I would give anything to see what our house is capable of, given unlimited essence. Can you imagine what we could build? I’m not talking about fortresses. I’m speaking of public buildings, such as you might find in any of Merralya’s great cities. Schools could float in the clouds, and libraries could be housed deep underwater. We could build up, rather than out. Or in many directions all at once. Why would we build such things? Why, simply to show that it could be done.
— High Lord Koraku Rolan to Primate Melovar Aspen, 543 Y.E.
ELLA felt the wind in her hair, the great power of the noble creature beneath her. It was complete exhilaration. She had never felt anything like it.
"Keep your back straight. Hold onto the horse with your knees, not your hands. Yes, that’s it."
Below her, Jehral grinned as he watched her enjoyment. She rode away from his standing figure then turned in a wide circle, heading straight for him before pulling up and trotting along a line.
"Well done, High Enchantress. Remember though, if the Prince finds out, he will cut out my tongue."
It had taken days to convince him to take her out. Women simply did not ride horses, nor did they want to. It was this simple supposition that had enabled Ella to take this step in the first place. The Prince was often busy with his men and Jehral had been charged with her protection. The pace of life was slow in the tents and when Ella had asked the Prince if Jehral could show her the desert he had agreed easily enough.
Ella realised that, after her conversation, with the Prince there had been a shift in the men’s’ attitude towards her. He had acknowledged that she was a woman of high rank, and obviously intended her for some purpose. Even Rashine left her alone now, although Ella sometimes saw him frown as he watched her from a distance.
Prince Ilathor had summoned her twice more to talk about the lands outside the Hazara Desert, showing a dedicated desire to learn everything she could teach him. He had sat close to her, leisurely smoking the waterpipe, his intense eyes watching her every move. She eventually grew comfortable in his presence, animatedly discussing finer points of etiquette, or methods of teaching at the Academy. The talk made her smile as she remembered the beauty of the Sarsen and the nine bridges of Sarostar. It also made her homesick.
"Rise and fall with the horse, cushion yourself with the stirrups. You should feel you are one. Good."
Ella spoke to the horse as she rode — simple words of encouragement and affection. She patted his neck. His name was Sundhep. Jehral told her it meant ‘dark storm’. He was a very dark brown, almost black, with a white blaze on his forehead. Ella swore he could understand her words.
"That’s enough, High Enchantress. We should be heading back now."
"Please, Jehral? Just a moment more?" Ella wanted to make sure she was comfortable with the horse. When the time came, this was how she planned on making her escape.
"No, that’s enough. The Prince returns soon. He will want to see you."
Ella sighed and dismounted while Jehral held the reins. He mounted up and pulled her up behind him.
"What would my mother think of me, teaching a woman to ride?" he muttered to himself.
He spurred the horse to a gallop, its hooves pounding through the sand.
~
ELLA could tell something had changed in the camp. Jehral gave Sundhep to another man and led her to the Prince’s tent.
Prince Ilathor Shanti burst from the tent before anything could be said. "Here you are; come in, immediately."
For a moment, Ella wondered if he’d found out about her learning to ride. She exchanged glances with Jehral, who remained passive. She entered the tent.
"Please, be seated," Ilathor Shanti said.
Ella lowered herself onto some cushions. There was something to his manner, he seemed excited.
"I have something for you," he said. "A gift."
Ella’s expression grew even more puzzled.
"Before I give it to you though, I must tell you that this gift cannot be taken from my tent. It is to be used in my presence only. Do you agree?"
"Yes," said Ella.
"Good," he smiled. He casually rested his hand on her arm for a moment. He touched her blonde hair briefly. Ella felt uncertain, was he attracted to her?
Ilathor moved to the back of the tent, entering a smaller room. He returned a moment later, holding something in his hands.
He put an item down. It was a scrill, made of solid gold and beautifully worked. He then followed it with a flask, the size of a large water bottle, that sloshed as he set it down.
"Essence," he said, smiling down at her, gauging her reaction.
Ella couldn’t believe it. She had never seen — never even heard of — so much essence being assembled in one place before. Here it was, in a simple water flask, enough essence to enchant a hundred sets of armoursilk!
"Are you pleased?" Ilathor said.
"I… I am surprised, Your Highness. How did you come by...?"