Obligations
by Wiebke Fesch

Same disclaimers and notes as Part 1.

-----CHAPTER 9-----

When Swift and Ranat returned to the house at midday, it was to find Seel and Tarra in the salon, deep in discussion. As soon as Tarra looked up and saw who had entered the room, he was on his feet, embracing his son.

"I've missed you, little one," Tarra said softly. Swift wondered if Ranat found the appellation annoying or endearing, but he personally found it quite charming.

Knowing lunch would soon be on its way, they all moved into the dining room. Ranat couldn't stop smiling and was obviously bursting to tell his father about his morning in town.

A servant came in and asked what they'd like to drink. When it was Ranat's turn, Tarra ordered a glass of water for him. Swift guessed this was the start of the Forale purification, but Ranat merely shrugged, not caring one way or the other what he drank.

"Dad, you wouldn't believe what I did today!" the boy burst out as soon as the servant left. "Swift took me into town and we went all over. We got to see all the different merchants and markets. There was food, rugs, jewelry, furniture, books -- just everything!"

Tarra looked amused. "Our spare lifestyle," he explained to the other hara, "makes town seem more exciting that it really is, I'm sure."

"Oh, no, it was really incredible," Ranat disagreed. "I didn't even tell you -- Swift bought me clothes." He grabbed his backpack and brought it onto his lap just as a servant presented him with a bowl of soup. "Thanks." He opened the bag. "Look at this shirt!" he exclaimed. It was fine linen with full sleeves.

_For the inception,_ Swift told Tarra, mind to mind. Tarra nodded thoughtfully, approving.

"It's beautiful," Tarra said. "You can wear it tomorrow. You thanked our host, of course?"

"Yes, Dad, of course I did!" Ranat put the shirt back in his bag and began to eat his soup.

Seel, who hadn't spoken, asked Ranat how he had been treated. Had anyone given him odd looks, stared at him?

Ranat looked at him blank-faced. "I really don't know. I mean, I don't have much to judge on. I haven't had a lot of experience anywhere and so to me, I always think people are looking at me funny. Maybe if I'd been alone it would have been scary, but I was with Swift and two escorts. I just kind of walked to the side and they all left me alone."

"If only it could always have been so easy," Tarra remarked wistfully.

The rest of the meal was accompanied by light conversation. Swift reported the results of his inspections and the plans that had been made for the future. Seel explained to Tarra some of the work they had been doing in the town as well as other towns in the region. Tarra mentioned that he might someday like to rejoin the Sulh, who, Seel had told him, still existed out in the desert lands. He'd lost touch with his tribe years ago.

It was once all the plates had been cleared away that Tarra looked across the table and said, "Ranat, you just had a very good meal. But as I think you know, it's the last meal you will be having for a few days. Today you begin the Forale, the fast."

Ranat stared at his father, unblinking. "I know," he said. There was a pause then during which neither of them spoke. "Are we going to talk about it now?" Ranat's voice was remarkably calm.

"Yes, Ranat. Let me explain." Carefully, with gentle, honest words, Tarra outlined what was to occur. That afternoon Ranat would begin the Forale; no food or drink was to pass his lips. He would be left in his bedroom and there he would rest and consider his future, the decision he was making.

After a full day, when the next evening fell, he would be bathed and prepared for inception. They were planning a ceremony, at which Ashmael would preside and during which Tarra would grant Ranat the blood that would change his nature forever.

Once the cut had been made, Ranat would endure the Althaia. Ranat, who had heard some of the details before, went pale even at the most basic description of the process. Tarra left many of the details vague and attempted to emphasize the positive, that out of pain would come delight, would come a new har. Finally Tarra confirmed one lingering detail.

"At the end of all this, you will be bathed again and prepared for a final ritual," Tarra explained. "You know the nature of this ritual and you also know that before, when we discussed this, you had a wish. That wish will be granted, Ranat. It will be Swift."

Ranat flushed red but appeared quite pleased. "Thank you," he said. He stole a quick glance over to Swift, then looked away.

Tarra held back with further details, promising that he or someone else would come to him during the Forale and give him further instructions.

"Speaking of the Forale," Swift announced, rising out of his chair. "I want you to come with me now so I can begin arrangements." Ranat got up, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Seel, Tarra, just stay here. I'll be back soon with, Ashmael, if I can get him."

Swift led Ranat down the hall to the master bedroom, then into the bathroom. He had not forgotten about the bath. He turned on the hot water and found a warm robe that would fit the boy. He told Ranat he could stay for a long time if he wished. Afterward he was to return to his bedroom. He would not be alone for long, but he should be prepared to wait.

Ranat listened attentively, not interrupting. Suddenly all the words and promises his father had made to him were becoming very real. Swift sensed that for all the calm Ranat had shown earlier in the dining room, the fear was beginning to rise. Knowing what he did of the Althaia, Swift suspected the fear was justified.

"It's going to be all right," Swift assured as he stood at the door to leave. "Enjoy your bath, Ranat."

TBC...