A Woman's World Read online

  Once ointment and a bandage covered Baya’s upper arm, she and Aga headed to the dining hall.

  “You might want to double your portions tonight,” Aga said, “as tomorrow is the ultimate test of your powers and stamina.”

  “I ate double what I normally would last night. And I’ll do the same today.” Baya was starving.

  “Then make it triple. You’ll need the energy.”

  This gave Baya a clue about her final test. The most difficult power to master, and the one that took the most energy, was transformation. Baya recounted the first two tests in her mind. …

  The first one had required her to be able to light a fire and control her body temperature. These were the most basic skills. Today’s test had required her to emanate smoke and transform herself into her surroundings. These were more difficult skills. Each test required the mistresses to use harder and harder skills. Transforming herself to blend in was easier for her than changing other objects, which had been the toughest skill for Baya to master.

  Aga had warned that the tests would get more difficult. Baya knew that her ability to transform matter would be tested to the fullest tomorrow. She still had not figured out what the “secret” was that her mother had mentioned the previous day.

  So much for “already knowing it” as her mother had claimed.

  Once Aga was satisfied that Baya had eaten enough, she left her daughter and headed home for the night. This meant that Baya was free to head to the gardens. She had not seen Vicaroy in days and was anxious to tell him about the trials. Last night she had been a mess, but tonight she was in much higher spirits. She had made it through another test and she had made a new friend, Mook. She wished Vicaroy could see him.

  Even though she needed to be in bed early for her big day tomorrow, she couldn’t resist the opportunity to get outside for a bit of fresh air. Of course, getting to see her best friend had a lot to do with why she didn’t head straight to her room, as her mother would have wanted.

  Chapter 22

  From high up in the palace Fay watched out of the classroom window. Below, Baya and the garden boy strolled. Even from high above without being able to hear them it was clear that they were talking freely and laughing. That was a side to Baya that few people saw.

  She’s so … happy when she’s with him, Fay thought. Everyone knows that Baya is close to the boy. No one really cares because it doesn’t matter. But what’s so special about that boy? Sure he’s strong and has a face to die for. But there are many cute boys. Why is it that she chooses to spend all her time with that particular one? Why is she so different from the other girls?

  Fay watched as the figures below reached for the same weed to pluck.

  Imagine that, a mistress doing a man’s work — pulling weeds, Fay scoffed.

  The couple’s hands touched. Vicaroy took Baya’s hand in his. They seemed to forget about the weed as they looked into each other’s eyes.

  They’re no longer childhood friends, running through the garden playing silly games, Fay thought. No, they’re playing grown-up games now. They have fallen in love. How sweet.

  Fay narrowed her eyes. She would show Baya that that boy was nothing special and that he was like all the other boys. He would jump at the chance to be with any girl. When I’m done with him, Baya will wish she had befriended me instead of always pushing me away and running off to see that boy.

  Fay headed for the garden.

  Baya ran into Vicaroy’s arms. Their hug was brief.

  “It’s good to see you. I’ve been worried. How are the trials going?” he asked.

  “They’re awful, well mostly. The first test …” Baya put her hand to her throat.

  “What’s wrong? Are you choking?”

  “No. My voice … quit working.” Baya shook her head and tried again. “The first test …” Her gag reflex took over and once again her voice was lost. “I can’t tell you. The priestesses must use their powers to keep people from talking about what the tests are like. That means mother couldn’t have told me even if she had wanted to.” Any remaining anger she felt toward her mother for not warning her about the tests faded. “We literally can’t talk about the details of the tests.”

  “That’s disappointing. I always wondered what the big deal was.”

  “It is very disappointing and they are a very big deal.” Baya stamped her foot. “Oh. I wish I could tell you.” Baya desperately wanted to process everything she had been through. She needed to get it all out. Talking to someone she trusted would be such a relief. Baya sighed. “But I can’t.”

  “But they’re pretty bad, huh?” he asked.

  “If I didn’t know better, I would say they’re trying to kill me.”

  “Well, it can’t get much worse than that.”

  Baya pulled her tunic down over her shoulder to reveal her bandaged arm.

  “Are you okay?”

  Baya nodded. “Only one test left. But I fear it may be the most difficult one yet.”

  “You can do it. I know you can.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled. “What about you? What have you been up to?”

  “I’ve had a lot of time to spend in our cove these past weeks. I’ve found stuff to keep me busy.” He wanted to show her his latest invention and not simply tell her about it. So that would have to wait until after her trials. Then she would have more free time. “I can’t wait until this is all over and you can spend more time with me.”

  Baya smiled. “Me too.”

  They strolled through the gardens, content with each other’s company. When the last sun was about to set, Baya had to be getting inside. Vicaroy walked her to the palace doors. She didn’t understand the shyness that overtook her sometimes when she was with Vicaroy. The way he would look at her made her tingle all over and she would have to look away. Things were different between them. “See you tomorrow,” Baya said.

  “Of course. After you pass your final test. I’ll be waiting.”

  Fay swung the palace doors open. “Ah, perfect. You two were just saying goodbye. So you won’t mind if I borrow him.” It wasn’t a question. Fay took Vicaroy by the arm and pulled him away.

  Vicaroy’s face paled.

  Baya stared in disbelief for a moment too long. “Fay. What are you …” but they were out of earshot.

  Behind her a voice beckoned, “Mistress. If you will.” One of the palace theos gestured for Baya to enter. “I must lock the doors for the night.”

  She looked back to where Vicaroy and Fay had disappeared into the dusk. Her heart felt like it was going to explode. A low growl escaped her lips.

  “What are you up to, Fay?” she whispered through gritted teeth

  “Please, allow me to do my job,” the theo behind Baya prompted.

  “I’m coming,” Baya snapped.

  “Don’t you have to be getting inside?” Vicaroy was frantic to find a way to get away from this woman.

  “No,” Fay said. “I passed my tests months ago. I’m no longer a student. I’m waiting for my calling, which will come any day now. I passed with top marks. I volunteer now — help out in the classroom and the like, until my calling comes, you know?”

  Vicaroy nodded even though he didn’t know.

  “Anyway, I thought I would go to my family’s home tonight. I would like someone to walk me home. You know? To keep me company.” Fay smiled playfully.

  Vicaroy gently slid his arm out of hers. “Oh … I … can’t. Azod will worry if I’m not home soon.”

  “Why? You must be about eighteen. He won’t worry too much. You’re a man now and you have not been chosen as a theo, so you can do as you wish.”

  Vicaroy rubbed the back of his neck. Okay, then I wish not to be here with you, he thought but didn’t have the strength to say.

  “In fact …” She stepped closer. “I had plans for you to stay with me tonight.”

  He stepped away. His heart drummed in his ears. “I … I can’t.” How was he going to get out of this?

>   Fay narrowed her eyes. “Are you … refusing me?”

  He swallowed hard. “Yes,” he whispered.

  “Yes, what?” Fay demanded.

  “I’m refusing to do as you ask.” A sudden calm came over him. “You don’t even know my name.”

  “What does that matter?”

  A sad smile crept across Vicaroy’s lips. He longed for the love and caring that he always saw in Baya’s eyes. Fay’s dark eyes held none of that. He turned to walk away.

  The nerve of him! Fay thought. Men must do as I say. I will not be rebuffed by a lowly ignorant garden boy. “Soon I will be a high priestess, if not the next Unawi. If you don’t come with me tonight I will make you regret it for the rest of your life.”

  Vicaroy stopped, his back to her. He didn’t doubt for a second that she could and would make his life utterly miserable, she already was. His shoulders sank — he was trapped. There must be some way to pacify Fay and not have to … be with her. He looked to the sky. It would hurt Baya. He couldn’t do that. Regardless, he didn’t want to be with Fay. There must be something he could do.

  But nothing came to mind. He was stuck.

  “That’s right. Come with me. You know you really want to. All men are the same.”

  “You’re wrong,” Vicaroy whispered. He wasn’t sure if she heard him. His eyes focused on the brightest star in the sky. He sent out a silent prayer, Please, help me, Great Goddess.

  Chapter 23

  Vicaroy heard the sound of far off footsteps. Someone was coming up the path. He resisted the urge to run toward them, to run away from her — Fay.

  Azod came into view. “There you are, Vicaroy. I was wondering why you hadn’t returned.”

  Vicaroy had never been happier to see him. “I was telling Madam Fay that I had to be on my way.” He gave Azod a pleading look.

  “I’m terribly sorry, Madam, but Vicaroy must be getting home. There’s still much work to be done. You see we work in the garden all day and then we have to do our house chores at night.”

  This was a bit of an exaggeration but any excuse would do, Vicaroy thought.

  Fay crossed her arms. “Spare me the sob story, gardener.”

  “If you would like someone to accompany you to your front door then I would be glad to assist,” Azod said.

  Fay glared at the two men in turn. “That won’t be necessary.” She gave Vicaroy a look that made it clear that she would not forget this and that this was far from over.

  Vicaroy resisted the urge to shudder.

  “Then we wish you a goodnight, Madam.” Azod bowed slightly to Fay as he put a hand on Vicaroy’s shoulder, urging him to move.

  It didn’t take any more coaxing than that to get Vicaroy to leave. It was all he could do not to sprint home to safety.

  The gardeners walked in silence not daring to speak until they were inside the confines of their tiny home at the far end of the palace grounds.

  “I told you to stay away from the mistresses.” Azod struggled to keep his voice calm. “They are trouble and will only cause you pain. I have warned you many times. They only use us and throw us away when they are done. Yet here you go, putting yourself out there.”

  “You mean like my mother did to you?” This was not a malicious statement. It was a genuine question of concern.

  “Yes!” Azod yelled. “I thought she loved me …” he lowered his head. “Until she ran off with another.”

  “They’re not all bad, Azod. Baya is not like that.”

  “That’s what I thought about your mother. You think Baya is wonderful and perfect. You had better listen carefully, she will be the death of you. I have told you time and again to avoid her at all costs. Avoid all women, they bring nothing but heartache. Let alone the daughter of the highest of the high priestesses — you are begging for trouble. Aga will never allow her daughter to choose someone like you.”

  Vicaroy sighed. He knew that what Azod said was true. “I couldn’t stay away from Baya, even if I wanted to.” His voice was barely a whisper. This had been a growing concern, as he knew he was not good enough to become her theo. The thought of her choosing another caused his blood to turn icy cold.

  Azod threw his arms up in exasperation. “You’re a foolish boy who doesn’t understand how the world works.”

  Fay hardly slept that night. She tossed and turned.

  That boy will pay for rejecting me — outright defying me, she thought. Could it be that he really does love Baya? No! That’s ridiculous. How dare he? Men who do not obey must be punished. We have to keep them in their place. They were put on this earth to serve us. We can’t allow any defiance. If he gets away with this then what? He will keep pushing the limits until what? He no longer does what he is told. That is unacceptable.

  Meanwhile, Baya was not faring much better. When she closed her eyes she saw Fay and Vicaroy — his lips on hers. Her arms around his waist. Baya covered her face with her pillow, as if this might somehow block out the image. It didn’t. In fact, it made it worse. She envisioned the two of them entwined, his naked black flesh against Fay’s golden-brown skin.

  Baya sat bolt upright in bed with a loud growl.

  He would not do that to me, she thought. Then it hit her like a sack of stones. … No. He wouldn’t. So that means that Fay will demand that he be with her, against his will.

  Her stomach turned. This was much worse than the thought of him enjoying being with Fay. No man should be forced to be with a woman.

  “Poor Vicaroy,” she whispered. This wasn’t the first time she’d felt trapped in this place — helpless to do anything about her situation. With all this on her mind and no sleep in sight, how on earth was she going to make it through her final test tomorrow?

  On the other hand, Vicaroy was tired from a long day of work and his near-miss with Fay.

  Azod didn’t understand, Baya was different. A feeling of relief washed over Vicaroy. He had prayed and he had been heard! The Great Ameris had saved him. All he had to do was ask for her help and she’d sent Azod to rescue him.

  He gave his thanks to the Goddess and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

  The next morning, Fay was supposed to be helping with some of the younger girls. She had been appointed to fill in while the high priestesses and the Unawi attended to Baya’s final trial.

  Fay only half glanced at their writing as she spent most of her time gazing out the large windows to the garden below. She spotted the young garden boy a couple of times. He appeared to be going about his normal work. Why did seeing him cause all the muscles in her body to tighten?

  She studied him as he helped the head gardener dig a large hole for a new tree. Sweat sparkled off the dark skin on his bare back and his muscles strained to drive the spade deeper into the earth. Fay wished that she had been able to enjoy him the night before. Fay had never paid this much attention to him before but he had grown into quite the specimen.

  What does he see in Baya that he doesn’t see in me? Fay wondered. That skinny girl doesn’t have half the womanly curves that I do. Well, I’m going to make him wish that he’d chosen me. If he doesn’t want me then I’ll see to it that he can’t have Baya. I will make it so they can’t be together. Fay sighed. But how? I’ll start by following him. There must be something I can use against those two.

  “Pardon me, Madam Fay,” a girl ventured to squeak. “It’s time for our mid-day meal.”

  Fay glanced out the window again, this time at the sundial below. She turned to the class with an air of supremacy. “Hand in your scrolls. I will have my assistant review them and get them back to you tomorrow.” This was a lie. There was no assistant. Fay would have to grade them all herself. It would be another long day.

  The students floated their papers over to Fay.

  In no time, a thick stack of work was piled on the desk in front of her.

  I must get my calling soon. I can’t fill in for Shema and the other instructors forever — doing their crappy chores. I’m destined for more t
han this.

  As soon as everyone left the room, Fay glanced out the window. The garden boy was gone. The head gardener was filling in the last of the dirt around the newly planted tree. She searched the garden for the boy and spotted him as he stepped out of her line of sight. He was headed toward the main entrance. Fay dashed for the door.

  Fay passed a handful of students in the hall. “Tell Shema that my stomach hurts and I had to retire early.” She hurried down the stairs.

  When Fay entered the garden, she saw Vicaroy as he was leaving the main gates of the palace. Being careful not to be spotted, she slowly followed, keeping her distance.

  Vicaroy led Fay to the secret trailhead leading up and over the mountain. Fay changed her flesh and clothing so that it blended into a nearby tree trunk, while she watched him carefully place branches and palm leaves back over the trail.

  Fay smiled maliciously. He’s covering his tracks. I knew it! she thought. He does have something to hide. He’s definitely up to no good if he doesn’t want others to know where he is going. I’ll find out what that is. It may be easier than I thought to make him pay for disobeying me.

  Chapter 24

  Baya was led past the well, which she tried to ignore ... or was it the memories of being trapped in there that she was pushing away? This time they did not light the torches in the arena. Baya held a ball of fire in front of her to light the way. As she approached the far end, she found that the stone wall where Mook had entered the coliseum the day before was wide open. Only darkness could be seen in the large entrance. The thought of seeing Mook filled Baya with excitement. But she had a feeling that her third test would not involve him.