Chapter No. 28 Speculum

And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Mara loves to watch her magnificent Chevron. She especially enjoys how it gambols around with a joyous freedom that only yearlings exhibit. The nascent power and majesty of this beast is obvious and it pleases her. She appreciates power and this animal exudes power.

And yet, it has a softness and gentleness that draws her to it with a loving warmness, running tingles up her spine. The beast seems eager to please her and it obeys her every wish. All she has to do is call it in her mind and it obeys.

How interesting. Does it read my mind or is it interpreting my body movements? Or does it simply anticipate? But that would imply intelligence.

Mara rubbed her hand along Chevron's neck and whispered in its ear, causing the beast's ears to twitch and swivel. The animal's emotional power emanates from its flesh and sublimates into her body. She can sense that it is emotionally attached to her and it disturbs her. By attaching herself to it, she has accepted a serious responsibility.

She mounted the beast and rode it around without a saddle or bridle. The animal followed her mental commands without reins. Without the need to control his or her mount, a knight would have both hands free--a decided advantage in battle. She practiced various maneuvers such as pulling up, backing, trotting, sidestepping and breaking into full gallop. Chevron easily accomplished all that she silently asked.

Riding bareback on her four-legged friend was especially satisfying. The animal ran more naturally and seemed more energetic, its muscles rippling and flowing with a more fluid power. The experience is exhilarating to both body and soul.

Mara stopped and dismounted by swinging her leg over the animal's head and jumping down, all in one easy motion. She patted its neck again and allowed it to nuzzle her before rewarding it with small chunks of sugar.

A whisper on the wind made her turn. A woman dressed in a white ethereal gown stood before her, the gown blowing about in a stiff wind that Mara could not feel. The last time Mara saw this woman, she was in the forest and death had paid her a visit.

Daughter, we have given you this fine creature to facilitate your mission. See to its care.

"I accept this responsibility willingly. But what mission am I to accomplish?"

You are to bring peace to these people.

"I only know how to kill. How can I bring them peace?"

There will come a day when the weak shall be strong and there will be no more darkness.

"How can I help the weak become stronger?"

Follow your heart.

She handed Mara a necklace.
Wear this to remind yourself of God's love.

Mara turned it in her hand to examine it. "Why is this in the image of a fish?"

Your God wishes you to be a fisher of men--and women.

"Once I've caught them what am I to do with these women and men?"

Give them the good news: their faith has saved them.

"Will my faith save me?"

Yes.

Hilton stood near the meadow near a tree and watched his companion engage in communion with her strange beast. He marveled at how she so easily managed to gain its trust. No other animal he knew of would be so accommodating. And when she rode the animal it was as if she and it were merged into one, as if they had been made for each other.

But how could that be? This is no ordinary animal. Some have attributed supernatural abilities to this mythological beast. Perhaps such a mount is appropriate for the avatar of Athena.

Who is she talking to? I don't see anyone. Maybe she's hearing voices in her head. Has she lost her mind?

When he saw Mara turn back to Chevron, Hilton made his approach.
"Whom were you talking to?" he asked her in a subdued tone.

She threw him a placating smile. "I was practicing my elocution."

He shook his head. "Sometimes I wonder about you."

She tilted her head. "What do you wonder, young Hilton?"

"You seem to be living on a different plane of existence than the rest of us. I am concerned that you are . . ."

"Crazy," she said, adding a mocking smirk.

He nodded, but his face still reflected concern about broaching a difficult subject.

"You err in attributing godhood to me. I have no agenda other than the pursuit of peace."

"You are in a strange profession to pursue peace."

"Peace always follows war. It is the nature of the human condition."

"The human condition does not involve mythological creatures."

She flicked her head. "You mean Chevron, don't you? I don't think of her as a myth. I prefer to consider her a valuable friend."

"They say that all gods have supernatural modes of transportation. Perhaps you are a goddess and this is your godly conveyance."

"Perhaps you are full of it, young Hilton. My conveyance behaves like a horse and that is good enough for me."

Hilton threw her a look of disbelief. "This animal behaves as no horse I've ever laid eyes on. Its actions are unnatural."

She sent back a look of rebuke. "Chevron is as natural as any animal. In fact, it is more connected with nature than any beast of the earth. Does it not graze as other horses? Does it not partake of the same sustenance?"

He gave her his smile of deference. "Only you could know that this beast is natural." His smile transformed into a frown. "But, I am concerned that others will fear you and this beast."

"Let them," she said with a defiant flick of her head. "Fear provides an element of protection."

"It also gives rise to hatred."

She stared at him for a moment until his argument sunk in. "Perhaps, I need to appear more amicable."

He stared at her for a moment, trying with no avail to understand what she meant.

###

The image was unexpected: Mara dressed in a long flowing dress with long flared sleeves, a frilly ribbon sash around her narrow waist and her feet shod in soft slippers. Her usual garb is of military nature.

With a subtle grin on her usually hardened face, Mara watched two women approach her. Both were her age and were attired like her. The taller woman had long straight black hair with a middle part. Her face was narrow and had sharp features. Her shorter companion had a cherub face with lusciously thick lips and large expressive eyes. Her flaxen hair was heavily curled and full.

Their faces exhibited confusion at first but soon mellowed into looks of astonishment.

"Why, you're Sir Mara," the taller woman said. "Fancy seeing you dressed in . . ."

"In feminine attire," Mara said, making her grin less subtle. "This attire is more settling to the male population."

"It becomes you," the shorter woman said with a friendly smile.

"You are Jacqln, Sir Hillan's daughter," Mara said to her. She turned to the taller woman. "And you are Christa, Sir Vollin's daughter."

Both women's eyes widened.
"We are impressed with you knowledge of us," Jacqln said. "We are not very visible here."

"Hilton has pointed you out to me," Mara said. "I have a good memory."

Christa turned to Jacqln and grinned. Jacqln answered with a brief giggle.
"Have you been to the Looking Glass place?" Jacqln asked her, trying to suppress further giggling.

Mara gave her a confused smile. "Looking Glass place?"

The two women exchanged amusing glances before Jacqln turned to Mara. "If we show you something that is, shall we say, forbidden, will you tell on us?"

Mara held her hands up to show her acquiescence. "I would never tell on you."

"Come," Jacqln gestured, excitement coloring her voice. "We will show you."

The three women made their way along a narrow path overgrown with weeds and wild flowers to a small tower near the southeast corner of the rebel compound. The tower was long neglected, its stony façade sporting crumbling decay and heavy ivy growth. After entering through an opening, long missing its door, they climbed up a narrow circling stairwell to a small chamber with small slits for windows.

"Be careful when you look out the window," Jacqln told Mara with an ornery grin. "Discretion is the rule in this place."

Mara stared at her for a moment before looking out the window. Her eyes bloomed and she gasped. Directly below the window a half dozen naked young men were using a small pond fed by a narrow waterfall as a bathing place. Their lack of modesty gave testimony to the fact that they were unaware of female spectators.
Mara marveled at the two women's tactical abilities. They had chosen their lookout well. The sun was behind, casting deep shadows. If the men looked back at the window, the sun would dazzle their eyes and they would see only darkness. The waterfall created enough background noise to prevent any noise from alerting these hapless males.

She looked back at the two women, shifting her gaze from one to the other. "I can understand why you like to come here, but why do you call it the Looking Glass place?"

Christa produced a cylindrical object from under her skirt, moved to the window, and peered into it. Mara looked at her for several minutes before she broke into a knowing grin.

"Ah, you have an instrument that makes faraway things nearer. Where did you get it?"

"It belongs to my father," Christa said, offering it to Mara. "Squires and pages come here often to bathe and we use this magical instrument to observe their--" She held it out to Mara. "It provides a very interesting view. Would you like to try it?"

Mara moved up to the window and peered into the looking glass. The view she obtained with it was not an exaggeration. She could easily observe every aspect of their young bodies. After several minutes of observing, she licked her lips.

"That's Quinila, Hilton's and my squire. I've always wondered what his . . ."
She turned back to Jacqln. "Don't you get urgings from this looking?"

"Of course we do," Jacqln said. "But, we can only think about these urgings. We must remain virgins until we wed."

Mara sighed. "Oh, well. We all can't be perfect. Thinking about it gives me a headache. I prefer being a participant, not just an observer."

"You are fortunate," Christa said. "If we became participants, our futures would be grim. We find this delightful observing to be stimulating. It may be a poor substitute for the real experience, but it is still most pleasant."

She turned back to the view out of the window, adjusting the eyepiece to obtain a clearer view. "I cannot dispute that conclusion. I could enjoy this looking of yours often, although some would consider it an adolescent indulgence."

The two women giggled, holding their hands over their mouths to smother the sounds.

Mara handed the looking glass back to Jacqln. "I am relieved that you two find the observing of unclothed males to be pleasant. I thought that I was the only female inflicted with that obsession."

"We are relieved that you are so obsessed," Jacqln said. "It proves that you are a normal young woman, and not some sort of evil goddess of war that the men seem to believe you are."

"Men are such idiots," Mara growled. "If we women were not around, they would be mired in utter chaos. Men only think of power and conquest. Women desire stability so that they can fulfill their purpose of procreation." She winked. "And the manipulation of men."

The two women nodded, their eyes wide and their mouths open.

The instant Hilton spotted Mara sauntering down a path near the archery range, he smiled. Seeing her dressed as a young female filled his eyes with pleasure and his heart with a warm fuzzy feeling. She appeared softer and delicate so dressed, and it made him feel less intimidated by her latent power.

"Where were you?" he asked. "I looked all over."

"I'm not telling," she said with a suppressed smile. "You wouldn't really want to go there."

"Oh, it's a female thing."

"You might say that. Let's just say that you would be embarrassed if you went there."

He suppressed a frown. "I see."

"Cheer up, young Hilton. I'm not seeing someone else."

"I didn't say that you were," he said, his frown becoming visible.

"Actually, I would like to see more of you." Her face reflected amusement.

His face reflected confusion. "You are seeing all of me now."

"I am seeing only your face and your hands. The remaining parts of you are hidden."

His cheeks bloomed with a ruddy blush. "Your speech embarrasses me, my lady."

"I'm surprised that you do not enjoy the fact that I find your body beautiful."

"Well, I . . . I find your interest in my body to be unnatural. Females don't take pleasure in male bodies. It is the opposite that is natural."

"Your male viewpoint is not consistent with reality, young Hilton. You would be surprised by what women enjoy."

He shook his head. "You are most blunt in your talk. It takes getting used to."

"I'm sorry that you feel that way, but I love you and I can't get enough of you."

He looked into her eyes for several moments as if he were transfixed. She tilted her head as if she were confused.

"Don't you love me, young Hilton?"

"Yes." He whispered it, his face set in a serious hardness. "All I ask is that you be gentle with me."

"I will always treat you with loving kindness. I could never harm you."

His face relaxed. "Thank you."

"You are welcome, young Hilton."
When she saw that he looked dismayed, she twisted her lip to suppress a smile. "Did you bring my crossbow?"

"Yes," he said, handing it and a quiver of bolts to her.

She strolled over to the archery range with Hilton tailing behind her. Several squires were lined up at a low fence practicing their skills, and when they spotted Mara dressed in frilly feminine garb and holding a crossbow, they laughed.

A tall muscular squire with a square-jawed face and dark eyes felt bold enough to say something. "Sir Mara, is this your new battle attire?"

Mara smiled facetiously at him when she recognized him as one of the young men at the Looking Glass place, and she imaged his naked body in her mind's eye. "No, but it is certainly more comfortable."

Another squire with an average build and a hawkish face nodded at her. "Don't let Lechto disparage you, my lady. You look beautiful in your proper garb."

Mara also recognized him from the Looking Glass place. "Thank you." She gave him a grateful smile and a wink.
When she saw Quinila approach, her eyes widened briefly and she found it difficult not to look at his crotch, especially when she recalled what was hidden there.

"Sir Mara. Sir Hilton," he greeted them with a nod. "Are these louts heckling you?"

"We're used to it," Hilton said with a mock frown.

Quinila was usually all business, but he cracked a rare smile, and on his handsome face a smile was very exciting, especially to Mara.

She flashed an aggressive grin at him. "Why don't we see how good these louts are with a crossbow?" 

"Ah," Lechto said, "you wish to engage in a little wager?"

"Sure," Mara said. "Why not."

"A kiss if we can put more bolts on yonder target," Lechto said, pointing a small target at seventy yards.

"A kiss?" Mara reacted with a coy grin. "And, what will I get if I win?"

"A more efficacious looking glass," Quinila said with an even deeper grin.

Mara blushed, an emotional response that Hilton had never seen her exhibit before. He looked at her with a confused expression. She glanced back at him, but her expression simply radiated her embarrassment.

Mara returned her stare to her squire. "If you know what is happening why do you not object?"

"It does not offend us, as you and your friends might believe. We have known about it for some time. We offer it as a gift."

"What the hell is he talking about?" Hilton asked, his face twisted with concern.

Mara paid no attention to him. "I understand I . . . I think. I will accept your offer."

"Ah," Quinila said, his eyes brightening. "You have assumed that you will win."

By this time, Hilton was in her face. "What's going on here?"

"A wagering contest, young Hilton. The rest does not concern you. It involves ladies of title and their reputations."

Hilton's face transformed from impending anger to confused contrition. "You have mysterious ways."

She offered him a placating smile. "It is the prerogative of the fair gender."

He facetiously bowed and moved away. She motioned for Quinila to take the first shots. He moved up to the flag that marked the proper shooting distance and took aim. His first shot struck on the edge of the central target circle. He ratcheted another bolt, took careful aim, and placed the next into the center of the target. A page ran to the target and removed the bolts.

Quinila bowed and gestured to the target. "My lady."

Mara nodded and sashayed to the shooting area. By now, a whole audience of squires and pages had gathered to watch the match. The idea of a woman shooting a crossbow was novel, if not actually ridiculous. Crossbows were heavy, having metal bows that took good arm strength to hold steady. Even with a ratcheting mechanism, bolts required effort to load.

Hilton had already loaded Mara's first bolt. She swung the weapon up and took aim, holding it with unwavering steadiness. Her first shot smashed into the target square in the center. She loaded another bolt, but instead of pulling it back without the mechanism, she decided to act more dignified.
Only the gentle rustle of wind in trees and the chirping of birds disturbed Mara as she aimed her next shot. Many male eyes centered on her, their faces reflecting awe and disbelief. Their eyes flicked to the target when Mara released the bolt. You could barely see that the two bolts were not one. A roar of approval erupted from the impromptu audience.

"It seems that you will be afforded a clearer view," Quinila said, his eyes exhibiting teasing amusement.

"I will put it to proper use scanning for enemy knights."

Quinila bowed with his grin still intact. "As you wish, my lady."

Hilton scowl amused Mara, and she gave him a teasing smile that only intensified his confusion—and dismay.