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PART TWELVE 256. Libe was a woman, who was capable of hiding her excitement and feelings. She was very different than the other Basti women. She aggrieved over the death of her brother in law Takir in the war, she had cried after him sincerely. She had been happy, however, to have her son Genar back home alive. She had been hiding her joy. Her soul divided between two different feelings had experienced both pain and pleurae together in silence. When the other Basti women were wailing aloud for Takir, she had cried in a serene silence. Even after everything had been taken care of, she acted according to the traditions. She had not approached and embraced her son. She was not a meager, weak woman. She was logical and dignified. She spoke carefully. Her reactions were not hasty. She became part of Basti family when she was quite young. She was influenced by the clear-headed Basti Dadu. When her son was leaving for the war, she didn't exhibit any strong reaction. She had watched the farewell ceremony from a distance. She accepted that the war was not a simple skirmish but an imperative for the defense of the country. Such an outlook on the part of a member of an uneducated community, could not be an outcome of an enlightened consciousness It was rather because of her strong intuitions. She reckoned that her son Genar was different from the other Basti youngsters. This contention of hers stemmed from the respect others showed to her son, more than from her motherly intuitions . She was, rightfully, proud of her son’s dignified stance. At the same time she was apprehensive of her son’s remarkable personality. She was worried that he might suffer because of that. So, she wanted him to get married soonest possible. Four months had passed since the bloody battles in the west. It was late December. A cold, humid evening was setting. Genar was back from the farm and had just entered the guest house. Libe sent her daughter Bramhan to call her son to the house.
Genar's heart weighed heavy as always. Nevertheless, he could amuse
when in association with the Basti youngsters and the Basti daughters.
He tried to be light hearted. That day as he was passing through the courtyard
with his sister, he teased her as if he hadn't been in the village for
years. He laughed saying :"Well, Bastaphe!1
-What is going on in the village? Are the beautiful girls still here?" Bramhan looked at him with the corner of her eyes. She smiled cunningly. -What are you going to do with others while Gubate is there. Genar chuckled pretentiously saying "Well, well!" Then he became serious. -What is she to me! Isn't Gubate, a nasty Natho? Bramhan nodding her head, said "Yes, yes!" -Don't try to fool me! They had reached the door. She lifted her right hand as if she was threatening. -Say what ever you may, everybody knows what you are after. Genar couldn't help laughing at his sister's seriousness. He walked in wihtout an answer. His mother was in the kitchen. He guessed that she would reproach him. He wanted to lighten up the air by acting first. He stood by the kitchen door with his feet together in attention. He said -Goşeme yagoş!2 You've asked for me. Libe turned around. First, she wanted to laugh at her son's joke. But this didn't last long. The smile on her face faded away rapidly. 257 -Son! You've forgotten the way to this house I reckon. Genar beamed. -Divine mother! I thought you were going to say something important. As you see, I am here. I stay at the farm. Libe pretended to put on a serious expression. -Yes, I see. You go down to the guest house without stopping over at the house. Don't forget! You are not old enough to wish to eat at the guest house. Genar smiled. He came close to his mother. -Nan! This is not what you want to talk about. Talk to me openly, what do you want? Libe looked towards the door. There was no one. Still, she couldn't bring herself to say, as Genar had guessed, what she really wanted to say. She went back to her work. -There is nothing I want to tell. Go to the next door, we'll eat together. Don't you think it is important to be together. That evening, Genar had dinner with a group including Basti women, Gigi and Kadirhan. His father was not there. Of his cousins, Lasmar and Ismail were there. After the meal some other Basti women and Basti daughters joined them as well. They sat chatting for a long while. They talked about the war, Takir and Ahmet Sena. Finally, the most out-spoken Basti woman Gigi spoke. She broached a topic the elders had been expecting to be taken up since early that evening.. She handled the subject with skill at the right moment. -We are proud to have sprightly sons. But, you are sitting around lazily. Genar understood immediately what was coming up. His complexion turned red a little. Lasmar, however, with innocence looked at the wife of his great uncle. -Nan!3 What do you want us to do?
Gigi pointed to the Basti daughters.. With an effected anger, she shouted.
-Are these girls suppose to wait around for you until they get gray hair? As some Basti girls tuning their heads left and right; Bramhan, Dane and Suret covered their faces with their hands. They were crimson with embarrassment. Lasmar answered with the same innocence. -They should marry! Who is keeping them from getting married? A roar of laughter broke out. In the meantime, Bramhan jumped up first. The girls run out hastily nearly stepping on each other. The Ukrainian girl Takir had given to Libe had acquired a smattering of Adige language. Since she couldn't understand most of what's said, she was silent as others were silent, and laughed when others laughed. When the Basti daughters suddenly run out of the room, she didn't understood the situation first. Finally she followed them outside. She was laughing and shaking her head. When the calm returned, Genar was the first one to speak. He said -Before the situation gets worse, we should better leave. He stood up. he walked to the door, wishing good-night. Lasmar and Smayl followed him. Gigi shouted behind them. -Bastis haven't smiled a long time since. It is enough! Did you hear me? Lasmar turned back. Poking his head through the door, he said : "all right nan all right!" His mother Kadirhan, who had spoken very little until then, looked at him with angry eyes, saying "Get lost you shameless boy!" Lasmar withdrew, quietly, with a fearful expression on his face. He grumbled in a high voice, as if he wanted the elders hear him. "We truly asked for it" he said. The girls were still laughing outside. When they saw their older brothers coming out, Genar in the lead, they tagged behind them. They walked to the Guest house. While walking they chatted among themselves. 258 The largest room of the guest house where Ahmet Sena used to live, was filled with the youngsters of the quarter. Zako and Jıbğe were putting logs in the hearth. The young slave Hafus was watching them on foot. Girls realizing there was no room for them, turned back. The youth stayed up late. They talked about the war and the future. They dispersed with troubled thoughts, since they couldn't know what the coming days would bring. O0O Two days later, Genar went up to Çemko with Jıbğe. The evening was approaching. The sky was clear, but the weather was quite cold. The care-taker of the farm, Şardan, received them. He appeared to be still mourning for Takir. Since Takir's death this middle-aged man had became more restrained. He talked very little. He laughed almost never. Yet, he took over Genar's horse swiftly. Passed the horse to his son who was waiting behind him, he led the new master of the farm. He said "Your room is ready!" Genar didn't go into the house right away. He walked along the buildings surrounding the courtyard. The inhabitants of Çemko were getting ready for the evening. The odor of the meals being cooked was seeping out. Youth were cutting wood. Women were milking cows in the barns. The sheep and goats were being taken into the large sheds at western side. Huge shepherd dogs were wrestling at the Çemko open space, they barked. The children, at the best period of their life, were playing the last games of the day. They were running around shouting. There was a fountain in the center of the courtyard. Water was brought in wooden grooves from a source hundred meters away. A group of girls who work at the weaving looms were gathered at the fountain. Some were collecting water, others were joking around. As Genar and Şardan came close to the fountain, the girls stopped talking. One of them, , said "Welcome!" on behalf of the group. Genar replied pleasantly. There was a pretty girl in the foreground.. She was looking down and smiling. Genar teased her playfully. He said -Surbay! What is new? There seems to be an important meeting here at the fountain-head! The young girl lifted her large eyes slightly and looked at Genar. She turned her head to the side and laughed. Her face turned red a little. -There is nothing important. We were just talking. Şardan thought it was the right time. Without the slightest change of his facial expression, he said -Girls would like to give you a present. Genar, slightly surprised, looked at Şardan. He said "Yes?" Then he turned to Surbay. He looked into the girl's eyes, smiling. -Surbay! What is Şardan talking about? To tell you the truth, I'm curious now! Surbay's cheeks got redder. She looked towards Şardan. The other girls, as if embarrassed, huddled together with their eyes down. Şardan, pretending to be scolding them, shouted in a warm voice. -What are you waiting for? One of you should go get the gifts. A wave went through the group. The first one to move was a thin, delicate girl standing at the back. She went away running. In a short while she was back with a neatly folded large bundle. She stopped hesitantly, not knowing what to do. Şardan: "Open up, show your creation!" he said. Surbay and three other girls opened the bundle. Holding from the corners they spread the cloth. They revealed the folded things in the bundle. 259 Surbay letting the cloth go, lifted the things inside one by one. She showed the presents shyly to Genar: a wool shawl, embroidered robe of a delicate tissue, a winter coat that the girls wear with care, and other small pieces. Genar was taken by surprise. He shouted stuttering: -But girls! There must be a mistake. These things are not suitable for me. What am I suppose to do with them? The girls laughed out, not being able to control themselves. Subay, showed the courage to look at Genar with her large eyes. She smiled cunningly. -Of course these are not your use. But, we thought you might need them. Genar said "Oh.. I got it" With a lot of hand gesticulations like he was threatening, he looked at the young girl. -You conspired this game, didn't you? You'll see! Won't I set you up with a seducer... He paused laughing. -Whatever... I thank you all anyway. He took few steps backward and said "Good evening!" Girls responded all together. As he was entering the house, it was getting dark. In the hearth at Takir's old room, large logs were burning. The interior was filled with crimson light. Warm, tender air was spread all over the room in waves. Genar had brought along Ukrainian Andre or Tiko as newly named, to Çemko. He was to stay in the farm and take care of the room service. Tiko was close to be conversant in Adige language. When Genar was away, he was to help Şardan. That night, soon after Genar's arrival, he set up the fire in the hearth. And was waiting at the door. Genar sat on the divan covered with animal skin at the right corner. Şardan took seat at the opposite divan. In the meantime, Tiko lighted one of the thick candles on the wooden shelf over the hearth. Genar followed the movement of Tiko. As he finished with his chores and withdrew, he rested back. "How are you Tiko?" he asked. The young man turned. Smiled. He shook his head, meaning "I'm fine." He looked happy. They sat in silence for a while. Genar watched the logs burning in the hearth. Şardan said: -The meal is ready. Do you want to eat now? Genar was absorbed in his thoughts. He nodded, got up saying "Yes, it would be a good idea; but I want to do my evening Namaz (prayer) first." Genar had neglected performing Namaz since the departure of Ahmet Sena. During the winter campaign, later trips and the Anapa battles he hadn't performed Namaz. at all. While at Çığızaç he sometimes went to the mosque with his father. He could not be described as a fully practicing Muslim. Lately he often remembered Ahmet Sena. He imagined Sana admonishing him saying, :"You've forgotten me, you don't keep my advice". With this warning of his own imagination, he had started performing Namaz. He was doing so not because it was a religious obligation, but because he wanted to keep Ahmet Sena's memory alive. As he was leaving for ablution, Subay walked in with a bundle in her arms. Jıbğe had opened the door for her, then he had stayed back. Genar gestured with his hand saying "Yeees! Come in!" Subay lifted up the bundle a little higher. -I brought this. The young girl was at the door, hesitant.. The glow from the hearth lighted her face, giving it a different color. She looked pretty enough to move any young man’s heart. But for Genar, she was just a sweet, nice girl. A pretty picture worth looking at. 260. It was not so in the case of Jıbğe. He could gazed at her with admiration only for a few seconds. He brought down his eyes immediately. Genar said -Jıbğe! This bundle is for us. Take it. As he was taking the bundle, Jıbğe looked once more at Surbay, whom he always liked. He withdrew as soon as he took the bundle. Surbay wished "Good evening!" as she left. Genar shouted behind her, -Surbay! Tonight, I will think over what you had meant by offering me the gifts. Surbay was beyond the door-sill into the dark hall by that time. She answered without showing her face. - A moment ago you said you've understood! -I was obliged to say that. Surbay stood at the hall few seconds hesitantly. Then, she walked away with her steps echoing on the stone floor. Genar, stood looking down and smiling for a while with his hands crossed at his back. Şardan also had stood up and was watching him. Then, his expression became solemn. He said: -Yes! I was going to do ablution, I suppose. He went out. Tiko run to get another candle, lighted it and followed Genar. After the Namaz the three men together settled for dinner. They devoured the meal of freshly baked bread, boiled chicken, cheese and honey. During the meal, Tiko waited on them. He served water to the ones asked for it. Şardan didn't stay long after the dinner. He asked Genar’s permission to leave saying , "You are exhausted, you better retire." In a short while, Tiko and Jıbğe placed two large logs into the hearth. They asked Genar if he needed anything else. Genar, simply said "Good night!" He felt heavy. After Tiko and Jıbğe left, he stood up. He listened into the night outside. He bolted the door. He turned around, took the bundle that was laying on top of the chest at the corner. He opened it over the divan. He had not yet taken a good look at the presents the girls gave him. He examined the embroidered robe with special care. "Yes, the size is right for Gubate," he thought. "But these naughty girls don't know Gubate! the elders must be involved in this intrigue." He murmured by himself "It is clear! Even the girls at Çemko want me to get married. There is no other explanation for these gifts." He wondered for a while "How would it be if I presented these to Gubate?" "I don't think there is such a tradition. I should be careful not to make a mistake and be embarrassed" He took off his lamb-skin cap, arranged his hair by moving his fingers through. -"I'll announce it as 'a Gift package from our girls at Çemko.' Let Gubate interpret it the way she likes. That should be the best way!" -"Strange! Two days ago they had brought up the subject of marriage at home. And now, it is the folks at Çemko! It smells a conspiracy. It is too much for a coincidence!" -"I understand the folks at Çemko. Uncle Takir lived here as bachelor for a long time. He turned Çemko into a sort of military camp. Everybody had to abide to his rules. Now they want that to be changed. It is more likely that they expect a lot from me. Especially, they want me to get married. Perhaps they want the manager of the Çemko Farm should have a wife from now on. That is what they wanted." His train of thought changed suddenly. He felt pain and worry in his heart. He remembered the war. His uncle, with his heavy sword in his hand, came into his mind. Then, the way he fell onto his horse. The moment of his death.. 261 His thoughts returned to the subject of marriage again. "My uncle Takir died not long ago. Would it be proper to think about getting married so soon? What will people say about it? I should be thoughtful. But... My elders wish me to marry. That's what the talks of the Basti women suggest." He sat by the hearth. He watched the flames for sometime. He went on with self-revelation: - Suppose I decide to marry. Marry with Gubate? She has not accepted my proposal yet! What if she turned it down! That would be a real disaster. I cannot marry someone else. If she said 'no!' I will stay single till the end of my life like uncle Takir." Such misgivings about Gubate oppressed his soul. He got up, started pacing up and down in the room. Thoughts about everything that he cared for crowded his mind. The events of the past year, the individuals that he had been together with in these events... The places he had been to...and what not. -I say, "I am going to get married . But at our borders super powers are at war. Foreign armies are invading our land..." Genar suddenly thought of Ahmet Sena. He felt him so close! He seemed to feel his breath over his neck. He blew out the candle standing on the right side of the hearth. He sat down in the front of the hearth. Flames from the large logs in the hearth rose and fall in short intervals. Each rising flame was forming a figure that lasted for few seconds, and disappeared. At moments it seemed each wave of flames reflected Ahmet Sena's intense eyes gazing at him. He recalled Sena saying to him: "Each tribe shapes its own destiny. You have been fractionated into independent tribes and closed-minded families. If you continued this way, you are going to be perished!" Genar complained, "You are in the wrong. You fired my soul and then disappeared. You shouldn't have done that! You shouldn't have left us!" Throughout the night, he lived again and again the past he revived in his imagination. The logs in the hearth turned into red cinders; then into ashes. The room immersed in darkness. Along with the dying out fire, his imagination blurred too. the images in his mind became increasingly vague. . He woke up with the crows of the cocks. He had no idea how long he slept. His entire body was stiff. He got up with difficulty. He took one of the heavy woolen blankets. He laid down on the divan without taking off his clothes. He was cold. He shivered for a long time. He fell asleep again at sun-rise O0O It was a rainy day. There was no wind. Tiny drops of rain were steadily falling. Some were ice crystals. Genar woke up late. All of his body was aching. His head was throbbing. He tried to get up. His knees gave up. He put his head back on the pillow. As he was laying on his back, he tried to warm himself by moving his arms and legs. He rubbed his chest and stomach. These movements were helpful. His body relaxed a little. He got up with difficulty. He walked to the door and unbolted it. He figured that he couldn't stay up, he called up Tiko. Then returned and laid down on the divan. 262 Tiko was just outside the building when he heard Genar calling him. He moved swiftly. Since it was a cloudy day the small windows of the room didn't let in sufficient light. He entered the dark room hesitantly. He stopped and looked at Genar without knowing what to do exactly. Genar moaned: "I'm very ill Tiko." Tiko was flustered. He said with his broken accent "Really?" and run out to fetch Şardan. He put on the fire upon his return. Genar remained in bed for two days. He took the medicine Şardan prepared and followed his instruction. Şardan knew the recopies for some of medicines of the country healers. He knew how to pick the plants needed to make up the mixture. He had a collection of herb and root stashed away in a special chest. Genar, though he knew of Şardan's medicines, was surprised by the extent of his skill. He recovered fast thanks to the brews Şardan prepared for him. On the third day he was feeling well enough to get on his feet. But Şardan didn't let go of him. He was fed with the meat of the game animals mixed with medicinal herb mixed with honey for sometime, cooked on oak coal fire. A week later, he said "It is enough! My people in Çığızaç would be worried." Şardan, laughing for the first time since Takir's death, nodded in agreement. Genar prepared his own saddle-bag. He divided the bundle given to him by the girl's of Çemko and carefully packed them into the two pockets of his saddle-bag. The pockets were fully distended. Jıbğe and Tiko, in the meantime, had saddled the horses. It was a cold day. He wrapped the sides of his cap around his neck, fastened the collars of his cloak. Before mounting on his horse, he asked Şardan if he wanted anything to be brought from the village. Şardan said: -We are low on salt. Genar was pensive for a moment. Suddenly he lifted his head and looked at the sky. Yes, that's very important. We cannot buy salt from Crimea as long as there is war. And we don't know when the war will end. Perhaps... Perhaps, it will never end. He pondered for a moment. He gazed at Şardan wondering. -Up at the river bed, there were rocks that looked like salt. -I know: bad quality. Genar laughed. -If one can make medicine mixture, one could deal with that problem too. Without waiting for Şardan's response, he took the reins of his horse from Tiko. He jumped on the high saddle, and spurred his horse saying "So long!" Jıbğe walked out of the courtyard with his horse. He mounted on it past the main gate, and galloped after Genar. Şardan walked to the gate behind them. He smiled faintly, when he noticed the swelling of the pockets of Genar's saddle-bag. Tiko was standing few paces behind him, not concerned what was going about. He gazed onto the northern horizon in longing. O0O 263. Genar didn't mention his illness to his people at Çığızaç, since he didn't want his elders, especially his mother to be worried.. He had instructed Jıbğe accordingly before they reached the village. He desired to visit Psikuy, see Nathos soonest possible. But he didn't know under what pretext to leave. To seek his father's permission he had to have a good reason. As the Basti women were talking about the subject of marriage, he suspected that the word must have reached to his father as well. Everyone in his family was aware of his interest in Gubate. The Basti daughters, especially his sister Bramhan, had done enough to spread the word. The possibility of the elders being aware of the situation, embarrassed him. He contemplated for a while, and decided not to let anyone know what for he was visiting Psikuy. Nevertheless, he couldn't help telling the truth to his sister Bramhan. He was aware that his departure without seeking approved by the elders, and that otherwise they would worry about him. Bramhan was to inform the elders after he had set out. Having listened Genar’s story, Bramhan giggled. Genar lifted up his eye-brows and adopted a serious composure. -Nehaç!4 Why are you laughing? Bramhan, murmured, "Nothing!", turned side ways. She was tried hard not to cross the line, suppressing her laughter. Genar lifted his index finger threatening, and looked at her severely. -Look here! Don't bring up Gubate again... I'll be cross! Then he couldn't pretend any longer. He himself began laughing. He placed a little flip on his sister's nose and turned around. He walked swiftly to the guest house. Bramhan was elated with the secret trusted to her. She watched Genar walking away, then she laughed cunningly. She run home and told to her mother right away what she was supposed to keep secret for at least five-six hours. The same day afternoon, Genar and Jıbğe left ostensibly for Çemko, in the opposite direction relative to Psıkuy. They turned to Psıkuy after covering a good distance from Çığzaç in the direction of Çemko. Genar wished to enter Psikuy after dark, so they advanced slowly. They crossed the wooden bridge over the Psifabe creek at sunset.
Genar did not mention the bundle he had received from the Çemko girls to
anyone from the family. He didn't want Jıbğe either to notice it.
After the dark he felt for the pockets of his saddle-bag. Throughout
the journey he has been thinking about the manner he would present to the
package to Gubate.
They reached Psikuy earlier than planned. By chance there were no one outside because of the cold weather. Weak, dim lights leaked through the windows.. The dogs met them first. As the barking dogs surrounded them, a few doors were opened. They were stopped by two armed young men at the first street corner. Since the beginning of the war, security measures in villages had been tightened. Genar dismounted his horse, introduced himself. The young men apologized and pulled back their weapons. They welcomed the visitors and escorted them to the Natho quarters. Genar was walking in the middle of the two men; while Jıbğe followed them towing the horses. Genar didn't think it would be appropriate to go to Natho Sabe's house. He told the young men that they would be visiting Natho Hanbeş's son Agu. they spotted Agu in the guest house. He was there with two friends from the village. Agu was surprised to see them. He embraced Genar sincerely, took him to the guest house holding from his arm. If it wasn't rude to ask a guest "Why did you come?", he would have said "At this hour.. is there something urgent?" He controlled himself with difficulty. 264 Gubate's younger brother Negu, who had just began to mixed up with the youth, too was at the guest house. He looked at Genar sadly. He said in a low voice "Welcome!" Seeing Genar had reminded him his brother Şate. In a short while the daughter of the house, Kodan, arrived. In her usual pleasant manners, she inquired about the Basti daughters. With the arrival of the guests the courtyard of Basti Hanbeş was livened up. Genar's arrival was heard at Natho Sabe's neighboring courtyards also. The young guards-men of Psikuy didn't stay long for they figured that the guests were tired. Kodan brought in meal late in the evening. When the four young men sat, she remained standing and served them. Kodan was the usual Kodan. The dimples on her cheeks were, like signs of a secret smile, appearing and disappearing frequently. Genar admired this bright and pretty Natho daughter and at the same time felt timid with her. After supper they went out to the courtyard. The sky was clear and the stars were twinkling. The air was cold. They walked around for some time. While they were outside, Kodan tidied the place, prepared the beds. After she finished with her chores, Kodan went out to the shed. She said: -I'm sorry, I kept you in the cold. Genar clacked his teeth in exaggerated way and run towards the stairs saying "Birrr! Psikuy is absolutely freezing." They all laughed noisily. A separate place was prepared for Jıbğe. He asked permission to leave. Negu didn't go in either. He said, "It's too late, I must go, if you please permit me!", he left. Kodan had placed logs in the hearth. The dry wood were burning in high flames. The air in the room was warm and tender. Clean sheets had been spread and quilts were placed on both of the divans by the hearth. Genar turned to Kodan. -Our beautiful hostess! Please don't hesitate to leave. We don't want to trouble you any further. I thank you for all you've done. Kodan laughed at these words that seemed a bit exaggerated. Since her older brother Agu was present, she couldn't respond to Genar. In a low voice she bid good-night and left. Agu and Genar were left alone. They sat across from each other on the divans; watched the fire for sometime. At one point, Agu stirred looking at Genar; he took a deep breath as if he was getting ready to speak. When he made eye contact with Genar, he turned his face to the flames again. he didn't seem at ease. Agu, in a moment later, without lifting his head up said "I want to explain something that I find important." His voice was like a whisper.. Genar looked at Agu curiously. Agu, without changing his position, continued. -But before I speak, I want to ask you something. He seemed timid. He got up, moved around the logs in the hearth. -I know my behavior does not confirm with the traditions, and I might be out of line. But I have to do what I do. Please forgive me. Genar couldn't wait. -I cannot stand the suspense. Please say it! What is going on? Agu laughed. -No, there is nothing bad as yet. After a short pause, he continued. -I believe you are fond of Gubate. I'm not mistaken, am I? 265 Genar was surprised. He smiled bashfully, looked down without giving an answer. Agu was obliged to explain to save the situation. -Gubate is my uncle’s daughter. You should understand my concern. I just wanted to find out what did you exactly think about her. As Genar didn't know Agu's motivations, he couldn't figure out how to respond. He talked in hesitation. -If.. If there is something like that! In fact, there is! Would you disapprove? Agu laughed saying "not at all". He went on, -I hope you won't reproach me. Being Gubate's kin, I shouldn't have talked about your relation with her. He paused, reflected for a moment and continued, -Yet, there are things you should know. I'm worried about developments that might be upsetting for you and Gubate. That's why I dared to disregard the traditions. Genar was mad with curiosity. But he felt shy to show his excitement. With a great effort to hide his feelings, he asked in a low voice. -Did I make a mistake? Agu shook his head -No. I suppose you know Zıbeko Hazeş from our village? Genar said "I know!" -Zıbeko is after Gubate. When Gubate discouraged him, he was infuriated. Couple of days ago, he ranted on and on saying 'I know what to do, if I get angry'. He has two friends encouraging him: Hunko Devay and Becasko Famok. I guess you know them as well. Genar raised his head slightly, trying to recall the names. -Devay and Famok participated in the last war, I think. -Zibeko Hazeş participated in the war also. Agu went on after a short pause. -In fact that's his problem. He takes himself as a hero. he says he killed hundred Cossacks. Genar said, "May be", and smiled. He thought about the Zibeko's understanding of the war. "If everyone who participates in the war acted like a bully as he did, there would have been a havoc", he said to himself. At the same time he felt guilty for finding fault with Zibeko. He remembered himself had told Gubate, "I'll kidnap you!". Agu got up -Here is my concern. I know very well Zibeko Hazes. He is a reckless youth. He is also quite vainglorious person. He may attempt to kidnap Gubate against her wish. Which will be extremely upsetting for us. Genar bend forward a little, he put his hands on his knees, as if he was going to get up. But he did not. -All right, what are your plans? Agu was distressed. -You should clarify your position concerning Gubate! He turned his back, as if he was embarrassed and walked to the door. He stopped by the doorstep, without changing his position, he continued to talk. -I know: it is highly irregular to demand something like this! But I didn't know what else to do. Agu hesitated for a moment. -Don't misunderstand me! I am not asking help from you against Zibeko Hazes. It is not that I prefer you over Hazes either. I only want to protect Gubate from an embarrassment. I would like to know what and who Gubate wants. Genar said: "I understand!" His features were tense. Agu got back to his seat, he sat again across from Genar. 266 -Zibekos are considered one of our highly respected families. It is normal for Hazeş to take interest in Gubate. I only worry about development of an undesired situation. Genar, his head down, said "Yes you are right!" They remained silent for a while. Genar, distressed and hesitant, interrupted the silence. -If you arrange for me to see Gubate tomorrow, I can find out what she thinks. If she accepts, I'll send my elders to ask for her hand. Agu stood up, saying "all right" He laughed. He seemed to have been relieved of a heavy burden oppressing his soul. -It is getting late. If you wish we go to bed now. Genar smiled, said "as you wish." He got up also. Agu turned off the oil lamp that was hanging from the right side of the hearth. The crimson cinders at the hearth were providing enough light into the room. Without hurry, they took their clothes off and laid down on the divans. Neither of them was sleepy. Especially Genar was very tense. They had nothing further to talk about; but to think about the situation individually. Genar was laying on his back. For a long time he remained still, he was thinking of Gubate and his conversation with Agu. He tried to figure out how the situation would unfold. The more he pondered the more gloomy the prospects appeared. To him the war, the death of his uncle Takir seemed as the bad omens.
Agu, turned in his bed a couple of times, and soon fell asleep. He
snored lightly. But Genar's mind was flared up. By the
dawn he was exhausted, he wasn't able to think any more. As his soul
melted in the void, he finally fell asleep.
The next morning, Agu woke up early. Seeing Genar in deep sleep, he got up and quietly dressed up. He went out of the room tiptoeing. When Genar awakened, it was quite late. He got up hastily as he saw Agu wasn't in his bed. He opened the blinds. It was a cloudy day. It wasn't possible to tell the time. But he figured it was not early. He went outside. He wanted to let his hosts know he was up. Agu was by the stables. He was watching his horse being walked by slave Zaun. He waved to Genar. Motioned him to come. While Genar and Agu were inspecting the stables, Kodan tidied up the guest house and prepared their breakfast. The young men washed up and entered the guest house shortly. As they sat down, Genar looked at Kodan and said -Wouldn't you like to join us? Kodan shook her head, meaning "No" She smiled. A cunning expression was flickering in her eyes. Agu turned to his sister. He asked, as if he just remembered about Jıbğe, -"Where is our other guest?" Kodan answered, seemingly she wanted to put Genar at ease as well. -Jıbğe and Zaun get along very well. They had breakfast together. Genar, just for the sake of saying something, said: "Really!" Kodan covered her eyes with one hand and laughed. Agu straightened his back, smiled, as he said, - Genar! I forgot to tell you some thing. You know my groom Zaun? We are going to have him married soon. Do you know with whom? Vunay, the daughter of our Laşe. Genar lifted his eye brows. -Very good! He is a lucky man. Vunay is a pretty, well brought up girl. I sincerely wish them to be happy. Agu laughed. -We'll have the wedding soon. We'll expect you to come. -We'll have the wedding soon. We'll expect you to come. Kodan looked at the ceiling with a mocking smile on her face. 267 -What else could they do! They got tired of waiting for the young nobles. Genar looked at Kodan in surprize. He remembered the words of the Basti women on the same subject. Kodan coverd her eyes with her hands and giggled as she made the biting remark. Agu was angry. He talked, griding his teeth. -Basti! Natho daughters have a drawback. They talk a lot. You should try to overlook it. Genar exclaimed, "No!". He gazed at Kodan smiling. -I admire Kodan's frankness. Each word of hers is a word of truth. Kodan couldn't resist this exagerated compliment. She went out laughing. After the breakfast, they proceeded to the courtyard Natho Sabe, next door. Kodan walked ahead, opened the gate in between the two courtyards. Agu, leaped forward saying, "Let me show you the way". Slave Lase was standing in the middle of the courtyard, supporting to a thick walking-stick. As it was a chilly day, he had his thick black felt cloak on his shoulders. When he saw Genar, he smiled and said "Welcome!" Kodan again was walking ahead of them. As usual, the guest was ushered into the room nearest to the entrance. It was cleaned and well decorated; and there was fire in the hearth. After genar and Agu took their seat on the divans facing each other, Kodan left the room. In a short time she came back accompanied by Gubate and Vunay. 1A Basti daughter
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