The Troubles of House Khev: Part II

[Arrenhe tr'Khev 0]

The Troubles of House Khev: Part II

5 Years Ago

 

As Arrenhe packed his bags in his bedroom, he looked around the spacious, well-appointed area and wondered if he would ever see it again. Though often lost in the music in his head, he was not stupid or naïve, and knew that entering the Galae Phi'lasasam during this time of war was not a recipe for long life or healthy living, not that in time of “peace” matters were much better. His resolve was absolute, however, and he could not be moved off his course.

 

His parents had at first strongly objected, so set were they that he should attend the prominent Mandak Music Academy. Elements! What a row that discussion had been. His ears rang for a week afterward. Only Kerih's presence and cool head had maintained peace; he had counseled that no firm decisions should be made by anyone until some time had passed and everyone had an opportunity to think the matter through a second time.

 

Months passed, and Arrenhe was still set on his course, mnhei'sahe demanding that he serve his parents and the Empire by defending them before entertaining them. Aetthon and Nalah had eventually accepted the decision and gave their consent, but not without the occasional subtle attempt to test his resolve. Somehow his di'ranov had managed to arrange a performance during a party dinner for his Senate colleagues. He played well, as always, and had greatly impressed the Senators; however, the attempt backfired on Aetthon. When asked if he was going to attend Mandak, they were amazed to discover his intentions to join Galae.

 

“What an admirable young man!” Exclaimed a Senator from a nearby province. As the knot of politicians broke apart with word that the tr'Khev boy was choosing Imperial service over his own musical talent, much lauding went to Aetthon for it, as they all knew that Kerih already had ascended at a young age to be the chief assistant for Prelate tr'Vorn. Thus, Arrenhe scored his first minor victory in his campaign to strengthen his family's image.

 

With his Senatorial support strengthened, Aetthon grudgingly accepted that Arrenhe had chosen a proper path. His chief worries, however, were that his gentle, slender offspring would not make it through the Phi'lasasam, let alone survive Galae service.

 

Arrenhe, meanwhile, enjoyed his last months before he had to report. Maintaining a close correspondence with Kerih, who gave as much advice as he thought prudent to his younger dinam, Arrenhe busily finished a few compositions and performed in his final recitals. Now, the time for his departure came, and he packed his final set of belongings. The strict limits on what a cadet could bring were irksome, and much that he would bring he was forced to leave behind, because he would not, of course, leave without his hrini.

 

The next morning, he ate a somber breakfast with his parents in the cozy nook just off of their kitchen. Little was said until they finished and his bags were stowed in the cargo hold of their personal atmospheric shuttle.

 

“Faelirh,” began Nalah. “Au must be careful. I do na want to receive any fvakh news, ie?” She said as she hugged him fiercely.

 

“Ie, ri'nanov,” Arrenhe replied, hugging her back. “Since when do I get in trouble?”

 

“Now is na the time to start, then,” she said, releasing him. “Call when you can, ie?”

 

Arrenhe boarded the small craft and strapped into the pilot's seat, with his father beside him. Taking off, they were well on their way to the Phi'lasasam before Aetthon spoke.

 

“You still have 100 km to change your mind, Arrenhe.”

 

“Na. I have 100 km of freedom left before I must start jumping through hoops on command.” Double checking the auto-pilot settings, Arrenhe leaned back into the seat and studied his di'ranov. “Do na worry about me, di'ra. I can na help our house if I am yy'a.”

 

“Ie, but au are na...” Aetthon sighed. “I can na help au where au are going. I do na yet have that much influence in Galae.”

 

“Na, di'ra. I do na want any help in that regard. I must do it the hard way, otherwise why would anyio care what I do?” He took the shuttle off of autopilot and began the approach to the Phi'lasasam's landing area after contacting the control facility. “I will be fine, trust me.”

 

“I trust au, Arrenhe... it is the others that I worry about. Ah, well, there is na that I can do now. Be well, faelirh.”

 

They spoke no more as the small shuttle circled its way down and landed. Arrenhe extracted his belongings from the cargo hold and made his way to his assigned quarters, his new life beginning amid the roar of the shuttle returning to the skies.