"The Talisman of Darien Kaur": Book three : "Betrothal of Empires"

By R. James McCord

The Talisman of Darien Kaur" : Book Three : "Betrothal of Empires"
Bishop Maddock , emissary of the god Kaull to the empire of B'akkai plays a subtle game of greed, revenge and power. Princess Johanna from the neighboring realm of Arlain has arrived at court, miraculously cured of her wasting disease and petitioning queen Cressalyns' help in driving the Kaull from Arlain. His spies at court hint at the presence of a mysterious warrior who is both lover and champion of empress Cressalyn. While plotting against his old adversary, bishop Bardock of Arlain, Maddock launches his own plan to usurp both realms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. James McCord
• Release date: Feb 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311915221

Book preview

THE TALISMAN OF DARIEN KAUR

~~~~~

BOOK THREE

(of four)

BETROTHAL OF EMPIRES

by

R. JAMES McCORD

TEXT COPYRIGHT 2013

R. JAMES McCORD

SMASHWORDS EDITION

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPSEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTYONE

CHAPTER ONE

Ardan yawned. Closing his eyes, he lowered his forehead to his knees. The wagon bounced on stone paves through the early morning darkness. Next to him sat Prince Dimitri, his arm protectively around his sister’s shoulders. The steady patter of rain against the wagon canvas acted like a sleeping potion to the three passengers huddled inside among the castes and crates. They passed through the last of the guarded checkpoints a half hour ago with Johanna hidden among the cargo.

Warrenk and Bahrain sat side by side on the driver’s bench, talking to each other in low voices. Sergeant Bahrain held the reins slack, letting the horses have their own head as they followed the two guardsmen on horseback.

The princess stopped for a long look at him as we were leaving the courtyard, Warrenk said, describing General Roidaire's fate. I couldn't see her face in the dark, but she grew very quiet and wouldn't let Dimitri cut him down before we left. Sergeant Bahrain paused for a moment to take it in and then nodded his head.

She's got steel in `er, she `as. Just like `er mother afore `er, he said. Bahrain knew how much Johanna loved General Roidaire. But `ow could Prince Bardone do such a thing. `E loved th' old general as much as `is brother n' sister.

I never knew him before, but it's hard to believe that the Kaull bishop I saw whipping the general’s corpse is in any way related to the princess or Dimitri.

Aye, there be some evil about an I'd be a-lyin’ if I said I understood it all. The sergeant held the reins with one hand and reached inside his rain cape with the other. Warrenk noticed Bahrain fidgeting before he took something out, handing it to Warrenk.

`Ere, take this, you might be a needin’ it afore were through `ere. Bahrain said, dropping a heavy leather pouch in Warrenk's lap. Warrenk recognized the black purse of Queen Cressalyn’s money he had left hidden in the house. The coins clinked together as he picked it up. I spent some coin a-clearin out o' th' `ouse an a bit more boardin at th' stable, the sergeant said placidly. I also took th' liberty o' givin th' men a few coppers each, just so's they wouldn't be caught short, you know. Warrenk nodded his head silently as the sergeant continued.

"I went me t’ see ol Halle’s, er, Corporal Hallair’s widow. ‘Er an their daughter. I told ‘er about Halle. I give ‘er two gold sovereigns t’ help tide ‘er over till she can move in with Halle’s father.

Thank you, Sergeant, Warrenk said putting the purse inside his cape. I'm sure Queen Cressalyn’s gold was well spent. Warrenk felt a tinge of embarrassment at not having trusted the sergeant enough to tell him where the coins were hidden.

It were Private Eban there what found it in the rafter ends. He give it t' me right away, Bahrain said, jutting his chin to indicate one of the guardsmen riding ahead. Warrenk stored the fact away in his memory. These were royal guardsmen, picked for their skill, courage and honor.

The sound of the horses hooves softened to a steady swish as the wagon left the stone paved streets of Darbok behind. The road turned to a channel of mud causing the wagon team to slow their pace.

How did you know to wait for us? Warrenk asked.

I didn't, not exactly, Bahrain answered. "I didn't know if you was dead or captured after th' cave in. I was surprised th' Kaull guards didn't come round after that great cloud o' dust come out o' th' well or that they let us leave th' palace without you four. We dug back into th' tunnel as far as we could but as soon as we took th' dirt out th roof just caved in that much more. We found th' uniforms but nothin more. We left at th' end o' th' day.

Th' first thing I done was t' put th' lads t'packin up everythin’ and leavin th' `ouse while I took th' wagon back t' th' ministry shop. I left it a-sittin where we got it an none'll ever know th' difference. Next th' lads and me, we puts th' `orses t' stable back in th' park an slept in th' `ay loft. Th' master didn't mind as I paid `im in advance for th' `orses. I was just about ready t' pack it in an go back for th' lads in B’akkai when you come out o' that tunnel.

Did you think of coming through and looking for us? Warrenk asked.

No. Lieutenant, that I didn't. Even if it weren’t a trap, where would I even start t' look fer you? Besides which, I knows where th’ tunnel comes out in th' back o' that room, but I didn't know `ow t' open it from th' outside. Still don't, the sergeant admitted. Warrenk looked over in surprise. When I came through that tunnel afore, th' prince and General Roidaire both told me that I should forget the tunnel was ever there. They never told me `ow t' open th' door from the outside an’ it weren’t my place t' ask.

Warrenk didn't know what time it was when the wagon rounded the last curve and the trees on the river side of the road gave way to the drying barns of the saw mill. Warrenk heard the crashing of the falls, even through the steady patter of rain. The air was redolent with the smell of fresh cut, drying wood. Haze from the banked embers in the drying barns left a strong smell of wood smoke in the air.

We’re here, Warrenk called softly into the wagon. Dimitri and Ardan awoke immediately, but neither could see well enough to crawl over the casks and reach the driver’s seat.

Is the boat ready? Dimitri whispered, trying not to disturb his sister.

Yes, Your Highness, but we `ave yet t’ find th' boat master. If you’ll wait I'll go t' fetchin `im. Th' boat master, `e sleeps in a shed behind th' barns, the sergeant said to Warrenk. I come down three days ago, when th' tunnel fell in an I told `im `ed `ave t’ wait another few days. `E seemed relieved t' ‘ear it. Stay back `ere till I come back. There be watchmen at th' barns. Bahrain handed the reins to Warrenk before climbing down from the wagon. Warrenk saw the sergeant talk to the two guardsmen before losing sight of him as he walked away in the night.

It was hard to tell how long the wait was. The rain clouds blocked most of the star light. The horses stamped their impatience, but to approach the dock without the boat master would be foolishness. Warrenk had to assume that Salroon had already made arrangements with the mill guards. It wasn't long before the sergeant returned with the rotund boat master.

You’re late, Salroon boomed as he stopped to peer up at Warrenk.

It took longer than I thought to collect the gold to pay you, master ship builder.

But you did collect it, didn't you?

You'll be paid as agreed, have no worry about that. The barge is ready, I trust?

Aye, it's ready. There’s only one barge left to finish and with this rain the river’s rising. We should all be down river by early next week if not before. Warrenk nodded his head.

The sooner the better, Warrenk said gravely. How soon can we load up?

We won't leave until next week. Come back in another three days.

No, we have to load today. Seven men and six small chests.

You said five chests and eight men , Salroon said.

I changed my mind but I hardly see the difference master ship builder. I must load my men and cargo.

Salroon hesitated while he thought the question over. There was really no reason why he couldn't load them sooner, as long as they weren’t found out.

If yer to load today, it's best to do it now afore any prying eyes are awake. Is there any among you who can handle an oar? The barge is anchored out in the backwater.

Two of us can, and the rest will learn fast enough, Warrenk replied.

Pull your wagon next to the dock then. I'll have some words with the night watchmen. Dimitri remained hidden in the back of the wagon, but had heard the conversation. As Sergeant Bahrain started the horses toward the river, Dimitri tucked a blanket around his sleeping sister and felt his way, crawling over the stacked boxes to the drivers seat.

What's that I heard about chests? he asked when he reached the two drivers."

That's the agreement I made with him, Warrenk said. Eight men and five chests to be transported to B’akkai.

Yes, but why the chests?

In case he isn't as trust worthy as I would wish, I want our master ship builder to think were smuggling cargo and not a royal princess. In case he should ask, tell him the princess is my younger brother who's taken ill. Call her Balder. Hopefully he won't see either of your faces before we get on board.

A single long boat was tied to the end of the dock. These just be part of me crew of river rats, Salroon was saying to the night watchmen. I'll be a loadin’ them aboard so's they can rest up for the voyage down river. The two watchmen turned away, continuing their rounds.

Sergeant Bahrain pulled the brake on the wagon and wrapped the reins around the brake handle. Everyone out, then, he said over his shoulder as he climbed down from the driver’s seat. Warrenk walked in back of the wagon to open the rear gate.

Both soldiers tied off their horses to the side of the wagon and stood waiting by the sergeant.

Keep an eye out fer company, Bahrain told the two guardsmen, I don’t entirely trust th’ master ship builder.

Yes, Sergeant, the two guardsmen replied. They walked a few paces away, drew their swords, and with their backs to the wagon, stood with the sword points on the ground peering into the darkness.

Master Salroon was busy bailing the long boat. Warrenk could barely see the ship master, but could hear the splash of every scoop of water above the din of the falls. The sergeant joined Warrenk at the back of the wagon.

Are we ready to leave yet? Ardan whispered. He didn't want to wake up Johanna before it was time to go.

Almost, Warrenk replied. We’ll need six wine chests. Pick out six medium to small chests; make sure they’re all sturdy. We don't want any of them breaking apart on the way to the barge. With the back of the wagon opened up, Ardan could just barely see what he was doing as he started untying cargo ropes.

Ardan was careful not to disturb Johanna where she slept on the wagon floor. He knew the princess was still weak. It worried him that now, after almost a week away from the drugs that she still slept most of the time.

Ardan passed the wine crates to his father and Sergeant Bahrain, who stacked them on the dock. Warrenk had Bahrain post one of the guardsmen by the stacked wine cases. Remember to treat those boxes like they’re filled with gold, Warrenk whispered to Dimitri and Bahrain. We want Master Salroon to think they’re the valuable cargo were smuggling. You better wake the princess up and explain the situation to her.

Ship Master Salroon walked carefully back from the end of the pier. He slowed appreciably when he saw the stacked crates on the dock and the figure of a man silently standing beside them. Through the gloom he saw a faint glint reflecting off the guardsman’s sword. The guardsman shifted his weight and brought the sword up to the ready as Salroon approached.

Easy now, mate, I be with you, he said hesitantly.

Pass then, the guard replied, keeping his sword at the ready. Salroon gave the man a wide berth as he walked to the wagon.

Your man seems a might edgy, Salroon said as he approached the three men at the back of the wagon.

That’s what he's paid for, Warrenk replied. Is the boat ready?

Aye, it's bailed out. Where be the rest of your men?

In the wagon.

Well, let’s be off then.

Warrenk and Bahrain accompanied the master builder back to the dock as Ardan helped Johanna crawl over the wine cases and into Dimitri’s waiting arms. The prince carried his sister to the end of the dock with Ardan and the rest of the men. Salroon climbed down and took his seat in the stern by the tiller. Warrenk climbed aboard next and took the wooden cases as they were passed down one by one, laying them carefully above the keel in the bottom of the boat. Next came Ardan and Bahrain.

Help Balder aboard, Warrenk said to the sergeant. That's one of my sons; he's been sick this past week, he said in explanation. Salroon grunted in reply. Dimitri passed his sister to the waiting arms of Sergeant Bahrain who lowered her gently in the bow. Last of all, Corporal Barringer sheathed his sword and climbed aboard pushing off from the dock as he entered the boat. As they drifted out into the river they heard the wagon driving away.

There will be one more man coming tomorrow or the next day, Warrenk said to Salroon as he slid an oar out to the water. He’ll ask you for the master candle maker. You will convey him to our barge when he comes."

The master candle maker? Salroon asked with a nervous chuckle.

We all have hidden talents, Warrenk answered cryptically, whenever you’re ready, master. Warrenk and Ardan sat across from each other near the stern. Behind them sat Sergeant Bahrain and corporal Barringer. Dimitri sat quietly holding Johanna in the bow. Warrenk and Ardan slid their oars out through the keepers and let them lie flat on the water. Bahrain and the corporal followed their example though without the same patent familiarity with the oars. At the signal from Salroon, father and son began a slow rhythmical stroke and the boat started gliding through the water.

A heavy fog floated atop the waters, like a surreal veil shrouding their movement. How Salroon could find his way through such an impenetrable haze was a mystery to Warrenk. Salroon sat quietly, his hand steady on the tiller. Ardan and Warrenk glanced at each other, making sure their oars stroked the water in unison. The sergeant and Corporal Barringer fell in behind them, trying to follow the two lead oarsmen. The air was cooler on the water, carrying a hint of the fall weather to come. Which way the current was running beneath them, or if indeed there was any current, Warrenk couldn't tell. They hadn’t been away from the dock more than ten minutes before Salroon gave the to order to let her run. With his blade skimming on the surface of the water Ardan looked over his shoulder and saw the shadowy hulk of the barge looming before him.

Make ready on the bow, Salroon called out. Dimitri turned and crouched on the bow with the painter in his hands. Pull yer oars in, gents, he told the rowers. The long boat glided to a stop alongside the barge. Dimitri nimbly leapt onto the barge’s deck and tied the boat to a convenient cleat. Warrenk was surprised at the prince’s apparent skill on the water.

The next to leap aboard was Corporal Barringer. On a silent command from Dimitri both the guardsman and the prince drew their swords and carefully explored the barge deck. Before long they returned, satisfied that they were alone. A wooden ladder, hooked over the side of the barge, helped the others to climb aboard. Warrenk picked up the princess and passed her to Dimitri. Johanna was awake, but said nothing as she was passed aboard. Next Warrenk passed the wine cases to Ardan who stacked them on the deck.

Salroon was the last to leave the long boat. When he climbed aboard the barge, Warrenk felt the barge deck tilt ever so slightly. The master ship builder led the small band across the heavy, plank deck that he had nailed together only a few weeks before.

In the exact middle of the deck was a dark, oblong cabin, two and a half spans wide and four spans long. Salroon ducked his head and disappeared inside the cabin. Soon a match flared and two candles were lit inside the cabin. Come on in; I'll show you yer quarters, Salroon said. Watch yer step, he added pointing to the water dam across the threshold.

Only Warrenk and Sergeant Bahrain entered the cabin. Dimitri remained outside in the drizzle with his sister and the others.

It's not fancy, but it be better than what’s seen by many a river rat, the master ship builder said, handing a candle to Warrenk. The cabin was made of unfinished, rough cut wood, a study in simplicity. Warrenk raised his palm to the ceiling. He had barely half a span of clearance above his head. The smell of fresh cut wood was strong inside the cabin. The odor and the low ceiling made him feel claustrophobic. Here be berths for two of you, he said pointing to two plank cots that were lining one of the walls at knee height. They were hinged to the wall, held up by ropes angling out from above. Along the opposite wall, half the cabin was lined with shelves that were stacked full. At the other end of the cabin was a small, cast iron stove on a bed of sand with sheets of hammered iron lining the walls behind it. The smoke stack went straight up through the roof. Provisions for eight, you said. Salroon pointed to the shelves along the wall. "Biscuits n' beans and there be cheese an a cask of apples n' boiled cabbage below.

’Ow do we get below? the sergeant asked. A smile spread across the ship builder’s face.

There be the usual cargo hatches outside but if you open ‘em up all you sees is a hold so full of lumber you can’t squeeze a foot inside.

But we can't all stay here, Warrenk protested.

Right you be, sir, Salroon said walking to the end of the cabin. Between the shelves and stove was a wooden table attached to the wall. Salroon slid his hand underneath the table top and pulled a hidden lever. Warrenk heard the faint, metallic click of the catch mechanism releasing. Salroon lifted the table and then slid it in front of the shelves. The area where the table had stood was now an open hatch with steep wooden steps. This way now, gents, said the fat man, obviously pleased with his ingenuity. The opening was barely large enough for the ship builder to fit through, but with a few grunts, he disappeared below decks. Come on now, I'll show you yer berths. Warrenk looked silently at the sergeant and shrugged his shoulders. He handed the candle to Sergeant Bahrain and then followed the ship builder down into the hold.

The opening below deck was the same width as the cabin above, but it was nearly three times as long. When Warrenk stood straight up, he had almost a whole arm’s span of head room above him. The cabin wasn't a true room at all, but merely a parting of the cargo. The walls on three sides were stacks of dried lumber, the fourth was the bulkhead at the stern of the barge. Various barrels were stored beside the ladder. Two rows of folding berths similar to the ones in the cabin above lined the walls on both sides of the room. A thin mattress still tied in a roll lay atop each berth with two blankets. Small bags hanging from the deck joists above swung ever slightly in the still, damp air.

I put two hidden air vents, one at each end. You'll get used to the smell, after a while you’ll not even notice. When the wind blows above decks it'll help some. Warrenk looked critically at the spartan accommodations. It be no palace, but it'll prove well enough to take you to B’akkai, and when we’re on the river, you'll spend most your time above deck anyway.

I suppose so, Master Salroon, Warrenk said. Everything was rough hewn, but it was clean. The smell of fresh cut wood was even stronger here than in the cabin, but for the three weeks they estimated it would take them to reach B’akkai, he could tolerate it. Warrenk fought against the impulse to race up the ladder to the open deck. He felt as if he were enclosed in a new made coffin, hopefully a safe and hidden coffin.

It will serve, Warrenk said simply as he turned to retreat back up the ladder. The fresh air from the open door helped immensely. He breathed deeply.

Will that be all, then? Salroon asked, stepping up on to the deck. I forgot to say, there be fresh water an cheese and a cask of port below decks, I spent me a pocket full of silver on it.

My mistress and I are most appreciative of all your efforts, Master Salroon, Warrenk answered.

Aye, but it's your gold I be wantin, the ship builder answered bluntly.

The arrangement was for the second sovereign to be paid when we left port, but--, Warrenk held up his hand to stifle the protest he saw coming from Salroon. As a gesture of good faith, I'll give you the second payment now. Warrenk reached under his rain slicker and pulled out the purse Sergeant Bahrain had returned to him just an hour before. He opened it up and felt inside for the thick, sharp edge of a Tolnedran gold sovereign. He pulled out what turned out to be a silver sovereign. A not unsubstantial coin, but not the one he was looking for. Warrenk dropped the coin back into the purse and reached for another. As he did, the purse slipped out of his hand and fell to the floor, the coins scattering at their feet. In the faint candle light, Salroon gaped when he saw no less than ten gold sovereigns among the silver and copper on the floor.

Warrenk picked up one of the gold sovereigns and handed it to Salroon. And three more at the border, master builder? Warrenk said gesturing toward the door.

Yes, my lord, Salroon said glancing involuntarily back at the coins scattered across the floor.

I'm not a lord, just a trusted servant of my mistress, Warrenk said quickly. Shall we go? My companions are eager to load the cargo. Salroon seemed reluctant to leave, but started toward the door at Warrenk’s urging. "Ah, Bahrain, won't you pick up our mistress's coin while I see Master Salroon to his boat. As the two men left, Sergeant Bahrain immediately bent down, and started gathering the coins and dropping them in the purse.

Salroon regained control of himself by the time he reached the door and seemingly reverted back to his old harried self. I did not say before, but now I will. Pick three of yourselves to stay above decks and three only. Let the rest stay inside the cabin and out of sight by day. Only three. If any should ever ask, you be my kinsmen and say nothing more. Tells them to talk with me if they wants to know any more. Let none come aboard unless the secret hatch be closed and covered.

And who would be asking? Warrenk asked.

No one, I should think, less it be the river rats from one of the other barges, and don’t be a tellin’ them anything. Somes can be trusted, but somes can't.

Have you found a trustworthy pilot for this barge yet, Warrenk asked.

I think so, yes, the builder said, but he wouldn’t say any more. Warrenk accompanied Salroon across the deck and saw him climb down into the boat. Remember, only three, Salroon said as he pushed off from the barge and disappeared into the fog.

~~~~~

Ardan woke with a start, unsure of where he was. The diffused sunshine shone weakly through the open hatch. Ardan heard the gentle lap of current against the stern and the random footpads of men walking across the deck above. The smell of new wood, though still strong, wasn't as overpowering as when he first went below. In the darkened hold he was able to pick out other smells beside the wood. One of the barrels must have been opened releasing the mouth watering scent of fresh apples. He thought he smelled one if not more of the hanging cheeses and of course the fresh smell of the river after a late summer rain. It was the smell of confined humans, even though they had all bathed after emerging from the tunnel, that struck him most.

It was not unpleasant, for the most part, but there was an underlying, not so subtle pungency of sickness mingled with the other scents. Not filth, or sloth, but an odor the human nose will recognize as unhealthy.

Ardan sat up and silently swung his legs over the side of the birth. The wood beneath his bare feet was moist and rough. He turned to look at the row of mostly empty berths in the hold. Dimitri and Johanna had taken the last two berths next to the bulkhead. They lay beneath their blankets, but all the other mattresses were still rolled up. The six crates of wine had been slid beneath their berths. Ardan slipped his soft, leather boots on and started toward the open hatchway.

Quiet, Warrenk whispered holding his finger to his lips. Warrenk then pointed to the recumbent form of Sergeant Bahrain on the berth farthest from the stove. Ardan climbed up from the hold and stood beside the cabin table. Warrenk sat at the table eating a breakfast of apples, cheese and bread. Sergeant Bahrain turned over in his crib, and opened his eyes.

Don't worry about me, he said sleepily, It be about time I were up anyway.

But you stood the last watch. I thought you'd sleep for another three hours at least.

What, me sleep straight through a watch? Who’s t' be a checkin on th’ men if I don't do it, I ask ya?

Warrenk laughed. Always the master sergeant, he quipped, but it was the kind of professionalism he had come to expect from the sergeant. As a soldier, Warrenk respected him all the more for it.

Yeah, Bahrain answered shaking his head awake. That I be. When Bahrain pulled the light blanket away Ardan saw that he had been sleeping fully clothed with his boots on. The sergeant swung his legs over the side and planted his feet on the deck. The first thing he did was to buckle on the sword that had stood propped against the wall by the head of his berth. The next thing was to draw the dagger from beneath the rolled cape he had used as a pillow and slip it into it's sheath on his belt. Ardan reminded himself that they were still on a mission, and a dangerous one at that.

It had been decided that Warrenk, Bahrain and Corporal Barringer would be the three who stood watch above decks during the day. Ardan and Dimitri would stand their watch at night, but to comply with Salroon’s dictates, they wouldn't go outside the cabin while it was still daylight. Already Ardan regretted this arrangement as he gazed outside at the warm, sunny deck. Bahrain wedged both the fore and aft cabin doors open to help air it out. He didn't want the princess to suffer below decks, even if it was only for a few days until they got underway. Bahrain left the cabin and stood on the aft deck with the corporal. Ardan sat next to his father at the table and cut a slice of heavy, dark bread.

I wonder how Gidaz is doing? I wonder if he’ll look inside the statue when we don't answer?

Warrenk swallowed a bite of cheese and thought. It's hard to say. Sergeant Bahrain knows where his in-laws live in Darbok. After the corporal gets rid of the wagon he's supposed to leave a message at their house.

Telling him what happened? Ardan asked.

No, just telling him to leave the city with his wife. Once the Kaull find their dead guards, they'll torture anyone remotely connected to the courtyard and Gidaz was the only one who was anywhere near the statue.

And the butler? Ardan asked.

I don't know, Warrenk answered. The sergeant recovered the uniforms; that leaves only the work order. I don't know if they can trace it to him, but Sergeant Bahrain thinks he's just one of many who could have planted that paper. Ardan nodded and took another bite.

In the mid-morning, after Dimitri had risen, Ardan took the wooden flute from his pouch and began to play. It brought back memories of his friend Latock. That was another mystery he didn't understand. Why did the red priest come rushing in to Johanna's rooms at that exact time. More importantly, Ardan wondered how his friend was. That had been a powerful blow to the priest’s ribs. He hoped that Latock was still alive. He had no logical way of knowing, but he somehow still felt a presence when he thought about the red priest. That was another mystery.

There was a connection between them, tenuous though it was. That day they had played in the temple courtyard they had actually touched minds, if only for a fleeting moment. He had never approached that with an off-islander before. Not even with his father with whom he shared not only blood, but a profound love. There were many perplexing questions he couldn't answer, but for now he’d just play.

The beans were starting to dance on the bottom of the pot. Sergeant Bahrain had two onions, four carrots and an equal number of celery stalks he was about to dice up to put in the stew. Too bad we don't have the line to catch a nice fat catfish, he said, wiping the knife on the thigh of his breaches. He knew many ways to cook beans, but this way was best, over a slow fire with onions and vegetables. Before long the cabin was filled with the mouth watering smell. It was early afternoon before Dimitri came up from the hold.

How’s the princess? Warrenk asked from the door way.

She rests, Dimitri replied. The prince had a worried look on his face. He stood just inside the door way looking out at the river. Heavy black clouds still hung over the mountains, but the sun reflected brightly off the river. The escape has been hard on her. She was already very weak. He exchanged a quick, worried glance with Warrenk, but then turned away.

Does she rest well? Below deck I mean? Warrenk asked. We could bring her up here to the cabin.

No, I think she's better where she is. The air isn't so bad and the darkness helps her to rest. When it's ready I'll bring her some broth, Dimitri said glancing at the bubbling stew pot.

Yes, that would probably be best, Warrenk added.

An hour later Dimitri took a cup of the thickened broth from the top of the stew pot down to his sister. The day passed slowly for the men. Sergeant Bahrain produced a sharpening stone and he, Barringer and Warrenk passed it back and forth to hone their blades. Ardan spent the day playing the flute and gazing out the open door to the river bank and the other barges that were anchored some distance away. He saw that each barge had a longboat tethered to its stern. Throughout the day Ardan noticed the boats coming and going from barge to shore and from barge to barge. The river rats hailed each other as they rowed by or drifted down stream, but none approached the barge on which Ardan and the rest of the rescue party waited. One crewman waved as he passed by on his way out to another barge, but he didn't try to approach.

Toward the evening Ardan saw that the other barges were hives of activity. The barge hands were coiling rope and busying themselves on deck. It seems all the river rats had come back from wherever they had gone on shore. Smoke rose above every cabin and the smell of garlic and onions drifted on the wind. As the sun sank beneath the horizon, stars started appearing. The twinkling lights of candle lanterns could be seen in the distance and reflecting off the surface of the water.

Ardan and Dimitri welcomed the evening. Dimitri had spent most of the day in the hold with Johanna, staying near as she slept, but after the night had fallen both men took the opportunity to stroll the deck.

Is Princess Johanna feeling any better now? Ardan asked as they walked together.

Yes-- well perhaps, Dimitri replied. She sleeps most of the time. It's as if the poison were still in her.

Did she speak at all?

Once or twice. She once stirred when you were playing the flute.

I'm sorry I disturbed her, Ardan said.

No, Dimitri replied quickly, no, you didn't. She liked it, she used to play herself. Dimitri paused momentarily as if in deep thought. This afternoon she awoke and said it was lovely, like someone calling to her from a far off place. Ardan glanced quickly at the subdued prince. In the starlight he could see the muscles in Dimitri’s cheek twitching. For what ever solace it gave her, I thank you. I wish you could have played when we were back in the statue but--, his voice trailed off. Ardan understood Dimitri’s chagrin, but he didn't know what to say. Dimitri always held himself aloof. Ardan had thought that he did so to stay detached so his judgments as a warrior wouldn’t be affected by personal attachment, but now he suspected differently. Maybe Dimitri’s emotional distance were born out of some sense of self-doubt; a fear of not measuring up or being accepted. After a while Ardan stopped pacing and sat on the side of the barge, his feet dangling over the edge as he took out his flute and blew another air. Dimitri continued his pacing for a while, but then retired to the hold.

~~~~~

The next morning the backwater saw a burst of activity. Warrenk judged the river had risen overnight by at least a hand span.

It must `ave been all that rain, Lieutenant, Bahrain said pointing to the black cloud still clinging to the back range

He said that’s what he was waiting for, Warrenk answered.

Th' sooner we go th' better, me thinks. We be an open target a-sittin out `ere, Bahrain said, scanning the river bank.

Yes, but what’s keeping Eban? I thought he'd be back yesterday.

I shouldn't worry about `im. Eban's a good lad, `e is. Been in the unit over five years now. Know's `ow t' take care of `imself, `e does.

I hope so, Sergeant, Warrenk replied. As they looked over the stern, one of the barges from the other end of the bay drew up her anchor and started moving slowly out toward the river channel. Men on deck using long poles to push off the river bottom, then walked along the deck, straining to move the barge. A third man stood in the stern manning a long sweeping oar that served as a rudder. They moved slowly at first, barely drifting in the back current. The crewman on the rudder sweep fanned the water, moving the sweep back and forth to coax the barge forward.

At first the barge seemed to drift sideways, causing the pole bearers to curse loudly as they yanked their poles up from the river bottom to keep from losing them. Their curses encouraged the rudder man to redouble his efforts. After another ship’s length of drifting, the square, flat-bottomed barge was caught by a current that swept it out away from the shore. The pole bearers kept walking the barge until the river became too deep. A cheer arose from the other crews when the first barge finally entered the main channel and was thrust down river.

One by one, leaving enough space for maneuvering between them, the other barges raised their anchors and started down river.

~~~~~

I need to find the master candle maker, Eban said in a low voice. An innocuous enough request on the face of it, but Eban saw no sense in broadcasting