The Scarlet King

By Charles Kaluza

Prologue

The Scarlet King is the final book in the Sacred Water trilogy. In the first book the world of Daniel and Heather is introduced as well as the importance of the sacred water which contains iodine which prevents the development of deformed babies. These iodine deficient babies are referred to medically as cretins but in the world of Daniel and Heather they were called half brains. Their status was as sub humans and slaves. One of these half brains is Betty who is blessed with a way of knowing things and becomes instrumental in protecting the Sacred Water.
Others had learned of the power of the Sacred Water and tried to capture the source which was located in the Forest which is as much a living thing as it is a place in the mountains. It is the efforts of Daniel and Heather with those of the Forest who defeat those who would have captured the spring of their sacred water. Not only those of the forest but also those of the northern and southern kingdoms were depended upon this single source of iodine. As was seen in the second book "The Time Before" another ancient people Those of the Red whose existence had been forgotten through time also sought the health of the Sacred Water but who chose force as their method. Now in the third book we find that the ancient enemy of Those of the Red also seeks the power of the iodine. They are of the East and much feared for good reasons.

This series developed from my own interest in diseases of thyroid which was a major portion of my medical practice. The early descriptions of the Africans brought to this country as slaves contains drawings of their course facial features and descriptions of their slow mental status. It turns out that the majority of those captured into slavery were from the iodine deficiency areas of Africa. Many of our prejudices like those explored in this trilogy were based on medical issues which could have been easily solved had the knowledge been available. This book is written for young readers of all ages who are interested in science and medicine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charles Kaluza
• Release date: Jan 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311017628

Charles Kaluza

I am a retired ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon with a love of Science Fiction. The science and medicine in my books is based on reality with some room for growth.I was forced to retire because of medical problems but still enjoy life with a little fishing, flying and sailing to supplement the joy of my wife, children and grandchildren.

Book preview

The Scarlet King

Sacred Water

Book 3

Charles Kaluza

Copyright 2014 Charles Kaluza

Smashwords Edition, License Notes:

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Prologue

The Scarlet King is the final book in the Sacred Water trilogy. In the first book the world of Daniel and Heather is introduced as well as the importance of the Sacred Water, which contains iodine which prevents the development of deformed babies. These iodine deficient babies are referred to medically as cretins, but in the world of Daniel and Heather they were called half brains. Their status was as sub-humans and slaves. One of these half brains is Betty, who is blessed with a way of knowing things and becomes instrumental in protecting the Sacred Water.

Others had learned of the power of the Sacred Water and tried to capture the source, which was located in the Forest—which is as much a living thing as it is a place in the mountains. It is the efforts of Daniel and Heather with those of the Forest who defeat those who would have captured the spring of their Sacred Water. Not only those of the Forest but also those of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms were dependent upon this single source of iodine.

As was seen in the second book, "The Time Before," another ancient people—Those of the Red, whose existence had been forgotten through time—also sought the health of the Sacred Water but who chose force as their method. Now, in the third book, we find that the ancient enemy of Those of the Red also seeks the power of the iodine. They are of the East and much feared for good reasons.

This series developed from my own interest in diseases of the thyroid, which was a major portion of my medical practice. The early descriptions of the Africans brought to this country as slaves contain drawings of their coarse facial features and descriptions of their slow mental status. It turns out that the majority of those captured into slavery were from the iodine deficient areas of Africa. Many of our prejudices, like those explored in this trilogy, were based on medical issues which could have been easily solved had the knowledge been available. This book is written for young readers of all ages who are interested in science and medicine.

The Scarlet King

Chapter 1

Heather was awakened by a pressure sensation that began in her lower abdomen and radiated towards her back. Her pregnant belly ball became progressively harder as the contraction built. She awoke not Daniel. The pressure would begin almost imperceptibly and then build to a point of pain before subsiding. She timed the regularity and was sure that her labor had begun. The misery and melancholy of the ice field were forgotten as she experienced the sensations of her womanhood. She gently rubbed her very pregnant abdomen and talked softly to the baby within her. A fleeting memory of her injury, incurred when her horse fell after giving its life to protect her, entered her consciousness, but she remembered Daniel saying that there was no evidence of harm to their baby.

Her contractions were becoming stronger and more frequent. She was about to awaken Daniel when Betty pulled back the curtain and said, It is time.

Daniel began to stir and Heather helped him awaken by poking him with her elbow. You should summon the midwife, she said, for our baby wishes to be born.

Daniel did not respond and Heather poked him harder, which produced some groaning from Daniel. Heather's patience was wearing thin and she said, with an edge to her voice, Why is it when one from our village knocks on our door for your help,you are instantly awake, but for me you sleep?

Now Daniel was awake but insisted on feeling the contractions himself. Heather just bit her lip and spoke not despite her irritation with the delay. Daniel may be husband and father to be, but as always he was a healer. His exam seemed to take forever. I said it was time to summon the midwife, do you hear me not?

Daniel looked at his bride with a surprised look on his face but did as he was told. He dressed quickly and went across the village to seek the midwife. The lamp was already lit in her cottage and she appeared ready when Daniel arrived. He said, The contractions of labor have begun.

The midwife was much older than Daniel and they worked together often. She simply nodded her head before saying, It will be some time yet but let us go prepare.

Heather had begun to perspire and was definitely working harder with each contraction. The midwife carefully felt her abdomen and but nodded her head. She reached around and began gently massaging Heather's lower back while chanting, It is not yet time, be patient and breathe.

The massage and the quiet chanting relaxed Heather and the pressure seemed less. Daniel was frittering about the room, anxious about everything. Betty finally spoke up.

You go outside. You make Princess nervous. Betty spoke with authority despite her small stature, for she had looked after Heather since before they left the palace of the Northern Kingdom. The Spirits of the Forest gave her a way of knowing that Daniel understood not.

Daniel looked at Heather, who nodded her head and murmured, I'll be okay.

Daniel left the bedroom and closed the curtain. He began pacing around the small house, but then Betty poked her head out from behind the curtain and stared at him. He stopped pacing, but Betty just pointed to the door. He did as he was told and went outside into the cool autumn morning. The sky was just beginning to develop a light pink color to the east. It was easier to breathe outside and he continued to stretch his legs and worry. He visualized all that could go wrong and was talking to himself. He heard not Jeremy arrive and jumped when Jeremy said, Who are you talking to?

I was just arguing with myself about all the things that could go wrong and how I should respond, said Daniel. What are you doing up so early?

Edna woke me up and said you needed some company. He asked Daniel, How did she know?

Daniel said, I suppose she heard Betty, who knew Heather was in labor before I did.

Their conversation was interrupted by an involuntary groan from Heather. The sound bothered Jeremy greatly and he asked if everything was all right. Daniel chewed his lip before saying, I think it is a normal sound for labor, but I worry greatly. She is not yet ready and there will be much work yet.

Jeremy was quiet for a while before saying, It is probably a good thing we men don't have to go through this. I'm not sure we would handle it very well.

Daniel responded not but continued his pacing and worrying. The intermittent groaning began to change and Daniel said, She is in transition, I think. It will not be long now.

Jeremy wanted to ask what would happen next but was afraid to hear the answer. He tried to divert Daniel's attention by talking about the upcoming journey he and Edna were going on. Jason had invited them to join him on his diplomatic mission to the Kingdom of the Red and they had agreed to go. Daniel listened but said little other than asking when they would leave.

We leave on the new moon which is in five days. This will give us a few extra days in the Southern Kingdom to sample their taverns. Edna is worried about traveling aboard ship but she will do fine as long as we don't have any major storms.

Daniel really did not hear what his friend was saying; he was listening to the panting and groaning coming from his small house. His bride was definitely in the transition phase. He wrestled with the mental image of the baby descending through the birth canal. He was pretty sure the baby was pointed the right way, but what if it was breech? What if Heather began to hemorrhage? Maybe the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck. The thoughts just kept coming.

Daniel moved closer to the door of their house, listening intently to the sounds from within. Jeremy stayed at his side and continued with his banter, but Daniel heard him not. The birth was getting close and the panting and groaning more intense, with much less time between contractions. Now Daniel could hear the midwife telling Heather to push and he felt himself straining, trying to help her. This phase seemed to go on and on. Daniel realized he was having trouble breathing and had to force himself to relax and breathe normally.

The tension had built to the point that Daniel was ready to go back into the house, when silence suddenly ensued. This was quickly replaced with a small feeble cry of a newborn baby, which grew quickly into the full-throated cry of a healthy newborn. Daniel's expression changed dramatically from intense worry to unbridled joy. He opened the door and rushed into the bedroom. The midwife had just finished cleaning the baby and was handing it to Heather. Daniel just stood there looking.

Heather held the infant to her bosom but it was not yet done crying. She looked up at Daniel and said, Come see our new son.

Daniel moved closer but seemed almost afraid to touch the small pink baby that his bride held. Heather asked, Would you hold your son?

Daniel reached out and somewhat stiffly took the small infant in his hands. It was so small. It mattered not that he had cared for many newborns. This was different; it was his son. He held the baby closer and began rocking on his feet trying to soothe it. The midwife was massaging Heather's belly trying to stimulate contractions, which finally caused her to pass the afterbirth. Daniel noticed not, for he was holding his son. He placed his little finger in the baby's mouth and the baby began to suckle. He handed the baby back saying, I think he is hungry. He added, He has blue eyes just like you.

Heather again placed the baby against her breast and this time he latched onto the nipple and began to suckle. The midwife was giving them instructions but they really did not hear her, for their attention was so focused on the baby. The midwife turned towards Betty and said, I will trust you to watch over these new parents. If you need me I will hear you.

The next few days were just a blur as the demands of a new baby seemed to consume both Daniel and Heather. Betty had already pretty much assumed management of the household, but she also had to take care of her own baby. For the most part those of the village bothered Daniel not for their healing, but when he was called, out he went. Time away from the confusion of his own household seemed almost relaxing.

The time had come for the departure of Edna and Jeremy, and of course there was a celebration at the Village of Issip’s tavern. Heather decided it was an appropriate time to show those of Issip their new baby and announce its name. Preparation for the simple walk to the tavern seemed to take forever, but they arrived only a little late for the party.

The tavern was packed but Jeremy had saved them room at his table. The baby noticed not the noise and commotion and slept. He was the center of attention until after the eating was done and the stories began. It seemed everyone needed to peek under the blanket and have a look at the baby. Edna asked, Have you named your son?

Heather nodded but let Daniel respond. He explained, We have decided to name him after my grandfather, Geoffrey of Issip. A round of applause was given to the baby, which caused it to awaken and begin crying. This in turn brought on more laughter and noise, which startled the baby Geoffrey even more. Heather finally soothed it only by putting the baby to her breast and allowing him to nurse.

Jeremy was asked why they were going on this journey.

Well, you see, it is really my wife's fault, he said. If she had not arranged for the capture of the envoy from the Red in his house on wheels, there would be no journey.

He sipped his brew and continued. Turns out this envoy is the chief military guy for those of the Red, and when he saw that their invasion was failing he decided to negotiate a peace settlement. The Southern lands have a king named Jason, who decided he would be the envoy for all of our peoples to negotiate the final peace and trade agreements with those of the Red.

Again he stopped for a sip of his beer before continuing. Apparently these peace agreements require a signature from an official representative from each of our lands. Edna and I will be representing the people of the Forest.

After another sip of his beer he added, Which means you all should be nice to me and buy me another beer.

This was followed by a general groan and catcalls, but the beer did mysteriously appear before Jeremy. The stories were beginning in earnest and Jeremy as always was the center of attention. The evening wore on much too quickly and soon the hour was late. Heather whispered to Daniel that it was time to go. They tried to discreetly depart but Jeremy would not allow it, saying, A toast to my friends and their new baby for all they have done for those of the Forest!

The loud cheering was enough to again awaken baby Geoffrey, who responded with a loud cry of his own—which again brought laughter and cheers from the crowd. As Heather tried to soothe the baby, Daniel raised his glass in a toast: And to Jeremy and his bride Edna who have done so much for all of us, may they have a most interesting voyage and return safely to us.

Another cheer was raised as glasses were drained. Daniel and Heather walked back to their cottage in the cool autumn night. They said little but both knew they would miss their friends greatly. Heather needed to wipe the tears from her eyes.

The remaining night was short and baby Geoffrey made sure that Daniel and Heather were awake before dawn. They had just settled the baby back down after feeding it when Jeremy and Edna showed up for the breaking of the fast, dressed for travel. Edna seemed a bit tired and anxious but Jeremy was in high spirits and seemed not to notice the effect of so little sleep. They shared a simple meal of fresh bread and dried meats with fruit from the orchard. Daniel tried to get Jeremy to take one of his notepads to draw pictures of any unusual animals they saw, but Jeremy refused. I will let Jason be the recorder. It is best if I just pay attention to what is going on.

The goodbyes were emotional and all had tears in their eyes and then they were gone. Daniel and Heather stood in the doorway and looked after them long after they were out of view. Heather asked, Would you have gone on the journey?

Daniel replied, They will see much and of this I am jealous. I would choose to be here with you and our baby.

Heather held his hand and said not, but her mind raced with the dangers that their friends faced. She feared most the response of the Scarlet King, for the envoy himself seemed to have fear of the Scarlet King. Her thoughts were interrupted by Geoffrey again demanding attention at one end or the other, usually both. She left Daniel and his thoughts to attend the baby.

For several weeks Heather and Daniel were immersed in the joys and frustrations of living with a newborn. Baby Geoffrey made sure that their lives were full of challenges, leaving little time for worrying about other things. About the time the baby began to sleep through the night, Daniel resumed his healing and was often gone. If it were not for Betty's help, Heather was not sure she would have been capable of managing. Some of the simplest things like planning meals were very hard for her.

Heather was both a mother and a wife despite her warrior nature. The simple life of Issip agreed with her and she missed not the intrigue of palace life nor the tension of war. It often seemed that managing her small household was as much of a challenge as orchestrating a battle, but she had no wish to change. Her love of Daniel and their baby was great. The calmness of the Forest had brought peace to her life.

Chapter 2

Jason awoke early, before the rising of the sun, for today he hoped to see the island where the bird which flew not lived. They had journeyed for four weeks now and had kept mostly at sea, sighting only occasional seabirds. Now they were to see a land filled with strange critters and plants. They traveled very comfortably in the ship called Red Dragon, which had been outfitted with great care to provide for comfort. The envoy of the Red traveled not without his luxuries. The sailing crew were of those of the Red as was the Captain, but all security personnel were of the Southern Kingdom. The negotiations for peace had carefully spelled out the personnel to ensure that those of the Red could not seize control.

Jason was met by Jeremy as he proceeded towards the dining facility. Mostly they ate food prepared by Jason's chef, but occasionally shared a meal with the envoy. These meals were always prepared by both chefs, and all food tasted for possible poisons before presenting at the table. The breaking of the fast was the quietest meal of the day, but Jeremy still had stories to tell. Jason tired not of hearing Jeremy's stories. Today he relived their first adventure on the Island of the Flightless Bird. By the time they arrived on deck, daylight was developing fully and the eastern sky was painted in oranges and reds. They found Larby stomping around the foredeck with his peg leg, looking somewhat unhappy.

Jason asked, What bothers you on such a beautiful morning?

It is the color of the sky that bothers me such, said Larby. You see beauty but I see a storm coming and the Captain sees it not.

Jason asked, What would you have us do?

Larby chewed on his lip before responding. I would make a run for the harbor of my people. We may yet be able to beat the storm.

It was Jason's turn to be quiet. He looked forward to visualizing the island he so wanted to see, but no land was yet visible. He thought again about the stories Jeremy had told about the storm they had experienced. If he thought only of himself he would risk the storm to see this magical island, but others were aboard. He turned towards Larby and asked, The harbor of your people would be secure if the storm does approach?

Larby but nodded his head and spoke not. They stood in silence while Jason considered his options. If he were to believe this young man he really had no options, for the safety of the entire mission may be at stake. With a large audible sigh he turned from looking forward and told Larby, I so wish to see this island where you were rescued but I would not endanger the mission for my own desires. Inform the Captain that I would change course to the harbor of your people.

It was midmorning before the envoy, Don the Great, appeared on deck. He noted their course and asked, Why have we changed course?

The Captain responded in the high tongue of those of the Red and pointed towards Jason. The envoy nodded a reply and walked forward to where Jason was sitting with Jeremy and Edna. He asked, You changed your mind about seeing this island with the flightless bird?

Jason replied, I would see this island, but fear for the mission if the storm does arise. Larby is of the sea and knows of the storms in this part of the world. I would trust his knowledge.

As you wish, the envoy responded. The Captain thinks but a little rain is coming and sees not a storm using his weather glass.

Jason asked how the weather glass worked and the envoy just shrugged his shoulders and said, Something in the air causes the fluid in the tube to rise or fall depending on the weather. Our sailing people seem to trust it.

Darkness was approaching and a line of clouds was visible on the horizon. They would arrive at the harbor of Larby's people about dawn. At sundown the weather glass was again checked. The Captain was obviously surprised, for the fluid was now much lower. He told Jason, It appears that your fisherman may have been correct after all. Hopefully we will reach the harbor before the storm arrives.

The sky was full of reds and purples after the sun dropped below the horizon, but off to the south was only darkness. The evening meal was a feast to Jeremy and Edna, but to those of the palaces—the envoys from the two kingdoms and the military leader of those of the Red—it was a very simple meal suitable for travel. The food and wine were plentiful and the stories well received, but by the end of the evening the approaching storm was making its presence known.

Those who had imbibed too heavily now paid a price as they made their way to their sleeping quarters. Edna was not happy, having never experienced a storm before, and Jeremy tried to reassure her. He requested some ginger tea, which they brought back to their cabin. Jeremy was still full of energy, but Edna was feeling the effects of the sea and had not yet learned to dance with the ship. The ginger tea helped a little but lying quietly in bed seemed to be the most effective remedy. Jeremy used their capes under the sleeping pad to create more of a cocoon, which would keep Edna from rolling about as she tried to sleep. Then he went topside.

Standing at the rail, for Jeremy the crashing of the waves against the bow was both invigorating and frightening at the same time. The clouds created a greater blackness of the sky and almost all of the stars were now gone. He enjoyed his solitude only a short while before Jason joined him. For a long time they just stood and watched. Jason finally said, I know I should fear the storm but somehow it invigorates my soul.

Jeremy replied, Captain Cook was always saying how we needed to learn to dance with his mistress, the sea. He seemed to enjoy the storms, but most of us of the Forest had trouble with the sickness of the sea.

How is your bride handling these unsettled seas? asked Jason.

Only fair. The ginger tea seems to help some.

Jason said, The Captain is unsure we can make the harbor before the worst of the storm, and said we may need to run before the storm. It seems he fears the envoy greatly and wishes not to disturb him.

Jeremy shrugged his shoulders and said, It is surprising how much fear that small man instills in others. I’d best go check on Edna.

Jason stood his watch in the darkness by himself, watching the glow of the sea in the turbulence of the waves. The freshness of the air seemed to bring the skin alive and made his nose tingle ever so slightly when he breathed in. He had never felt so alive while in the palace. The rain began ever so gently but with the wind was enough to sting his face. He maintained his watch at the rail until the chill of the air drove him below.

He returned to his cabin and tried to sleep, but the pitching and rolling of the ship were now enough to keep sleep at bay. The rolling of the ship was becoming ever more pronounced and he began to worry. Things began to change and he could feel the ship turning. Gradually the rolling subsided and he had to deal only with a more gentle pitching of the ship. Sleep finally came.

When morning arrived the sounds of the storm continued. Jason made his way slowly topside. His girth was a bit of a problem in the narrow companion ways, and others would have to make way for him. He held tightly to the rail as he climbed the ladder topside. He was met with enough wind that it seemed to suck the breath out of him. He concentrated on breathing slowly through his nose and made his way to the pilot house. The Captain had obviously been awake all night and appeared to be under great stress. He began apologizing: If only I had listened to that fisherman we could've avoided this and Don the Great would not be suffering. His suffering will undoubtedly increase everyone else's suffering.

Jason responded, I would expect my desire to see the island with the flightless bird is the cause of our present trouble. I would speak to the envoy of this if you desire.

The Captain nodded in appreciation, but said, The one you speak of as the envoy is not known for tolerating discomfort. It is probably best if we not bring any further attention to the matter.

Jason asked, Where are we?

I was concerned for the safety of my ship and turned to the southeast to run with the storm, the Captain replied. I expect we are somewhat south of the great peninsula that divides the waters of my country from the rest of the world.

Jason asked, What lies beyond our position?

To the south is a great ocean with but few islands. To the east lies the country from which we emigrated many generations ago. To the west is a vast unknown and to the north is my home.

How far to the east lies this ancient country? asked Jason.

The Captain replied, It is said to be a journey of over a month but few have ever made it. The storms make it a most perilous journey. He added, Traders who have attempted the journey were poorly received and many did not survive the attempt.

Jason stood in silence and watched with the Captain who gave but occasional orders to the helmsman. All sails were down except for the small storm sail. There was nothing for the deck hands to do and no reason to risk their lives on the pitching deck and above in the rigging.

Jason spoke, The stars have shifted as we sailed. If we could sail far enough, would we return to where we started and the stars would again be in the proper place?

The Captain answered not but simply looked at Jason. He finally responded, For one not of the sea you notice much. Some of us believe what you say is true, others think there is an edge, an abyss from which return is not possible. He then asked, How could the length of the journey be determined?

It was Jason's turn for thought. He brought out a small pad of paper and begin working with numbers. He finally looked up from his work and said, I would have a proper person of numbers look at my work, but it would seem that the angle has changed about thirty degrees in our month of sailing. If our world is truly round it would take twelve months of sailing to complete the journey.

The Captain nodded his head and said, Those of us who think the journey possible have arrived at a similar number. Until the journey is made we shall never know.

Jason tried to respond but the gust of wind tore the sound of his words away as the ship heeled sharply to the side. The Captain's fatigue seemed to disappear as he shouted orders to the helmsman. The ship stabilized and the more regular pitching resumed. Jason had held onto the leather strap which crossed the ceiling; his death grip on the strap was all that kept him from crashing into the helmsman.

The wind has begun to shift, said the Captain. The seas will be more confused for awhile, but I think we are now on the backside of the storm. It may be best if you stayed below.

Jason responded, If you think it necessary I will go below, but I prefer to experience this journey to its fullest. This is freedom such as I have never known. King I may be but free I am not.

As you wish. You must at all times securely hold the safety strap.

They sailed on before the storm, driven ever more to the east and the south. Jason seemed immune to the sickness of the sea and stood watch with the Captain until hunger drove him below. Jeremy was at table sipping his ginger tea and not looking very good. Jason asked him of Edna and he replied, She suffers from the sickness of the sea. I suspect those of us of the Forest were never meant for the sea.

Jason said, The Captain thinks we are at the backside of the storm, but says the seas will be unsettled for some time yet.

Jeremy looked at the amount of food that Jason was consuming and got even a little greener around the edges. He asked, Does not the sickness of the sea affect you?

Jason shrugged his shoulders and replied, "It seems not. The storm seems to have invigorated my soul. When I was dangling from your thin rope during