn't."

She spread her hands and shrugged. "So . . . But there is no hurry. Isn't that right?"

Hadji took a deep breath. "Yes. I had thought that we could both finish school. If the school you chose was close to Maine, we would have the chance to see each other often and get to know each other better. You would also have the chance to get to know my family."

She looked at him quizzically, "Your family?"

"My American family . . . my father, Benton Quest; my brother, Jonny; Race and Jessie."

Kefira propped her elbows on the table, rested her chin in her hands, and gazed at him in interest. "Tell me about them."

Hadji settled back in his chair and thought for a minute. "My father is a scientist. He travels all over the world, doing research, and helping people with problems. I have worked with him since I was about nine. Jonny is a year younger than I. He is bright and fun . . . and very impulsive. He is very good at getting into trouble. Although he is also very good at getting out of it, too. Race is Race Bannon. He was originally a government-assigned bodyguard for Dr. Quest. But in time, Race came to dislike taking direction from the government, and he quit and became a partner in Quest Enterprises. Now he is a member of the family, as well. Jessie is his daughter. She is very smart and witty and extremely beautiful . . . " he saw her smile falter and grinned at her, reaching for her hand again, " . . . and my brother's girlfriend."

Kefira swatted at his hand and then laughed. "They sound like very interesting people. I will look forward to meeting them."

Hadji hesitated, looking at her quietly. "Perhaps you can meet them soon." He stared at his hands briefly and then looked at her again. "Kefira, I have to leave . . . very soon."

"Why?"

He could see disappointment in her eyes, and felt her begin to withdraw. He reached out and grasped her hand quickly, squeezing it. "I do not want to. At least, I do not want to leave you. But there are problems at home. Something is seriously wrong with Jonny, and he will not talk with me. I need to see if there is any way I can help."

Kefira sat up and looked at him in concern. "Of course you must go home if your brother is in trouble! What is wrong with him?"

Hadji shook his head. "I am not sure. I know that he and Jessie have been fighting. And I know that both of them are very upset right now, but neither of them will tell me what is wrong. It may have something to do with a young woman who has recently returned to Rockport. She is very dangerous and despises Jessie intensely. She may be causing trouble again. Also, Jonny and Dr. Quest are caring for a young boy that Jonny met last summer. Whatever is wrong is upsetting Brandon. I know Dr. Quest would not allow that to happen if he could prevent it. So it appears things must be very bad. I hope that if I can talk to Jonny I can find out what is going on."

"You will not try to talk to Jessie as well?"

"She is not there. She is in Colombia with her parents."

"But I thought you said they were part of your family. I assumed they must live with you as well."

"They do. This is a little confusing. Jessie's mother is Estella Velasquez, a renowned South American archaeologist. Estella and Race have been divorced for a long time, but recently they decided they would see if they could reconcile. So, the three of them are in South America at an archaeological dig. This is probably part of the problem. Jonny and Jessie have been separated before, but they have not had this kind of difficulty. Also, I talked to Dr. Quest recently, and he sounds very tired. I really think I need to go home."

Kefira cocked her head and looked at him quizzically. "Why do you call him 'Dr. Quest'? Don't you call him 'Father'?"

Hadji shook his head. "I have always called him 'Dr. Quest.' When I was young, it was a mark of respect. And now it is a habit. But he knows how I feel."

Kefira looked at him for a long time without saying anything. Finally, she smiled and squeezed his hand. "Go home, Hadji. I will wait."

He shook his head. "Not without knowing that you will follow me soon. I would like for you to come and visit me at my family's home in Maine. Come right after the first of the year. You can meet my father and brother, and then we will take you to visit some universities. There are several very good schools in the New England area, including Boston University, Harvard, Columbia, and MIT." He looked at her anxiously. "Say you will come, Kefira. Please."

She smiled at him, her eyes bright. "Yes. If my father agrees, I will come."

Hadji took a deep breath and raised his hand to knock on the door of the Subramanian guest quarters. He was nervous. Somehow, he had the feeling it was not going to be easy to convince Kefira's father to allow his daughter to travel all the way to America. As he knocked firmly, he thought wryly that this was one tradition he was clearly bending . . . almost to the breaking point. Tradition held that once the bride was selected and the betrothal set, she would go into seclusion in her family's home until after the wedding ceremony. Hadji simply couldn't picture Kefira shut up in a room in her father's home for four years.

The door opened and Rajeev Subramanian himself stood there. Hadji bowed deeply and said, "Greetings, sir. I wonder if I might take a small amount of your time. I have a subject relating to your daughter that I would like to discuss with you."

Rajeev stepped back and gestured invitingly, "My home is always open to you, Sultan. Please enter and accept our hospitality." As Hadji entered, a tiny, graceful woman crossed the room and came to stand next to Rajeev. He put an arm around her and said, "Anila . . . she who is my wife."

Hadji bowed deeply to the woman and replied, "It is my honor to meet the mother of my future wife. Her spirit and wit reflect highly on both of you."

Anila smiled and acknowledged the compliment with a gentle nod. But there was a wry twist to her lips as she responded, "Thank you, Sultan. But I must be truthful. This type of compliment has not been heard often in our home where it concerns Kefira."

Hadji laughed. "Perhaps not. But I believe that it is other's loss and my gain." He turned again to Rajeev. "I have a matter that I wish to discuss, but I do not have a great deal of time. If you can accommodate me . . . " Rajeev gestured toward a door on the other side of the room and the two men moved toward it.

As the door closed behind them, Hadji said, "It has become necessary for me to return to America as quickly as possible. However, I do not wish to do so without first making some arrangements with you concerning Kefira."

Rajeev shook his head apologetically. "I am sorry, Excellency, but I have not been able to locate my daughter since our discussion this morning. Therefore, I have been unable to discuss any of this with her. I do not even know what her feelings will be in this matter. And since you made it clear to me that she is to have some say in this, I am not sure I can make any kind of arrangements without first consulting her."

Hadji nodded in satisfaction. "I am pleased to hear you say so. However, I have already talked with her." Rajeev raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked questioningly at the younger man. Hadji grinned, "I knew where to find her. She was where she always is, Rajeev . . . studying for the college entrance exams in the palace library."

Rajeev shook his head in amazement. "She is determined, that one. Even as a small child she would look around and just seem to absorb all that was going on and learn from it. And she was insatiable. Nothing seemed to bore her." Rajeev sighed. "I often wished that my eldest son was more like her."

"Each individual's destiny is charted differently, and only fate can determine the final destination. Your son excels at his chosen career and serves his country well in this capacity. Do not regret that fate has taken him along a path that was different from what you would have chosen. Be glad that he has chosen well and is happy."

Rajeev nodded. "There is much truth in this. I am content. But you said that you must leave. What kinds of arrangements are you concerned with, Excellency?"

Hadji took a deep breath. "It is my great desire, Rajeev Subramanian, that Kefira come to America after the first of the year to meet and visit with my American family."

The astonishment on Rajeev's face was quickly replaced with reluctance and concern. "I do not know about this, Excellency. It is a long way, and tradition dictates that she remain in her parents house until the wedding."

Hadji snorted as he settled comfortably into a chair. "Do you honestly believe that Kefira will tolerate being shut up for four years awaiting the marriage ceremony?"

"Not willingly, no."

"And there is her education to consider."

"I had thought to send her to a school here in Bangalore. There is an acceptable school within our own province. She could attend during the day and return home each night. In this way she could get her education and still satisfy the dictates of tradition."

Hadji shook his head. "There is no school here in Bangalore that would give her as good an education as those she could attend in the United States. And the Bangalore schools are not on the cutting edge of technology in her field. She would not be able to learn the newest innovations, which could then be used to make globally competitive upgrades in your mines." Hadji looked at Kefira's father steadily. "Furthermore, it is important that Kefira get to know my American father because he will be her sponsor to whichever school she chooses to attend. With her proven academic achievement and a letter of support from him, she can attend anywhere she chooses."

Rajeev looked at the young sultan for a long time. "He is that powerful, your American father?"

"Yes."

Rajeev sighed. "I don't know. It is a very long way and Kefira is still very young . . ."

No further than it will be in six or seven months when she moves away to attend school, Hadji thought to himself. But then another thought occurred to him. Smoothly, he broke in, "But, of course, I would not expect her to travel alone. It was my hope that you, yourself, would accompany her." He saw Rajeev's eyes widen, and Hadji smiled to himself, knowing he had been right in sensing the older man's reservations. "It will give you an opportunity to meet my family, as well. You can review the lodging arrangements to assure yourself of their propriety. And you can be involved in the discussion of the best school for Kefira to attend. It is my hope to visit a number of them so that the two of you can see the campuses and talk to the admissions people personally, before making a decision on which school she will attend."

Rajeev was silent for a long time. Finally, he said, "I do not know if I can be gone that long. There is much to be done in the mines at that time of year."

"At least travel with her to Maine," Hadji urged. "Assure yourself of her accommodations and meet the people she will be staying with. I believe that once you have met my family, you will be more at ease about allowing her to stay." Hadji paused, allowing the older man to think for a moment. "And, Rajeev . . . she wants to do this."

"You have discussed this with her already?"

"Yes."

"And what did she say?"

"That she would come . . . but only if you agreed."

The surprise in Rajeev Subramanian's face was clear. "She said that?!?"

Hadji tilted his head to one side and smiled slightly. "You are so surprised? She may have been angry and upset recently, but that does not mean that she has ever held you in anything other than high regard. She loves you greatly and will not go against your wishes in this matter."

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. With a frown, Rajeev called, "Come."

The door opened, and after a moment's pause, Kefira stepped hesitantly into the room. "Father, Mother said you were . . . Oh! I am sorry. I did not know . . . I will come back . . ." She moved to retreat from the room, but Rajeev stopped her.

"No, Daughter, do not leave. Come here." Kefira closed the door behind her and moved to her father's side. Hadji watched her closely. She was uneasy. That was clear. As she crossed the room she kept her eyes downcast and her head bowed. She looked at neither man.

"Yes, Father?"

"Kefira? Look at me, Daughter." Kefira raised her head to look at her father. "You know the nature of the discussions I have been having with the Sultan?"

"Yes, Father."

"I want to know your thoughts on the matter."

She looked steadily at her father for a moment and then he saw her glance flick to young Hadji Singh. Their eyes locked and Rajeev could almost feel the connection humming between the two young people.

"Well, Daughter?"

Kefira took a deep breath and said, "I want to go to school in America, Father. And, in time, I want to marry Hadji. I am sorry if this has caused you difficulties. It was never my intention."

Rajeev Subramanian released his breath in a long sigh and looked over at Hadji. Then he reached for his daughter's hand. "I know it wasn't, Kefira. And the fault, if there is any, is as much mine as yours. But if this is what you want, then we shall arrange it. I have talked with the Rafiq family and to your sister. Both are satisfied with the new arrangement. In fact, I believe Daria is more than satisfied." Rajeev grimaced. "She has been singing all day." Kefira winced as Rajeev said to Hadji, "Not one of my eldest daughter's skills," and Kefira commented, "Daria is tone deaf."

Hadji rose to his feet in a fluid movement. "So it is settled?"

Rajeev rose as well. "Yes. And I will bring Kefira to your home in Maine shortly after the first of the year."

Hadji nodded and, reaching into his pocket, pulled out a small pad of paper and a pen. After writing briefly, he passed the piece of paper to Rajeev. "Here is the address and phone number of the Quest Compound in Maine. Contact me once your travel arrangements have been made and we will finalize the plans."

Rajeev accepted the paper with a slight bow. "Very well."

Kefira had turned toward Hadji and reached out a hesitant hand. "When do you leave?"

Hadji caught her hand in his, drawing her toward him. "As soon as possible. I feel there is some urgency for me to return." Their surroundings seemed to fade as the young couple looked at each other.

"Your brother . . . he will be all right?"

Hadji smiled slightly, "Jonny is very good at getting into trouble, but he excels at getting out of it, as well," he reminded her. "But, I will feel better if I am there."

"And his girlfriend?"

"Jessie? I want to talk with both of them. The truth is, they were made for each other. I do not know what has happened, but I want to find out. I do not accept that she has a new boyfriend in Colombia. Particularly, not without being honest and telling Jonny about it. That is not like Jessie. Regardless of what he believes." Kefira stood very close to him now, gazing up into his eyes. He felt slightly lightheaded as his arm slid around her waist. "But whatever is going on, I will find out."

"I will miss you, Hadji."

He stroked her cheek gently with one finger. "And I will miss you . . . very, very much," he whispered, as he leaned down toward her.

A sharp cough broke the spell, as both were reminded that Kefira's father stood less than five feet away. A mischievous smile played across Hadji's lips as he caught her hand and kissed it gently. Then he stepped back and bowed deeply to her. "Until later, my lady."

Hadji turned to her father, who was grinning widely, and said, "I will talk with you soon, Rajeev Subramanian."

Rajeev caught the young sultan's hand and shook it firmly, nodding, as he stepped to his daughter's side and put an arm around her. "I will call."

Hadji bowed again to both of them and then strode from the room.

***

Hadji was rapidly folding clothes and putting them in a suitcase when he heard the door to his quarters open. He turned to see his mother standing in the doorway, frowning.

"What are you doing?"

"I must return to Maine. There are problems there and I am needed."

"You are needed here, as well. You cannot leave."

Anger flared as he turned and gathered up some miscellaneous items sitting on the top of a nearby chest. "It is not a matter open to debate, Mother. I am needed at home and that is where I am going."

"Your home is here. It is time you admit that and let go of your other life. You never should have been allowed to leave this country in the first place."

"My obligations are here, but my home is in America. Be very clear on that point, Mother. And had I not left this country when I did, I would not be alive today. Cousin Vikram would have seen to that." He put the last item into the suitcase and closed it decisively. "I am returning to Maine. My flight leaves in an hour."

"But what about the arrangements for your marriage???"

"The basic agreement has been made. Kefira and her father will come to Maine after the first of the year. They will stay for a short period of time so that Kefira can meet my American family, and Dr. Quest can get to know her. Since he will be her sponsor to the school of her choice, it is only appropriate."

"What!?! This cannot be. She must remain here . . . in her father's house . . . "

"Kefira would not accept such an arrangement, and I will not require it of her. It is an outmoded tradition, Mother."

Neela blocked the doorway as Hadji picked up the suitcase and turned to leave. "This is unacceptable. The girl must remain in her father's house until the wedding. And you must remain here and rule."

Hadji stared at her, his anger growing. "I will not discuss this with you, Mother. The decision has been made. Now, move out of my way."

"No! This has gone far enough. I have allowed you to have your way up to this point. But it must stop. You have obligations, which you continuously shirk to run back to your friends in America. And when you are here, you flaunt traditions and throw all of your advisors into turmoil. Then you leave again, and I and the Council are left to pick up the pieces."

A small voice at the back of Hadji's mind whispered that there was probably some justification for his mother's accusation, but at that point, Hadji was too angry to want to consider that thought. ""Perhaps, Mother, the problem is not that I am causing such upheaval. Perhaps the problem is that you and my Council are too old and inflexible to follow through on the changes I am attempting to make. I give instructions before I leave, and when I return very few of them have been carried out. I have to fight to get anything done. Everyone argues with me over everything I attempt to do. And I have just recently discovered that many of the heads of the outlying provincial families seem to have a better grasp of what is needed in this country than my Council and my designated Regent do." He glared at her, as she stood, white and shaking, in the doorway. "I have much to reflect upon from this trip to Bangalore, Mother. Regardless of what you think, I do devote much of my time to consideration of what is best for this country. And all of the changes I propose are based on a concerted, long term plan."

"But . . ."

He interrupted her sharply. "No 'buts', Mother. This is how it will be. I am returning to Maine. As I indicated to you and the Council, I will decide upon a school and set things in motion to complete my education. Kefira and her father will come to visit immediately after the first of the year, when she will do the same. When our education is complete, the two of us will return to Bangalore permanently, at which time we will marry and take over full rule of this country. In the meantime, I will continue to make changes as I see fit, and I expect you to implement those changes. If you cannot accept this, then tell me now. I will name a new Regent, and have that person name a new Council."

Neela was silent for a long time. "That will take time."

Hadji shook his head. "No. I already have a candidate in mind, and I doubt he will decline the request."

"And me?"

"You can retire to the women's quarters, relax, and do as you please for the rest of your days."

Neela looked at him in outrage. "I would be bored senseless!"

Hadji stared at her, his expression hard. "And yet you would condemn Kefira to the same fate without a second thought. Choose, Mother. Now. I do not have the time to concern myself with your wavering. And do not doubt that I monitor the situation in this country very closely, even when I am not here."

Finally, Neela bowed and said, in a slightly bitter tone, "Very well . . . Sultan. It shall be as you wish."

As he moved to leave, he stopped very close to her and stared into her eyes. "Understand, Mother. If I had a choice, I would not be Sultan of Bangalore. This is not a job I want. But I accept that it is my responsibility, and has been since birth. And so I will be Sultan. I will rule to the very best of my ability, and I will bring this country into the present and make it competitive . . . one way or the other."

With that, he strode from his quarters, and headed for the airport. Hadji was on his way home.