Manna

Manna was setting the table for dinner, when she heard a knock on the door. "Come in," she said, without looking up. "You're late you know. You should have been back more than an hour ago." Looking towards the doorway, Manna was surprised to see Fiona and Mina standing there. 

"Oh, Fiona, Mina, I didn't expect you until tomorrow. Please come in," she said. It was then  Manna noticed Fiona's expression. "What is it?" she paused as the realization came to her. "Where is she?"  Manna saw the head of her pupil poking out cautiously from behind Fiona's skirts

"Come forward," Fiona commanded, placing a hand on Karina's shoulder and guiding her though the door.

Manna looked her up and down. The girl was a mess. It seemed her whole body, head to toe, had been smeared in a mixture of mud and grass. Her skirt was torn in at least three places, her stockings bunched around her ankles. Her tear-stained face was streaked with brown earth, and her eyes were red. The empty basket she held was bent at the top, devoid of the herbs she had been sent to retrieve. Her head hung down, formerly plaited locks loose, in tangled frizzy clumps around her face. She looked absolutely miserable. It was all Manna could do to keep from laughing. Instead she put her hands on her hips and affected the stern face of an angry parent.

"What happened?" Manna asked.

Karina remained in the doorway, looking down at her feet, but Fiona shoved her forward. "Go on," she said.

" I...I was careless. I was running down the hill and I ran into Nita Fiona," Karina paused trying to hold back tears, " All of the herbs fell in the mud, and I made Nita Fiona drop the jar of jam she was bringing you, and..."

"And what?" Fiona snapped.

"And I'm sorry," Karina concluded with a pitiful sniffle.

Manna maintained a thin-lipped expression of displeasure. "Nita Amoral, I apologize for my charge's actions." She turned to the girl. "Karina, go clean yourself in the river while there is still light."

"Mina, go with her please and see that she doesn't get into any more trouble," Fiona added. Mina nodded her head slightly and disappeared outside. Karina shuffled towards the door but stopped in the entryway, turning around to face Manna again.

"I really am sorry," she said softly. Manna pointed a finger at the door.

"Go."

Karina hurried away. When she was gone, Manna walked to the door checking to ensure the girls were no longer within earshot of the house before she relaxed her stern façade.  She chuckled softly as she closed the door and walked back inside. "Well, you certainly seem to have put the fear of God into her," Manna said with a grin. Fiona stared back resentfully.

"The girl's actions were inexcusable. She was inappropriate and unruly."

"She is a child."

"No, she is my child. She must be beyond reproach. You know that as well as I. "

Manna did not respond but instead laid a cup of tea on the table, which Fiona gratefully took, and then busied herself setting two more plates on the table. Fiona's critique of Karina was consistently harsh, but she understood that it was the only way her former student could stay close to her daughter's presence without getting too close. Manna had learned to let it go. After all, Fiona had reason keep Karina at as much emotional distance as possible.  But Manna knew how much it hurt her.

"You are of course welcome to join our supper," Manna said, changing the subject. " I assume you will stay the night?"

"With your permission," Fiona replied with a slight nod of her head. "Even though the distance is not so far, more and more I fear traveling the roads after dark. With the King's men again populating our roads, it seems wise to avoid trouble."

"Which is why I suggested you stay," Manna answered with a small smile. "This is your home as well as mine Fiona. You will never need my permission to seek shelter beneath this roof." Manna sat down across the table with her own cup of tea as Fiona smiled back appreciatively.

"How are things in Cainell?" Manna asked.

Manna watched a shadow of sorrow cross Fiona's features as she sighed.

"Much the same," Fiona answered. "The Council breathing down my neck. More refugees from the Capitol and the surrounding suburbs arrive every day, but I'm certain you have experienced similar in Gregorn."

Manna nodded. Ever since the rebellion had picked up again in the North two years prior, more and more Senmin had retreated from the Capitol. But now that King Fredrick had outlawed all practice and study of their religion in any capacity on pain of death, even those who had long ago abandoned their faith in favor of doing business in the Capitol were now finding themselves in danger. These refugees left Auresir for the safety of Senmin enclaves throughout the Empire where their people's leadership still held some sway, and the political climate was more stable. 

It was not surprising that many chose Gregorn and Cainell as their new homes, hoping that the presence of the Nita and the Elder Council would provide them with protection. Of course the Crown still had jurisdiction over all of Erestia. Every day Senmin throughout the Empire lived in fear that their Kanjin neighbors or might attack without provocation. Cainell and Gregorn were not immune. Historically times of unrest boded poorly for those of Senmin decent. It had been so long before Fredrick, or even Philip had sat upon the throne.

"Fredrick's hatred of our people is more virulent than ever before," Fiona said sadly. "I wouldn't have thought that was possible."

Manna stared at her over the edge of her cup and gave a small nod. "With the Vox Populi risen again the King looks to any old foes he believes might join them," she said.

"Even though none among our people have expressed outward sympathies to the Rebel's cause in almost ten years now. How can it be we must still suffer the brunt of the King's paranoia?" Manna could hear the frustration in her voice.

"Fredrick's memory is long," Manna replied, "and his trust is easily lost. As a faithful Kanjin he has never liked our people, but those few Senmin who aided the rebellion years ago have forever linked us with Gregory Plath in his eyes. Now more than ever it seems Fredrick intends to ensure that none with Senmin blood remain anywhere near the Capitol and the throne. The Vox Populi have shaken the King, even if the Prince does manage to defeat their forces in the north, I doubt Fredrick's fears will abate.

"And our people have always been easy targets for the Crown's fears."

Manna said nothing. She had learned long ago that no amount of complaint would change the Senmin's place in the Empire.

             Fiona sighed. "There was another raid in the Capitol last week in the lower district," she said.

" I know," Manna answered, " A friend of my was taken."

 She had heard the news two days ago now. A passing merchant had told her that all access to the Asha quarter had been officially shut off for three days after signs of supposed "Devil" worship were found in the home of a known healer who lived near the border of the middle district. Manna had known immediately that Mariana Cassis was dead. There were very few members of the Initiate still living within the Capitol, even fewer who would risk practicing their arts. It had taken little effort to confirm it. Rumors abounded that the woman known as "Old Lady Cassis" had disappeared along with her granddaughter, taken from their home by the King's soldiers to protect the people from their evil arts. Everyone knew the fate of those taken by the King's Reserve.

"I suppose we should be grateful the King's new laws have not been extended to the rest of the Empire," Fiona commented. "It is hard to imagine that any practicing Senmin still reside in the capital city at all now."

Manna sighed. "Mariana may have been the last one," she said. "I begged my friend to leave Auresir years ago, but she refused. She had a family, a home. Life in the Capitol is hard, but with the violence and unrest the Rebels have brought throughout the Empire I imagine there are those who still felt safer remaining hidden in order to enjoy the protection of the King's walled city."

"Exchanging one poison for another."

"I suppose. My friend had remained hidden so long I think she may have truly believed that she could avoid discovery and provide for her granddaughter in the Capitol. But the patrols have become more and more vicious since the rebels have gained a greater following. The King uses bribes to staff his army of spies and the people in the lower districts are hungry. It is unsurprising that they are willing to turn on their neighbors." Manna shook her head sadly. "Someone must have been paid well to inform on her. Mariana Cassis was a good woman."

"The King's Reserve I assume."

Manna nodded. "She and her young granddaughter were taken in the night. It is always the same. People just disappear, erased as if they had never existed. The people of Auresir turn their heads and Senmin living near the Capitol pray that Fredrick's raids will not leave the walls of the city." Manna trailed off. 

"Was your friend a member of the Initiate?"

Manna nodded sipping her tea. " But she was very old. She left for Auresir long ago when Grayson still held the throne and the idea of living in the Capitol did not seem so suicidal for those of Senmin decent. We were novices together in Sithrah. "

"I'm sorry," Fiona said.

Manna nodded again.

Fiona stared at Manna for a moment, as if trying to understand something but after a moment, her expression registered defeat. "How do you always seem to know everything?" she asked.

Manna looked down at her cup. Fiona's question only served to remind her of how few contacts and friends she had left anywhere near the Capitol. In the days of her youth, she remembered how hopeful all had been that the Senmin had finally found peace within Erestia. So many had thrived in Auresir before Fredrick took the crown. But there was nothing they could do to stop the King's current campaign against their people. The Senmin had not had true power in the Empire since the Kanjin faith had taken root hundreds of years ago. They were entirely subject to the whims of the men who sat upon the throne in Auresir. Manna changed the subject.

"How is your pupil?" she asked

Fiona seemed caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. She hesitated for a moment before answering.

"As always, Mina is an exceedingly obedient child, which is more than I can say for my own daughter," Fiona replied. "As she continues to grow there is no question that she is talented."

"Did you think I would choose one who was not?"

"No, of course not. It's just." Fiona paused. " She is gifted."

"But she is not the future Nita," Manna finished.

Fiona shook her head. "I do not believe so. She certainly belongs to the Initiate, but there is something missing."

"We will deal with the problem when the time comes."

"Which is why we cannot allow any question as to Karina's suitability. You must be more strict with her."

"Her life will be a very difficult one," Manna replied. "She will grow into it soon enough and there is nothing either one of us can do to protect her. Let Karina be a child while she still can."

"But she does show signs?"

Manna was somewhat surprised by Fiona's question. It seemed almost impossible that she might miss the power that so clearly flowed through her young daughter. "Have you never felt it when you are with her?" she asked.

"When I am with Karina I do my best not to feel much of anything."

Manna said nothing as she stood and walked to the large pot hanging over the fire, busying herself stirring its contents. From Karina's birth, Manna had had no question in her belief of the girl's destiny. In spite of the child's carefree spirit and good nature, there were still moments when her student's spirit frightened her. Strange, intense, burst of power that brought to Manna's mind the vision of the black eyes she had seen when the child breathed its first breath.

"Yes, there are signs," Manna answered finally. "More than you can even imagine."

"But how can you know that? How can you be sure?"

Manna could hear the desperation in Fiona's voice. She had never wanted the prophecy to come to pass and so she overlooked the evidence that pointed so clearly to the truth of her daughter's future. But it had been long since she had questioned Manna so directly on the subject. Perhaps the dangers rampant throughout the Empire recently had brought back this resistance to the inevitable. Rejection of the idea that her daughter would one day be forced to face the same struggles that Fiona did now as Nita. That as the child of Astar's prophecy, Karina would face danger from her own people as well as the Kanjin King, expected to act as savior to so many who might seek to do her harm for the origin of her birth. Sins she had had no part in. But denial would accomplish nothing.

"Fiona, she is far more powerful than you or I ever were or will be," Manna said, turning back towards her former student.

"Then there's no doubt."

"None."

Fiona sighed, her face darkening. " I would never wish such a heavy burden on any child," she said. "Let alone my own."

"I know that," Manna answered, walking back to the table and placing a hand on Fiona's arm. "One day Karina too will understand."

Fiona pulled away. Manna let her.

 "What have we gotten ourselves into, Manna?" Fiona asked, her eyes cast down. "We both swore on our lives before the Council that we would never name the child as the next Nita. Such a vow is..."

"Unbreakable, yes," Manna said finishing her thought. As she took her seat across from Fiona again Manna could see the anxiety in her former student's face. Fiona wanted an answer that would solve their problems. She wanted an answer Manna could not provide. Their plan had always been dangerous, and Manna was fully aware it could cost them their lives. But there had been no other way to save the child and until Karina could prove her worth concretely, her true power had to be hidden.

"You know our best chance lies with the Initiate," Manna said finally, "If we gain their support and they are willing to stand united in the assertion of the girl's destiny, it is possible that the Council will relinquish their claim to our lives. When Karina is old enough, and her power has become more fully manifest, we will present her at Sithrah. Once our sisters have seen her, they can help us assert her rightful place as Nita and convince the Council that there is no nefarious intent behind Karina's ordination. We will prove that your daughter is truly suited to become the next leader of the Senmin people."

"And pray those foolish men are not too stubborn see reason," Fiona said with disgust.

Manna smiled slightly at her former student's tone. Though she had become far more skilled at managing her temper in deals with the Elder Council, there was no doubt Fiona still maintained a bit of the rebellious spirit she had a child against those who could not be made to see her point of view. Better that then despair, Manna thought to herself.  Fiona's frustrations had always acted as powerful motivation to effect change. It was one of her greatest strengths as a ruler. She was a woman of action.

"With the Initiate's united support I believe the Council will have little choice but to accept your daughter," Manna answered. "As for our own fates, we will indeed be forced to rely on their mercy. But you are too cynical when it comes to the Council of Elders, Fiona, and have far too little faith in their ability to listen. Those men seek to serve our people as faithfully as you or I. To fight against them is futile and will only work against you in the end. I learned that long ago. You must continue to build your patience and trust that the councilmen are your allies."

"Oh yes, I know how much trust you bare towards the Council," Fiona replied, not hiding the slight injection of sarcasm to her tone. "It is not as if you felt the need to hide from them the most important prophesy the Senmin will face in the next hundred years. Not as though you have hidden the child of power."

Manna raised an eyebrow in an expression of mock disdain. "Don't you judge me," she said. "I told you that we should trust. We should not do so however at the expense of all reason. Besides, you know well enough that I hold no ill will towards the Council of Elders. If I am secretive I am so for their own good."

"Seems like splitting hairs to me," Fiona smirked.

Manna smiled saying nothing. She sipped her tea again.

"Might I propose another alternative?" Fiona asked.

. "To?"

"Our planned course of action regarding my child. "

The smile faded from Manna's lips. " There is no alternative Fiona."

"So you have said before," Fiona replied. "But I suppose I have been waiting for the right moment to speak to you and reevaluate. Now seems like the perfect opportunity. It is not our plan I question, only its execution."

Manna stared at her in genuine confusion. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

"You have suggested we wait until Karina reaches maturity to present her before the Initiate. I wonder if we should not do so now."

         Manna sighed. "We have discussed this, Fiona," she answered. "That is not an option."

          "But things have changed, Manna. You know that as well as I. We now have an ally with the power to help us."

         Manna didn't answer. She knew what Fiona believed had changed. Now she understood the reason for this line of questioning and her former student's renewed interest in discussing Karina's future. It had been only a two weeks since the news arrived from Sithrah announcing the official ordination of Simar Temdin as High Priestess. Among the Initiate, the position was only rivaled in prestige by the title of Nita. In Sithrah, the High Priestess and the elected elders of the Kesan ruled. 

Simar was only ten years older than Fiona. The two had trained together as children under Manna's tutelage and were once quite close. It was not surprising Fiona saw her appointment as a new opportunity to approach the Initiate with greater confidence. Manna knew better.

         "Simar is our friend," Fiona prompted. "She now sits as the head of the Kesan. This is our chance to present our case under more favorable circumstances. We will not have to risk keeping such dangerous secrets any longer. We could gain the Initiates support now."

         Manna looked up from her tea, forcing Fiona gaze. "No," she said.

         "No?" Fiona asked seemingly shocked by her response. "The longer we continue our deception the worse the consequences will be Manna. Can you not see that? For God's sake, the Initiate does not even know that my pregnancy was carried to term! We are keeping important secrets from our sisters. The women you and I are sworn to lead. How can you believe this course of action to be right?"

         "Do you think I feel no guilt?" Manna asked, growing annoyed by Fiona's tone. "That I take my vows to our sisters any less seriously than you yourself? You must realize I would not have suggested such deceit if there was a viable alternative. We have kept this secret eight years already Fiona. The Kesan is not likely to suddenly forgive that."

         "And they will forgive ten more?"

         Manna shook her head. "When the girl is fully matured there will be little need for explanation, nor forgiveness. We will present Karina after her eighteenth birthday as we planned. By then she will be able to demonstrate both her strength and her control, and we will show the elders of the Initiate proof  that Karina is your true successor and the prophesied savior of our people."

         Manna could see Fiona's mouth opening to protest, but she cut the woman off before she had the chance.

         "I do not wish to dismiss your concerns, Fiona, but you do not know the women of the Kesan as well as I. They will be no more eager to accept Karina than the Council. In fact, they will judge her far more harshly. They will see her power immediately, and there is a strong possibility they will fear your daughter's potential to fulfill the darker predictions of the prophecy.  If they were to have any doubt of Karina's skills or purity of soul, they would have no choice but to hand us to the Council. If I sat on the Kesan in their stead I cannot say I wouldn't do the same. I'm certain you understand that Avery would not hesitate to make good on the threat he made before Karina's birth."

         "You can't truly believe the Initiate would betray us so easily?" Fiona asked, incredulous. "The Kesan would need a unanimous vote to condemn and Simar will not allow it. I'm certain of that."

             "Simar is a strong woman," Manna agreed. "I am indeed glad for her appointment and am confident her position will help us in the future. As you said, she is our friend and likely to one day judge our case more favorably than her predecessor. But High Priestess Temdin is ambitious, and far younger than any other member of the Kesan. You forget that the eldest among those women lived through Astar's downfall. They will fear the Council's wrath as well as Astar's words acutely. That alone might be enough for them to abandon us in favor of protecting the Initiate from culpability in our deception."

Fiona's expression remained unmoved by Manna's words, adamant in her belief that the Kesan would see reason. Manna knew the truth. Among the elders of the Initiate, she counted most as friends. But friendship would not be enough to stop the Kesan from condemning both her and Fiona outright, nor should it. The child would have to prove herself, and Karina was simply not ready.

"I am fully convinced of Karina's goodness, Fiona. I have complete faith that her power can be tamed, but I know the child well. The elders of the Initiate do not. They will react on instinct. Simar may indeed wish to protect us, but if the rest of the women among the Kesan push strongly enough, she will bend to their will to maintain the appearance of authority. Ultimately it would be her duty to do so. The High Priestess cannot abuse her power to override the will of her fellows. Can't you see Fiona is a very real possibility that presenting the child and the prophecy to our sisters too early will send all three of us to a fiery end. "

         Manna could see Fiona's continued rebellion slowly fade. The reality that their own allies might give no more support than the councilmen finally sinking into her conscious.

         "Patience," Manna said, reaching her hand across the table and resting it over Fiona's. "I beg you to have patience. Promise me you will not reveal our secret to Simar or any other among the Initiate. Trust me when I tell you it is a risk we cannot afford to take."

Fiona reluctantly nodded her head.