Days of Our Past by G. R. Burns

Author:G. R. Burns [G. R. Burns]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pacific Books
Published: 2021-09-23T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

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For the Heart of Bahira

The next day, Areoch arose somewhat late and to an empty hall. He broke his fast and then wandered among the massive complex that was Birsha’s household, exploring his new berth. He soon grew tired of the questioning looks and found himself resting back in the garden.

It was there, around midday, that Meshêk found him and brought him into his study.

“Today, you will help me with our first lesson,” Meshêk informed, as he picked up several clay tablets and laid them across the tables. “It is Birsha’s wish that the youth of his household be taught better than anyone in the land. Laborers are easily taught by sending them to study and work with the master smiths, carpenters, herders, weavers, and potters. But, scribal work is rare in these parts of the word, and the skills are highly sought after. Hence, that is what we focus on most and your long apprenticeship in Agade will be of much use.”

Finished with the tablets, Meshêk began laying out several dried reeds, each tip cut with a different pattern. Areoch was familiar with the routine: the clay tablets, covered by a thin piece of wood to hold in the moisture, were easily stenciled by pushing the reeds into the soft clay. A combination of these runes would form a word or a sentence that could be dried, preserving the thought of the scribe. It was a powerful concept.

“We spend a short amount of time each day with a variety of students, as you will see,” continued Meshêk, “including several of the youngsters that show promise in the household. Of special concern to Birsha, however, is his son Berran and eldest daughter, Bahira. Berran is preparing for his coming of age, as I mentioned. Soon, I will be spending more time with him directly. Bahira is not fond of scribal work or learning. Nonetheless, she is of the age to entertain suitors, and they will expect her to be able to manage their estates and bring them honor. Birsha intends to see her well-equipped and to have none but a high-standing man enter his household when the day comes. I hope you will be of use in mending her ways.”

At the prospect of teaching Birsha’s eldest daughter and son, Areoch’s heart fell. He had hoped he would be able to spend time evenly among the pupils, and thereby spend more time with the young woman he had met in the garden.

“Don’t worry,” consoled Meshêk, mistaking his downcast look for doubt in his ability to teach, “Your best in this matter will be all that is needed.”

Areoch could tell that taming this daughter was no easy task, but he set his mind upon fulfilling the duty, no matter how dull and wearisome it might be. He nodded.

“Ah, here they come now,” said Meshêk gazing at the door.

Even as he finished speaking, a motley group of young people began to enter. A group of three younger children, none older than eight winters, came and sat near the front of the room.

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