#simadhne

The fight was hard, and Alkides, Nashuja's opponent, was no push-over.

Nashuja's supporters held their breath...

... but once again Nashuja turned the game to his advantage - and was announced as winner!

- Hooray for Nashuja Sharruma!!

- A great match, King Ifiklis stated. Many congratulations! Did I see you before? You seem kind of familiar?

- No Sire, this was my first match.

- Sharruma, you say. So you are the son of...?

- Itaja Sharruma Sire. Itaja and Simadhne Sharruma.

- I see. Well it was a pleasure to meeting you, Nashuja Sharruma. I hope to see you again soon. A great match, like I said.

- Thank you Sire!

- Sharruma… it really is something familiar with that name, but I can't recall... Prince Heraklis mumbled.

- I don't think I've heard it? Princess Konchylia said.

- No, it was probably before your time. Maybe a really long time ago. Oh holy Dias! I think I know who he is, he then whispered, flabbergasted with his own discovery.

- Well? Who is that boy, Herakli?

- I'm not sure, but if my theories are correct... I must discuss it with mother first, then you will be next to know, I promise you.

- I'm happy you are so excited dear.

- Excited may not be the right word, shocked might be closer to the truth. I don't see how we could have missed this.

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- Kyria Noor, it's an honor to meet you! Mpatíni greeted Noor with a deep bow.

- It's a pleasure to meet you too, Despinis Mpatíni, Noor replied politely. I'm so glad you are able to give us a hand in the vegetable garden.

- Yeah right! Pleasure my ass, Teo mumbled to himself. My mother is such a hypocrite!

- I'm sorry we can't accommodate you, Noor continued, but Teo assured me that wouldn't be a problem.

- No Kyria, me and my brother have a small camp not far from here.

- That's lovely dear. Now, I'm sure Teo will show you what to do before he leaves for his tuition, but if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. I will be inside with my aunt.

- Yes, Kyria Noor. And thank you for this opportunity. I will do my best with the garden, I can assure you.

- I'm sure you will. Good luck! Kali douleia!

Mpatíni started immediately, and much later Noor admitted that after a few weeks the garden hadn't looked better since a long time. It was true, Mpatíni was a hard worker, and she really knew what she was doing.

Teo and Mpatíni continued to meet secretly, often in the twilight hours. Noor heard about the rendezvous, but, following her new strategy, she didn't make a fuzz about it.

However, the young couple didn't drift apart, as Noor had hoped. On the contrary, their relationship grew stronger and deeper as the weeks passed.

Noor was however occupied elsewhere, since Simadhne's health turned to the worse. She was not longer able to follow a normal conversation, and if she said something it was totally out of place. Since she also at times became hostile towards the children, Noor had to watch her every minute of the day. It was so sad, especially for Tychon who didn't understand why is beloved giagia was mad at him.

So when Simadhne's spirit that autumn left this earth, the nearest family had mixed emotions. On the one hand they grieved deeply, but there was also an element of relief.

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When Noor came home, she was met by total chaos; the toddlers unattended, crying and peed down.

- Areth! Why haven't you put on your sweater and warm clothes? It's freezing! And where is grandma?!

- I couldn't find them so ... I think grandma is sleeping.

- Sleeping? Okay, I see. And Teo? Where is he?

- Phaidros says he is with his girlfriend down by the riverbank.

- His girlfriend?! But what... Phaidro, run down and tell him to come home immediately. And Areth, you will go and look again for your winter clothes! I don't think you've looked carefully enough.

- Theía? Aunt Simadhne?! Are you okay?

- Oh, I must have dozed off. I was just a bit tired and dizzy. I will be fine soon. Are the toddlers okay?

- The are okay, theía, don't worry about it. Don't get up. I will just give them a bath and put them to bed, then I will come with some food for you.

- I'm not hungry...

- You have to eat something, don't you? Maybe that's why you are dizzy?

- Well maybe a little piece of tiropita then. And some orange juice.

- I will bring it to you in a minute.

Later that evening Noor did something she seldom did: she gave her son a real reprimand.

- I am so disappointed Teo! Running around with harlots while your grandma is sick and leaving the kids unattended. How could you?

- Mpatíni is not a harlot...

- Teo you miss the point!! You behaved in a very irresponsible way! Something could have happened! I thought better of you!

- But grandma was here, and I didn't...

- Grandma is old and not well, and I specifically told you to help her with the toddlers. You know she can't handle them alone!

- I'm sorry...

- Yes, I'm sorry too, but this means I can't trust you.

- But you can! I won't do it again, I promise!

- No you wont, because you will not leave the house for the next twenty days unless you have a very good reason. Now, promise me.

- Yes mother ...

- And you are not allowed to see that girl again, or any other girl for that matter. You are much too young for that kind of thing. Understood?

- But mother! I love her!

- You love her?! Nonsense! You are fourteen! Now, go to bed. This conversation is over.

It was not often Teo defied his mother or break his promises, but the following weeks he continued to see Mpatíni behind his mother's back. As you know, young love can be very strong, and especially when parents try to stop it.

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Noor made sure to keep Teo busy the next few weeks. It was not difficult, there was always something to do in the household. Simadhne was not of any help anymore, she showed clear signs of what we now call dementia, and Noor usually had Areth or Phaidros watch her so she didn't put the house on fire or wonder off. It was difficult times.

There were happy moments too though, and often comical ones, and touching ones too. Simadhne often asked Noor who she was and did not seem to recognize any of the children. But she had long conversations with Tychon, whom, however, she insisted on calling Nashuja, but Tychon didn't mind. He loved the strange stories his grandmother told.

One day when Teo came home from his classes they had visitors. It was Kyria Figaleía and his aunt whom he knew already, but also two women he never had seen before.

- Teo, there you are! Kyria Figaleía chirped. Come and say hello to Despinis Purina. She and her mother came all the way from Strangépolis to see you.

- Hello. That's quite a journey. Teo was not able to hide his lack of enthusiasm. He was pretty sure what this visit was about.

- Maybe you could show Purina the garden? She is very interested in gardening you see.

- Oh really? Yes of course.

- And over there are the tomato plants...

Teo did as he was told, but Purina didn't seem very interested in gardening after all, and Teo was not too keen on getting into other topics.

After the guests had left Teo was on thoughts.

- I really wish my brothers were here, he mumbled to himself. Maybe they could have given me some advice, because I really don't know what to do now. It's a nightmare, and there seems to be no way out for me.

- Well that was a very nice girl, don't you think Teo?

- I don't know what to say mother.

- Of course she is a few winters older than you, and maybe she's not the prettiest girl I've seen, but she is polite, and has a considerable prika, and her parents are well respected. Her father is a respected lawmaker in Strangépolis.

- It doesn't matter to me mother.

- It doesn't matter?! How can you say such a thing! It's your future we are talking about? Why are you sulking? Are you cutting onions?

- No, mother I'm sad, okay!! I'm really sad, because you are trying to force me to marry a person I don't care about, and I'm much to young to get married anyway, and I didn't choose her and I will NEVER EVER choose her! The thought of marrying her freaks me out.

- But she wasn't that ugly, Teo? Maybe you will like her after a while? You know how marriages are done here in Manthos, it's a rational way to build a future and family.

- I know that, but the thought of sharing a bed or even kissing her is revolting, don't you understand that? Nobody should have to do ... that to someone they don't care about! It's sickening. I don't care how it's usually done!

Teo threw the kitchen knife on the floor and ran out of the kitchen, crying loudly. A horrifying thought hit Noor.

- Holy Astanna, I was just on the verge of making the biggest mistake of my life, the biggest betrayal I could ever do. ME, of all persons! I should have known better.

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- She is a really beautiful creature. The King gave you a precious gift, I think.

- Yes, he did. You know why, don't you?

- I have a pretty good idea, yes.

- Mother Noor confirmed it, so normally it wouldn't be a secret. But...

- Yes?

- The King warned me that his enemies might want me dead. He actually told me to get out of Manthos, to be on the safe side.

- I see. Is that what you will do? I must say I agree with his assessments. Your position is a dangerous one.

- I really don't want to go, but I think I will have to. Father, I was thinking actually to try to find your brother, my grandfather. What do you think?

- That's a very long journey. That would probably mean we would never see each other again! Itaja swollowed. Are you sure, my son? My brother might not even be alive, you realize that? Will you be going alone?

- Pamesijos has begged me to take him with me, but I don't know. He is my brother, and I don't want to put him at risk. But I don't want to let him down either. What do you think, father?

- Well, it would be safer to be two, but... I can't imagine that his mother would accept, but if she does, maybe you should go together. Nobody can protect you like a brother, son.

- Like you and your brother sir?

- My brother... Well to be honest, I betrayed him. Yes, I had my reasons, and I was very young, but I did betray him. When you find him, please tell him that I have regretted it ever since.

- I didn't want to rip up sad stories, father.

- I know. It's just a fact of life. People we love disappoint us, and we disappoint people we love.

- Did I disappoint you father?

- Never! We've had our disagreements, but you have always been an enrichment in my life. I will miss you tremendously. But most of all I want you to be safe. Leave this place, and never look back. Just be happy.

- Yes father. I don't know how...

- You will find your way!

- No I mean I don't know how to tell mother Simadhne.

- Oh, well that's a real problem. It will probably be about the hardest things you will ever have to do in you whole life!

- I think you are right. This will be arduous. I love you both so much. I can't even imagine my life without you, but I will probably follow your advice. I... I...

Nashuja choked up, realizing that he probably would never see neither of his parents again, if he decided to go.

- I know son. I'm thinking the same. Just remember, that no matter what happens, I will always be with you, in heart and spirit.

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[End of chapter 9]

A huge thank you to those of you who have followed, liked and commented on my story so far. It means a lot, and I am truly grateful. 💕

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- Are you okay Nashuja? Noor decided to confront whatever needed to be confronted.

- Eh.. Yes. Auntie Noor, can I talk with you in private?

- Of course! Let us go inside.

- Are you my mother? Nashuja went straight to the point. And if so, why was this hidden from me?

- I am. It was not exactly hidden, but you bonded so well with Simadhne, and then I got married. It was better this way. And Simadhne and Itaja took care of you in a better way than I could have.

- Was King Ifiklis my father? Why didn't anybody tell me about this?

Noor gasped and became visibly nervous.

- It was the King himself that told me. Before he died we had long talks. He was very kind. And generous. Kappa was his horse, you know. And he also gave me valuable stones, and his sword, that's a great honor.

Noor swollowed and her eyes became dark. She still didn't say anything.

- He told me that you were very beautiful. And that he didn't like your husband. He must have loved you very much.

- Nashuja, I can't explain these things to you, Noor was clearly upset, but I can tell you one thing, he did not love me.

- I think you are wrong! He spoke very warmly about you. He was very kind, a real man of honor.

- You don't know...

- He really was, I haven't anything bad to say about him!

- I'm sorry, Nashuja, I don't feel well. I think I will be sick...

- Do you want me to get my moth... Simadhne?

- No, no. I will be fine. I just have to rest for a moment.

Nashuja went back to the party and told his brother Pamesijos that he now had talked with their mother.

- She confirmed what the King said, Nashuja whispered, so it's all clear now. We are officially half-brothers!

- Great! Just don't start behaving like a royalty around me. I know you too well ha-ha!

Simadhne had good hearing, however, and felt cold inside from what she now heard.

- Where is Noor, Nashuja?

- She had to lay down, but she told me she would be fine. Maybe it was something she ate?

- Probably. I will check on her, just in case.

- Sweetheart. I just realized you have told Nashuja about his origin? How did he take it?

- I didn't tell him. He was told by the King, who he now think is a "real man of honor", as he said.

- Oh Goddess! Noor you will have to tell him the truth!

- NO! Absolutely not! Can you imagine what the truth will do to him? I don't want him to know! I forbid you Simadhne! Don't tell him! Promise me!

- Okay, I promise. I don't agree, that I must admit, but in the end it is only you who can tell him. It's your decision.

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Ζητώ! Ζητώ! Long live our Manthei! The crowd were cheering. The mothers, the wives, the grandfathers, the friends - all their longing and worry were finally over.

Even the ones who didn't have a personal relationship were cheering together with the relatives, and everyone were filled with joy and gratefulness.

The celebration continued at home. In the Sharruma family Simadhne, Eira and Noor had prepared a wonderful meal, and they laughed and cried helter-skelter.

Natusha smiled and laughed like the others, but he was also on thoughts.

He caught himself staring at his aunt. The woman he now knew was his birth-mother.

Noor felt his gaze, and an uneasiness rose within her. A growing fear that well-hidden secrets now might come to the surface.

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Nashuja had not been on the enrollment lists up to now, but suddenly he just decided to volunteer. He knew it was only a matter of time before he would be drafted anyway, and when his classes ended he felt it was wasted to start something new. He was excited to start a new path in life - and he was proud to become a soldier.

Simadhne was distraught when they got the news, and couldn't hide it. Itaja respected and supported Nashujas decision, but he was also very worried about him. He did however try to keep a happy face for his son's sake.

When the day of departure came, Itaja was heartbroken, and actually it was Simadhne who had to comfort him.

- I'm so afraid we will not see him again! he sobbed.

- My darling, I'm sure he will be okay, Simadhne said with modest conviction. He is well trained, and very strong. We will pray for him. He will be okay. He MUST be.

- I feel so sorry for those young men and their families, Noor wailed. It's such a waste! So much suffering.

- I absolutely agree. Why can't those intruders stay where they are? Why must they come to trouble us?

- You are so right! We didn't do nothing to them, did we?

- Absolutely not! We were just minding our own business and ... Simadhne swallowed. Well, war is terrible. You must be happy that Pamesijos wasn't drafted.

- Well, he wasn't up to now. But it might not help, because now he is going on about following Nashuja's footsteps. To volunteer.

- You must be joking!

- I'm afraid not. And you know how stubborn that boy is. The only thing that is holding him back is that I need him so much in the house. I have no idea what I would do without him.

- Maybe that's an excuse you can use to keep him out of the lists? A way to avoid him being drafted to the king's army?

- Pff, I don't think the king would even care about that. Besides, I really can't go to plead with that man again. I ... I just can't.

- Of course not! Let's just pray it wont even be necessary, dear. Maybe the war ends before Pamesijos reaches the age where he has no choice.

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