The Archer's Heart Read Online Free Page A

for such a circumstance, assuming that all siblings marry the wife together.”
    The silence seemed to grow deeper and more disturbed, as everyone attempted to digest what Yudar said. Even Jandu, who had a lifetime of practice deciphering his brother’s cryptic religious code, stumbled over the idea. When he finally understood Yudar’s proposal, he almost choked.
    He grabbed Yudar’s shoulder. “What are you talking about?” he hissed.
    Yudar smiled at him serenely. “With Lord Nadaru’s permission, all three of us will marry Suraya.”
    The silence exploded in outrage. Even the baboons seemed to shriek louder in the nearby trees. It took several minutes for Nadaru to call the party to order.
    Jandu wondered  for an instant why they all cared so much. Why couldn’t Suraya just choose some man—other than himself—and have done with it?  And then he caught sight of his bride, dressed in her delicate red silk zahari dress, her eyes painted with kohl. She was absolutely gorgeous. Baram fidgeted nervously and stared at her.
    Firdaus and Yudar looked as flushed and committed as men in sword combat. Head to head, they debated the issue with the kind of speed and precision that Jandu reserved for calling down a magical sharta.
    “The Book of Taivo specifically prohibits this marriage!” Firdaus shouted.
    “But the laws of the Prophet Tarhandi allow for polyandry should the bride choose to marry all siblings.” Yudar was calm and had a little smile on his face, looking assured in the way that only scholars who knew the words of God by heart could be.
    “That is an ancient law! It is hardly practiced any more. It has been over a century since a woman has had multiple husbands!” Firdaus looked genuinely scandalized by the idea.
    Yudar merely raised an eyebrow. “The antiquity of the law does not negate it. The Prophet Tarhandi’s precepts are well-established in the Shentari temple, and many laws dating from the same time period are used to hold up religious edicts today.”
    “Tarhandi’s laws are about cattle thievery and agricultural disputes!” Firdaus’ voice raised in anger.
    Jandu just shook his head. Anyone in Prasta knew better than to challenge Yudar to a religious debate. Yudar had every single holy law memorized and an uncanny knack for knowing exactly what obscure text to cite to perfectly support his argument.
    Yudar’s smile widened. “The nature of Tarhandi’s laws are irrefutable, as he was a prophet from God. His standards form the basis of judgments every day across this noble country. Based on this, his word is irrefutable.”
    Suraya’s father watched the debate like an active child, jumping in place and trying vainly to butt in. Finally, he simply stepped forward.
    “Prince Yudar is more than just knowledgeable about the Book of Taivo,” Nadaru stated. “He is also the Royal Judge for the Regent. His decision stands.”
    “Unfair!” Darvad cried out, stepping forward. “He cannot serve as judge in this matter, as it affects him personally.”
    “But he is the Royal Judge for the State of Prasta. I will abide his decision,” Lord Nadaru stated flatly.
    Jandu cleared his throat. “Shouldn’t we ask what Suraya wants to do?”
    “Shut up!” Firdaus yelled at him. “Do not interrupt!”
    Jandu’s fingers itched for his sword.
    But his words must have gotten through, for Nadaru held up his hands in the sign of peace and begged silence. “Please! Let me consult with my daughter. Suraya, what would you say in this matter?”
    Suraya blushed, but she stood straighter. “It was prophesized upon my birth that I would marry three great men. I had not thought that I would wed them all at once but… this must be what the prophet intended.”
    All of them stared at Suraya silently.
    Suraya still blushed furiously. “I will do this. I will fulfill the prophecy.”
    Jandu had some very strong opinions about prophecies. He didn’t like them. He didn’t believe in them. He rebelled