ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE

The territory of Zygos is on planet tellūs –earth’s twin about 800 years behind. Irma was the most beautiful woman of Zygos. She had starred in travelling cultural shows and won much praise. While there were many wanting to marry her she had decided the groom must be a citizen of Zygos. Irma had made as list of possible suitors. It had come down to only two names -Sisero and Fez. Both were nobles and were wealthy .They were good friends besides.

That day, knowing their names were in the short list Sisero and Fez sat talking in Sisero’s house.

 Fez said “Sisero, I’ve great confidence in our wizard Wizma. She can cast powerful spells and the like.  Let us consult her about marrying Irma as we’re in the short list.”

“Why not? She will be free at this hour of morning. Let us talk to her in her house.”

When they reached Wizma’s place she was very surprised and said “Welcome gentlemen. What is  happening?  Two friends after the same woman! I can guess the purpose of your visit. Irma can’t marry the two of you.”

Sisero said “You’ve guessed rightly. We will allow her to choose one of us.”

Fez said “Wizma if you cast a strong spell on Irma, she might be forced to choose quickly between us. The winner will reward you. That is what we came to talk to you about.”

”Wait. I’ll make an attempt.”

But in a few moments she said “You know she has travelled widely and many have cast spells on her. So she is now totally immune. My spells won’t work,”

There was deep disappointment on the faces of the men. Fez asked “What then would be your advice?”

She thought a few moments and then said “I‘ve learnt through my sources that your two names are in the short list. But are you willing to accept if she selected one of you?”

Fez said “We are agreed on that.”

“I’m surprised. Anyway Irma will judge you on your prowess in arms, sports and so on. Above all she may test you on fidelity. Be prepared for it.”

As they walked home Fez asked “How do you think Irma would test our constancy?”

Sisero said “She could send a decoy and tempt us. We must be careful.”

One night two days later, Irma came to see Fez. Fez couldn’t make out the features but using a candle said “You’re not Irma but are a look alike. I don’t want to have anything to do with you.”

Irma’s anger was evident as she said “How dare you say it? Where is the proof?”

“Irma has a mole on her left ear. You haven’t.”

 “So I’m not Irma? You call yourself a man but you lack the root you’re supposed to have. Otherwise you would’ve…..” She railed against him and in the end left.

 Fez was sure that it wasn’t Irma. He felt he had been tested and found satisfactory as regards constancy.

Sisero learnt from Fez about the attempt which was made by a duplicate Irma.

 He felt that to win he would have to find a subterfuge. He secretly contacted Kyma who stood second after Irma. He said “Kyma, do me a favour. Tip me off when the real Irma comes to test me. Fez rejected the false Irma.”

Kyma thought a long while and said “It can be done. But what is in it for me?”

Sisero said “Money. Say how much you want.”

“I don’t want money.”

“What else can move you to help me?”

She said “There is one thing that will move me. Make me your second wife after Irma. I’ve to settle old scores with the arrogant woman whom you men all adore.”

Sisero was in deep thought for a few moments. Kyma said “Don’t think a false promise will satisfy me. Remember I have ways of taking vengeance if you’re untrue.”

Sisero said “I was only considering what Irma would say to the proposal.”

Kyma laughed and said “She is a crafty woman. She will only object. You must convince her. If she accepts you it means she has consented to my becoming your second wife.”

Sisero solemnly promised to take Kyma as his second wife as return for her favour. Three nights later, Sisero got the tip off from Kyma that Irma was dressing up to present herself that night to him as a duplicate Irma. Sisero prepared himself well.

When Irma arrived Sisero played hard to get until he had confirmation. He said firmly “I won’t touch you until I’m sure you’re Irma.”

Using a candle he said “I’m really honored. You are Irma as you have the mole on the left ear.”

He took her eagerly into his arms and proceeded with caresses which please. She cooperated and greatly enjoyed the outcome.

As she was about to decamp at daybreak he said “I’ve passed your fidelity test and I’m sure you’re going to accept me as your husband.”

He stopped and she prompted “So what do you seek?”

Her hostility to whatever request he would make was evident in her voice. She said “Remember I’m choosing you. No favors will be conceded.”

He had only been wanting to see her reaction to Kyma becoming his second wife. He left unsaid whatever he had wanted to say.

The following day it was announced that Irma had chosen Sisero to be her husband. Fez was naturally upset to hear Irma’s decision.

Kyma now went public saying that she would be Sisero’s second wife. Irma immediately guessed Kyma’s hand in the development and announced that she wouldn’t allow Sisero taking a second wife. Fez saw through the con game!

Fez went to Sisero and said “What you’ve done isn’t fair.”

Sisero laughed and said “They say all is fair in love. Irma has chosen me.”

“But you’ve to take Kyma as your second wife. Irma says she won’t allow it.”

At this stage Kyma entered Sisero’s house. She thundered “The alternative to lying is death.” She brought out a dagger from a bag she was carrying and went at Sisero. But Sisero was prepared and foiled her attempt to stab him, an attempt in which Fez joined. But Sisero thwarted the attempts of both.

Kyma said “Sisero you deserve death. I’ll handle you later. Right now I’m leaving Zygos. My boat is ready waiting for me.” Kyma left.

Fez said to Sisero “We’ve been good friends all along but now you’ve betrayed me.”

“It couldn’t be helped. Look elsewhere for someone to marry.”

Fez was silent a moment and then said “I’m also planning to leave Zygos but I’ll seek vengeance against you.”

Sisero said “I’m not afraid. Try.”

END