The Trespass(35)
Chapter 12
They were assembled in the great chamber. Ruth held Natasha’s hand and waited for Kadesh to make his entrance. She was nervous. He had mentioned a matter of discipline, but it was not the usual practice of the Korumak Tanri to air such things in public. Over and over her mind was repeating like a mantra: It is not our way. It has never been our way. The chanting began, quietly at first, like a gentle wave breaking on a distant shore, then louder, growing in volume until the whole chamber was filled with the resonance of song and subtle drum beat. Ruth felt her heart pounding and joined in with the familiar words.
She looked at Natasha. Her eyes were closed and she was swaying gently with the lilting rhythm. Her growing attachment to the girl gave her new concerns, concerns that overrode even the unwelcome forebodings she had experienced since their arrival. It should be a time of rejoicing, but the unsettled atmosphere was distracting. She couldn’t remember a time when she had felt so exposed, so unprotected. Furthermore, the directness with which she had spoken to Kadesh frightened her. She hadn’t believed herself capable of such boldness. But she knew the truth. She hesitated in her recital of the ancient verses and bowed her head low, allowing the knowledge to run free in her mind. It will never be. He does not want me. He wants someone else.
She raised her head before anyone noticed her distraction and caught Jassim’s eye. He smiled at her reassuringly. At least she had her brother to offer some measure of sympathy. But he was a man, and as such could not enter into discussions of intimacy, of passion, of longing. And, like everyone else, he was under Kadesh’s authority.
She felt a tug on her sleeve and found Natasha’s face looking up at her. “I’m thirsty.”
“We have to wait, ’Tash. Kadesh will speak with us soon.”
“Don’t call me that. Only my mummy and daddy call me that.”
Ruth bent and whispered, “What would you like me to call you?”
“I don’t know. Just Natasha.”
“All right. But we must be quiet now.” Ruth pointed. A procession had entered the chamber. She recognized most of the male acolytes, led as usual by Kadesh. There was one dressed in red, the traditional colour of celebration, walking beside him. She stood on tiptoe to identify him. It was Ibrahim, her cousin. She knew of his long absence, of his training under Kadesh’s guidance. Next to Mukannishum, he was the favoured son. She pursed her lips and wondered at the purpose of the assembly. A matter of discipline.
The cortège had reached the centre of the chamber. Kadesh held up his arms. Silence fell immediately, and his commanding voice rang out. “Our legacy has been returned to us and it is right and proper to celebrate. For decades our plans have been laid; our people have been sent forth to integrate and befriend, to work alongside and to learn; to listen and to emulate. To become as one with our offenders. It has been a long journey – a journey fraught with many obstacles and setbacks. But we have overcome by our patience, by our commitment and by our obedience to Him who is eternal. And your praises are heard by the most high God. It is He who commands us, not I. It is He who is judge, not I. It is He who watches over us to see that we have not fallen into half-heartedness or worldliness. We must remain set apart, a holy people. He alone has guided our hands and has brought us to this moment of triumph.”
The chamber erupted into applause. Ruth felt the words warming her soul. She forgot her misgivings and clapped her hands wildly to the beat of the acolytes. Our legacy has returned. That is all that matters. I must put my feelings aside for the good of the community. It is right and proper.
Kadesh’s raised hand signalled quiet. “Our brother Ibrahim has also returned. His mission was important to us.” Kadesh placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder. Ibrahim was shorter, of stocky build, dark eyes alert behind low brows. He seemed at ease, relaxed and confident, continually glancing around the assembly, smiling as he recognized a familiar face. Kadesh’s voice went on. “The outsiders who invaded our sanctuary and committed the great act of sacrilege have received justice – not by our hand directly, but from those whom they served. But they will not stop until they have found our sanctuary and destroyed it. For they always destroy that which they cannot understand. That which is different.” Kadesh shook his head emphatically and a murmur of assent rumbled around the hall.
“However, the time of fulfilment is almost upon us. Prophecy will become reality. The world will know the power of God, and we will know his favour!”
Applause broke out again as his words sank in. Ruth’s heart was beating with excitement. The fulfilment? Surely not, that she should be so privileged to live in these days –