The Admonishments of Kherishdar
M.C.A. Hogarth

WORRY

qetaim nama [ qeh TIME nah MAA ], (noun) — wisdom duties; the work expected of elders as they "retire" from more active physical duties.

      "I know why you're here," I said. Then, exasperated. "Who sent you? My son?"
      "Your niece."
      Of course. She notices those things. I watched the priest sit. "Do you know who I am?"
      "You are the matriarch of Nedzer," he said. "Who built Nedzer Enterprises."
      "You can read the news, at least," I said. "But do you understand it?"
      He was unruffled. "You take what is unique to Third World and sell it to Second.... what is unique to First and sell it to Third. To the colonies. So on."
      "I make a lot of money doing it. I hauled this family up from the bottom of the Merchant caste, you know that?" I leaned back against the casement, arms folded over my chest. "Me. My vision."
      "Yes," the priest replied.
      I turned away from him. "I know it's time. I'm not stupid. My parents didn't want the place I gave them. They were happier with a couple of stores, something smaller in scope. But me... I want to help my son grow the business."
      "No doubt."
      "I raised him well. He's ready." I looked out the window at the courtyard where my servants were tending the exotic landscaping. Because I could afford it. Cultivars from Third World, from the colonies. Symbols of what we do. "He'll take it in a different direction. Children usually do. But I'm confident it'll be a good one."
      "Naturally."
      "There's a lot to be done," I continued. "Opportunities. He's got a good wife, too. Smart girl. Good at the business. Didn't think he'd find someone who could work so well with us."
      "Family is important."
      "Damn, yes, family's important," I said. "I did it all for family."
      "All?"
      "All right, mostly," I said, relenting. Then laughed. "And for me. Too much ambition, my parents said."
      "You used it well."
      "Yes."
      "You'll be good at wisdom-duties."
      "Yes," I said.
      "Your son will be glad of your expertise."
      "Yes," I agreed.
      Shame cocked a brow. "What is it then?"
      I drummed my fingers on the sash. "Where does advising become running things? He deserves to run things. I'm afraid I'll smother him."
      The priest leaned back, folding his hands over his solar plexus. "The answer is not obvious to you."
      "Well, no," I said, acerbic. But a little amused too. "Go ahead, young man. Tell me."
      "Negotiate a contract," he said.
      "What?"
      "A contract," he said. "You're both able negotiators. Put it in writing. A business transaction, if you will."
      "If I will!" I exploded, and then laughed hard from my gut. "Damn, boy."
      A flicker of a smile. "It'll work, yes?"
      I was already anticipating the adrenaline of a good negotiation. And with my own son... he was good. Better than me, I thought sometimes. I was more of a hammer than a dart. "Yes... yes, it would." I laughed. "All right. I'll do it. Thank you. And if you ever need something unique—"
      He rose. "Nedzer's reputation is without peer."
      "Hell yes," I said. "Now and always."
      He bowed and left. Me too... work to be done. There's always work to be done. Thank God!


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© 2007, M. C. A. Hogarth