Daring to Dream
Chapter Four
Daring to Dream
In a blur of colour, Lord Peridan of Narnia beheld them. Over forty girls, all of them dressed in the same provocative style of clothing, the like of which he had never previously beheld. At the forefront of the dancers, a group of them danced, clad in gold, dazzling and sensual in their movement. He found himself transfixed by their action; so graceful and fluid were they in their movements. But at the same time, he found the blatant sensuality of it off-putting. The outfits were too provocative, and the expressions of some of the dancers so practised that they seemed sculpted to the girls' features.
However, despite his reservations, he could not deny the intrigue that the dance caused. There was something curious and rather beautiful about the style of dancing, so different to that of his homeland, he found it oddly stimulating.
The dance continued for some time, and through it, Peridan found himself considering each of the dancers separately, fascinated by their stance, their expression, the easy grace with which some moved compared to others. In the centred group at the front, they had undoubtedly collected together the prettiest of the servant girls. They all danced with an easy grace, their features fair, their figures slender.
Even amongst these girls he could sense a difference. The centremost dancer of the entire set was indeed a beauty. Tall, slender and attractive, she moved with a fluidic grace, her movements refined and yet provocative at the same time. She smiled charmingly at first one and then another of the important men there, but behind that lovely smile he could sense a cool, calculating mind. Another girl who danced to the right side of the central group was altogether different.
Although she had a bright smile upon her face, her eyes did not shine with the same brightness, causing it to seem almost brittle. There seemed to him something very sad and gentle about those eyes. Though her face was indeed lovely, it seemed almost ruined by the falseness of her smile. In his mind's eye, he saw that face lighting up in pure joy, those dark eyes dancing with laughter. Without knowing why, he found that something about her intrigued him greatly, though he knew not what it was.
Quite abruptly, Peridan realised the dance was over, and found himself applauding politely, whereas others among the crowd were cheering loudly, calling for encores. In the end, the girls filed out, the majority of them glancing across at the Narnian men, whether coyly or simply curiously. Peridan became uncomfortably aware of the amount of interest himself and his men were causing. With reluctance, he turned to the feaster next to him. He was an extremely obese man who had been introduced to them as Master Tirshan, the owner of the home within which the Narnian delegation would be staying.
"Did you enjoy the entertainment, my lord?" The man asked, his double chin shaking.
"Indeed, Master Tirshan, it was most enlightening," he replied politely, "I had never witnessed the Calormene style of dancing before."
"Oh yes," the large man replied, mopping him sweaty brow with a silken scarf, "it is a truly delightful spectacle. I thought that it might create an enjoyable diversion for you after so long a journey. For, as the poet says, 'After long journey's end no greater joy can be found than that of the eyes' delight'."
Peridan blinked, not completely comprehending his host's full meaning. "Of course, Master Tirshan," he agreed.
"Are there any of the young women that you would wish to become more closely acquainted with, my Lord Peridan? The central dancer is an exquisite young woman in my employ named Kediza, she is a lively companion, and my head servant girl."
"Were they then your servant girls who danced, Master Tirshan?"
"Indeed they were, and specially chosen for their talents. The girls in gold were particularly chosen for their greater … gifts over the others."
"I am sure that they were."
"Do you not wish to partake of my offer, my lord?"
"I thank you for your kind offer, my friend, but I must decline. I am sure that they must need to return home to their families at so late an hour."
"Why no, my lord, they are in my employ and therefore must do what I require of them. The girls in gold will be joining us regardless of your preference. I wish to have a pleasurable distraction while our meal is eaten."
Horrified for a moment, Peridan carefully hid his surprise, "Are they to be forced to stay, Master Tirshan?"
The fat man laughed jovially, "Indeed they will, my lord, or either leave at the displeasure of their master and lose their employ."
He bellowed with laughter at this as though it were some great joke, only causing Peridan to feel all the more disgusted. At fear of offending, he forced himself to hold his tongue. Who was he to challenge the society of another land?
All it did was to harden his resolve of dissuading Susan from so disastrous a marriage in so terrible a land.
"Very well, if they are to be forced to remain, I would ask for the company of one young woman, the maiden who danced to the right of the front set."
Tirshan grinned broadly, as though he had unveiled some great secret, "Then my lord does have a preference from among the girls? Very well, I shall have all of the girls dressed in gold brought in; you shall have your pick of them, my Lord Peridan." Grimacing, Peridan pretended to be reaching for more wine in an excuse to look away and hide his disgust.
"Bring in the girls," Tirshan ordered, the leer broadening over his large face.
When they had reached the sanctuary of the changing chamber once more, Karna sunk upon a bench in relief, thankful that the entire ordeal was finally over. With a smile, she turned to Tarlana, and had been about to ask her to unlace her bodice, when Kediza had entered the chamber.
"Our great Master Tirshan has arranged a superior honour for those of you who wear golden clothes this night, for you are to join him and his renowned guests at the feast."
A large gasp spread about the room as the girls turned to one another, some envious, others grateful, others anxious. Karna was terrified, glancing at Tamara. Her friend instantly reached out to take her hand, muttering,
"May Tash bless and protect you this night," before they were all called by Kediza to join her. Suddenly desperate to escape, Karna glanced about her, looking for some means of exit, but finding none, forced herself to walk towards Kediza. She pictured her mother's gentle face within her mind, willing herself to accept her lot in life, to make the best of it.
The variety of reactions about the group of girls was astounding. There were those among their number who smiled as smugly as Kediza, preening themselves in readiness. Then there were those like Karna who simply looked terrified, glancing about with wide eyes. One girl in particular, a pretty, petite creature named Kezara suddenly looked terribly young and vulnerable to Karna at that moment, so much so that she put her arm around the young girl.
"Please," she said, trying to sound normal, "Kezara is but a child. Could not some other girl be chosen to fill her place?"
Kediza swung round upon Karna so suddenly that the other girl jumped. "How dare you question the order of our Master Tirshan and the will of Tash, the inexorable, the irresistible? It is an honour to be chosen and yet you scoff at it."
Before she could react, Kediza slapped Karna full across the mouth, causing an audible intake of breath from among the girls. "Does anyone else wish to question the command of our Master?" Kediza demanded, glaring around at the others. Silence reigned, and, nodding her head, Kediza led the way out of the changing chamber, making certain that Karna followed.
They entered the dinning hall to great cheers from the assembled throng, being made to stand in a line whilst Master Tirshan made a long, pompous speech. In the end, he invited the barbarian lord to choose the girl whose company he desired, and for the first time, Karna dared to look upon the face of the stranger.
Glancing up, she was astonished to find him regarding her with eyes that appeared violet in the candlelight. His skin was indeed pale, though not as that of cream; it was undoubtedly lighter than the tanned complexions of the Calormene lords.
Wordlessly, she saw him search her face, and, as though she knew he was seeking her permission, she nodded her head, almost imperceptibly, but enough for him to note and reply.
"I would seek the company of that young lady, Master Tirshan," pointing directly at her. Suddenly feeling afraid, Karna willed her legs to move and approached him, bowing her head respectfully. In a similar gesture, he bowed his head and took her hand, kissing it gently as he did so. Astonished and knowing not what to do, Karna kept her head bowed, feeling the colour that flushed across her cheeks.
This courtly gesture of the foreign lord had caused widespread merriment amongst Master Tirshan's guests, and after he had chosen the glamorous Kediza, the other lords soon stood up, wishing to make their choice of the pretty girls before them. In horror, Karna watched as Lamarla was all but shoved into a seat by one Tarkhaan, a thin man she did not recognise, with a jutting chin and horribly suggestive eyes. In turn she saw Kezara chosen one of the barbarian soldiers, and found herself sighing a prayer of thanks to Tash as the warrior gently offered her wine.
She was so engrossed in watching the others that she did not remember her companion until he cleared his throat. Suddenly aware of her great rudeness, she turned to the barbarian lord, picking up the nearest tray and offering it to him.
"May I offer you some partridge, my lord?" she asked, "it is considered a delicacy." Not daring to meet his eyes, she stared into her lap, not moving until she felt the removal of the tray from her arms. She turned to him in surprise; only to be astonished at the tenderness that she found within those blue eyes.
"I would ask your name, my lady," he said, simply. Startled by so direct a gaze, Karna lowered her eyes.
"I am no lady, my lord. I am but a simple servant girl, not worth the attention of one such as yourself."
Now himself surprised, Peridan regarded her with amazement. "Do you mean to say that in Calormen, the name of a servant is of no importance to his master?"
Karna stared at him in bewilderment. "Of course, my lord. Is it not so in your own land?"
"In my own land of Narnia, miss, we consider each individual to be of value, including Calormene servant girls. Now, with that in mind, would you permit me to know your name?"
"I am Karna, my lord."
"Karna." Peridan said it as though considering it; he repeated it a few times. "Does it mean anything?"
"I do no know, my lord."
Peridan smiled then, "If I may be so bold, my name is Peridan. I would prefer it if you called me by it."
"If that is your wish, my lord."
"It is."
"Very well, my lord Peridan."
Smiling openly now, Peridan took up the nearest dish and offered it to Karna. "Would you care for some bread, lady Karna?"
Uncertain, Karna reached for the dish, amazed that so great a lord saw fit to serve her personally. "Is it always so in your land, my lord?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Do lords always treat servants in the same way that they would treat those of noble birth?"
Peridan turned to Karna gravely. "In Narnia, we believe that every creature, be they human or animal, has a right to respect and courtesy."
"Animal, my lord?"
"Yes, animal, Karna. We have talking beasts within my land and one of my dearest friends is a faun."
Karna gasped, "A faun, my lord Peridan?"
Peridan laughed, "Yes, a faun, lass. Half man, half goat, he if one of the wisest creatures I have ever met, and a better creature you will never find in all the world."
"But do you not find it queer speaking with talking animals when you hunt them as well?"
"Ah, no, I would sooner cut off my own ear than hunt an animal that spoke. They are not all of that kind in my land, we have a great number of dumb beasts as well, and they are the kind that we hunt for food."
Karna shook her head in amazement, "I cannot imagine being able to have speech with an animal! Are the horses that you ride of this speaking kindred?" Peridan laughed,
"Nay, Karna. The beasts that we ride are intelligent and courageous creatures, but they still require a guiding hand. It is not our right to take advantage of Aslan's talking beasts. Only with their permission would we ride upon their backs, and though some are glad enough to offer their services, we would never ride them without their express permission."
Karna regarded the Narnian lord in amazement, unable to comprehend the existence of animals that spoke and creatures that were half goat and half human. Yet, with her disbelief, her fear fled, and she found herself growing comfortable in the man's presence. Even brave enough to ask questions of her own.
"What is your land of Narnia like, my lord Perdian? For we hear only rumour of green hills and deep forests, all of which is gossip. Tell me, in truth, what is it like?"
For a moment, Peridan merely gazed into the distance, considering the question, but also lost in memory.
"It is home," he said at last. "There is no-one born in Narnia that does not feel some connection with the land, and though I myself was born in the distant Archenland, Narnia has always been my home. There are tall mountains, sweeping and great, forests deep and green where the fauns and dryads dance in the night. There is a clearing named Dancing Glade where we have come together late in the night, dancing and singing around the fire, telling stories of the north, tales of Aslan, of times long ago.
"Then, overlooking the great sea that is to the west is the castle of Cair Paravel, the home of the four monarchs of our land. Incomparable is the wisdom of High King Peter the Magnificent. Brave and just, he has ruled and guarded our land of Narnia for years uncounted, fair and true to all, there is none to whom he may be compared, in battle or swordplay. King Edmund the Just is to come with Queen Susan upon her journey hence to meet your Prince, and the like of his justice will not be found in any other land, for honourable he is and skilled in swordplay, a great warrior of men.
"Queen Susan the Gentle is the most caring and compassionate, so sweet and trusting is she, she is beloved of all our people, and Queen Lucy … I know none like her. She is valiant and brave, yet quick to laugh and the merriest lady that you will ever meet. She has ever been able to befriend those who are shy or uncomfortable, for there is an honest, deeply loving nature within her, the like of which I had never beheld in another, she is a marvel to me."
He was silent for a time, staring into the distance, a faint smile playing across his lips. Karna watched him, astounded at the deep devotion that this man had for his country. There was such a loyalty and even love of it in his eyes that the mere mention caused his eyes to shine. She imagined Calormen in her own mind, warm, dusty and busy; saw the great hills to the north, thought of the proud knights of her land that had fought to gain territory, and yet she felt no pride.
Try as she might, the only emotion that she could conjure up to express her feelings towards her nation was neutrality, perhaps even a little shame. For the glory of a Tisroc was measured by how much territory he won, how strong his army was, not in the depth of his wisdom.
"What are you thinking of?"
Drawn from her reverie, Karna jumped, quickly turning to her companion, she apologised for her distraction.
"Not at all," Peridan replied with a smile, "I often find my mind wondering and can often not recall what I was previously speaking of. What was in your thoughts to immerse you so greatly?"
Blushing slightly, she replied, "I was thinking of how wonderful your land must be to inspire so great a loyalty within your heart, my lord."
"Does not yours, Karna?"
Suddenly uncomfortable, she lowered her eyes. "Of course my lord, my land of Calormen is great and illustrious, we have a wise and indomitable Tisroc (may he live forever) and a brave prince whose courage on the battlefield is incomparable and renowned." She was silent for a time, not meeting Peridan's eyes. Karna felt ashamed, certain that she had, in some way, brought dishonour upon her land.
Peridan observed the girl thoughtfully, considering her words and her great reluctance to now meet his eyes. At that moment, there was something terribly naïve and innocent about Karna, a fact that was only accentuated by how odd the provocative quality of her outfit appeared next to it.
She seemed utterly lost in that moment, afraid of offending, and yet unable to suppress some hidden yearning. Without knowing why, Peridan reached out and tilted her chin up to look into her dark eyes. He was touched to the heart by the unshed tears he saw glistening there.
"Never feel ashamed of dreaming, Karna. I myself dream of things. As a lad I was filled with ambition. It is what it is to be young. You have no reason to feel guilty of having hope, it is one of the greatest gifts that you can have."
"But, my lord, what right have I to question the destiny that Tash has deigned that I should have within my life? For he does know all."
"In Narnia, we do not worship Tash, Karna, but the son of the great lord over the sea, the mighty Aslan. We believe that it was he who first created this earth and all the peoples within it, and we would also accept that Aslan has decided upon the life that we are to live. But we believe that every turmoil in this life has a purpose, that through difficult situations, Aslan teaches us, because he loves us."
Karna regarded the man, desperate to ask a certain question, but still terribly afraid of offending.
"Do not fear me, Karna." He smiled at her, his blue eyes warm and encouraging in the firelight.
Drawing courage from that smile, she spoke. "What form does Aslan take?"
"He takes no form, Karna, he is a lion. He is not a spirit. He has and always will be a lion, so has it always been."
Karna closed her eyes, willing the tears that threatened, to subside. Throughout their conversation, she had been longing to ask that question, and now that she had heard the truth, she felt no doubt within her heart that it truly had been an apparition of this Aslan that she had met that night.
"Have you ever seen a lion, my lord?"
Peridan smiled, "I have done more than that Karna, for I have beheld Aslan, face-to-face."
Karna gasped, afraid to hear more, but unable to refrain from asking, "But how can you have seen a deity my lord?"
"He is not a deity who is distant and does not care for those he has created, Karna. It was he that led our great kings and queens into Narnia from a distant land that was utterly out of this world."
"A land out of this world, my lord?" With every moment Karna became more confused, so much so that she began to doubt what she heard. Earnestly, she tried to make sense of it, and failed all the more with every attempt to understand. "How can that be possible?"
Peridan refrained from answering, seeing the girl's confusion, he decided to change the topic of conversation, enquiring instead after her family.
"Who is your father, Karna? What is his living?"
"My mother's husband is a carver my lord, he is very adept at carving images of Tash (may he be praised) from wood and stone, they are excellently finished and enable us to exist with relative ease."
"How many are there within your family?"
"I have two brothers, who aid my father in the market each day. One of my sisters and I work under the employ of Master Tirshan, and my youngest sister was lately married. She is now a wife and not required to secure an income for her home. Other than that, there is my mother whom I love above all others."
She paused, wondering why on earth she had said those last words. Peridan did not seemed surprised by it, actually inquiring as to whether she was close to her mother?
Karna smiled, "Yes, my lord, we are very close. It is my mother who understands me the best, she alone that knows the whole truth within my heart."
Peridan smiled, "It was the same between my father and I. My mother died when I was but a lad, and since there were no other children, my father grew to love me fiercely, teaching me the art of sword craft from a young age. He shared all with me. In a similar manner I returned this devotion.
My father was the man that I idolised and loved with all my soul. Late into the night he would enchant me tales of valour, recite legends of past wars and battles, acts of bravery and courage that held me enraptured. I was but sixteen when he died in a hunt and it was as though a piece of my heart was taken with him.
"For nigh on a year, I lived a half-life, caring little for anything. Though my good uncle and his sweet wife were kind to me; seeking to treat me as one of their sons, I was never at ease within their home. Then, upon the eve of my seventeenth birthday, word reached Archenland that a great battle was to happen within Narnia. It was a land that for years had been under the grip of an enchanted winter, for a powerful sorceress was said to rule the land. When I heard of the bold king Peter and his brothers and sisters, I rode away with a few friends to offer my service to this great king.
"Alas, we reached the land after their great victory and entered the service to High King Peter. At that time he was little more than a lad, but with the bearing of a king. In essence, the kind of monarch that I had longed within my dreams to serve, and thus did Narnia became my home."
Throughout Peridan's narration, Karna had listened, enchanted and fascinated by the tale. "I am sorry for your loss, my lord."
"Thank you, but it was many years ago, Karna, and I found what I had lost within my father, in service of King Peter. Narnia truly became the home to me that Archenland had never really felt to be; the kings and queens became my brothers and sisters. I could not think myself luckier."
Karna smiled, casting her eyes down into her lap. She took a slice of honeyed melon from her plate and ate it slowly, savouring the taste despite herself.
Peridan regarded her in silence, marvelling at the difference between women of Calormen. The highborn ladies that he had met that afternoon had all flirted shamelessly with him, smelling of spices and exotic flowers, their faces attractively painted, their heads adorned with flowers and ornate headdresses. The Tarkheenas' very manner of conversation had seemed practised and graceful, coquettish and yet demure.
In contrast, Karna's eagerness was unfeigned and innocent, her manner truthfully shy, her appearance almost ruined by the obvious allurement of the revealing outfit. There was a sweetness and purity to her that he found incredibly refreshing, so different to the practised charm of the other women, more like that of the honest, caring women of Narnia.
He was about to speak when he saw Master Tirshan rise.
"It is time," he declared, "that these lovely girls depart, for we do not wish to worry their parents." This caused an outburst of barked laughter from all of the Calormen men assembled there. Peridan found the mirth of it lost to him, but forced a polite smile. In a single graceful movement, the head servant girl rose, smiling seductively at her master for a moment before gesturing that the other girls follow her.
More than willing to oblige, several of the girls almost sprang away from the benches, smiling at their companions with as much dignity as they could muster. Karna alone seemed sad to depart her companion's company, but bowed her head to him respectfully, thanking him for his conversation.
"I thank you for your company, lady Karna," Peridan replied as solemnly, and, taking her hand within his own, kissed it gently, before bowing to her.
She made to leave, before pausing by him for a moment, "Thank you for telling me on your land, my lord," she whispered, "and giving me the courage to dream once more."
Peridan bowed to her again, watching her quick retreat, both surprised and greatly sorrowed.
Author's note:
A bit of character exploration here as we get to know our two main protagonists better. But I must warn you – this will eventually be a romance but we won't get there for a long time. I'm afraid a lot has to happen before these two even think about it!
I have to give a very heartfelt shout out of Calyn and I . Appletje for their incredible reviews. Calyn especially – your review was so encouraging and was just what I needed to hear because I wasn't sure if people were getting what I was trying to do with this story.
Also, I have been fairly regular with updates because I have been on holiday, I'm sorry but it might slow down to once every two weeks after I go back to work on 1st September.
Anyway, thanks so much for everyone reading – for all the follows and people who are watching the story.
Please review and let me know what you think.
Thanks again,
Breeze.