The Weight Of Wizardry: Quest One

By RC Swahn

Your horse awaits at a bend in the trail. It is young and capable, accustomed to riders. Your mount is hungry for the road. Into distant mountains is his route. It has never trodden there before this day. You ride in the company of a very talented individual. A husky fellow, kind in manner, often humorous, and private about some things, he is committed to the journey that he's undertaken.

His trek will take him to meetings with strangers. A sword will be purchased in a market. He travels into territories besmeared with malice and ill-practicing fools. You'd better sit ready on the saddle, eyes peeled back for highwaymen, unpredicted creatures in the day or the night, and keep your sword arm free for defense.

Not all days are riddled with peril. Your faithful mount will carry you across the pages of eerie discovery, delighting beauty, and supernatural power. The trembling ground underfoot catapults your fright in the darkened cathedral. And a sunset on the banks of a deep pond lights the fire for a couple drawn into romance.

Through sands of the shore, rolling grassy plains, and high forested mountains, the journey takes Riticulamus in search of a teacher. At least, that is what he hopes to find. Lamus, as he is commonly called, knows not what lies ahead, yet being a man of great faith, he goes into the unknown. Will you walk a few hundred yards to the trail's bend? Will you travel the path with a partner you can trust? Witness the things unseen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781636928425

Book preview

Acknowledgements

To Shirley, for the cover-to-cover typing of the whole story. Your diligent, tireless help in its creation is priceless. Thank you.

To Jo Ann, who guided with advice and expertise, and added a secret touch and began the typing. Many thank yous.

To Suzanne, for weeks of typing and praise on the brick patio, pushing the book forward. My thankful bows.

To Stephen, who holds the skill when he holds the pencil and the brush. You captured the concept wonderfully. Standing salutes of thanks.

To you four --- it took me a long time. Without the help of you all, who knows how many more years this story would have taken to reach book form. Praise and thanks to you all.

RC

Curious about Stephen’s other art? Please visit cowcreekstudio.com

Contents

1. A Quest through the Old World Begins

2. Rescued by New Friends

3. Aynesly Meets a Huntress

4. A Tangle with a Band of Boars

5. In the Wake of an Army

6. Lamus Contemplates a Challenge

7. Going to Get Help

8. An Agreement Is Struck

9. A Meeting with a Dragon

10. Tanara’s Naked Ride

11. Streets of a Busy City

12. Nocturnal Creatures of the Temple

13. A Request for Aynesly

14. The Intrigue of the Sea Floor

15. Important News for the Sorcerer

16. A Brigand Is Transformed

17. Lamus Stands in the Presence of Merlin

18. A Spirit Cave

19. The Squads Depart Illswitch Glen

20. Time with Grace and Fond Farewells

21. A Thief Meets a Gruesome End

22. A Meeting in Secret

1

A Quest through the Old World Begins

And it was so for Riticulamus. The wizard’s search had taken him far with no promise of finding his future teacher. Across kingdoms unknown to Lamus, he had walked. For the last two moons, his journey had been aided by a horse, affording him much faster travel. Carrying him through villages of mountainous Gothwan, Miksteria, and the cliff-riddled slopes of Plymiktra, the steed’s sure feet had been invaluable to Lamus.

He was fortunate indeed to discover the animal riderless, grazing at the edge of a woodland clearing. Standing with all his tack still fastened securely on him, he didn’t appear startled when Lamus walked up to him. He spied an insignia on a leather leaf stitched to the saddle. And from the condition of the rigging, he figured the rider must have suddenly fallen ill and tumbled off his mount. Any attackers would have stolen the horse for sure, and he wouldn’t be free-grazing the woods the way he was. Thinking it through, the husky man took the reins in his hands and looked around sheepishly to find out if he was being surveyed.

Lamus gently raised a hand and stroked the animal’s neck and uttered some soft sounds. He whispered to him and talked soothingly. He ran his hand down his smooth coat. The horse was tall and appeared young and strong. It was easy to see he would be a prize for any rider. These two strangers walked together calmly for a ways, the wizard raising his eyes to and fro in disbelief of his luck. A couple hundred feet, Lamus led the horse along, softly talking in question of his rider to the animal.

Are you thirsty, boy? Coming to a stop, the man decided to mount up and ride the horse to a stream nearby. With no objection from the horse, the two began a pairship that would leave behind many tracks.

The wizard looked up at his animal companion stomping his foot on the sand. He let out a loud sloppy snort and shook his head vigorously. The quiet morning left the groggy man daydreaming, lazily applying himself to this task and that. He had breakfast on the boil, and he lifted the cook spoon to his lips. Back into the pot he tossed it. The broth still needed to cook a little longer. He reached for more wood to fuel the fire. Poking the logs into the flames in a tired stare, his thoughts went back to the road between the rugged cliffs and the rolling river.

Settling in his seated position, he threw a quick glance once again at his horse, feeling grateful to have such a mount.

I am sure glad you were around, ol’ boy, breathed out the weary wizard toward the animal.

The wizard let his eyes fall back to the fire, beginning to baffle himself over a mystery that he knows will wrestle in his mind for eternity. Why? he thought in a perplexed stare. What men would do such atrocity?

Back to a forest road his mind went. He first saw the landscape as beautiful, the clear river cutting its way through tree-covered mountains, the grass along the shore, then lent peaceful swaying motion, now stood rigid and static, out of place. The ride that day was easy, and in the mix of his thoughts, he found himself mock drunk, his head nodding and tilting. The wizard decided to let his mount graze a while and drink. Dismounting and tying on a lead rope, Lamus led his horse along, pausing and letting him eat. The wizard meandered his way through a rock bed. It was curiously located away from the river’s edge. It was there he found a clump of ghastly remains. He winced as his memory of that time and place grew in focus.

Out of the corner of his eye, he’d caught an image. It was the bend of an elbow. The shape drew a second longer look, and upon closer examination, stooping down, he saw the rope attached to the wrist. The threads were so worn by weather, it exactly resembled plant debris. With a stick, the wizard uncovered a hand. He caught himself jolting where he sat, reliving the shocking fright he felt. He remembered losing his balance and falling backward. Confusion and fear had seized him as the doubt of his own survival mounted.

Getting to his feet, his head was spinning. What kind of hell is this? he exclaimed, trying not to shout.

Scampering clumsily to his horse, tripping over loose stones, he nearly drove the animal away, causing him to rear up and jerk. With his face and hands beginning to sweat, he felt a brief moment of relief for getting a good grip on the horse’s reins. Oh, what if he had run off, what then? he remembered thinking.

Shuffling his hands and positioning himself to mount, his eyes darted about, through the trees and back to the cliffs, expecting to see attackers. It was then he saw something that made his body shake entirely, almost bringing him to fainting. Two large upright stones leaned against the cliff and stood out from the other rocks. Markings of a lighter color ran down them vertically in an odd fashion. Adjusting his stance to see around some branches, he saw the skeletons.

He felt a surge of something powerful rush over his body. Delirium now slammed shut all around him! Hide, run, duck down, be quiet, lay still were thoughts that swirled in his head. He wriggled and shrieked quirky babbles he had never made before! His lips and cheeks quaked erratically. Tortured squeaks and nervous cries of panic popped out of his mouth! Cupping his mouth with his hands, he was sure he would be heard by someone riding by. He swept the woods with his eyes. Lamus managed to silence himself with all of his effort. His movements were shaky and uncertain as trembles raced up and down his skin.

He stumbled over more rocks; they seemed to be everywhere. His vision went into momentary blurs while his heart pounded loudly.

Now on the horse, Lamus kicked and spat out a blasting hiss! The rider was off in a gallop, his head ducking under low branches. The skeletons seemed to dangle in front of him as he rode. Blinking his eyes hard, the wizard focused his thoughts, I must see ahead. The haunting picture of the near-skinless carcasses held fast in his brain, but he knew it was all behind him.

Concentrate, he told himself.

The road widened ahead of him, and the high sun lit it brightly. Around a curve, there were only the trees waiting to greet him. Another bend, then a twist, and not a soul was found. Lamus looked all around him, still with a grip on the horse’s mane and the leather reins.

After several miles, the wizard slowed his horse and steered him off the road. He looked down at his open palms where perspiration made the reins and the hair of the horse’s mane slick. The worried man trying to catch his breath kept his eyes going side to side, looking behind trees as the horse loudly crunched through the woodlands. The muffled murmur of the river could still be heard as the rider searched for a quiet place to rest. An archer, a swordsman, breaking twigs, unnatural sounds—all these possibilities have the wizard’s ears to the wind, his eyes shifting wildly.

An abrupt snort burst from the standing horse. Taking his eyes off the now-boiling pot of water, he noticed someone walking toward him. In the far distance, the figure was moving slowly, as if in doubt about coming closer. The wizard gathered his senses and quickly surveyed his surroundings. The wizard could see the traveler pausing, being very still, then start walking again. His heart still racing, he looked along the shore for anyone else approaching. Lamus wondered for a moment if anyone else might have been watching him, unsure how long he had been staring into his pot of boiling shellfish.

Collecting his thoughts and calming himself, he gasped and let out a slow breath. Apparently his cook fire had gone unnoticed, except by the traveler coming toward him. With the morning fog beginning to lift, small glints of sunlight were piercing downward, and Lamus spied a flickering of light coming from the stranger. He spun around quickly, looking all about. A signal, he thought, maybe it’s an ambush? Maybe a sword. He probably wants me to know he is armed. It’s hard to say for certain from this distance.

Glancing quickly about him, Lamus located his sword leaning on his bedroll. Trying to look calm and sure, he strode over to it and took it into his hands, latching it to his waist and under his wide sleeve. Baring the hilt in his view, he wanted to be sure he can unsheathe it quickly if the need arose. His eyes still fixated on the approaching man, he saw no sword dangling down. The moving clouds still blocked out the sun for now, choking out the sun’s rays. The brightness reflecting off the figure had stopped. The man was ever closer now.

His clothes were wet from the knees down. His tattered top shirt, blowing in the breeze, barely covered anything at all, except his shoulders leaving the undershirt in plain view. There was an object around the man’s neck on a chain. His hands were not visible to Lamus.

Now the approaching stranger seemed to have serious doubt. He had stopped, and the wizard heard him let out a low bugling noise, sort of like a moan. With all eyes glaring at each other, the man took a couple of steps back.

Lamus, the first to speak, hollered out clearly, Come on ahead slowly if your intentions be peaceful. If not, I will see ye regret it! Lamus’s hand firmly on the sword, still sheathed, stared back at the man. His feet were planted for confrontation, eyes still locked on the traveler.

Fear not, kind sir, I mean no ill, said the stranger in a shivering voice.

The idle man appeared to be humble and frail. Lamus let out a relaxed breath and looked down at the sand, glanced at the stranger’s bare feet, then at his face.

You want to dry off by the fire? asked the wizard, easing the sword grip. The answer started from the new arriver’s lips, then Lamus, in a brief shout, hollered, Let me see your hands, have you any weapons?

The man nodded quickly and, in a hurried voice, said, Only a dagger, sir, see? The slender hand uncovered a knife with a double edge from its sheath.

Wait, slow down, not so fast! blurted Lamus, looking at the weapon. All right, put it back under your shirt and keep your hands in sight.

You won’t have to worry about me, sir. I keep it for protection and to cut things, reassured the man.

Yes, well, it’s the cutting things that bothers me, replied Lamus.

The strange man popped out a giggle and covered his mouth with his fingers. Lamus’s eyes darted at the man, and a smile came to his face.

Lamus belched out a big laugh and said, Welcome. He extended an empty hand to the man, now also more relaxed.

The two hands met, and eyes collided in a rush, and both men halted instantly in warmth and gentleness. In a few seconds, the men were joined. Two spirits in a meandering path across the earth were one, unified in peace and utter trust.

Oh yes, well, welcome. Come stand by the fire, and you can get dry, invited Lamus. The man’s handshake had surprised the wizard. It was strong and purposeful. It was not the predicted clasp of the fragile fellow that he appeared to be.

The drooping clothes swayed in the wet weight of themselves as the new acquaintance stepped toward the fire. Both men, quite hungry, gazed at the pot over the flames. The look urgently came toward the wizard’s face of the anticipated question.

Can you spare any food? asked the stranger in a toned-down manner.

A growing smile followed a brief hesitation. I’ll bet you’re as hungry as I am, good fellow. And we’ll both partake of some hot mussels and bread, stated Lamus gladly.

Oh, your kindness is appreciated, thank you, came the words as the stranger bowed his head, anticipating the hot shellfish. May I use my dagger to eat them with, please? asked the hungry guest humbly.

Of course, my new friend. Sit there and I’ll serve us, said the wizard, turning to the horse. From a large pouch, he pulled out a ladle and a short-bladed knife. Also Lamus had a bowl of bronze that he handed his guest with a piece of bread broken off of a loaf that was carefully wrapped in a thin cloth.

Taking the bowl, he lifted the bread eagerly toward his mouth. It was soft, as if it had been cooked that morning, and as he gobbled away, he could not help wondering how it was kept so well. The stranger handed the bowl back to Lamus so it could be filled. Swallowing down bites of bread, the bowl came back with four steaming shells inside, splayed open like butterfly wings.

Thank you, sir, exclaimed the hungry visitor softly as he bent down his head, cradling the bowl with one hand.

It’s not a lot, little fellow, but it’s food, uttered Lamus in a nod.

You’re a generous soul, sir, came back the stranger’s appreciative response.

In a very short time, the food was eaten. The two men looked at each other, licking their chops, and each waited for the other to speak, rubbing their legs and hands, a little anxious.

Where are you going? they both asked at once. A spell of laughter filled the air around them for a moment. The hot meal, settling well in their common comfort, put them at ease again.

The food was really good, sir, said the thin wanderer out of the blue. Are you bound for someplace certain?

Not really, answered the wizard.

Oh, I see, replied the stranger in quiet doubt. Just out to see the world, I suppose.

Well… I am looking for an old friend, offered the wizard in hesitancy.

Aha, and you don’t know where to find him, or you don’t want to say? came back the stranger.

Let’s just leave it at that for now. It’s really my own personal business, concluded Lamus.

Very well, sir, I—

You appear to be traveling my direction following the shore, interrupted the wizard. We ought to travel together, suggested Lamus. We can help each other.

That sounds like a splendid idea, we can watch each other’s backs.

Do you know how to hunt or catch game? asked Lamus hopefully.

I was taught to snare rabbits as a boy. My bow-hunting was never really good, but I am able to cook, answered back the stranger to Lamus with a grin.

What else does a partnership need, we’ll do fine together.

A quick dousing of the cook fire with some seawater gathered in the pot, and light-gray smoke rose quickly in the air. As if on cue, the two men turned their heads on the alert for possible attackers.

It must be the times, Lamus said in jest to the new companion.

What do you mean, sir? asked the thin man.

Oh, it’s just in this world, at least for now, it seems you always have to be wondering who is watching and who might attack you.

Oh yes, my kind sir. I agree with what you are saying, for sure, sir, replied the stranger, nodding, then slowly shaking his head. A sad thing too, sir.

Lamus began doing a quick cleanup of the cooking equipment, stowing them in the leather pouch still lashed to the saddle.

The two kicked some sand over the extinguished firewood to leave the area as unnoticeable as possible before walking off. The next high tide would smooth it all out. On the outside chance someone decides to track them, the two walked straight toward the sea, got to the wet sand where the waves lap over the beach, then turned north in their chosen direction. They seemed to be operating together well and shared the same instincts. Both men started out on foot, Lamus leading the horse and each looking over their shoulder periodically for someone following.

Lamus strode easily over the sand, and his earlier fatigue had vanished. Being quite comfortable with his new travel companion, the wizard talked with him but was careful to guard the necessary secrets of his past and where he was from, and with absolution to conceal his wizard powers. None of these things proved difficult, yet he knew better than to relax too much.

The short meal seemed to spruce up the spirits of the traveler. He kept the pace with Lamus and didn’t seem to tire easily. The random conversations seemed to flow pretty naturally. And both men respected the other’s privacy. When things got too personal, the subject was quickly dropped, and neither seemed to care.

The traveling pair stuck mostly to the seashore because the food supply was abundant, and their reasoning seemed the best. They agreed to a policy for now, a sort of wayfarer’s strategy, that if they’re in plain sight, they have nothing to hide and nothing anyone else would want. Riders know that horses need to be cared for, and grass has to be found and drinking water supplied. And there is a list of other things to consider in owning a horse. Away from the horse issue, the two figured their chosen course to be the wisest.

A routine quickly evolved. For days, they covered vast stretches of salty sand. In afternoons, Lamus rode to the woodlands to fill the water bags from creeks and rivers. Along his way, he let the horse graze on grasses while staked on a long rope. While the animal grazed, Lamus would gather berries and acorns for human and animal nutrition.

During the trips to the forest, the wizard’s partner waded the water and harpooned fish. Lamus observed his technique one afternoon. It was quite simple. The slender man, with barbed spear in hand, waded out to a depth of waist-high or so and watched seaward for fish swimming parallel to the waves. They were quite visible under the curl of water. All he needed was a good throw. And Lamus noted, as the waves approached the fisherman, the water level dropped considerably to allow for more throwing room. The two travelers had worked out a pretty smooth-running system, and their teamwork made things easier for each other. The forest provided fuel for their cookeries and wood for fashioning weapons. The sea provided them with abundant sea life for food.

On one particular afternoon, Lamus returned to the sandy soil of the coast, water bags full, horse well fed, and his friend could be seen attending the campfire. The topography around them was forested, hilly ground to the west and sea to the east. A line of snaking cliffs wound their way along the hilly slopes and seemed interesting to Lamus. It was as if the wooded ridge had a rocky row of faces emerging out of the soil, hooded by trees arching outward over the bluffs.

Lamus rode toward his partner sitting near the fire. His eyes were kept on him as he wondered how the meal was coming along. He was several hundred yards away from their camp when the wizard heard a distant roar, like from a horn of some kind. He stopped his horse and rose on the saddle to hear its direction. It came again after a short moment, and it was coming from the forest behind.

A look of worry came to his face, and he looked back toward the campsite. His partner was standing, looking at Lamus. The partner wondered what made Lamus stop. He raised his hands in the air and looked about.

Lamus kicked his horse and restarted toward the camp. The horse’s footsteps were gristly as the hooved animal’s weight grinded hard against coarse sand marked by his breathing.

Hold, ol’ boy, sighed out Lamus, gently tugging back on his reins.

Another bugling noise or two came from the hills, but much lower in volume. The wizard, now coming into range of the cooking fishes’ smell, also heard the waves of the sea. The horns had either ceased, or the blows were drowned out by the rolling waves. Neither possibility carried great relief for the wizard.

Is something amiss? asked his partner curiously. He stood looking directly at Lamus, his harpoon at his side, leaning on it like it was a crutch.

You could say that, answered back the wizard, dismounting.

Unlashing the large pouch, Lamus stuck a hand inside and drew out a knife and handed the pouch to his friend. The companion spun halfway round toward Lamus, inquiring further. A long pause hung in their midst. The concerned wizard drove a lance into the sand and tied the steed’s lead rope to it, with a loop that allowed the animal to circle the weapon without shortening its tether.

Am I to remain in the dark, sir?

Lamus turned and, with a long stare to the ground, uttered the introduction common to his time.

My name is Lamus. I’m thinking we should have the knowledge of each other’s titles. What do you say?

Holding out his hand in friendship, the thin man took it with open gusto and, smiling at Lamus, replied, Aynesly, at last. Call me Aynesly, sir.

You know we have great trust between us, don’t you agree? asked Lamus, still holding firmly to Aynesly’s hand.

I certainly do, sir, answered the anxious man in earnest. Now what is going on, please, Lamus, I’ll call you now if it suits you? His smiling countenance quickly returned to concern, matching that of the wizard’s.

That sparks thoughts itself. Since you’re accustomed to calling me sir, that may be a good idea when we’re in company of people we don’t know. But when we’re alone, like now, you can call me Lamus. I just think my title should be between you and me for now.

"Very good, Lamus. It’s reassuring to see your trust in me with some of your private affairs. I could tell upon our first meeting that you like to withhold business about yourself.

Might I ask why you chose now to reveal your name to me? asked Aynesly, maneuvering around the fire to hand over one of the spits to Lamus. Careful, it’s hot.

Lamus took the wooden rod using his sleeve to pad his hand. With a serious reflective look at his friend, he said, I find it helpful and necessary to solidify our trust, my trust in you. And now I’ll call you Aynesly, as I see it pleases you to hear me address you so.

The listening man sat, slowly chewing so he could hear Lamus talk. Lamus unsheathed his sword, plopped it on the sand, and squatted down close to his friend, glancing intently toward the hills. I suppose you could not hear the horns that blew as I rode up?

No, exclaimed his friend with his mouth full, looking behind him. Did you see anyone?

I saw nothing, but I stopped and heard the blows several times. It may not have anything to do with us, but then there’s the other hand.

I see your meaning. It’s hard to say what these horns mean and who was sounding them, pondered Aynesly.

The two ate their supper and discussed their options. They let the fire burn itself out. Keeping the horse and all their supplies piled up between them, and the forest would help to block the flames from sight.

They talked in a controlled manner, eliminating all shouts and screams. What daylight they had left, they used to dig some shallow but wide trenches around their camp. Alongside these trenches, they placed the sand and packed it down best they could. Mounding up sand here and there within the camp area, they walked it over several times to get a memory of where they were placed. Enemies stumbling over uneven ground would give the campers one advantage.

From his belongings, Lamus strung a bow and buried it under shallow sand where he was to sleep. A group of arrows were spotted elsewhere in the same fashion; a couple of sticks were used as a marker. A stout club lay next to his body buried under a thick layer of sand.

As night fell, the two spoke only as needed in whispers. All weapons were within close reach. The horse’s lead rope was tied to a long stick under Lamus’s bedding. The horse would be a sure help in alerting danger.

The earth’s shadow seemed to suspend the minutes as each man hung onto their awareness as long as they could. The tension that marked their faces met with cloth that lay on the ground waiting for them. The stillness that seemed to waltz in rhythm with the dying cook fire gave nothing to the dark air but calm. Only scant distant clouds, floating as translucent lace, wafted between the ocean of rolling waves and the larger ocean of watchful friendly stars.

As they lay still in their bedding awhile, it wasn’t long before slumber enveloped them. The rhythm of the waves rolling in their ceaseless splashing, the moonless sky, and the mood given by the night itself sneaked away the previous hours’ suspense. The darkness slipped past them as quickly and silently as any night in their lives.

When they awoke to the sound of a small number of gulls screeching close by, everything was how they left it. The two travelers looked at each other wide-eyed and, upon their quick assessment of camp, sighed and exchanged affirming gestures of handshakes and nods. They stood to their feet, looked to the woods, then Aynesly turned to Lamus with a smile.

You sure you heard horns?

With a slight grin to his travel mate, Lamus quickly wiped it off his face and belched out. Oh, come on, let’s get breakfast.

Lamus bent and kneeled to the clump of ashes and burned-out logs and began rearranging it to reignite the fire. In doing so, he noticed how loosely his robe fit. In previous weeks, it seemed his garment was a little baggy. Now it was obvious to him. He had dropped some pounds off his frame. He’d found it easier to bend and twist around.

Hmmm, he thought. All the traveling about and food choices is showing some results. Wow, this is a good thing. He rose quickly to his feet and spun around, extending his arms. I feel livelier, more capable.

A yell blurted from the wizard’s mouth, and he saw Aynesly look up toward him. Raising a hand in the air in his direction, Lamus caught himself giggling.

You seem to have been born to be in the water, my friend!

The slender man acknowledged the shout with a tip of his head, then turned his gaze back to the waves. The confused fisherman did not know how to take the wizard’s comment. He chose to shake it off. Harpoon in hand, he hadn’t wandered out too far. Aynesly stood in water just past his ankles. He appeared as a natural fisherman to Lamus against the backdrop of blue ceaseless waves. A few seagulls flying together overhead made shrill calls as they drifted on the air current. They hardly needed to flap their wings. They simply shifted them slightly to navigate the wind.

Marvelous things, birds are, thought Lamus. I wonder if they feel lucky to be able to fly? Probably not at all, as he considered it a little longer. After all, they’ve got tiny brains, and they are just birds.

Lamus spun quickly back toward the spot for the cook fire. He peeled some bark off a log and began shredding it with his hands. Kneeling on the sand, he pounded the bark with a blunt end of a strong stick to make the bark a fine mesh of fibers. Piling them up and shielding away the breeze, he arranged his striking bow and began working it back and forth over the fibers. After just a minute or two of the friction from his efforts, he had a blaze going.

Shifting his body to a sitting position, he saw his friend with a fish dangling on a string at his side and his harpoon hurling toward another. We’ve got to get some vegetables, thought Lamus. Nuts, berries, herbs here and there, mushrooms, all good and fine, but we should get some green plump garden stuff to eat.

He knew the sea would keep supplying fish, which was a great thing, but the men needed substantial fruit and some good vegetables as well. It had been many days since they’d had anything like that to sink their teeth into.

Lamus closed his eyes and imagined himself eating a big juicy orange. He felt saliva beginning to pool inside his jaw as he pondered the experience. He sunk a thumbnail into the skin and began peeling the rind away. Soon a ball of wet sweet fruit waited in his hands. Breaking off a couple of wedge sections, he heaped them into his mouth. The fleshy food popped out juice as his teeth mashed away at the tissue. The sweetness quickly spread to every corner of his mouth, and the plentiful wetness made it easy to swallow.

Did you need more sleep, Lamus? Came the surprising question from Aynesly, now standing close by. Lamus opened his eyes, frowning at his friend in disappointment at not having eaten the orange.

No was the answer back. I really do want some different food, though.

The two men just glared back at each other. A speechless moment hung there between them, their eyes locked together. Lamus stared at Aynesly, as if trying to infuse a message without talking. This gaze stretched on for a long moment, then the intensity waned, and a few rapid innocent blinks came to the wishful man’s eyes. Oh, just a little fruit or something leafy, some tomatoes, some lettuce, or celery. Or corn, some sweet ears of corn would be so…a little while in a boiling pot, and how tasty that would be.

The two shuffled around the fire a moment, throwing slight glances at each other milling over the thought of a menu enhancement. The two seemed drained of hope for such things, and Aynesly could see how much this food topic meant to his partner. The slenderer of the pair was far less affected by Lamus’s desire and remained quiet.

Lamus, staring at the sand as he paced around kicking up little bits with his boot toes as he stepped, also went quiet. His mind flashed all over the place. He remembered the plenty in the comforts of his home in the distant future, the ease and convenience of everything, how simple getting food was. Open the cupboard, the fridge, turn on the stove, pour a glass of something. It all was so much simpler than this. A clean soft bed, a couch to relax and watch television from, a hot shower when he wanted it. All that was so easy.

Lamus stopped his movement, still glaring at the loose earth below him. A dire sadness quickly welled up with a tight shutting of his eyes at the concentration of a secret he keeps. Such a secret was a heavy thing to carry. His abilities came with human curiosity. And with that mix, he was burdened down far more than he wanted to be.

His memory played back the voices in the meeting room, how at ease and confident the participants were. They talked over plans like it had all been before. The weapon to counter any hostile missile was just the thing to quell any nuclear disaster. Everyone present in the gathering voiced their approval of this unproven technology. Their confidence was very disturbing, even repulsive to the invisible listener. Lamus knew this untested defense strategy carried enormous risk, even if it would potentially save countless lives. He knew to his bones the defense could be far worse than the attack.

The sorcerer blinked his eyes after a precise short prayer asking for divine direction. His head shook in his disbelief of our world so divided by difference and competition. He looked over his shoulder at Aynesly, who was looking back at the wizard, still waiting for another point or decision or whatever his partner wanted to offer.

Glancing about him, the wizard was back in the moment. His partner resumed his feeding of the fire. His innocence gave Lamus new inspiration to remain here and see the goal through. And besides, look at what a great team we are, he thought. The positives were coming in faster than he could sort them. Lamus knew he was in the right place, doing just what he should be doing.

My friend, pardon me, exclaimed Lamus in renewed esteem. I am grateful for your wonderful fish, and you sure provide it well, he said to his comrade, taking the stringer from him. Let’s get these ready to cook.

Lamus began cutting the fish, and the two discussed an idea that occurred to Lamus during his pondering. They decided to travel inland along the next river they came to and try to purchase some desired edibles at a market. They also talked about a horse for Aynesly to ride. A mount for him would speed travel and ease things as well.

His travel partner looked at Lamus as they ate and wondered where the coin would come from to bargain for a horse. Was Lamus toting some gold in his big pouch? Could this fellow be a man of means beyond what he seems?

Aynesly laid his questions about the wizard aside, though curiosity had certainly been stirred up. A horse for me, sir? He rubbed handfuls of sand over his hands to remove some of the fishy bits from his fingers.

Lamus piped up. We’ll have to see, of course. I can’t guarantee anything.

Oh right, of course, Lamus. I understand fully, said Aynesly.

We’ll inquire and see what we can drum up, returned the wizard.

Aynesly, now making his way to the shore to complete his handwashing, had a lift in his spirit. He was smiling big as he dunked his hands in the waves as they swept over his ankles. Rubbing and waving them in the brine and pushing them into the soggy bottom for further action, he rinsed a final time and stood straight, looking seaward to the horizon. His sudden joy gave fuel to a fleeting thought he’d had thousands of times, but it now really took on some depth and value as he asked silently, I wonder what’s out there? What ships are sailing and what creatures swim in the endless unknown stretches of deep blue water? I’ll never know, but how nice it would be to know anyway. He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head a little, then turned his back to the sea.

Lamus was packing up the utensils and preparing for the day’s trek. They both wondered how far the river lay ahead of them. As Aynesly kicked sand over the coals, both men could sense the other’s excitement. Aynesly imagined the feeling of being astride his own horse. How exhilarating the prospect was becoming for him! Walking would all but vanish.

And as the two gathered the rest of their belongings and headed up shore, the wizard’s thoughts were once again on the growing chances of getting fed some real vegetables at last. He could see the anticipation in Aynesly about the horse possibility. Lamus figured that bringing it up might fuel some eagerness, and he was dead-on about that. Lamus felt pretty sure about the prospect becoming real; he wouldn’t have mentioned it without being earnest about seeing it through.

The day seemed to drag on. They kept to firmer ground like they usually did. Where the landscape made the transition from sandy beach to woodlands, the soil was harder, which made travel easier for the horse and the man walking. Aynesly was on the horse for the last hour or so when the two men decided they would part company for their evening routine of grazing the horse and spearing the night’s supper.

Aynesly took the spear from Lamus as the tired wizard prepared to mount the horse. Aynesly, also bushed from the day’s trek, watched Lamus miss the stirrup with his foot and his face collide with the saddle. Aynesly blurted out in laughter and nearly fell in doing so.

The wizard took slight offense with a remark, Well, at least I’m trying to get on a horse. What’s your problem, Mr. Wobbly Legs?

Aynesly looked up at Lamus, still laughing and moving about in a very lazy fashion. I don’t know. The partner snickered back. Where’s that damn river?

His head down, he was still muttering something under his breath when Lamus interrupted with his own slurred speaking, I’ll see you at camp?

What? asked his partner, trying to be serious.

If someone saw us, they’d swear we’ve been hitting the rum bottle, exclaimed Lamus.

Now that sounds good. Better than your vegetables by a long sight, returned Aynesly.

The wizard glared at his partner with a scowl, then agreed that it would.

Aye, rum would feel great going down about now. I’ll see you at camp! cried out Lamus more clearly over his shoulder.

The fisherman, already part of the way toward the shore, kicked up sand aplenty as he trudged his way to the water. He could be heard singing as he swung his arms with the point of the harpoon, stabbing the air in long lunging motions. Lamus rode ahead on the established course looking for his choice entry into the woods.

A little distance further, and Lamus saw a cluster of small trees that he would steer his horse into and initiate his search for small eating items either growing or lying about on the ground. Anything to add to the fish would at least be a slight welcome. He couldn’t hear the singing any longer and looked seaward to his friend. It appeared that his buddy had just reached the water when Lamus was alerted by his eyes.

Out of Lamus’s peripheral vision, a dark blur seemed to bounce. At once he turned in surprise, correct in his instincts. Men on horses were charging their way toward him. The wizard could see weapons out and the wild rippling of clothing in the wind. The snorts and breaths of the horses mixed with the stomping of hooves on the sand.

Lamus wheeled his horse around to the sea. He could see the band split into two groups: one straight at him, the other going toward Aynesly. Lamus kicked the horse and spat a command in a hasty growl. To the water!

His eyes closed intently, funneling his focus, his hands clinched on reins and horsehair. Lamus placed his feet perfectly in the stirrups as his hefty body weight rocked in time with the horse’s gait. Wisps of sand shot airward by the horse as a blast of breath punched into the wind.

He glanced to the right, and riders rode furiously at him. The triangle between the bandits, Lamus, and Aynesly was shrinking fast. Kicks from the wizard’s heels kept the gallop at full speed. His mount’s breathing grew louder. The whipping mane stung his eyes as Lamus looked to Aynesly. His friend seemed to panic frantically, his feet in the water, his dagger drawn.

Lamus, still racing at him, extended a hand along the horse’s neck and mumbled a set of words, To the waves as tail and fin. Lamus quickly swirled his hand at the wrist and thrust it out to his friend.

In a flash, Aynesly spun about, ran five long strides, and dove into a breaking wave. Four archers launched arrows directly to the spot and drew and launched again.

The slender man cut through the water like a swordfish. The arrows shot into the water around him. Instinctively he curled his body to one side, then the other while stroking water. Amazed at his force, he surged ahead through the waves. His instincts told him where the arrows were hitting the water. The narrow darts tipped in razor-sharp metal meant no threat at all. It was as if they were reeds tossed into a pond. Aynesly did nothing but a slight graceful shift of his body and limbs and watched the arrows glance right by. His arms, legs, backbone, head, shoulders, everything worked in precise unison. All his joints seemed to spring like they’d never done in his life. His muscles felt loose and limber. The slender man sliced through the water like a knife.

After swimming a short moment, astonished at his ability, he remembered Lamus. Bringing himself to a quick effortless stop, he rolled on his side, just beneath the surface. As waves lifted him, he raised his eye to break the top of the water. He could see Lamus being hauled by four men and being tied across one of their horses. Two other riders rode up with the wizard’s horse. Aynesly could see the men curiously looking to the sea for him. Some talk was exchanged, and five of the group spurred their mounts and rode toward the woods shouting; their dark hair and garments flailing boldly.

The waterman delayed any thought of immediate action. He observed the last two riders, one standing in the water looking to find him. From his stance, he was obviously angry, his movements bold and defiant. Aynesly calmly looked back, keeping his body underwater, watching the furious captor, ankle-deep, pacing to and fro, and the rest of the band ride farther away. The quieter of the two dismounted, as if to be of service to the madman in the water.

The wizard was not struggling; he just lay limp across the back of the animal. A moment later, the last two riders mounted up and rode away from the shore. Aynesly effortlessly swam parallel with the waves to keep sight of the band as best he could. In a few short blinks, they were out of sight in the woods. Aynesly saw them ride in the direction the two partners had been traveling and felt a degree of worry. Had they been heading into a dangerous territory? The swimmer pondered a moment his best strategy; having no idea who they were, he hadn’t much to go on. Their appearance was not of a local type. They must be from an arid hot region, Aynesly guessed from across the sea to the south or far toward the east. He’d seen clothing similar before on his journeys with his master.

He saw no shields, no banners, no coat of arms announced anywhere. Aynesly swam closer to shore, felt the sandy bottom underneath him. Kneeling on his hands and knees, the waves were washing over him; and now his soggy form could be seen rising slowly, emerging toward shore.

He felt the push of the waves making his contact with the squishy bottom fall away. He turned, in quick remembering of his marvelous ability, and just to be certain this all was real, he darted off again seaward. His back muscles strong and shoulders springing with the elastic reach of his arms, pushing water was proficient, gainful, even masterful. His legs pulsed, crossing as if they were long tentacles trailing behind a squid’s body. Aynesly knew he could swim this way for days without tiring, and the tendency to do that was an easy consideration. To just keep stroking and blissfully take in the deep wet blue was sheer joy to him. He could explore and discover countless creatures ahead, see things he’d never dreamed.

What lies deep below the surface? Could he outswim anything? In