The Kadin - Bertrice Small [135]
Cyra gritted her teeth. “Do not cry, Karim,” she said sternly, “you will make the stain run.” Then, more gently, “I will not allow you to forget me, my son.”
Drawing a thin gold chain from her pocket, she opened the little locket on it to reveal an exquisite miniature of herself. “Firousi painted it several years ago,” she explained. (The second kadin had done the portrait in secret, as the portrayal of the human image was against Muslim law.) “This locket will keep my face ever bright in your memory, beloved.”
She turned to the disapproving Marian, “Outside these walls my face is unknown, and it will help to identify him further to my family.” She slipped the chain about his slender neck. “There, my dearest son. When you are lonely for me or are tempted to reveal your identity, gaze upon my face and remember—my life is in your keeping.
Tenderly she kissed him a final time, and then, helping him into Esther Kira’s basket, spoke her final words to him. “Remember, Charles Leslie. The motto of the clan is ‘Stand Fast’ Remember, and abide by it!”
A tray of herbs was placed over the crouching boy, and the basket lid was closed. Cyra walked with Esther to the gate.
“May Allah rain blessings on you, Esther Kira, for the help you have given me,” she said loudly.
“I am desolate my remedies have failed, madam. If only you had called me sooner.”
“At least his pain is eased, and he will slip quietly into Paradise,” replied the grieving mother.
Walking through the gate, Esther shook her head sadly at the eavesdropping eunuch, who was so busy thinking how he would tell this new and deliriously tragic piece of information that he did not see the bas-kadin hidden in the shadows, the tears streaming down her lovely face.
34
THE HAREM was in deep mourning for the three imperial princes and Zuleika Kadin. Selim hurriedly returned from Anatolia to comfort his remaining wives and to privately mourn his great loss. He remained in his capital throughout the autumn.
During these months Cyra spent a great deal of time weeping. The residents of the serai attributed the bas-kadin’s tears and loss of weight to the deaths, but Cyra was secretly fretting for word of Karim.
Finally it arrived, and on a sunny afternoon in late autumn, Cyra sat in her garden by the lake with Marian, Ruth, and Esther Kira. The pale, lemony sunlight dappled the dark waters, and a sharp breeze made the three of them pull their woolen cloaks tightly about their bodies.
“I have received a letter from Joseph,” the little Jewess began, “but I dared not bring it I have memorized its contents and burned it”
“Tell me!” begged Cyra eagerly.
“Their voyage was smooth and uneventful. At first the captain protested about the extra passenger, but Joseph said Charles might sleep on a pallet in his own little cabin, and that he had brought with him double the food ration required. The captain, after hearing these facts—and receiving a generous purse—relented.
“The first night Joseph tried to give Charles his own bed, but the boy refused, saying, ‘I am an ordinary boy now, Master ben Kira,’ and nothing could dissuade him. They arrived at Leeds in early September, and went straight to Edinburgh. Two days later, Joseph obtained horses, and they rode north to Glenkirk, where Charles was safely installed at the Abbey School.
“My brother has been to see him once, and reports that he is well and very happy. He has met his grandfather, his uncle Adam, and two young cousins, one eight years older than he, and the other three years older. He will spend Christmas at the castle with your family.
“There! Is that not good news!”
“Dear Estherl It is the best possible news! How can I ever thank you?”
Esther smiled and shook her head. “You are my true friend, sweet lady. You have been more than generous to the House of Kira over the years. I need no other reward. Now, I think it is best that I leave you to calm yourself and meditate upon your happiness. Perhaps Marian and Ruth will walk with me?”
Cyra nodded absently, already lost in her imaginings