Page 54 of Beyond the Ruby River
“I won’t,” said Daka. Truly, Mahu’s friends would want to know this wasn’t a mild coughing spell, rather a bloody fit, but it wasn’t Daka’s place to tell them. Mahu wasn’t ready. Even though his friends would only want to help.
Niya would know by looking at him. Sometimes he thought she could read his mind by simply studying his face. He’d need her on his side for his plans. She’d know how distraught he felt. How worried. And how sick Mahu really was.
They rejoined the group. All eyes were on poor Mahu, who smiled reassuringly as he settled back into his place.
“Sorry everyone, just a little cough.” Mahu’s voice came out soft, as if he were trying not to push it. He wouldn’t want to do anything that might cause another fit.
Daka covered for him. “Where have the kids gone off to? Niya, you were with them last, where were they headed?”
Niya accepted the subject change gracefully. Daka could kiss her. “Kita took them to the tavern for toffees.”
“Toffees!” Meri slapped Herit’s thigh playfully. “Are you holding out on us?”
“By all means, help yourself,” said Herit through a bout of laughter. “Imi made them and doubled the sweet syrup. They’re awful!”
Daka managed a fake smile, glad that the conversation was moving on, but eager to go home and speak with Mahu alone.
The image of the ruby droplets on the white linen cloth burned like cinders into his mind.
15
Daka
That night, after a light dinner, hot drinks, and a round of Senet on their game table, Daka curled up next to Mahu in bed. Mahu put an arm around him and drew him in. For once, Daka wasn’t in an amorous mood, though Mahu’s naked skin could change his mind quick enough.
But no, not tonight. A serious conversation loomed before them, and Daka needed to concentrate to say everything just right.
He spread his hand flat over the ridges of Mahu’s abdomen. Daka enjoyed the feel of each rise and fall of breath, the steady thump of blood pumping through his strong veins. Mahu may be sick, but even if the worst was coming, they still had time.
“Will you tell me about the coughing?” asked Daka, his voice quietly filling the space between them. “I know you try to hide it when you can.”
“It’s nothing.” Mahu covered Daka’s hand with his own. It was bigger, warm and rough, and felt perfect against his. “I don’t want to worry you.”
“But I am worried, Mahu. Your cough doesn’t sound like nothing. It sounds serious.”
The peaceful quiet of their bedroom that usually comforted Daka now made him antsy. Mahu’s silence dragged on. Daka stared at the plants that hung from the ceiling. Each one tended to by Mahu with care. He pruned their dead leaves, made sure they had enough water, not too much. He’d taught Daka how to perform the tasks needed for their upkeep but hadn’t yet turned over the responsibility.
Daka’s head on Mahu’s chest rose and fell, but he wouldn’t be lulled to sleep yet.
At length, Mahu’s low voice rumbled from his lips. “You’re right. I’ve come to think it might be serious, but nothing good will come from worry.”
Mahu’s admission came as a surprise. Daka had thought it would be harder for Mahu to accept the possibility his cough indicated something ominous.
Daka had to broach the subject somehow. “I have an idea.”
Mahu squeezed him closer, lifting his head to plant a kiss on Daka’s brow. “There’s nothing you can do, Nedjes. I’m an old man. If my time is coming, it will come. No need for you to worry. I’ll be ready.”
“But what if I’m not ready?” Daka stiffened and sat up.
Mahu’s hands slid off him and came to rest on his own stomach. He interlaced his fingers and replied with far more calm than Daka could wrangle. “Who are we to question the gods, Dakarai?”
Daka didn’t care about Mahu’s gods, but he did care that they were important to Mahu. He didn’t want to tread on the man’s beliefs, but he had to be honest. “What if there’s no one listening to our worries? What if it’s just us?”
Mahu’s expression softened. “I know my gods are not your own. I can accept that. But you must rest assured that I’m comforted by their guardianship. As they looked after Ahset, Kasmut, and Beni, so they will look after me.”
But what about me?thought Daka, though he immediately regretted the selfishness in the question.
Mahu wasn’t finished. “You’ve many lifetimes yet to live. I’m honored to have been important in your first one.”
