Then a small silver dagger slipped onto his lap.
Coralean stroked his beard. That is my second present to you, he said. Safar lifted the knife, knowing it had some hidden purpose and wondering what that purpose might be. Since you will be among so many wise men, Coralean said, that knife may prove even more valuable than the education you will receive. Listen to an old merchant. When a thought is too weighty it's probably not to be trusted. When a man's words are thick with the fat of hidden meaning it's doubtful they have as much value as the speaker implies. That knife will cut through those weighty thoughts and fatty words. And you will come to the true answer with little struggle.'
He looked at the other men, heavy eyebrows lifting high with humor. At least that's what the witch Coralean bought it from promised.'
Everyone chortled. Safar was stunned, not knowing what to make of either gift, especially the mysterious properties the knife supposedly held. He picked it up, felt a trickle of power and knew it to be as magical as the witch had warranted.
His father's voice came to him from far away, as if in a dream. Aren't you going to thank Coralean, my son? Khadji asked. Otherwise he'll think you were raised without manners.'
Safar fumbled thanks, as graceless as any youth of seventeen years, but Coralean seemed to understand the shyness. He embraced the young man, nearly smothering him with his great strength. Safar hugged him back.
'Come, now, the caravan master roared as he pulled away. Coralean promised the people of Kyrania a feast! Drink up, my friends, so we may all stumble out with a good cargo of spirits in our bellies to begin the celebration.'
The men shouted, bowls were emptied in mighty swallows, then refilled to the overflowing.
And there were few in the village who were not of tender years who did not spend the following days in a stupor so blissful that it was spoken of for much time to come.
That first night the sky was filled with fiery smoke balloons and kites with long flaming tails. There was drunken song and music everywhere and lovers slipped off into the darkness. Many a betrothal was sealed that night and many a child conceived in sighing embraces and barely-stifled cries of pleasure.
Coralean drew Safar and Iraj aside before they'd imbibed too much. He took the brandy bowls from their hands, saying: You'll have need of all your senses tonight, my young friends. He chuckled. Besides, you're both certain to end up in the arms of a village lass if you become too befuddled.'
He wagged a finger. No sense spoiling your futures with a too early marriage. Coralean is blessed with a passionate nature himself. Ask any of his wives and serving girls. He winked. They call me their beloved bull. I have swarms of children to prove it. I tell you, if Coralean had been born into a poorer family my father wouldn't have been able to afford to save me from my youthful indiscretions.'
Then he threw his arms about their shoulders and led them through a series of curtained rooms to the women's quarters. The main area was filled with pillows piled as high as their knees. Coralean plumped down and patted the pillows for the young men to sit on either side of him.
'I promised to show you a thing or two about pleasure, my boys, he said. And I, Coralean the Bull, know more of such things than most men. It isn't a boast but a simple statement of fact concerning the Coralean nature.'
He clapped his hands and a wide curtain parted. Safar heard high, pleasing voices and the courtesans filed through, parading before the men in a silky, perfumed line.
Safar never seen so much beautyand certainly not so seductively displayed. He was no stranger to the feminine shape. He was raised with sisters, after all. And he'd spied on the village girls when they went to bathe in the lake. But the women he saw that night were so… available. His for the taking. What little they wore was sheer and artfully draped to entice, not conceal. Some were tall, some were small, some were dark, some were light, some were slender, some were plump. And they all displayed practiced smiles and movements. But more than just professional skills were on display. The courtesans were enchanted by the two handsome young rescuers. And eager to show their thanks.
'Pick one, Coralean said. Or even two or three if you like.'
Safar hesitated, but not from indecision. What he was being offered, some might think, was the answer to every young man's greatest dream. All those hot, uncomfortable nights filled with perfumed sirens were about to be exorcised. Such fiery imaginings and desires are as much a part of a youth's nature as the downy beard beginning on his face. Safar knew from listening to his sisters that young women are afflicted with similar feelings. And here was his chance to realize his most lurid fantasies. But a different although related emotion boiled up from that youthful cauldron. And that was sudden blind, unreasoning love. Which at that age is the same as lust, only most mistake it as having a more noble purpose.
So as Safar's eyes swept the line of courtesans, they ignored all that jiggling pulchritude. He was searching for one woman and one woman only. Astarias.
He didn't see her among the group. He glanced around, heart thundering, mind swirling. And his thoughts became… pure? At least in his imagination, they were pure. And he determined at that moment that he wouldn't shame Astarias with his embrace. Foolish youth that he was, he thought this would be his gift to her. Furthermore, he'd somehow release Astarias from what he believed was her enslavement. She'd live with his sister Quetera and be as chaste as any maiden in the village. And she'd be free to choose any youth she wanted for a husband. But somehow her love for himand her admiration for his kind gesturewould overcome any feelings she might have for any other. They would be wed and have many children and live happily forever in each other's arms. All these things were running through his drugged mind. And he heard:
'You should choose first, Coralean said to Iraj. After all, you saved my life.'
Safar looked at Iraj. His friend's face was red with lust. Then he saw Safar and smiled. The redness vanished to be replaced with feigned bored interest. Iraj's eyes returned to the courtesans. He looked each one over slowly, shook his head, then passed on to another. Sudden realization clotted in Safar's belly then rose to become a lump in his throat. He knew what Iraj was up to. And then he became angry, certain that for some reason Iraj was about to cheat him of what he desired above all things.
'There seems to be one missing, Iraj said to Coralean. A dark-haired wench.'
Those last four words fell like weighty stones into Safar's well of despair.
Coralean frowned. You mean Astarias? he said.
Iraj covered his mouth, hiding an elaborate yawn. Is that her name? he said. Very pretty.'
Coralean shifted in his pillows, disturbedand a bit embarrassed. I held her back, he said, because she is still a virgin. I have a dear frienda very rich dear friendI was keeping her for.'
Iraj raised his eyebrows as if surprised. Then he shrugged. Well, I suppose that's too much to ask, he said. I wouldn't want to lessen your profit. He gazed at Coralean, his face mild. However it was sheAstarias, you say?I really wanted. But… if it's too much trouble for you… He rose as if to go.
Coralean grabbed Iraj by the arm and drew him back down. Is it not known to all that Coralean is the most generous of men? he said. Especially to one who preserved his most precious possession, his very life? If it is Astarias you desire most, my good friend, then Astarias you shall have. And he clapped his hands and called her name, commanding her presence.
Astarias came into the room, seeming to float through the curtain. Her dark hair was tied back with a white silk band. Unlike the others she wore a robe that covered her from slender neck to ankle. It was also made of white silk and as she walked it flowed over her bodychaste, but still highlighting all the delicate parts of her. She looked at Safar and the most delightful smile graced her features. She took a step forward, thinking she was meant for him.
'No, no, Coralean barked. Not Safar! It's Iraj I promised you to.'
Her face fell for an instant and in that moment Safar hated Iraj so much he would have gladly killed him. Then her smile returned, although Safar didn't think it was as bright as before… and she went to Iraj. He laughed and clasped her around the waist, roughly pulling her down.
The caravan master got up. He grinned hugely at the young men. Coralean must attend to his duties as host, he said. Take who you like, Safar. And if you can't make up your mind, let me suggest these two. He pointed at a pair of dark-skinned twins. They've given me more pleasure, I'll warrant, then any other woman here. He clapped Safar on the back and exited.
