Chapter 3

And spring did come again, and Arnon improved enough to be able to sit in the sunshine and walk in the garden, but Fara’s depression was unrelieved. All her natural gaiety was gone.

One afternoon when Rennah came to call, she found Arnon and Fara together in the garden. Almost immediately, Fara excused herself and strolled away. Rennah followed her with troubled eyes.

‘She is growing taller; but, Arnon, Fara does not look well. Is something worrying her?’

‘Fara has been fretting all winter about me,’ said Arnon. ‘She is a most dutiful child.’

‘But now that you are getting well—’

‘I have thought of that, Rennah. She should be happy again. I wish we could think of something that might divert her. She has no interest in anything.’

‘She will have a birthday soon,’ remembered Rennah. ‘How about having a party?’ Her face lighted. ‘Would you let me have a party for Fara? I know Zendi would be glad. We will make quite a day of it—with the Councillors and their wives and all the children and grandchildren—and races and games and plenty to eat.’

‘It is like you, dear Rennah, to want to do such a kindness,’ said Arnon. ‘I hope you will not go to too much trouble.’

‘Zendi will approve, I know,’ said Rennah. ‘It’s high time we gave that sweet child some attention. We have neglected her too long. It should mean something to the people that Fara’s grandfathers were Kings!’

So, on the fifteenth of Adar, which turned out to be the fairest day of that early summer, the King and Queen celebrated Fara’s twelfth anniversary with a party that greatly exceeded Rennah’s original plan, not only in the entertainment provided but in the number of guests; for, having decided to do it, Zendi included all the sheiks and tribal leaders with their families.

Fara had been dismayed upon learning of the project in her honour and so seriously objected that she was all but in open revolt, until Zendi himself explained that as a child of royal blood she was not only entitled to certain favours but was expected to receive them graciously. And when Fara continued to frown disapprovingly, Zendi’s patience gave out and he informed her that whether she wanted it or not there was going to be a birthday party for her at the King’s encampment on the fifteenth day of Adar; and that, whether she wanted to or not, she was going to be there, bright and early!

Late in the night, after the party was over and everyone had gone home, Zendi told Rennah what he had said, so impatiently, to Fara when she had begged him not to celebrate her birthday.