Dalil

Chapter 1

Another Journey Begins

"You and yours are welcome here in all times, good and bad." Bakiri gives his hand to Petros the Wise as they clasp each other warmly. These two wise leaders of their peoples recognized that they have the same problems to solve for those under their protection. They forged a bond that will persist despite the passage of time and the great distances that may prevent them ever meeting again.  "We will keep Alimah safe while she learns the arts of dance and music that are new to her." 

Alimah and Kaliq say their farewells from which Petros the Wise and Bakiri avert their eyes but none the less are aware of. Alimah, the graceful singer of songs,  stays behind to learn, she says, new ways of dancing and singing that that she cannot learn at her home. Kaliq bends towards her, his yearning clear to all who watch. Then, aware of onlookers, he stands straight and brings her slender fingers to his lips. That caress marks his farewell. If Alimah is disturbed at Kaliq's leaving she conceals it completely. Petros the Wise hopes that Kaliq's heart is not set on her, for he sees that she appears unmoved as she says good-by to him. He remembers how his gifted sister Sardow and Lukenow, from the land of the bull dancers, set their hearts on each other when they were much younger than Alimah, and could not, would not conceal their hearts desire. Bakiri, wise in the way of the young, says quietly to Petros the Wise, "I do not think that they are meant to be mated." Petros nods his agreement and says, "Kaliq has much to keep him busy as he learns more of the arts of leadership." These two good men, so alike physically and in all other ways, clasp hands one more time as they say their farewells. 

"Salama will be pleased with the linen." Bakiri looks at the laden donkeys. "You are wise not to garb yourself in fine linens for your journey."

Petros laughs and says, "The war mares will draw enough attention as it is. We do not need more reasons to draw thieves and bandits to us."

Dalil's face shows nothing of what he may be thinking or feeling. He looks across to his comrade kinsman, Kaliq, wondering how he can leave the land of the one river so easily, leave Alimah unprotected, leave her where her heart may lead her to another. If she were his, he could not leave her so. But, she is not his. He regrets that but he knows that Alimah and he are not fated to be mated. It is clear to him now, but her delicate beauty still moves him and her memory will be forever in his heart. There will be a woman for him. somewhere. He trusts she exists: One who fears his inner storms not, but welcomes his great size, welcomes him. He wonders where he will ever find that someone, or even if she exists outside of his yearning dreams.

The golden orb rises in a clear sky, ushering in another day. Birds twitter in the trees intent on their early morning tasks that speak of renewal and loveliness. Goats call to each other, cattle and oxen rumble their way to the life giving river.  Behind fences the war mares thrive, some taking a dust bath on their backs with their slim legs waving in the air, others nurse their young, others gambol about as their kind are wont to do. 

Cooking smells mingle with the fragrant early air. Amid the chatter of the women at their morning rituals, the sounds of the children playing remind the travelers of what they wish to return to. All is well. Order has been restored, if only for a time, for the forces that bring disorder are as strong as ever.   

Bathed in the fresh morning air that heralds another day, the diminished band prepares to leave the land of the one river and their newly known and cherished kin. Serena and Lukenow have already departed, sailing in his tidy craft to leave the river and the marsh lands to sail again on the great green sea, where he is so at home.