Quest for the Moon Orb: Orbs of Rathira (51 page)

Bredon carried a newly made
egora
with a golden bead sewn into the center.  That was the position which indicated a man was married.  Zakiel looked forward to wearing it with more than a little excitement.  He’d asked Nikura to check it first, of course.  He would not risk dark magic anywhere near their wedding ceremony. 

Finally, there was a commotion at the far side of the circle, and the two Hunters in front of Zakiel, Corbon and Jenz, stepped aside.  Zakiel moved forward into the circle, Garundel just behind him, as Karma entered directly opposite him with Bredon escorting her on one side, Nikura on the other, the Ti-Ank held high in her other hand.  But Zakiel had eyes only for Karma.  She was so stunningly beautiful in her wedding clothes that he wanted to pinch himself to be sure this was not another dream.

They walked toward each other, stopping in the center of the circle, facing each other.  Bredon released Karma’s hand, bowed to Zakiel and stepped back so that he was just behind Karma, as Garundel was just behind Zakiel.  Nikura remained at Karma’s side, his shoulder brushing her skirt lightly. 

Karma smiled at Zakiel, taking his breath away.  The Ti-Ank began to glow softly and a moment later, the bent, white haired figure of Zabeth appeared beside them, clear for all to see.

There was a slight rustling around the circle, even though Zakiel had told everyone what to expect.  Nevertheless, it was a bit of a shock to see a woman they all knew was dead appear from nothing.  That she floated a few feet off the ground didn’t help.

Zabeth allowed everyone a moment to get used to her presence and settle down.  Then she smiled at Karma and Zakiel before spreading her arms wide as though to encompass the couple before her.

“Hearken!” she began, her voice strong and clear.  “Everyone within the sound of my voice, hearken to my words, and the vows that will be spoken here today.  Attend faithfully to the deeds you are to witness.  You are called upon to hear, see, and remember, so that you may give testimony to the ceremony we shall now commence in this time, in this place, between these two people.  Are all of you willing to bear true and faithful witness?”

Every Hunter and Sirelina who stood in the circle, as well as the servants and drovers who looked on from behind them shouted, “We are!” so loudly that Karma jumped a little. 

“With this assurance, we shall proceed,” Zabeth continued.  “From the foundation of our world, men and women have come together to be joined by the love in their hearts, the sharing of their souls, and the communion of their flesh as companions, lovers, and partners in life, for life.  We are gathered together to unite this man and this woman in that union which we call marriage. 

“Karma, will you say the words appointed for this moment to the man you have chosen to be your husband, father of your children, and protector of your hearth?”

Karma raised her right hand, placed her palm over Zakiel’s heart and looked into his pale blue eyes.

“I, Karma Baraka, also known as Princess Kahlilia, daughter of King Aasil and Queen Kaamia, of New Levant, wish to be joined to you, Zakiel, as your wife.”

Karma paused for a moment as everyone murmured in surprise at her true name and rank.  She hadn’t realized she was going to reveal her real name until she’d done it, but she was glad of it.  How could she be truly married if she did not use her true name?  After a few moments everyone grew quiet again and she continued, basking in the happiness shining in Zakiel’s eyes as she did.

“I pledge to you on the sacred tombs of my ancestors, and on the hearths of all my mothers before me, to love you with all the strength of my heart, mind, body and soul; to stand at your side when fortune covers our tables with feasts and when it leaves them bare; to care for you in the vigor of your youth and the frailty of age, to be faithful to you in heart and mind and body for all the days of my life, and to walk with you when we are called into the Beyond.  To you I so promise of my own free will, and with joy in my heart.”

Zabeth turned to Zakiel and spoke once more.  “Zakiel, will you accept Karma’s vows, and wear a sign of your union for all to see?”

“I do accept her vows, and I shall wear a sign of our union with the utmost happiness and pride,” Zakiel answered. 

With hands that shook only a little, Karma accepted the new
egora
from Bredon and tied it on Zakiel’s bicep.  She brushed her fingers over the gold bead in the center of the array of colored beads that told of Zakiel’s many accomplishments, and smiled with tears in her eyes.

“Zakiel, will you say the words appointed for this moment to the woman you have chosen to be your wife, mother of your children, and keeper of your hearth?

Zakiel raised his right hand and placed it over Karma’s heart as he gazed into her shining eyes.

“I, Prince Zakiel of the House of Feenis, son of King Rhobar and Queen Joann of Isiben, Rathira, wish to be joined to you, Karma, as your husband.  I pledge to you on the sacred tombs of my ancestors, and on the swords and shields of all my fathers before me, to love you with all the strength of my heart, mind, body and soul; to stand at your side when fortune covers our tables with feasts and when it leaves them bare; to care for you in the vigor of your youth and the frailty of age, to guard and protect you and our family to the end of my strength and to my last drop of blood; to be faithful to you in heart and mind and body for all the days of my life, and to walk with you when we are called into the Beyond.  To you I so promise of my own free will, and with joy in my heart.”

Zabeth turned to Karma.  “Karma, will you accept Zakiel’s vows, and wear a sign of your union for all to see?”

Karma was surprised by this.  She’d known about the
egora
, but what could Zakiel possibly have for her?  She collected herself quickly and gave the response Zakiel had used.

“I do accept his vows, and I shall wear a sign of our union with the utmost happiness and pride.” 

Zakiel accepted the velvet box from Garundel and opened it, revealing two slender marriage bracelets.  One was silver chased with gold, with diamonds set around it, the other gold, chased with silver, set with rubies.  Zakiel took the bracelets from their velvet bed and reached for Karma’s left hand.  He slipped the gold bracelet onto her wrist, then kissed the back of her hand before releasing it.  He repeated the gesture with her right hand, his touch so gentle and tender that Karma had to swallow hard in an effort to hold back her tears.

“Friends and companions,” Zabeth said, “you have heard the pledges of love and marriage spoken, as they have been spoken by your fathers and mothers before you going back to before the beginning of memory.  Are they in accord with our ways, and do they give true voice to the hearts of this man and this woman?  Say you
yes,
or
no.

“Yes!” everyone shouted, but this time Karma didn’t jump.  Instead, she smiled so brightly and with such happiness that Zakiel thought she rivaled the sun itself.

“Karma and Zakiel, Zakiel and Karma, before these people, and all wise and beneficent spirits, you are from this moment bound together as husband and wife for all of the days of your lives and into Beyond.  May all blessings be upon you both, and may your lives together be long, happy, and fruitful.  Begin your blessed days together with a kiss before this company, that all shall know you to be, from this day forward, bound together in all ways as one.”

Zakiel stepped forward, his gaze never leaving Karma’s as he bent his head and brushed his lips across hers once, twice, three times before kissing her deeply.  He broke the kiss long before he wanted to for the sake of propriety, but his hands shook with desire rather than nerves when he took his bride’s hands in his own.

Karma forced herself to focus in spite of the intense sensations racing through her body that she wanted so much to explore.  But not yet.

She turned to Zabeth and bowed, Zakiel following her example without hesitation.  “We thank you, Cadusar Zabeth, for the honor you have done us this day,” she said.

“You are most welcome,” Zabeth replied.  “Now, release me, Karma, wife of Zakiel, and celebrate the first night of your marriage with your husband.

Karma’s breath caught in her throat with joy at being called
wife of Zakiel
.  “Farewell, Zabeth,” she said as she stopped the flow of energy and allowed the glow of the Ti-Ank to fade. 

A heartbeat later the Hunters and Sirelina began to cheer so loudly it was nearly deafening, and they all hurried forward to congratulate the happy couple.  The servants hurried away to complete preparations for serving the wedding feast, but Karma caught Lashi’s eye and smiled at the woman’s teary eyed bow before she joined the others. 

Kapia hurried forward, the crowd parting for her easily, and threw her arms around Zakiel, then Karma.  “I am so happy for you both, and so excited that you are now my sister,” she said to Karma as she continued to hug her.  When she finally stepped back, her cheeks were wet with tears, but they were happy tears.  “Oh Karma, your vows were so beautiful,” she said.  “Please say that I can use them when I wed?”

“Of course you may,” Karma said.  “Although, when the time comes, you will probably want to use your own, so remember that I will not be offended if that is the case.”

Kapia shook her head.  “I don’t think I could ever come up with such beautiful vows as yours and Zakiel’s,” she said.  “They were perfect.”

“Thank you, Kapia,” Karma said.  “Shall we go and eat?  I’m getting hungry.”

“Yes, of course,” Kapia said.  “I’ll let Lashi know you’re coming, shall I?”

“Thank you, Sister,” Karma said.  Kapia clapped her hands together and laughed, looking more like a child than a woman at the moment which made Karma laugh too.  As she left, the Hunters came forward to wish them well. 

“We did not know that Lady Techu was also a Princess in her own right,” Tomas said with a tight smile.  “I can think of one woman who will not only be green with jealousy, but also with envy.”

Karma couldn’t believe that even Tomas would be so rude as to mention Marene at this time, on this day.  Since she couldn’t think of a rational response to his comment,  she said nothing.  

Suddenly Tomas flushed red and bowed.  “I apologize, Cousin, Lady Techu,” he said.  “That was not an appropriate comment to make at such a time.  I wish you both joy and happiness.”

Tomas turned and walked away rather quickly.  Karma glanced up at Zakiel and saw the cold expression in his eyes, the anger in the set of his mouth, and understood Tomas’s reaction.  She was glad that he had warned Tomas away, but did not want him unhappy.  This was their day.

“Husband,” she said softly, startling him as she intended.  “Your wife is hungry.”

“Then come with me, wife, so that I can feed you,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes that dispelled the coldness.  “Then we can get to the good part of the wedding night.”

Karma blushed as a thrill of excitement raced through her.  She slipped her arm through his and raised a brow as they began walking toward the large bonfire in the gathering area at the center of the village where the wedding feast was to be held. 

 “Are you trying to imply that there is something more exciting to come than the food the Sirelina have prepared for us?” she asked with a hint of doubt in her tone.

“Of course there is,” Zakiel replied smugly.  “You have not yet tasted Timon’s desserts, and I believe he has outdone himself for us today.”

“In that case, let’s hurry,” Karma said, laughing.

When they had eaten and spent the right amount of time with their guests, Zakiel rose and held his hand out to his bride, helping her to her feet. 

“We thank you all for joining us on this most special day,” he said.  “However, the hour grows late, and we have an early day tomorrow.  Please feel free to enjoy yourselves for as long as you like.”

There was a loud cheer at that announcement, and Zakiel took that opportunity to leave with Karma at his side.  They walked to the guest cottage at the edge of the village that the Sirelina had prepared especially for them, and Karma began to feel real nerves for the first time that day.  As they reached the doorstep, Timon opened the door for them and they entered together.  Zakiel walked her across the main sitting area and into a short hall, to a door that he opened for her. 

 “When you are ready, there is a door that connects this room to the one next to it.  I will be waiting for you there.”

Karma nodded, her mouth suddenly too dry to speak.

Zakiel pressed his lips to her forehead, wanting to reassure her, but not while there were other ears to hear.  It would have to wait until they were alone.

Karma’s smile was a little shaky, but it was the best she could summon at the moment.  She stepped into the chamber and sighed when the door closed behind her. 

“Hello Lashi,” she said.  Lashi bowed, then hurried toward her, guiding her gently to a stool set before a dressing table. 

“What did you think of the wedding?” Karma asked as Lashi began unpinning her veil.  Lashi had worked harder than anyone for today’s ceremony, and she wanted her to be pleased with it.

“I have seen many elaborate and ornate weddings, Lady Techu,” she said, “but your simple ceremony was the most beautiful and heartfelt I have ever had the honor to attend.”  Her hands stilled for a moment.