Chapter Eleven: The Mysteries That Lie Within

Time passed relentlessly, and the years followed one another. Inísel, now eighteen years old, had been married to her husband, Shántruk Theodric, for two years.

One night, she was in the Shántruk's room, lying comfortably on the bed with her husband beside her. The moon illuminated the room with its soft light, filtering through the velvet curtains that fluttered slightly with the night breeze.

Inísel tenderly caressed her husband's chest, her fingers sliding gently over his warm skin. Their breaths had become more relaxed after a passionate moment between them. The connection between the two had grown enormously over the past few years, strengthened by intimacy and mutual trust.

Theodric, with a playful smile, broke the silence.

In kune: "Vi estas tro pasia, Inísel. Je la dioj, estas pli kaj pli malfacile resti kun vi. Via pasio superfluas... (You are too passionate, Inísel. By the gods, it’s getting harder and harder to keep up with you. Your passion is overflowing...)" he said jokingly, his eyes shining with affection and amusement.

Inísel laughed softly, her laughter a melodious sound that filled the room.

In kune: "Ne malestimu vin mem, Teodriko. Vi eble estas pli maljuna, sed vi ankoraŭ havas vian veturadon. Mi amas kiel vi estas (Don’t underestimate yourself, Theodric. You may be older, but you still have your drive. I love how you are)," she assured him, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

In kune: "Mi volis paroli kun vi pri io (I wanted to talk to you about something…)."

Then, changing the subject, Inísel commented on the recent council meeting. Over the past two years, the Shántruk had begun to rely more and more on his wife's sharp opinion. This growing trust had led Theodric to include Inísel in the council meetings he held every day in his temple, a place of crucial decisions for the kingdom.

In kune: "Mi ĝojas, ke vi permesis al mi dum ĉi tiuj lastaj du jaroj helpi solidigi la kuniĝon de la kvin urboj de Erial (I’m glad you have allowed me over these past two years to help solidify the union of the five cities of Erial)," Inísel began, her voice laden with seriousness and reflection.

In kune: "La aliaj urboj sekvis niajn leĝojn sen multaj malsukcesoj. Kunordigo inter soldatoj kaj civiluloj postulataj por trejni montris pozitivajn rezultojn. Ili lernas rapide (The other cities have followed our laws without many failures. The coordination between soldiers and civilians required to train has shown positive results. They are learning quickly)."

Theodric nodded, recognizing the wisdom in his wife's words. The unification had brought greater cohesion and a sense of common purpose among the different cities of Erial, something that had previously seemed impossible to achieve.

Inísel continued, her tone acquiring a note of persistence and determination.

In kune: "Do mi pensas, ke ni devus malmunti kuraĝajn batalojn. Kiel vi scias, mi premas dum monatoj por ke la ludoj finiĝos. Nun kiam niaj soldatoj restas lojalaj kaj la homoj alkutimiĝis al siaj novaj devoj, mi konsideras nenecese daŭrigi la tradicion (So I think we should dismantle the valor battles. As you know, I have been pressing for months for the games to end. Now that our soldiers remain loyal and the people have become accustomed to their new duties, I consider it unnecessary to continue the tradition)."

Inísel had fought tooth and nail that year to ban the valor combats. The games, which were initially held once a month, with the perseverance of the Valkúr, were reduced to once a year. Inísel was determined to completely get rid of the valor combats.

Theodric lay back on the bed, his thoughts traveling to the meetings and debates about the valor combats.

The Shántruk had to admit that Inísel was right. Although the valor combats had managed to quell violence in the streets and reduce the citizens' complaints, the brutality of the games was taking too many lives, some of them innocent. The number of contestants had been reduced to forty, and almost all participants perished in the bloody arena. The games punished dangerous prisoners, insubordinate soldiers, and citizens who expressed disagreement with the imposed laws with the same brutality. Inísel believed that the punishment should not be the same for each profile of offenders. The fear of dying brutally in the arenas had managed to reduce violence in the cities. The people were more submissive and receptive to the rules. With this scenario, she was determined to convince her husband to cancel the valor combats forever.

Theodric reflected in silence, his thoughts revolving around Inísel's words. The games, which had once been a symbol of honor and entertainment, had become a slaughterhouse. Finally, he looked up and gazed at his wife, the moonlight illuminating her delicate and determined features.

In kune: "Mi promesas, ke mi konsideros ĝin (I promise that I will consider it…)," he said sincerely. In kune: "Vi harpis min ĉi tiujn lastajn monatojn kaj certe, fermi la bravajn batalojn povus esti bona ideo. Ni jam atingis tion, kion ni deziris, daŭrigi estus kontraŭproduktiva por ni longtempe (You have been pressing me these past months and certainly, stopping the valor combats could be a good idea. We have already achieved what we wanted, continuing would be counterproductive for us in the long term)."

Upon hearing her husband's words, Inísel felt a wave of relief and gratitude. Her opinion had been heard and, most importantly for her, respected. With a smile of joy and tenderness, she moved closer to Theodric and kissed him softly, thus conveying the affection and respect acquired during those two years of marriage. Their lips met in a warm kiss full of promises, a gesture that sealed not only their love but also their alliance in the pursuit of a fairer and more peaceful kingdom.

After that kiss, Theodric looked at Inísel with eyes full of affection and softness.

In kune: "Mia amata Valkúr (My beloved Valkúr)..." he began, his voice low and tender.

In kune: "Estas io alia, kion mi ŝatus diskuti kun vi. Mi ne volas premi vin, sed ni jam delonge estas kune, ni amoras preskaŭ ĉiutage, kaj ankoraŭ ne estas signoj de alveno de heredanto (There is something else I would like to discuss with you. I don't want to pressure you, but we have been together for a long time, we make love almost every day, and there are still no signs of an heir)."

Inísel slowly sat up, nodding her head, understanding the importance of her husband's words. She knew it was normal for the Shántruk to want to secure his lineage. After two years of marriage, and considering Theodric's age, it was natural for him to seek descendants. However, there was an issue that Inísel had kept secret.

For the past few months, she had been trying to get her menstrual cycle to resume, but her period had not yet occurred, and this deeply troubled her. She had secretly consulted the temple healers, seeking remedies and advice to be able to menstruate, hoping to conceive a child soon. The pressure to fulfill her role as Valkúr and ensure an heir had filled her with anxiety, but she had not wanted to worry Theodric with her fears.

In kune: "Mi komprenas vian zorgon, Theodric (I understand your concern, Theodric)," Inísel responded softly, turning slightly and placing a hand on her husband's chest.

In kune: "Mi scias, ke estas mia devo doni al vi infanojn. Mi scias, ke ĝi estas grava por vi, por ni kaj por la regno. Sed mi (I know it is my duty to give you children. I know it is important for you, for us, and for the kingdom. But I)..." Inísel sighed, trying to find the right words to explain the situation to her husband. In kune: "Estas tre malfacile por mi (It is very difficult for me)."

Theodric smiled and sat up gently, wrapping his arms around his wife from behind, embracing her while simultaneously caressing her face with one hand, his fingers tracing lines of affection and reassurance.

In kune: "Ne estas hasto, mia amo (There is no hurry, my love)…," he said tenderly. In kune: "Ni havas multajn jarojn kaj la grava afero estas, ke vi sentas vin komforta. Se vi bezonas pli da tempo, tiam mi donos ĝin al vi. Mi atendos ĝis vi estos preta (We have many years, and the important thing is that you feel comfortable. If you need more time, then I will give it to you. I will wait until you are ready)."

Inísel looked away, her worry evident in her expression.

Every night, or practically every night, Inísel and the Shántruk shared the intimacy of their bed. At that time, there were no effective means to prevent pregnancy, and yet, during all those months, Inísel had not managed to conceive. The absence of her menstruation had been a growing concern for her. Despite her efforts and desires, her womb remained empty.

She knew that the Shántruk had the right to claim an heir, and although Theodric could remain patient, the kingdom could not. It was her duty to continue the Shántruk's lineage, and if it became known that she was unable to conceive children, her people could descend into chaos.

Inísel, feeling that she could no longer hide her anguish, decided to be honest with him.

In kune: "Teodriko, vi ne komprenas (Theodric, you don't understand)..." The Shántruk frowned and used his hand to gently guide his wife's face towards him, looking directly into her eyes. Inísel allowed the man's movements and observed him seriously. In kune: "Mi ne povas gravedi infanojn (I can't conceive children)," she confessed with a direct and unwavering voice.

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In kune: "Mi provis gravediĝi, sed mi ne povas. Dum ĉi tiuj monatoj mi prenis rimedojn, kiujn Sanigi preparis por mi, sed nenio funkciis. Morgaŭ mi vizitos Sanigi denove por daŭrigi ekzameni min (I have been trying to get pregnant, but I can't. During these months I have been taking remedies prepared by the Sanigi, but nothing has worked. Tomorrow I will visit the Sanigi again to continue examining me)."

The Shántruk nodded slowly, slightly worried by what had been revealed. Knowing that his wife had difficulties giving him an heir left him distressed, not only for his people and their expectations but also for Inísel's health, who had become very important to him.

"Inés..." he began softly, using the nickname he only used in the most affectionate situations. In kune: "La resto ne gravas tiel longe kiel vi fartas bone. Mi scias, ke vi estas sub multe da premo nun kaj mi volas, ke vi sciu, ke se io okazos, bonvolu diri al mi senhezite. Kian ajn problemon vi havas, vi ne devas alfronti ĝin sola, mi estas ĉi tie, por la bono kaj la malbona (The rest doesn't matter as long as you are well. I know you are under a lot of pressure right now, and I want you to know that if anything happens, please tell me without hesitation. Whatever problem you have, you don't have to face it alone, I am here, for better or worse)."

Inísel smiled gratefully and, without hesitation, brought her face closer to her husband's. The Shántruk gently lifted the woman and protectively embraced her, settling with that action on the bed. Soon their lips met, letting the softness of their affection soothe both of their worries.

Seconds later, with a smile, the Shántruk moved away from his wife and stretched out on the bed. He quickly fell asleep, his soft breathing rising and falling rhythmically. But for Inísel, falling asleep was a more arduous task. Her worry was evident on her face, and her mind kept turning over the reasons for her condition and what it could mean. The traditions of Sabla Urbo were clear and strict: the Valkúr had to become pregnant to preserve the divine lineage of the Shántruk and avoid confrontations among the population.

The next day, Inísel and Isra, her closest maid, went to the section of the temple where the Sanigi practiced her profession. The place was filled with the aroma of medicinal herbs and essential oils, creating an atmosphere of calm and healing. The Sanigi received the Valkúr with the required formality, bowing her head in respect.

In kune: "Lia Valkúr (Your Valkúr)," said the healer softly. In kune: "Kiel mi povas servi vin? (How can I serve you?)"

Inísel, with the confidence of a Valkúr, responded frankly.

In kune: "Mi bezonas, ke vi ekzamenu min denove. Mi estas ankoraŭ nemakulita kaj mi volas scii kio okazas (I need you to examine me again. I still haven’t gotten my period and I want to know what’s going on)," began the Valkúr. In kune: "Ho, kaj mi esperas, ke ĉio ĉi tie malkovrita restas konfidenca (Oh, and I hope that everything discovered here remains confidential)."

The Sanigi nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

In kune: "Kompreneble, Lia Valkúr. Mi certigas al vi, ke ĉio malkaŝita ĉi tie restos en la plej strikta privateco (Of course, Your Valkúr. I assure you that everything revealed here will remain in the strictest confidence)."

Inísel appreciated the promised silence and lay down on a stretcher while the Sanigi prepared the necessary instruments for the examination. The healer, with expert and gentle hands, began to examine Inísel, gently palpating her abdomen and using various herbal and traditional methods to try to discover the cause of her missed period.

Isra, who was present to provide support, watched with concern and hope. The silence in the room was dense, broken only by the quiet whispers of the Sanigi explaining each step of the procedure.

While performing the examination, the healer asked a series of intimate questions.

In kune: "Via Valkúr, por ricevi respondojn, mi devas denove demandi al vi personajn demandojn. Ĉu estas en ordo por mi daŭrigi? (Your Valkúr, to get answers, I must ask you personal questions again. Is it all right for me to proceed?)" the Sanigi asked politely.

Inísel, knowing the procedure of the session, nodded in agreement.

In kune: "Mi bezonas scii pri via seksa vivo, kiel regule vi seksumas kaj ĉu vi sentas plezuron dum la ago. Nia matrico rilatas al pasio kaj plezuro. La tekstoj kiujn ni konservis el la formortinta urbo Aelorian indikas, ke estas eble por virino ne havi sian ciklon. Sed, se vi ĉesis senti plezuron, tio povas signifi, ke vi perdis ĉian eblecon de makulo (I need to know about your sex life, how regularly you have sex, and if you feel pleasure during the act. Our womb is related to passion and pleasure. The texts we have preserved from the extinct city of Aelorian indicate that it is possible for a woman not to have her cycle. But, if you have stopped feeling pleasure, that may mean you have lost all possibility of menstruating)."

Inísel sighed, frustrated and tired; she had heard the healer's words regularly, as her visits to the medical room were frequent.

In kune: "Jes, mi seksumas regule. Kaj jes, mi sentas plezuron dum la ago (Yes, I have sex regularly. And yes, I feel pleasure during the act)," she responded firmly, her tone remaining unperturbed. In kune: "La problemo estas, ke mi ankoraŭ ne makuliĝas (The problem is that I still haven’t gotten my period)."

The Sanigi, who had been treating Inísel for the past two years, knew of the Valkúr's difficulties. She recalled that months ago she had recommended certain herbs to help regulate her cycle.

In kune: "Ĉu vi prenis la herbojn kiel mi ordonis? (Have you been taking the herbs as I instructed?)" she asked in a gentle tone.

Inísel nodded.

In kune: "Jes, mi prenis ilin, sed ne estis ŝanĝoj (Yes, I have taken them, but there have been no changes)."

The healer frowned, reflecting for a moment.

In kune: "Se la supre ne funkciis, vi devos provi aliajn herbojn (If the previous ones didn’t work, you will have to try other herbs)," she finally declared.

With confidence, the Sanigi went to her alchemy table, where a variety of jars and exotic herbs were arranged in order. She began to prepare a special concoction, her movements quick and sure, as if following an ancient recipe. As she worked, she spoke to Inísel about the nature of the concoction.

In kune: "Kion mi preparas por vi, estas miksaĵo bazita sur antikva scio, kiu formortis antaŭ mil jaroj apud sia devenloko (What I am preparing for you is a mixture based on ancient knowledge that became extinct a thousand years ago along with its place of origin)," she explained. In kune: "Mi parolas pri la formortinta urbo Aelorian. Ŝiaj restaĵoj daŭre kuŝas sur la Dezertejo, kaj kvankam ŝi estis detruita, kelkaj el ŝiaj scio kaj kuraciloj eltenis. La tekniko, kiun mi uzos, estis akirita en Sunon, loko kie la Dýnamis konservas praktike formortintajn scion (I am talking about the extinct city of Aelorian. Its remains still lie on the Desert, and although it was destroyed, some of its knowledge and remedies have endured. The technique I will use was obtained in Sunon, a place where the Dýnamis preserve practically extinct knowledge)."

Inísel nodded, recalling her studies about that ancient and advanced civilization that had flourished for millennia in Erial. Aelorian had been a center of knowledge and power, and its sudden disappearance remained a mystery. Knowing that the herbs she was about to take came from that legacy gave her renewed hope.

Finally, the Sanigi finished preparing the concoction. She approached Inísel again, carrying a small sealed jar containing the steaming and aromatic liquid.

In kune: "Vi devus preni kuleron de ĉi tio ĉiunokte. Verŝu la kuleron en glason da akvo kaj movu por solvi ĝin (You should take a spoonful of this every night. Pour the spoonful into a glass of water and stir to dissolve it)," she instructed. In kune: "La miksaĵo preparos vian korpon por ke ĝi restu en stato. Ĝi estas forta kaj efika. Mi fidas, ke ĝi helpos vin gravedi (The mixture will prepare your body so that it can become pregnant. It is strong and effective. I trust it will help you conceive)."

Inísel accepted the jar, feeling the weight of hope in her hands.

In kune: "Mi dankas ĝin, Sanigi. Ni esperu, ke ĝi funkcias (I thank you, Sanigi. Let’s hope it works)…," she said, her voice full of gratitude and determination. She was willing to try anything to get pregnant.

Minutes later, her maid and she left the medical room. Isra immediately commented:

In kune: "Mi esperas, ke ĝi funkcias, vi jam prenis multajn aferojn, mi esperas, ke vi poste ne havos sekvojn (I hope it works, you’ve already taken many things, I hope you don’t have repercussions later)."

Inísel nodded and, not wanting to give more details due to the public place they were in, indicated to Isra:

In kune: "Tion ankaÅ­ mi volas (I wish that too)."

The temple servants bowed respectfully as their Valkúr passed by. Inísel's face showed determination and an unyielding will to achieve any goal she set.

Walking through a spacious corridor, several soldiers suddenly appeared. Their dark skins contrasted with the bright armor they wore; however, one of the soldiers stood out for his fair complexion and piercing eyes. Inísel and Isra watched as the guards bowed respectfully to their Valkúr. The Valkúr looked at all of them and greeted them with respect:

In kune: "Gardistoj (Guards)…"

However, her eyes lingered longer on the fair-skinned soldier. The man raised his head before his companions and flashed a captivating smile directed exclusively at his Valkúr. Inísel kept her gaze on the soldier, her expression impassive as the guards departed.

Isra watched the soldiers leave and quickly commented:

In kune: "Tiu soldato estas ĉi tie de jaroj kaj mi ĉiam povis rimarki, ke li estas diferenca de siaj kunuloj. En Erial ne kutimas renkonti blankajn haŭtojn, mi scivolas de kie ĝi venas (That soldier has been here for years and I have always noticed that he is different from his companions. In Erial, it is not common to meet fair-skinned people, I wonder where he comes from)."

Inísel nodded distractedly, her eyes fixed on the back of the soldier who was disappearing down an adjoining corridor. During the two years since she arrived at the temple, the Valkúr had received persistent glances from that fair-skinned soldier. Although at first, she found the attention he paid her unsettling, Inísel gradually began to observe him with more interest. He was a young man, with skin color similar to hers and, moreover, he was an attractive soldier...

In kune: "Venu, mia edzo atendas min en la juĝejo (Come, my husband awaits me in the audience hall)," Inísel instructed, finally diverting her gaze and focusing on her responsibilities.