Neutral Space(32)

A young woman appeared a few moments later with a bowl of fruit. She dropped it when she saw Kheda. “Major, I’m sorry. I was not expecting to see you. The reports say you were killed.”

Kheda looked to me “They couldn’t find us, so we’re dead.”

“That’s good news, right?” I asked, not understanding the significance of it.

“No, because once they find us, they will kill us.” Kheda’s voice was emotionless.

“They say your friend murdered you and he is wanted by both governments.” The woman continued.

“Great,” I sighed.

Kheda gave me a look, and I was quiet. She looked back to the woman “Bhet, is Ren here?”

“He is. He would be most happy to see you. Your father has already sent word of his great distress.”

“How long have I been dead?” Kheda asked as she followed the woman.

“Two maybe three weeks. I lose track of time.”

“Uncle Tam will have called by now,” I tried to assure Kheda.

“If not, Aya saw us; he will tell him their story is wrong.”

“Did you ever think he is simply going through the motions, Kheda?” an old man asked from his seat on a purple cushion.

“Ren, am I happy to see you.”

“Bhet, cushions for our guests then start on dinner please,” Ren asked Bhet. She nodded humbly and pulled out two cushions. Ren seemed old but well taken care of. He was skinny, but not due to hunger. He was simply a priest who lived here as a hermit. His blond hair was cut very close to his scalp, and his eyes were opaque brown. Ren waited until Bhet was out of earshot before he spoke again. “Your father knows you are alive, do not fear. He called simply to be sure I was here and ready for you when you came. Of course, he was playing the part of a grieving father, but you know your father, Kheda.”

“He can always get his message across.”

“What brings you to my sanctuary?”

“We need information. My father left a list for me to find.” Kheda pulled the list out of a hidden pocket and handed it to the priest.

He eyed it for a moment “Fruit, bread, meat; your average grocery list.” He handed it to her, and I thought he was crazy. He caught my eye and nodded. “I know only pieces of what is going on, and I can tell you, but you will have to find out where to shop for these items on your own.”

“I understand.” Kheda nodded.

“There is something else, Kheda? Something you wanted to ask of me?” He looked to her hands balled in her lap “You always ball up your hands when you want to ask me a favor.” She smiled then and looked to me.

“We wish to be married. Would you do it, Ren?” She looked at me then him.

“Yes, I think it can be arranged. Kheda, tell me: have you done as Kelta has asked?”

She looked away from the old priest blushing. “I have.”

“I always knew you would. You had more faith than many others to follow your path. And after weeks alone with your future husband, Kelta will be pleased.”

“Thank you, Ren.” The old priest looked to me once again “You have not done as Kelta asked.” I shook my head. Somehow the old priest already knew. “Well, you aren’t a believer. The purification will begin tonight, and you will wed the next evening.” I looked to Kheda, worried.

“You do believe in a god, right, Jackson?” I nodded. “So you’ll pray, and bathe and fast.” I nodded, relieved.

“And while you do so, I will tell Kheda what you both need to know. What the government has done to both of you is inexcusable.” He stood up and offered her a hand. “Come Kheda, we will eat.”

“What about me?”

“Bhet will take good care of you.” He struck a brass ring, and the woman appeared a minute later. He whispered something to her, and she nodded. Kheda gave me a quick hug before following Ren away. Bhet took me by the arm and led me through arched hallways towards the outer part of the building. The air grew warmer here as the sun beat down on the rock. She handed me a towel and told me to undress. She wouldn’t leave though, and I could only turn my back. Once the towel was around my waist, she asked me to sit and wait.

She returned a minute later with clippers. “What are you doing?”

“Your hair is not blond.”

“No, but it is black. There’s three weeks growth there. Can you leave that, please?”

“Fiesty,” she commented as she moved the dial. I breathed a sigh of relief when the first of the hair fell, and it was only blond. When she was done, she made me rinse off the hair in a shower in a nearby room. Then, she opened another door and made me go in. It felt like an oven, and there was little ventilation. She asked me to sit on the stone bench and gave me a pitcher of water. I was to pray or meditate until she returned. I sighed hoping Kheda truly appreciated this and thinking the other priest wouldn’t have been so strict.

Bhet returned in what seemed like hours later. I still don’t remember how I got through the time. But the pitcher was empty when she returned, and it worried her. She made me drink another half a pitcher then gave me a piece of fruit. I don’t think she was supposed to. Then again I don’t think she realized humans didn’t tolerate heat as well as Kelsairans, did. She let me take a lukewarm shower before leading me to a room where fresh clothes were waiting.