Beragia

By E.M. Sinclair

When the air mage, Penda is farseeking over the ocean south of Iskallia,
he is shocked to encounter another mind. And even more shocked as he
recognises it as a Dragon mind. The Iskallian Dragon, Brin, Impetuously
rushes off to trace this mind and discovers an island, long separated
from the rest of the world. Lady Tika decides she has to travel the same
route to investigate the information Brin brings back on his return.
While they are away, reports reach Iskallia of trouble on the Middle
Plains of Sapphrea. Reports of Dragons attacking farmers. Tika seeks
out Farn's father, Jorab, to try to put an end to these attacks.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M. Sinclair
• Release date: Jun 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005212421

E.M. Sinclair

From as far back as I can remember, I have always had a feeling that Dragons are real. When you look at a wide sky there is a glimpse from the corner of your eye which must surely be a Dragon whisking past. I always regarded the stories of monstrous fierce Dragons as being completely wrong and I detested stories of St George and his dragon killing tendencies.When I was still a small child my grandfather gave me a copy of Kenneth Grahame's The Reluctant Dragon. It made complete sense to me - a Dragon living in a secluded cave, wanting only peace and quiet to write poetry.

Book preview

Book 15 of Circles of Light

Beragia is for Shirley Ryan, with love,

With love as always to Ben

Thanks and love to Walter

Beragia

Book 15 of Circles of Light

E.M. Sinclair

Beragia, Book 15 of Circles of Light

First published 2022

Formatting and

Cover design by W. Scott

Published by Murrell Press

© E.M. Sinclair 2022

E.M. Sinclair can be contacted via Circles of Light Facebook page.

The right of E.M. Sinclair to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or any information storage and retrieval system without express permission in writing from the publisher.

Chapter One

The large island of Beragia lay far to the south east of the Dark Realm, far south west of the Pirate Isles close to the coast of Malesh. Beragia was beyond an area of water which was renowned by pirates and other seamen as a deadly region. Many currents met there and raged over a great expanse of the ocean, each current trying to overcome the next and causing whirlpools and storms considered unnavigable. The island itself lay in relatively calmer waters, its coast fretted with hundreds of bays, inlets and larger fjords. In places mountains formed ramparts, forbidding and bleak. To the north the land fell lower, swathed in trees. Beragia was a forgotten land, a lost land, long isolated from the rest of the world by the violence of the northern waters.

The inhabitants ventured out only close to their shores for countless millennia. The fish were plentiful and easily caught and the people had no desire to travel beyond their known lands. Isolated as they were, it had been news of considerable fascination throughout the whole island when fishermen to the north west had picked up a strange man from the waters. He was lashed to what they decided must have been part of a mast, secured by strips of material to the wood. He was naked, but for gold rings in his ears and gold and silver bracelets on each arm.

There was a serious wound running from his right temple towards the back of his head but to the fishermen's astonishment, he was alive. Barely. They got him on board their small craft and sped back to land near the city of Lesken. They sent runners for help as they carefully manoeuvred the unconscious man onto the dock. They had wrapped him as best they could, his battered body cold as ice, and doubted he would survive.

Several people arrived and issued instructions, rushing the man up the hill to the Houses of Healing near the Lord's Hold. Healers examined the man quickly. The injury on his head was of concern but his left leg was broken in three places as well as several ribs. There were countless scrapes and abrasions and the healers stared at the tattoos swirling up his arms and over his chest. The man was washed in water that was gradually made warmer, his matted hair shaved from his head. They were relieved to find his skull was intact despite an obviously violent blow.

Two healers began to close the wound while two others began setting the bones of his leg. He was moved into a smaller room where a fire was lit and built to a steady blaze. The man began to shudder. He was still unconscious but the warmth was starting to seep into his body. The healers moved a little away from the fire to discuss this intriguing case.

'He's been in the water too long, Master Shen,' said one, shaking his head.

'I agree, Appin, but there are hints he may survive surely? He is still alive now which suggests both a powerful bodily strength and a strong mind. I believe he must have been aware at times.'

'I agree,' said another healer. 'And cold though he is, the sea water has kept infection from his injuries so far.'

The senior healer, Shen, looked across as nurses brought extra covers into the room. 'It's likely he'll have some fever for sure,' he said thoughtfully. 'We've done what we can for the poor creature. It's up to him and the spirits now.'

The door opened again and the healers bowed respectfully to the man who entered. 'I thought I'd come and see this stranger from the sea,' he said, moving to the bedside.

'We think he's been in the water far longer than most might survive, lord.' Shen joined Lord Elkin who was studying the splints and bandages on the man. His gaze travelled up, noting the tattoos disrupted by bruising and scrapes, to the angry wound on the side of his head.

'It is clear he is not from Beragia.' Lord Elkin's voice was quiet. 'He must truly have been long in the water.' His hand rested gently on the man's shoulder. 'He is still so cold!' he exclaimed.

'He is, lord. We must warm him and then hope he will recover.'

Lord Elkin stared down at the injured man for a while then he sighed. 'Keep me informed, Healer Shen. This man interests me greatly. If he regains consciousness, let me know at once.'

'As you say, lord.' Shen inclined his head as Lord Elkin sighed again then made his way from the room.

During the following days, Shen spent much time with the man they called simply Vieras, stranger in their language. He fought fever after fever with all his skills. At times Vieras seemed to come close to waking for brief moments when Shen and his staff managed to get nourishment into the tormented body. Vieras's eyes opened on occasion but there was no awareness or recognition before they closed once more. Lord Elkin appeared each evening to enquire how Healer Shen's unusual patient was doing and to speculate how anyone could survive across an endless stretch of ocean in all the directions around Beragia.

Shen explained that he feared the man's mind might well be damaged from both the head injury and his prolonged immersion in such cold waters. 'I would estimate his age as perhaps early forties, lord, maybe a little more or less. He was fit and robust before this happened. He must have been, to survive as long as he has.' He indicated the bracelets still on the man's arms. 'He must be a man of some importance. These surely suggest that.'

Lord Elkin nodded. 'That was my thought also. I am keen to know what he might tell us when he awakens.'

A silence followed his comment before Shen replied. 'Do you think, if he speaks of fabulous lands far from here, it might cause unrest, or foolhardy attempts to cross the Angry Sea?'

Lord Elkin smiled. 'That's why I want him moved to my Hold when you consider he is beyond the worst danger of death. I doubt he will speak as we do but I'd prefer him under my care if and when he rouses.'

'He will need nursing for some time yet, lord, his leg was badly broken.'

'Of course. Select a team to come with him while he needs care, Shen, and you of course are always welcome.'

They stood staring down at the immobile body. 'I judge he could be moved perhaps, in four or five days, lord. His temperature has remained steadier these last two days. I will arrange for reliable nurses to accompany him to the Hold, lord.'

Many days passed after Vieras had been moved to the Lord's Hold before Shen was convinced of the man's recovery. He had slipped in and out of consciousness and so far had said nothing at all. Rain rattled against the windows, as it did every afternoon, when Healer Shen sat with Lord Elkin.

They looked up, both rising quickly when the man gave a low groan. Shen put one hand on the man's brow, the other checking the pulse in the slack wrist. Eyes opened, and for the first time, those eyes focussed, staring up into Shen's face then moving to study Lord Elkin. 'You are safe. You were found adrift in the ocean.' Shen spoke gently.

Brows lowered in concentration. Then the man spoke but his words were gibberish to the two Beragians. Shen pointed to himself. 'Shen,' he said, and repeated his name. Pointing to the man beside him, he said: 'Lord Elkin.' Then he laid a hand on the man's chest, a questioning look on his face.

The man opened his mouth, frowned again and moved his head with an air of puzzlement. Shen repeated his own name, Lord Elkin's, and again waited. The man raised a hand, palm up in a gesture of helplessness. Shen nodded. 'We have called you Vieras.' He smiled. 'Vieras.'

'Vieras?' The man mimicked the sound.

Lord Elkin smiled too. 'Vieras,' he echoed.

Then the man's eyes closed and the stranger slept once more. After a moment, Lord Elkin and Shen returned to their seats. 'I have no idea what manner of speech that was,' Shen murmured. 'But although he remembers some words, he clearly does not remember who he might be, lord.'

'Will his memory return?'

Shen shook his head. 'If the spirits so decree, lord. Perhaps so, perhaps not.'

'He will have to learn to speak properly,' Elkin said thoughtfully.

'My nurses have been moving his limbs to keep the muscles working but obviously not the broken leg. That will need much longer to be restored. He may need to use some support I fear.'

'Let's hope he's intelligent enough to learn proper speech. He can do that even if he can't run around too soon. I'll arrange a teacher for him.'

'I think you'll need to wait until he can stay awake a little longer, lord,' Shen said.

Elkin rose. 'Of course, but it's looking more hopeful that he'll make a recovery now anyway.'

Shen also got to his feet. 'He will be shocked when he is more aware. There is no way of telling how he might react when he finds his memory gone, lord.' Shen opened the door for Lord Elkin's departure and two nurses carrying fresh bedding, stepped aside, bowing low.

Shen began to spend more time in Lord Elkin's Hold, so much so he was given rooms to stay there. He felt, as Vieras was waking more often and taking food more easily, it was best for the man to have one person who was a constant in the strange world in which he now found himself. Shen supervised the moving of Vieras to a more upright position, well supported by pillows and bolsters. The man stared down at his leg once his dizziness passed then looked at Shen questioningly.

'Broken,' said Shen clearly. He pointed to one place as he repeated the word. He pointed twice more, saying broken each time. Vieras stared up at him. Shen held his fists close to each other and made a sharp snapping motion. 'Broken,' he repeated.

Vieras nodded cautiously. 'Broken.' He copied Shen's word, making the same gesture as Shen had made. He watched as Shen seemed suddenly very pleased by his reply.

Humming softly, the healer moved to examine the head wound. Vieras raised his hand in some surprise as his fingers encountered a long line of scarring along the side of his head. Shen smiled down at him. 'Is there any pain?' he asked, tapping his own head then closing his eyes and wincing.

Vieras's eyes widened when he realised what the man was asking. He shook his head. He watched as Shen's hands moved although the healer said nothing aloud. In his brief moments of clarity, he had noticed the nurses attending him gestured more frequently than they spoke aloud. Were they really communicating in that way, he wondered? Vieras was amazed at his feeling of utter exhaustion: he had no memory of how he had ended up in this state. When he tried to think back he encountered a blanketing fog where memory should be, and he was still too tired to worry about that too much yet. Much as he wished he could move from the bed, he realised he was weak beyond belief.

A day eventually came when the one called Shen entered his room with another man wearing the same kind of green tunic so Vieras assumed him to be another healer. Shen smiled at Vieras as the other man pulled back the covers and began loosening the splints on his leg. 'This is Appin. He set your leg.' Seeing the usual look of uncomprehension on Vieras's face, Shen leaned across to touch the other healer's arm. 'Appin.'

Vieras nodded. 'Appin,' he repeated.

The bruises had faded but the muscles had wasted leaving his left leg considerably thinner than the right. Vieras watched as Appin carefully removed the smooth wooden splints then began to feel his way along the bones. He said something and one of the nurses moved closer to Vieras while the other reached a hand under the back of Vieras's knee. Slowly his leg was raised, Appin supporting his heel. Appin nodded and spoke again, letting Vieras's lower leg descend, the knee bending for the first time for countless days.

Vieras gasped at the sudden pain in his thigh and calf but Appin seemed pleased. He spoke to Shen and the nurses, his hands moving in accompaniment to his words. To distract himself, Vieras tried to concentrate on the words. The language was a liquid ripple with no harsh notes. He thought of water rushing over a stony stream bed, and wondered if he'd ever understand it, let alone speak it. Appin let the injured leg rest on the bed, and continued talking to the nurses and Shen. Vieras lay back, nearly sliding into sleep once more, then the nurses were gone with the healer Appin.

He turned his head to look at Shen who had retreated to a chair and sat writing. Vieras studied him. All those he'd seen here, few though they were, had similar features. Broad faces, eyes set wider apart than he would have expected. Vieras tried to think of other faces, people he might have known, but no images came to him. Shen's high cheek bones narrowed to a square chin, his nose a thin straight blade. These people had darker skin than Vieras had, a more tawny shade. His gaze moved to the window behind Shen and he saw the sky had grown cloudy. He thought it strange that it seemed to rain at a certain time each day. He had no idea where he was, he had seen only that patch of sky, and he wondered if he was a prisoner. Then he slept again.

The next few days felt brutal to Vieras. The nurses moved his leg and then massaged it until it took him all his strength not to weep with pain. The first time they stood him up under Shen's watchful eye, the dizziness and nausea threatened to make him faint. He took most of his weight on his right leg but the healer encouraged him to try to take some on the left. Just standing upright seemed a major achievement for a few days then, supported by nurses, he was urged to walk. Judging by Shen's smiles and nods, Vieras concluded he was doing quite well, no matter how he felt after each such session. He was given a blue tunic and loose grey trousers which seemed to take forever to put on but he was given no assistance.

At last, dressed, he looked up at Shen. The healer spoke softly, his hands flickering as he did so. He gave Vieras a stick for his right hand and he moved to his left. Using the stick, Vieras stood. Shen gripped his left arm, nodding encouragement. Instead of his usual walk to the door then back to his bed, Shen led him towards the window and the table and chairs set there. Shen indicated he should sit and then spoke quickly to the two nurses who bowed and left the room. Vieras held the back of the chair, gazing out at his first glimpse of the land he found himself in.

Houses of stone and of wood lined a road leading down a hill towards a wide bay and beyond, the huge empty ocean. He looked at Shen. 'Beragia?' he asked.

Shen frowned then nodded. He waved a hand in a broad gesture. 'Beragia.' Pointing out of the window, he added: 'Lesken.'

Sitting down very cautiously, Vieras worked out that Beragia must be the whole land, Lesken the name of the town he had seen from the window. One of the nurses returned with a tray of tea which he placed on the table before Shen. Vieras watched the healer pour into two beautiful bowls and offer him one. He realised this was what he'd been given many times before - a drink tasting of flowers and herbs which freshened his mouth and gave him a sense of calmness. Vieras sipped his tea and waited.

Shen spoke briefly then began to gesture deliberately and slowly. He pointed to his own mouth and opened and closed his bunched fingers against his thumb. Vieras was unsure if Shen was trying to suggest eating or speaking when the healer tapped his ear with his free hand. So, it was speaking then. The door opened again and a woman entered. She approached the table, addressing Shen while regarding Vieras with speculation.

Vieras saw a woman of considerable age but still upright, her eyes sharp, her movements easy and unimpaired by her age. Shen touched her arm, looking at Vieras. 'Lapu,' he said. 'Lapu.'

Obediently, Vieras repeated the name. The two Beragians spoke to each other, Vieras noting yet again the flutter of their hands as they did so. But his leg was beginning to ache and he tried to move to a more comfortable position. Shen paused, watching him, then spoke again to the woman. Lapu rose and with a slight bow, first to Vieras then to Shen, left the room. Shen helped Vieras up and guided him back to the bed.

The following morning the nurses put him through the usual exercises then helped him wash. They offered him a fresh tunic and trousers before leaving him. Shortly after, Shen arrived carrying a footstool which he placed by one of the chairs at the window. The woman, Lapu, arrived as Shen was helping Vieras across the room to sit in the chair. Vieras found having his leg raised a little was far more comfortable and nodded his thanks. Shen put the large book he often brought with him on the table and settled to write what Vieras supposed might be some kind of report.

Lapu had a bag with her from which she also produced a book. She put it before Vieras and nodded. He opened it and stared. It seemed to be a child's picture book with simplified pictures and no writing. When he'd looked all through it Lapu turned it back to the first page. Pointing at the first picture she said clearly the Beragian word for tree. Vieras repeated it, realising she was starting to try to teach him this strange language. Lapu gave him the words for the pictures on six pages then flicked between them, waiting for him to say the correct word. Over and over, she made him repeat the sounds. Then she closed the book and spoke one word. Vieras opened the book and found the picture. He didn't notice quite how much time must have passed until she nodded and spoke to Shen.

By the time Vieras was returned to his bed he was more exhausted than he might have imagined. His days followed a similar pattern, his body recovering as his mind was exercised in his attempt to learn the language. Occasionally he despaired that he'd ever hold a normal conversation with anyone again but he knew he had to struggle on. He found no memories in his mind of any kind of life before he'd woken here. Shen reported regularly to Lord Elkin who also visited Vieras when he was able to. Vieras noted Elkin seemed somewhat preoccupied but had no way of knowing what might be bothering the man.

So the days went by. As his confidence grew along with his strength, Shen took him out around the Hold. It was a large, sprawling building with many small courtyards surrounded by sitting rooms and what appeared to be workshops. Vieras didn't realise he'd been here over half a year until suddenly the language began to make sense. It was a great relief to find he could understand some of the casual chatter he overheard in his walks with Shen. He found he then had to learn the language of gestures. Again, Lapu was his teacher and showed an enormous patience at his clumsiness. Vieras was aghast to find that if he made a slight mistake in a hand movement, he could be offering a mortal insult instead of a simple greeting.

Healer Appin continued to check on Vieras's leg. He told both Vieras and Shen that he suspected a stick would be needed for a much longer time. Vieras didn't have enough Beragian vocabulary to understand all of Appin's words but eventually learnt the muscles had been damaged too severely in places for Appin to think he would ever move as freely as he had before. Occasionally, Shen asked if he remembered anything of the time he must have fallen into the ocean, but each time, Vieras shook his head. There was nothing but a grey fog where his memories should have been.

The weather grew stormier and colder but wrapped in coats of a strange material unknown to Vieras, Shen took him into the streets of Lesken. Vieras looked at the multitude of tiny shops, the array of foodstuffs, and marvelled at the great variety. Shen explained the Beragian coinage system and gave him a small pouch of those coins. So far, Vieras had only looked and not bought anything.

On this particular day they had been out longer than usual as a sudden heavy squall had sent them sheltering in a tea house, so the tiredness Vieras was coming to detest was more pronounced later. He went to bed earlier than he usually did and fell asleep at once. And the dreams began to unspool in his head.

Chapter Two

By the time the season of storms gave way to heat, Vieras was walking well. He could manage without a stick fairly often but there were still days when he had to use the support. There was a definite hitch in his movement which Appin told him was probably permanent. His ribs still ached at times but not enough to cause him trouble. Vieras had had many dreams during this time but although he could now speak Beragian quite well, he didn't mention them to Shen or to Lord Elkin. They still asked him now and then if he remembered his life before but he didn't truly remember as such. He thought the dreams came from those earlier times but he kept them to himself, hoping they might continue and become clearer.

Once his ability with the Beragian language reached a level satisfactory to Lapu, and his hand gestures were acceptable, she began to teach him the written forms. Healer Shen had returned to his own small dwelling close to the Houses of Healing a short distance from the Hold, and Vieras walked down to visit him regularly. Vieras had come to realise Lord Elkin was dealing with some kind of trouble in the eastern mountain region of Beragia, but hesitated to ask too many questions. Lord Elkin occasionally invited Vieras to his study in the evenings.

Elkin would inevitably enquire if he had regained any memories but seemed to accept Vieras's denials without undue concern. Vieras had shown interest when he saw a much larger boat than the usual fishing boats which scurried around the bay. From the lord's study window, Vieras had seen the coastline swooped sharply in so there was access from the Hold, down a steep flight of steps, to a small dock. Lord Elkin noted Vieras's interest, joining him at the window. 'Is that like the boat you fell from?' he asked casually.

'Ship.' Vieras used the word in his own language quite automatically. Then he blinked, glancing at the lord. 'I think bigger boats were ships,' he added with a frown.

'Ship.' Elkin pronounced the unfamiliar word before continuing in Beragian. 'Bigger than my boat?'

Still frowning, Vieras shook his head as though clearing it. 'Yes. I don't know. Different.'

'It's late now. Perhaps tomorrow you would like to accompany me on my boat. I am sailing east for a few days to a place called Vasken. I have business to attend to there.'

Vieras looked at him in surprise. 'I would like that, lord.'

'Very well. I will have clothes packed for you. It is an early start but you will be brought here in time.'

'Thank you, lord.' Vieras managed the words and gestures perfectly and Elkin nodded with approval.

'Sleep well then,' he said.

Bowing at the dismissal, Vieras walked back to the room he now considered his, and stared at his reflection in the darkening window. He'd seen himself in a looking glass in the small washroom adjoining this room, and yet he still didn't recognise the man he saw. He turned as the door opened. One of the Hold's maids who had replaced his nurses, entered carrying a pile of folded clothes. She bowed. 'Lord Elkin said these are to be worn tomorrow, master,' she murmured.

'Thank you.' He watched her put them on his bed and retreat to the door. She looked about twelve years old he thought but he'd noted she was as efficient and assured as the older ones he'd seen.

Vieras went to examine the clothes. He found they were the same fresh green he'd seen guards wearing as they patrolled around the Hold and through the streets of Lesken. The material was thick but as with other garments he'd been given, he had no idea of what they were made. The door reopened and the maid returned, her face ashen. 'Master, forgive this foolish girl. I was to give you this.' She held out a rolled paper, tied with green fabric, her head lowered, waiting for a reprimand.

'Please don't worry. You remembered it anyway.'

She looked up at him in astonishment. 'Will I not be beaten for such a transgression, master?'

Vieras stared. 'Beaten? Of course not.'

Colour crept back into her face. 'Thank you, master,' she whispered, bowing low before hurrying out again.

Vieras stood holding the rolled paper. Beaten? He didn't know servants were beaten here but clearly that maid had expected a severe punishment for simply forgetting a paper briefly. He decided he would think of that after his few days on Lord Elkin's boat. Sitting on his bed, he slid the tie from the scroll and flattened it on his knee. The maid was forgotten as he saw the map. It was exquisitely drawn. It showed a larger island than he'd imagined, shaped somewhat like a teardrop fallen on its side, the more pointed end to the west. He recognised the word Lesken near the tip of that end.

About a third of the way along the northern coast, another town of similar size and importance was marked and named. Vieras thought it spelled out Vasken. In the large mountainous area which seemed to occupy most of the broader eastern end of the island, another town was marked in different coloured ink. He puzzled over the name, eventually deciding Thalis was as near as he could judge. Much closer to the southern coast and somewhere halfway between Lesken and Vasken, another town was marked, in the same colour as those two: Werken. There were many far smaller places marked, rivers, forests, farmlands, but mostly Vieras studied the coastline.

It was so indented along its entire length, some inlets running deep inland. The bay at Lesken, although not large, was about the biggest he could find. Lord Elkin had said he was travelling east so Vieras assumed he meant to visit Vasken. He lit a lamp and continued to examine the map well into the evening before undressing and settling into bed. He slept but his dreams this night were a jumble of maps, maps of Beragia muddled among many other maps of coasts and lands of which he had no memories.

Breakfast arrived early but Vieras was up and dressed when it was brought to him. It was one of the older maids this time, who left the tray on the table. The fruit was now familiar to him although he had the sense it was not anything he recognised from before. The bread had a nutty flavour, pleasant, but again, just different from how he expected it to taste. He drank the last of the tea as a knock sounded at the door. Opening it, he found a guard waiting. 'Lord Elkin asks that you come with me to his boat, master,' said the man.

'I'm ready,' Vieras replied. 'Lord Elkin said extra clothes would be taken on board for me.'

'Yes, master. I am Jarron. The lord has said I am to be your aide.'

Vieras smiled. 'I am not your master, Jarron. Surely Lord Elkin is that. Call me Vieras, not master.'

The guard looked slightly flustered but only indicated Vieras should accompany him. They went through a courtyard then a corridor and out of a door Vieras hadn't seen before. He found they were on the walkway that surrounded the Hold, and Jarron led him to the right, to the head of the steps spilling down to the dock. Vieras found the stairs more difficult that he'd thought they might be, in spite of using his stick. He noticed Jarron slowed to match his more laborious descent.

Once on the dockside Vieras paused to study the vessel he was about to board. It looked strange to him. A high prow and a high stern. Two masts, its woodwork gleaming black. Jarron waited patiently until Vieras began to move towards the gangplank which rested halfway along the boat to the dock. Banners and triangular flags fluttered from each end, a name was written in the swirling curves of Beragian script. 'I cannot read the name,' he said to Jarron.

'The Sea Hawk, master.'

Vieras glanced at him. 'I must be respectful to you in front of others,' Jarron said very softly.

After a moment Vieras nodded. 'Am I to go aboard at once?' he asked.

'Yes, master. Lord Elkin will arrive shortly. You can watch his arrival from the deck.'

By the time Vieras stood against the railings of the central deck, his leg was aching far more than he liked. A drum beat a quick few notes and Vieras looked up to the Hold looming far above. Six guards marched two by two down the steps, then Lord Elkin, followed by six more guards. Vieras realised the crew were gathered at the other side of the deck, all barefoot but all dressed in what he'd learnt was the Beragian green uniform for all serving Lord Elkin. Five men in rather more resplendent costumes awaited the lord's arrival on deck at the top of the gangplank. They saluted smartly, hands over heart as he set foot on deck. Vieras suddenly realised the tunic he wore had blue bands on the cuffs and a strip of blue at the shoulders, presumably to mark a different status. Not for the first time, he wondered if, no matter how freely and well he was treated, he was a prisoner of some kind. He watched Lord Elkin speak to the officers. He asked Jarron the captain's name.

'Sedin, master. He has captained the Lord's craft for many cycles.'

Vieras saw Lord Elkin cross the deck to walk along the line of crewmen who had dropped to their knees, in such a manner as he had seen no other servants behave before. 'Why do they kneel?' he asked softly.

'They are slaves, master.'

Vieras heard the words and felt a jolt in his mind. Something in that statement worried him but he had no time to think as Lord Elkin approached him. 'You are welcome to look around, Vieras,' he said. 'First allow me to show you the cabin you will use.' He moved to the rear as the kneeling crewmen rose and vanished to their appointed tasks.

The Captain had climbed up to the upper deck. Vieras saw a man facing over the deck seated behind a large drum and another, uniformed man, behind him at a large tiller. He followed Lord Elkin beneath the deck and found a short passageway with several doors to each side, suggesting small cabins while the door directly ahead was clearly for the lord himself. Elkin nodded at the guard who moved to open a side door, stepping back then with his hand over his heart. Elkin went in, Vieras behind him.

There were two bunks fitted to each side with a table between. Two shuttered windows were above the bunks which were neatly made with the usual green blankets. Vieras saw two large bags set each side of the table. Elkin smiled at Vieras. 'This will be where you and this guard sleep. I'm sure he knows where you can take some of your meals.'

'Thank you, lord,' Vieras managed as he felt another jolt in his mind. When Elkin referred to Jarron, it was perfectly obvious he didn't know the man's name; he was simply a guard.

'We will sail very soon. You can watch from the deck if you wish.' Lord Elkin nodded and left them, turning along the passage to his own quarters.

Very gently Vieras closed the door, briefly leaning his forehead on the smooth polished wood.

'Are you well, master?' Jarron asked in some alarm.

Vieras turned, scowling. Jarron glanced at the door then said, very softly. 'Vieras.'

'I'm fine. It was just a thought.'

'May I ask a question? Rumour says you have no memory of who you are, or how you came to be in the ocean? Is that true?'

Vieras nodded. 'Can I ask you something now? Why have you been ordered to stay with me? Because I'm a prisoner, or in need of a nurse maid?'

'Because you are a stranger. Also you may need help.' Jarron pointed to the stick Vieras had laid on the bunk. He paused than spoke even more quietly. 'It's considered a punishment for me because I was two heartbeats late on duty.'

Vieras stared at him. 'So watching over me brings some sort of shame on you?'

Jarron grinned suddenly. 'That's what my officer thought, yes, I suppose so. I'm happy with it though.'

There came a brisk rap at the door and Jarron moved quickly to open it. One of the officers glanced into the cabin. 'We are about to sail, if you wish to be on deck. Lord Elkin suggests it might interest you.'

'Yes, thank you. It will.' Leaving his stick on the bunk, Vieras followed the officer out, Jarron on his heels. The crew were busy and Vieras saw Lord Elkin on the upper deck with the captain, so he headed for the rail on this deck.

Peering towards the bow, Vieras was confused to see two small boats towing this vessel around, leading it towards the head of the inlet. 'It has to be towed?' he asked Jarron.

'Of course. Until it reaches deeper water, master.'

They watched as the Sea Hawk slowly drew level with the headlands to each side and the smaller boats moved away to the left. Wind suddenly gusted, catching the large sail and filling it, sending the boat to the east. Somehow the movement felt clumsy to Vieras, as if the vessel was sluggish, reluctant to move. He turned to watch crew men tying off ropes to alter the angle of the sail and looked towards the land. He was surprised how close they were to the coast, scarcely further out to sea than the many fishing boats he saw every day. Noting the number of crew on deck, he frowned.

'Where are the rest of the crew?' he asked.

'They are below, master, at the oars should they be needed.'

'Oars?' Vieras echoed. 'Why would they need oars?'

'If the wind changes, master.'

The vessel picked up some speed and settled to a smoother motion. The salt spray stirred something in Vieras's mind and his spirits rose for some reason. He stayed where he was, looking out to the vast empty waters to the left of the boat and longed to be travelling in that direction. Jarron noted Vieras moved easily with any movement of the boat and seemed quite confident despite not having his stick for support. They stayed thus for some time, then dark clouds loomed ahead and they retreated to their cabin as an icy squall hit.

Vieras's hair had grown through but was cut every so often, keeping it close cropped as most men seemed to have their hair in Lesken. That was another thing he'd become aware of recently - he expected to feel his hair against his shoulders and was slightly shocked whenever he saw his reflection. Along the line of the scar from his head wound, the hair grew quite white. Back in the cabin Vieras looked in the pack that had been left for him, finding more trousers and tunics, small clothes and towels. He put everything away in a cupboard above his bunk. 'How long will it take to reach Vasken?' he asked, undoing the shutter over the window.

'Three or four days.' Jarron had stored his things away too but now sat on his bunk. He smiled. 'You'll know we're close to Vasken when you see the dragons.'

Vieras sat down across from the guard. 'Dragons?' he repeated, frowning.

'Yes. Funny little creatures. I like them. They don't often come to Lesken, no one know why.'

'They're small?'

'Yes. They seem quite friendly too. They are about as long as a man's arm. You'll be surprised when you see them.'

Vieras smiled politely but he had a mental picture of huge creatures, gold and crimson, in his mind.

Jarron rose, moving quickly to the door as a rap sounded. Two boys stood holding a tray each. Jarron stepped aside and the two pattered in, put the trays on the table, bowed low and fled without a word. There were several dishes stacked in small lacquered boxes. Jarron sat on his bunk and began to investigate the contents of the boxes, Vieras copying him. Vieras had found most of the food pleasant enough but he had no feeling of familiarity; appearance, smell, taste and texture were all just a little different still. 'Why did you become a guard?' he asked through a mouthful of pink vegetables.

'I signed to serve for ten cycles. I thought it would be a change.' Jarron grimaced. 'It is, but not quite so pleasant as I had hoped. My family farm further east, beyond Vasken. I'll go back after my time is done. And if the spirits let me survive.'

Vieras had heard reference to the spirits from several people but he hadn't been inclined to enquire further. He didn't now. 'Is there any reason you might not survive?' he asked.

Jarron set aside the remains of his meal. 'The lord is determined to claim the lands of the Himiset. They have never been ruled by western lords and I don't believe they ever will be.' He leaned across the small table, his words mere breath as he spoke.

'You have sympathy for these Himiset?' Vieras murmured, curious now.

'My father's mother was of the Himiset. Beyond Vasken nearer the mountains, many have Himiset blood.'

A sudden clattering from the deck and a series of shouted orders made both men jump. 'What's happening?' asked Vieras.

'They'll be nearing the inlet for the first mooring,' Jarron explained, getting to his feet. Vieras waited. 'You can't see in the dark,' he explained patiently. 'There's a chance the boat could hit rocks.'

Vieras stood as well. 'But the stars guide the way in the dark,' he blurted out.

Jarron stared at him then opened the door in silence. On deck, Vieras saw Jarron was correct. The sail was being lashed tight, and a small boat was again towing the Sea Hawk deeper into a sheltered inlet. A glance at the sky suggested it was barely halfway through the afternoon. Lord Elkin joined Vieras, a smug expression on his face.

'An impressive boat, don't you think?' he said.

Vieras nodded. 'it's different, lord,' he agreed.

Elkin glanced at him sharply. 'Different? From the boat from which you fell? You have remembered some of that event?'

'No, lord. It's just a vague feeling. An image of a ship came into my mind briefly, nothing more.'

Elkin regarded him closely then shrugged. 'You must tell me if you have any other dreams,' he said, then left them to join the captain on the upper deck.

'How do the stars help you move a boat?' Jarron murmured. 'You didn't mention that to the lord.'

A cool wind gusted and Vieras shivered. 'I'm going back inside,' he said. Once inside, Vieras sank onto his bunk. 'Surely you look up at the stars? They make patterns which change slowly over time.'

Jarron nodded, a faint smile on his face. 'Fisher folk know this.'

'But the captain of Lord Elkin's boat does not?'

'The special officers Lord Elkin employs are from the high families. I doubt they've ever spent any time with fisher folk. They learn where the reefs are, where the best sheltered bays are, along this coast.'

Vieras groaned, sitting up and tugging off his soft boots. 'Does Lord Elkin have a wife and children?'

'Of course.' Jarron was surprised by the question.

'I've never seen them, only servants. There are many women in Lesken, in the shops, the streets I've seen women working the fishing boats too.'

'The high ladies must not be seen by ordinary folk, like us. They are kept guarded by the ipekay.'

'I don't know that word?'

'Those who are no longer men. Cut when they are boys for the purpose of guarding high women.' Jarron's tone implied his disgust.

Vieras stared at him in disbelief. Trying to make sense of what he'd heard, he lay back again, rubbing his forehead.

'You have a pain?' Jarron asked.

'A little. My head hurts when I think of some things. I'm not sure why.'

'Sleep for a while. You will have to dine with the lord and his officers later I think.'

'Will you as well?'

Jarron snorted. 'Not me. I'm just a guard.'

Vieras lay with an arm across his face. He was fairly sure Jarron was far more than just a guard.

Later, when Vieras returned to the cabin after dining with Lord Elkin and the officers as Jarron had predicted, his head was aching far more. It still took a lot of concentration to be sure he got the language and the gestures absolutely correct. The conversation at dinner had been shocking to Vieras. Captain Sedin and his men only praised Lord Elkin and flattered him.