[I'm sure you've been wondering what the bad guys are up to. Well, you're about to find out]
Chapter Seven
****
Rishda was at his palace, and held a meeting with Shift and Ginger.
"So what's the next step?", asked Shift.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out", said Rishda, "We've had the temples and palaces built in Narnia and even in Archenland."
"Right", said Ginger, "And have you heard anything about the tavern maid?"
"I haven't heard anything about her. Perhaps something is up... since she's been spending all her time with Emeth, one of my soldiers."
"Is there something going on between them?", asked Shift.
"I knew he had feelings for her", said Rishda, "A rash boy and a naive girl..."
"Maybe you should find out more", said Ginger, "Maybe there is something up."
***
Marietta went outside for a moment. She had been extra careful for the last few months, and soon enough, she was going to marry Emeth. She could not have been more excited. However, Rishda came approached her.
"Well, well", said Rishda.
"Rishda", said Marietta.
"Who thought that I would run into a naive girl and... Marietta, how..", Rishda now just noticed Marietta, "Emeth is..."
"How long did you take you to figure that out?"
"So this is how a rash boy and a naive girl act and think.... he acts rash and she doesn't think things through!"
"Is that what you think?"
"Oh, I knew you were a foolish maid!"
****
Chlamash and Rhonda had come over to see Emeth at his place. They came to see how he was doing.
"So you're doing some wedding planning?", asked Chlamash.
"That's right", said Emeth, "Later than I would have like to.. but, well you know..."
"Right", said Rhonda, "Oh, where is Marietta?"
"She went out the other day. She hasn't come back... doesn't sound like her.
"You don't think something happened, do you?", asked Chlamash.
"That's what I'm going to find out", said Emeth.
"I'll go with you", said Rhonda.
"Thanks, Rhonda."
***
Emeth and Rhonda went to look around. Soon, they arrived at Rishda's palace. They decided to go in and check out. It appeared he wasn't home.
"Do you think she'd be here?", asked Rhonda.
"No, though it would seem like that Rishda would've taken her", said Emeth.
Next thing, they heard crying. It was coming from behind a door. It was Marietta. Rhonda tried to open the door, but it was locked.
"Rishda must have locked her in there!", said Rhonda, "Do you have a key?"
"No", said Emeth, "But we could try to break it down. Then on second thought...."
"Maybe there's a window outside. We could get in that way.."
"Hey, I just find this secret passage way. Maybe it goes into that room."
They went through the secret passage way, and it lead to the different rooms. Then they found the one that Marietta was in. She was in shock and in tears.
"Rishda did this, didn't he?", asked Rhonda.
"How did you get in here?", asked Marietta.
"I've found a secret passage way", said Emeth, "I guess Rishda had no idea he set one up."
"Perhaps the construction builders built one without him knowing", said Rhonda.
"I thought he locked me up in here", said Marietta.
"Marietta, we'll get you out of her. Emeth, you lead the way through the secret passageway."
"I'll see if there is one that leads the way out", said Emeth.
Emeth lead the way, and Rhonda helped Marietta through the secret passage. They went through passageway that lead to the foyer. They went out front and they closed the door.
"Perhaps we should go around back before Rishda sees us", said Rhonda.
"Good idea", said Emeth, "Then we'll go back to my place."
***
Sometime later, during a snowy day in November, Tirian, Poggin, Eustace and Jill had stopped by Emeth's palace for a visit. Amara was also there. They wanted to see how Marietta was doing.
"So how long before the wedding?", asked Jill.
"Well, we haven't officially set a date", said Marietta. Then she felt some sharp pain.
"Marietta, are you?", asked Eustace.
"What's happening?", asked Rhonda.
"I think...", said Marietta, "Wait, I still have a month!"
"I think I know", said Amara, "Marietta, I'll get you a room and get you to lie down. Rhonda, Jill, I need you to help me out."
"What can we do?", asked Jill.
"I need you to do what I tell you. Just help me get Marietta comfortable."
Amara, Rhonda, and Jill helped Marietta to a room, and helped her get comfortable in bed.
****
Tirian, Emeth, Chlamash, Poggin, and Eustace waited outside for a an hour or so. There wasn't any sound except for Marietta's cries. Then after awhile, there was a sound of a cry of a baby.
They rushed upstairs to see what it was.
"Is it a boy or a girl?", asked Emeth, who was the first to rush in, seeing Marietta cradling the newborn in her arms.
"A girl", said Amara, "And I must say, she's healthy for a pre-mature."
"Congrats, Emeth", said Chlamash.
Emeth went over to Marietta, putting a hand on her shoulder, gently and carefully, keeping in mind she had just been through a lot.
"Emeth...", said Marietta, gazing down at the little one.
"She's beautiful", said Emeth, and she handed her for him to hold.
Emeth was nestling the little one close to him. Then Amara sent everyone out except for Emeth so that Marietta could get some rest.
"So how long before the wedding?", asked Marietta.
"Well, I think we should wait until you've rested up", said Emeth.
"You're right. Do you know any Calormene names?"
"Oh, Calormene names? Well, I'll have to think on that. What about Narnian or Archenlander names?"
"What are you thinking?"
"Maybe her first name will be Calormene and her middle name will be Archenlander. I know, Adinah."
"Alright. Let's see... Lilyn."
"Adinah Lilyn. I like it. You get your rest, Marietta."
Marietta went into a blissful sleep as Emeth nestled the little one, Adinah. He kissed the top of her head gently as he gazed down upon her.
[Well, now the secret's out and now you know what the bad guys have been up to. As for the baby, "Adinah" is a Hebrew name for "Gentle, delicate". Lilyn sounded like it could be an Archenlander name.]
