Flux

have seemed wondrous and exotic to this audience. To aid his limited vocabulary he acted things out: a fisherman on a wobbly boat, trying to land a string of fish; a hired carriage weaving through the crowds of pedestrians, and the pedestrians ducking out of its way; a woman shopping at the market before a festival. He even told them of small things, like gas lights and toilets and bathtubs.
    Miner had the impression that these people didn’t believe half of what Ennek told them, but they certainly appreciated the telling, oohing and aahing and roaring with laughter. For his part, Miner just enjoyed watching Ennek. He was so animated, so naturally the center of attention. Miner had observed this during his rare excursions to the top deck of the Eclipse . Although Ennek seemed utterly unaware of it, he had enormous charisma and wherever he was, people couldn’t help but watch him, gather around him, listen to him. Miner had never been like that. Even among his own family, and despite the fact that he was often the tallest person present, he tended to fade into the background. When faced with an audience of any sort he blushed and stammered. He didn’t mind, really. He’d never wanted to have everyone focused on him. If Ennek was the sun, Miner was content to be the orbiting moon.
    After several hours, though, Ennek’s voice had begun to grow hoarse, and Miner thought he detected a tiredness about his lover’s eyes. It was late and Ennek was still not fully recovered, and they had a long journey to undertake in the morning. Miner quietly made his way through the crowd until he stood at Ennek’s side. Ennek smiled up at him.
    “Hey,” Miner said when Ennek paused for a moment. “Maybe we should get some sleep.”
    “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ve been going on and on, haven’t I?”
    “You’re having fun.”
    “I…yes, I expect so. It’s only, at the Keep the Chief’s eyes were always on me, judging me.”
    “I understand,” Miner replied. “Nobody’s judging you now. Everyone likes you.”
    Ennek shook his head. “If they knew, though. If they knew who I really am….”
    “ I know who you really are.”
    Ennek smiled thinly at him, unconvinced. “We should turn in.” He faced their hosts and said something that made them nod in response. Everyone else looked disappointed, but Luli shooed them away and soon the courtyard was nearly empty, just Ennek and Miner and moths whirling in the lamplight.
    The two of them went inside and removed their simple clothing. Ennek lay on his side with Miner behind him, and they didn’t make love or even speak, but they nestled together and listened to one another breathe.

    ***

    They woke not long after dawn. Someone had left them wide bowls full of soapy water, with soft cloths beside them, and they quickly washed and then dressed. Ennek found the straight razor and they shaved each other. As if by magic, Luli appeared the minute they were done, carrying a tray with tea and food. It took them only a few minutes to have their breakfast.
    And then it was time to go.
    Miner had been worrying about making the journey in bare feet, but Hai-Shui handed them each a pair of sandals. They felt strange on Miner's feet but they fit him exactly and he realized after only a few steps that they were very comfortable. Hai-Shui also handed them each a bag that could be worn on their back. He told them what was inside and Ennek translated: an extra set of clothing, blankets, a razor and a small cake of soap and the ivory comb, a metal pot for heating water and two small cups, a paper bag full of tea leaves, some dried meat and fruits and round crackers. The knife from the jolly boat was there too, and the packet of matches.
    Ennek said a lot of words to them that expressed his gratitude, and then he bowed elegantly, once again reminding Miner that this was the Chief’s son. All Miner could manage was a garbled thank you and a graceless sort of bob.
    They all walked together through the courtyard, where the Bhujanga was perched atop the wall. Ennek bowed again as they exited through the arch, and they started up the dirt road. They were only a few yards away when someone called from behind them and they stopped and turned. Yuening was running toward them with something in her hands. She smiled and handed it to Miner. It was his sweater.
    It was somewhat the worse for wear. The tear in the arm had been sewn shut with silk thread and although the stitches were fine and