The Archer's Heart (3 page)

Into the stillness of the room, Keshan spoke. “I thought I was going to get a demonstration of Jandu Paran’s legendary skill today. But I suppose he feels too underdressed to compete.”

All eyes turned to Jandu.

Jandu hid his shock by casually straightening out of his slouch. “Well, cousin, if you’re going to ask me that way, how can I refuse?”

Baram laughed and slapped Jandu on the shoulder so hard that Jandu had to struggle not to topple over. Suraya smiled softly at him. Nadaru positively beamed. Dread snaked through Jandu’s gut, but he was already standing and all eyes were upon him.

Jandu stepped to the bow, but before he began, he looked behind him, making sure that his cousin watched. Keshan stared at him intently, his expression expectant.

Jandu brought his palms together to pray to the bow. He had learned from his master Mazar that any weapon needed to be respected in order to be wielded properly. After doing so, he lifted the bow with ease.

Jandu’s heart beat faster. He braced the base of the bow with his sandal as he reached down and pulled the bowstring up and around the top. He looked briefly at Keshan as he pulled an arrow from the quiver. Keshan stared at him with his mouth slightly open, his eyes wide. He looked like he was holding his breath. Ever so slightly, Jandu nodded to him. If his cousin wanted a display of his prowess Jandu would give him one.

Jandu knelt and gazed into the water. He cocked back the arrow and pointed it upwards, concentrating on the spinning reflection of the fish.

Just before released his arrow, he realized that the reflection was deceptive. The fish spun in the opposite direction, he could tell by the reflection of his own face in the water. He smiled to himself. He concentrated on the fish, until all he saw was the fish’s eye.

He counted the spins to space the timing. And then he released his string.

The fish fell from the spinning disk with a loud snap and crashed into the water. Jandu stood as Nadaru and the surrounding men rushed to the pool. Nadaru reached his hand into the water and pulled out the golden fish, showing the rest of the room that Jandu had succeeded in shooting the arrow directly through the small eye. The room erupted in applause and cheers.

“Are you happy with my demonstration, cousin?” Jandu called out over the noise. Keshan rewarded him with a brilliant smile.

Jandu’s stomach tightened at the beauty of Keshan’s expression.

And as Suraya placed the marigold garland around his neck, Jandu realized, terribly, wonderfully, that he was, for the first time in his life, infatuated with someone other than himself.

 Chapter 3

As servants tied back the silken walls of the pavilion,  a gust of monsoon wind rolled over Jandu, feeling like hot breath. All across the garden he could see tables strewn with succulent dishes and awaiting wedding guests. A Draya priest stood ready to perform the ceremony. Friends and strangers, dressed in their dazzling ceremonial armor, offered Jandu their congratulations.

Jandu thanked them in a daze.

He didn’t know how he got into this mess and he had no idea how he would get out of it. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. He got into it because he wanted to show off, as usual.

But now he was going to get married. The thought made Jandu distinctly uncomfortable. His mother had died shortly after his birth and Jandu had grown up in the sole company of other men. While he found women kind-natured and well-behaved as a rule, they confused him with their strange seriousness and lack of interest in archery.

“Congratulations, idiot!” Baram cheered lovingly. He crushed Jandu in a brotherly embrace that bordered on painful.

Yudar merely looked on, worry creasing his brow.

“I can’t marry her,” Jandu told them in a whisper. He didn’t know how he could explain his reluctance. His unwavering belief in his own superiority? His lack of interest in women in general? His singular dedication to the warrior arts? He simply knew that this marriage was wrong for him.

“I know,” Yudar said. He frowned. “It goes against the Book of Taivo.”

Confused by his brother’s agreement, Jandu searched his mind for the lesson on the precepts of Shentari faith, trying to recall what obscure, ancient law his brother referred to this time.

“If you were to father a son, he would be older than any child either I or Baram fathered. And since neither of us is consecrated as King, your son would have the right of primogeniture to challenge our children for the throne.”

“What?” Baram looked as confused as Jandu felt.

“I have been thinking of the problem ever since the moment you pierced the fish eye,” Yudar said, clearing his throat. His face had flushed almost guiltily. “I believe there is precedent to break the Shentari tradition in this case.”

Jandu looked at Yudar, and suddenly, everything made sense. “You should marry her, Yudar.” Jandu was certain that Nadaru would be delighted to wed his daughter to a future king.

Although Yudar flushed brighter at Jandu’s suggestion, he shook his head. “I cannot. I did not compete. You did.”

“I competed for you,” Jandu suggested.

Baram narrowed his eyes. “No, you competed to show off. Call it like it is.”

Jandu grinned. “All right. But that’s all the more reason that I shouldn’t marry Suraya. I didn’t do it for her.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Yudar replied. “You did not declare yourself to be competing in my stead, so legally I can’t claim her. However—”

“Fellow Triya warriors! I must protest this marriage!” Firdaus pushed his way through the throng of well-wishers. He held himself tall. His friend and, no doubt, co-conspirator Darvad stood beside him as if urging him on.

“It is against our holy Book of Taivo for Jandu Paran to marry Suraya Paria. A younger prince must not wed before his elder brothers when a Regent holds the throne! It will lead the kingdom into chaos and war. So it is written.”

A sudden, deathly pall stifled all conversation. Jandu felt a flicker of hope. He wouldn’t have to marry Suraya now. 

“What is this?” Lord Nadaru rushed to them. Suraya followed behind and stepped close to Jandu’s side. Her face was pale, her eyes almost fearful. Jandu realized that if his claim to her became invalid then she would become Firdaus’ second wife.

Yudar cleared his throat and stepped between Firdaus and Lord Nadaru. Though small compared to his brothers, Yudar had a royal presence that made him seem larger than he was. He held himself straight-backed with his chin tilted upwards, his dark brown eyes shining with inner wisdom.

“It is true that the Book of Taivo specifically states that under these conditions royal siblings must be married in order of age,” Yudar said. “However, the laws established under the prophet Tarhandi allow for such a circumstance, assuming that all siblings marry the wife together.”

The silence seemed to grow deeper and more disturbed, as everyone attempted to digest what Yudar said. Even Jandu, who had a lifetime of practice deciphering his brother’s cryptic religious code, stumbled over the idea. When he finally understood Yudar’s proposal, he almost choked.

He grabbed Yudar’s shoulder. “What are you talking about?” he hissed.

Yudar smiled at him serenely. “With Lord Nadaru’s permission, all three of us will marry Suraya.”

The silence exploded in outrage. Even the baboons seemed to shriek louder in the nearby trees. It took several minutes for Nadaru to call the party to order.

Jandu wondered  for an instant why they all cared so much. Why couldn’t Suraya just choose some man—other than himself—and have done with it?  And then he caught sight of his bride, dressed in her delicate red silk zahari dress, her eyes painted with kohl. She was absolutely gorgeous. Baram fidgeted nervously and stared at her.

Firdaus and Yudar looked as flushed and committed as men in sword combat. Head to head, they debated the issue with the kind of speed and precision that Jandu reserved for calling down a magical sharta.

“The Book of Taivo specifically prohibits this marriage!” Firdaus shouted.

“But the laws of the Prophet Tarhandi allow for polyandry should the bride choose to marry all siblings.” Yudar was calm and had a little smile on his face, looking assured in the way that only scholars who knew the words of God by heart could be.

“That is an ancient law! It is hardly practiced any more. It has been over a century since a woman has had multiple husbands!” Firdaus looked genuinely scandalized by the idea.

Yudar merely raised an eyebrow. “The antiquity of the law does not negate it. The Prophet Tarhandi’s precepts are well-established in the Shentari temple, and many laws dating from the same time period are used to hold up religious edicts today.”

“Tarhandi’s laws are about cattle thievery and agricultural disputes!” Firdaus’ voice raised in anger.

Jandu just shook his head. Anyone in Prasta knew better than to challenge Yudar to a religious debate. Yudar had every single holy law memorized and an uncanny knack for knowing exactly what obscure text to cite to perfectly support his argument.

Yudar’s smile widened. “The nature of Tarhandi’s laws are irrefutable, as he was a prophet from God. His standards form the basis of judgments every day across this noble country. Based on this, his word is irrefutable.”

Suraya’s father watched the debate like an active child, jumping in place and trying vainly to butt in. Finally, he simply stepped forward.

“Prince Yudar is more than just knowledgeable about the Book of Taivo,” Nadaru stated. “He is also the Royal Judge for the Regent. His decision stands.”

“Unfair!” Darvad cried out, stepping forward. “He cannot serve as judge in this matter, as it affects him personally.”

“But he is the Royal Judge for the State of Prasta. I will abide his decision,” Lord Nadaru stated flatly.

Jandu cleared his throat. “Shouldn’t we ask what Suraya wants to do?”

“Shut up!” Firdaus yelled at him. “Do not interrupt!”

Jandu’s fingers itched for his sword.

But his words must have gotten through, for Nadaru held up his hands in the sign of peace and begged silence. “Please! Let me consult with my daughter. Suraya, what would you say in this matter?”

Suraya blushed, but she stood straighter. “It was prophesized upon my birth that I would marry three great men. I had not thought that I would wed them all at once but… this must be what the prophet intended.”

All of them stared at Suraya silently.

Suraya still blushed furiously. “I will do this. I will fulfill the prophecy.”

Jandu had some very strong opinions about prophecies. He didn’t like them. He didn’t believe in them. He rebelled against the idea that his destiny was not in his own hands.

Yudar nodded. “We shall all be married tonight then, it seems.” He looked at Suraya, and Jandu could see how desire already clouded his brother’s vision.

Jandu tried to imagine how it would feel to share a wife with his brothers. He’d never considered himself the marrying type anyway. He honestly couldn’t conjure any feelings of jealousy, only embarrassment at their odd situation.

Jandu felt Suraya’s hand clench around his arm. He looked to her and she faced him resolutely.

Jandu took a deep breath. “You’re sure this is what you want?”

“I’m not sure of anything,” she said. “But this morning, I could have been married to anybody.” She swallowed as she looked at Firdaus, still fuming. “Besides, I think I’d rather die than be Lord Chandamar’s second wife.”

At this, Firdaus spat on the ground and turned and stormed away. Darvad followed him.

 “I wouldn’t want to marry him either,” Jandu said.

Suraya looked at him oddly, then reached out and squeezed his hand. It felt strange and girlish and reassuring all at once. ”It will be all right, Jandu.”

Jandu nodded. “Well, let’s get married then. Although, as Keshan Adaru pointed out, I’m not dressed for the occasion.” Not for the first time Jandu glanced through the crowd, searching for Keshan, but he failed to find him.

“I don’t care how you’re dressed,” Suraya assured him.

“Good,” Jandu said. “Because I’m a lazy dresser, Baram looks ugly in everything, and Yudar has no sense of style.”

Baram slapped Jandu in the back of the head, almost knocking him off his feet.

Suraya laughed. “Well, at least you’re honest.”

The wedding ceremony was brief and directly afterwards the wives, daughters, and sisters of the Triya nobles flooded the garden. Musicians followed, as did more servants who brought out further offerings of food and wine. The feast was a spectacle, with dishes formed in the shapes of fish and birds, cream custards and spicy butter sauces, tenderly roasted meats and fine cheeses. The opulence of Nadaru’s food coupled with Jandu’s dramatic triumph at the archery challenge and the resulting triple marriage were enough to guarantee that the wedding would be discussed for years to come.

For now though, the palaver dropped to a constant, steady murmuring which mingled with the clink of porcelain cups as celebratory wine began to infuse the party with true jollity.

To Jandu’s dismay, his cousin Keshan was not invited to sit at the celebration table. But his half-brother Darvad joined them briefly, offering a toast. His cadre of companions—Firdaus, Tarek, Druv, and Iyestar—emulated him, though Firdaus looked unhappy. Then Darvad took his leave and his friends followed, to mingle and gossip at other, more welcoming tables.

The sun set and torches illuminated the night, flickering an eerie yellow glow over the guests. Perfumed smoke filled the air with the scent of sandalwood. A heavy wind blustered sweet summer warmth over the wedding party in dramatic gushes of sound and sensation.

Lord Nadaru showed a disheartening tendency towards the extravagant. Jandu forced himself not to yawn through numerous speeches and superfluous rituals, all repeated thrice as Yudar went through them, then Baram, and then at last himself. Drunken congratulations assailed Jandu from every angle. 

He quickly wearied of the attention. When he at last caught sight of Keshan in the crowd of guests he desperately wanted to join him. But Jandu was a prisoner at the table of honor. He brushed his bangs from his forehead and watched his cousin Keshan mingle with the wedding guests, chatting with supporters of Yudar and Darvad alike. Jandu brooded, while his brothers ate and discussed the logistics of their new living arrangements.

“We should be husband for a year at a time,” Yudar decided, smiling at his own wisdom. “For one year, you will be my wife, Suraya. And then it will be Baram’s year, and then Jandu. That way you can get to know us each individually, and there will be no jealousy.”

Suraya nodded. Jandu noted that she hit the wine early and often.

Far across the garden a group of young men burst into laughter as Keshan told some joke.

Jandu wished he could have heard Keshan’s words. He had no doubt that they would have been intriguing, perhaps even scandalous, as everything about his cousin seemed to be. Keshan had fought a bloody battle with his uncle when he was only sixteen and after that he’d been central in relocating the Tiwari capital city to the coast to avoid further conflict with his neighboring state. He was a famed musician and infamous seducer and, according to Yudar, the sponsor of several very dangerous amendments to the holy laws.

Jandu anxiously awaited Yudar’s dismissal. It wasn’t Jandu’s night to be husband, after all. But Yudar was otherwise occupied. He held Suraya’s hand, and an unusual glow of happiness colored his skin. He seemed bronzed by joy. It made Jandu pleased to see it. It wasn’t easy to make Yudar forget his worries, but Suraya’s beauty seemed to soothe his concerns, for the time being at least.

Nadaru had brought in dancers from across Marhavad, and as they began their show, Jandu was finally excused. He rushed from the table and made his way towards Keshan.

As Jandu approached, a knot formed in his stomach. Keshan watched him, a pleased smile on his face.

“Hi.” Jandu spoke quickly. “I wanted to introduce myself.”

“Jandu Paran.” Keshan said his name slowly, like a sigh of relief.

Jandu blushed, and was horrified. He was acting like a girl.

Jandu reached down to touch Keshan’s feet in respect at the same time that Keshan bent down to do the same. They bumped heads and both stood up, startled.      

“Watch it!” Jandu cried out.

Keshan scowled, rubbing his head.

Jandu laughed. “Sorry! It’s my fault. But you should let me touch your feet first. I’m younger than you.”

“By what, six months?” Keshan asked. “Besides, you’re a prince.”

Keshan reached out and fingered Jandu’s plain white vest. Jandu froze at the intimate touch. His body tingled where Keshan’s hand brushed against him.