Chapter Eleven: Balda

The journey to Balda lasted about half a day on horseback, leaving Fantah exhausted from the long ride, as she was not accustomed to riding horses. However, the joy of being close to Hayah, holding on to him as they rode, made the fatigue seem insignificant. She could feel his warmth enveloping her like a comforting blanket, resting her head on his back, listening to the rhythmic thumping of his heartbeat as he breathed. As he shared stories of the battles he had fought and the bravery of his soldiers, she felt an immense sense of pride, knowing she was about to marry such a valiant warrior. The anticipation of the upcoming wedding filled her heart with excitement.

Upon their arrival in Balda early that afternoon, they were greeted by a quiet and peaceful town with a small population. Hayah's house, situated in the town's center, was adjacent to the central mosque, where the Chief Imam, known as the Ladan, was calling for the afternoon prayer. As a respected leader and teacher, it was essential for him to reside close to the mosque.

Balda

Hayah's residence was grand and imposing, constructed with red mud bricks, and enclosed by a large surrounding wall. From outside, only the rooftops were visible, giving an air of mystery and privacy.

As Hayah approached his house, the people of Balda respectfully knelt to greet him. He acknowledged them with a wave and led Fantah into one of the spacious apartments within the house. Here, she would rest and refresh herself before meeting the Lamdo the following morning. The interior of the house was equally impressive, comprising various apartments for different residents, ranging from Hayah, his wife, and concubines, down to the workers and servants. Each apartment's size and appearance reflected the occupant's status and importance.

"Where will you be?" she asked, her voice filled with fear.

"I will be in my apartment. I need to wash and change," he reassured her, noticing the fear in her eyes. "Don't worry, you will be fine. They will take good care of you."

"Will I see you later?"

"I will come to see you later. I promise."

"Okay," she finally smiled.

One of his hefty-looking guards approached them and assisted her in dismounting from the horse. He then took her small luggage into the house, while two beautiful servants guided her to her assigned room.

Inside the apartment, Fantah was captivated by its splendid decorations. The beautiful wooden door bore impressive carvings, and the long corridor leading to her room was adorned with murals and calligraphy in Arabic. As they entered the large room, she felt the softness of the Kashmir carpet beneath her feet and was astonished by its beauty and comfort. She hesitated, afraid to step on something so exquisite, but a courtier noticed her reaction, smiled, and reassured her before guiding her further.

The room was adorned with cushions arranged in an elegant pattern on the carpet. A table with flowers and vases added to the enchanting ambiance. The large windows were draped with thick curtains held open by golden ribbons, revealing white lace blinds. Fantah stood there, mouth agape, trying to take in the luxurious surroundings. Her attendants allowed her a few moments to absorb the grandeur before leading her to the inner room, which was slightly smaller than the first.

In that room, she saw a remarkably large and beautiful bed, adorned with the most exquisite covers she had ever seen. In her hometown, they slept on raffia woven beds, simple and folded during the day. This bed was unlike anything she had ever encountered in her life.

One of the female attendants led her to it and politely asked her to sit down. She was afraid at first, but the girl nudged her gently. When she sat down, she sank into the soft feathery cushion and instinctively jumped, thinking she was drowning. The girls laughed and assured her that it was okay, gently pulling her back onto the cushion.

It took her a while to get accustomed to her new environment and relax. When her attendants noticed this, they brought her some food to eat. Afterward, they helped her out of her clothes and showed her to the bathroom. She was reluctant at first because she was not used to others seeing her naked, but after a lot of persuasion, she finally gave in.

The bathroom was another tastefully decorated room. Back home, their bathrooms were detached and situated outside, surrounded by woven dakkwol for privacy. But this one looked like a living room. The walls were decorated, and in the center of the room, there was a large calabash filled with water, with some sweet-smelling herbs floating on it, along with a small bowl filled with black soap, a basket containing a natural loofah, and a wooden stool beside it.

They pointed to the stool, and she sat down gently. Then one of the girls took a small calabash, fetched some water from the larger one, and poured it on her bare back. It felt warm, and she inhaled the sweet herbal fragrance. Slowly, she closed her eyes as she received her first royal bath.

Afterward, she was dressed up in beautiful robes that Hayah had bought from Arab traders in preparation for her eventual arrival. She was treated like a queen by her new chaperones, who took the act of pampering to new heights. The change in appearance was dramatic, and she looked different from the shy nomadic girl who had just arrived moments ago. She was transformed into a beautiful princess adorned with golden jewelry dangling from each ear, her eyes glazed with excitement.

At twilight, Hayah went to see her. She was in the visitor's room, seated on one of the large cushions, with one of the girls fanning her while the other was gently massaging her legs and telling her fables. Even though she protested at first, they were so persuasive that she gave in.

"Salaamu Alaikum," he said as he stepped into the room. She looked up, and he had to catch his breath as she was even more beautiful than when he first saw her. She smiled and lowered her head.

"Alaikum salaam," she answered. The two servants bowed, greeted him, then got up and went outside.

"Wow. You are a beauty," he finally said when he came to, and she smiled again then looked away. He walked over and sat on another cushion next to her. "I see you have been taken care of."

"Yes, thank you, Allah rene."

"Don't call me that."

"Ok stranger," she said, timidly and turned her gaze away in the other direction. He smiled and touched her face, turning her towards him. She smiled again and covered her face with her hands.

"So, what do you think of my house?"

"It is very beautiful."

"It will soon be yours too." Fantah smiled again. "Have you eaten?"

"Yes, I have. They were very kind to me."

"Good." He leaned his elbow on one of the cushions. "I would like to introduce you to the lady of the house..." Fantah's heart started beating rapidly. "...If you are ready for it."

"Of course, it would be rude of me not to go and greet her."

He sat up and held her hand gently. "It's going to be all right. She is very nice."

"Ok."

He took her to another big apartment located in the sprawling compound. The door was similar to that of her apartment, but the color and decorations were different. There were also more servants in this one than there were at hers. As they entered the living room, all the servants knelt to greet them, then got up and left the room. Talatu, the lady of the house, was leaning on one of the mini beds. She got up and knelt to greet her husband, and then turned to Fantah.

"Welcome," she said.

Fantah also knelt and greeted her. "Thank you," she replied.

"How are you?"

"I am fine. I believe you had a wonderful trip."

"Yes, I did, thank you." The tension in the room was so heavy; one could cut through it with a knife, literally.

Hayah motioned her to a seat and then sat beside her. Talatu kept a pleasant smile on her face. If she was jealous, she didn't show it. She was a princess who had been trained all her life to maintain her poise and behave in a ladylike manner, no matter the situation.

One of the chaperons brought some refreshments, and then another one brought the food. Fantah prayed a silent prayer, hoping they wouldn't eat together, but the prayer must have gone unanswered as Hayah was intent on creating a bond between them. During the meal, he told Talatu about Fantah's wonderful village, and to Fantah, how Talatu grew up as a princess. Both women said very little, trying their best to be polite and pretending to be having fun. It was the most difficult meal of Fantah's life.

After dinner, he escorted her back to her apartment. At the door, he stopped to apologize to her.

"I know you were not expecting this, but I had to."

"It's ok," she lied, smiling.

"I care about you, Fantah, and I don't want you to have any problems here."

"Ok. But..." She stopped.

"But, what?" He asked.

"If it's all right with you 'stranger,' I would like to have my meals at my own apartment from now on."

He gave a little laugh. "I know. I noticed how little you ate. I promise I will never put you through that again."

"Thank you."

"I have informed the Lamdo of your arrival, and I will take you to meet him in the morning."

"I will be ready at first light."

He pats her cheek gently. "Have a good night's rest, my love."

"And you, my stranger."

[End of Chapter Eleven]