As they danced, mimicking the motions made by the Mayans, Edes wondered if now was the right time to give to Ilyena the simple little bauble he had haggled over for so long with the Mayan trader. If not for Bartuc and Bartuc's friend, River Sun, Edes doubted he could have done so well; for Edes had little in the way of wealth he could offer to the Mayans in exchange. In fact, his most valuable personal possession, his reliable spotted cubes, were abandoned in Tyre when he fled the gamblers near the pier. He knew he might need his sword and shield, and his other possession he dared not show.
While trading progressed all around him, Edes felt absolutely powerless to participate. It was Bartuc that rescued the frustrated seaman as Edes bemoaned his lack of personal possessions to trade. "Edes, here," said his pale-faced friend. "I owe this to you. It's time I paid my debt."
"What debt, Bartuc?" asked Edes.
"You know, the bathhouse, ummm... you know, my bet I lost. Here, not another word." And Bartuc handed to Edes a small coin made of gold. In their world, it would have had modest value as its denomination was but a fraction of a full unit. But in this land its value was remarkable. Mayans gathered about him instantly offering various trinkets and objects in trade for the small coin with the never-before-seen design pressed into its surface.
River Sun translated and gave her advise on what was of value or not. After a long interval of offer and counteroffer, she spied one particular object and emitted a sharp intake of breath. She guided Edes to this Mayan, an older man with piercing eyes, and inquired on Edes' behalf if the object was for trade. The man hesitated at first, but River Sun persisted and told Edes to show the Mayan his coin. The Mayan's eyes grew wide as he saw the coin reflecting firelight in the evening off its very strange and unusual surface. The Mayan agreed and the exchange was made.
And now as they danced, Edes wondered if the time was right to give his gift to Ilyena. As the music stopped, Edes decided that it was.
He guided her to the edge of the gathering area and told her to hold her hands out and close her eyes. She did. He placed in her hands an intricately carved bracelet of linked silver and gold plates. One plate, larger than the others, had the image of a panther, paw extended, carved on its face. The work was so excellently done that the creature seemed alive and to be reaching out from the bracelet for whatever was nearby. "The symbol of a god," River Sun had whispered to Edes. She told him there was magic in this object. Edes didn't know what magic there could be, but he was pleased with the object and made the trade.
Ilyena opened her eyes when she felt the weight of the object in her hands. "Oh my, oh my, how beautiful... It's for me!?" she said excitedly.
"Yes, its for you... to, uh... to make up for the time in the Inn. You know, your birthday..." stammered Edes.
"Oh yes, my birthday party. Well, this should do just fine." Actually, Ilyena had long ago forgiven Edes for the party. The poor boy thought he was treating Yanil well, but didn't realize at the time he was really a she. Not his fault actually. Nonetheless, advantage given; advantage taken. She really could be a girl now in every way, including wiles.
He helped her put it on her wrist. It was a trifle large, but as the Mayans were not large people, including their men, it fit reasonably well. Ilyena was thrilled. In one swift unexpected move, she reached up and drew Edes down, then placed a crushing kiss on his lips that left the young man breathless. She released him and ran off into the village to show Coronis what she had been given.
Edes stood there stunned and disoriented. Bartuc saw Ilyena run by on her way to see Coronis and Edes standing there watching Ilyena go. Bartuc walked over to say something. But when he approached Edes he saw a distant look in Edes eyes and something of a strange smile on his Tyrean friend's face. Hmmmmm, thought Bartuc, here's one fallen warrior who looks happy about it no less. Sure glad it's not me. Bartuc turned about without saying anything to Edes and decided he would look around the village for River Sun. Yes, he thought. Good thing it's not me.
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 01-17-2001).]