A Son's Journey

By Terrence Pershall

Trasker and Florin’s lives are changing rapidly. There will be many joys in their future as well as great challenges. Trasker must complete the mission that his father was unable to and find the object that will reveal the past and that is essential to their future. Once again, Trasker must summon his courage and to overcome the obstacles set in his path and avoid the dangers that lie hidden. Once again, Florin will be a critical ally in this quest. Will their love be enough to see them through the challenges that lie ahead? Will they be able to accept what is revealed?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662436475

Book preview

Chapter 1

Big Plans

The morning dawned gray and overcast, but this couldn’t dampen Trasker’s mood as he rolled out of his hammock preparing to go for his morning swim.

He had been staying with Quill, his mentor and friend, as it was closer to the bluff where his wedding was to be held and he could manage the preparations more efficiently.

He knew that the overcast and fog would recede by midmorning, and it should be a glorious fall day perfect for his long-awaited marriage to Florin. The six months since the attack on the village had been a blur, but Florin was now completely healed from her ordeal, and they both looked forward to this special day.

Trasker trotted down the beach toward his swimming spot while his thoughts ranged from the days with his father, Micus, and camping on the beach, to the day he nearly drowned, was tossed up on the beach, and awoke to see the evil little Srique staring down at him.

Today, however, the sea was calm, and the waves were small. He would enjoy his swim and then head back to Quill’s to clean up and finish the final preparations for the day’s events.

He was glad that Florin was back to her happy self after what she had gone through. Her kidnapping by Ague and Johan and the near abduction by the Nevis and his giant wolf would have been enough to scar a person for life, but Florin was strong and determined not to let evil change her in any way. This was one of the many things that Trasker loved about her.

Back at Quill’s, after an abbreviated swim, Trasker rinsed off in their make shift shower, fed by the spring issuing from the rock face. He washed his long reddish-blond hair and scraped his face clean with one of the sharp razors that Quill had acquired on one of his trading voyages. That completed, he put on his best deerskin pants and donned a new blouse that his mother had sewn for him especially for this occasion.

You look fit to be wed, lad, said Quill as he walked into Trasker’s small but cozy room. I have just come from the quay, and everything is ready for you and your bride to make your escape up the coast after the wedding. Quill didn’t tell Trasker that there was a special surprise waiting for him after the ceremony. You should have fair winds and a calm sea by the time you’re ready to shove off. Is everything ready topside?

Yes! All I have to do is finish raising the tent, but I need Cabe, Thornau, and Thornox to help me with this.

Well, let me know if you need an extra set of hands, lad. I may be farther along in years than you youngsters but can still carry my weight.

Of that I have no doubt, said Trasker, smiling. Thank you for all of your help. I don’t know what I would have done without you, Quill.

Enough of that, lad. It’s always been a pleasure and privilege to help you, even though you’ve been a little thickheaded at times.

I better get going, replied Trasker. The boys should be there anytime to help with the tent. With that, he walked over and gave Quill a hug and ran out the door. Quill stood there a little embarrassed, but if you looked closely, you could see his eyes begin to water. He had been Trasker’s mentor and father figure ever since Trasker’s father died eleven years ago.

As Trasker walked up the road leading from Quill’s warehouse and quay to the top of the bluff, he remembered how his friends had stood by him when the Sriques attacked and the Nevis came to claim Florin. His courage had waivered when he saw the size of the Nevis and his two-hundred-pound wolf, but his friends were right there by his side ready to back him up. He would never forget it, and he was exceptionally glad that they would be a part of this important day, when he and Florin would be joined together as husband and wife. This would not have occurred had it not been for his friends.

The breeze freshened, and Trasker could see the morning sun shining brightly on the hilltops east of the village. It wouldn’t be long before the fog retreated to its resting place over the water. It was going to be a glorious day.

As he neared the top of the bluff, the air was perfumed with the sweet, herbal scent of rockrose and succulents, which grew wild all along the coast. The rockrose reminded him of his many hunting trips with his father when he was a boy.

As he gained the top of the cliff, he could see the meadow where the ceremony and following feast would take place. He noticed that Cabe’s wagon was already there and there were several people working on the large tent that had to be erected. He picked up his pace as he wasn’t about to miss any detail of the preparations.

As he grew near, he noticed that Thornau and Thornox, the twins, were there also and working on moving the large tent poles into position.

I didn’t expect all you here this early! Trasker shouted as he approached.

We couldn’t have you doing all of the work on the day of your wedding, plus it’s not that early, said Cabe, coming up from behind him.

Trasker looked around and realized that it was, in fact, later than he thought it was. He must have spent more time than he thought getting dressed and talking with Quill. Well, he had a lot to do in a relatively short time.

The wagons with the food should be here anytime, and I can see Pigue’s wagon with the wine, beer, and brandy coming this way on the Coast Road, said Cabe, smiling, as he was known to enjoy his spirits.

Trasker turned his gaze to the north and in fact could see a very colorfully dressed fat man driving a wagon laden with barrels and casks of all sizes headed their way.

I swear, Cabe, you can spot beer and wine from many miles away, laughed Trasker. Then he shouted at the twins, Hey, you two, you need some help with those poles?

No, my friend, answered Thornau. You’ll need all of your strength to get through the day.

And especially tonight, chimed in Thornox, his twin, which elicited jeers and laughter.

Why don’t you go and rest under that big oak over there and think what it’ll be like to be on the end of Florin’s tether, added Cabe, which incited more laughter.

I can’t think of a nicer tether to be on, you guys. You all should be so lucky, came Trasker’s sharp reply.

I think he has us there, boomed Thornau, as the massive pole he was wrestling with dropped into the hole they had dug.

All in all, it was a fine start to the day. The tent was finally up and secured, the sun had come out, the tables were in place, and Pigue in his plumage was busy unloading his wagon of beer, wine, and brandy with the help of Cabe, who was insisting on sampling each and every cask.

The ceremony was set to take place at midday, which was just over two hours away, and Trasker could already see a colorful line of villagers making their way down the road leading from the west entrance of Fon En Diel. From this distance it looked like a great, colorful snake winding its way toward him. The village tradition was to have everyone dress in their brightest and most colorful clothes as only the bride and groom were allowed to wear white.

As the hour approached, the great meadow on the bluff was practically overflowing with people. The entire village had turned out for this occasion as well as many of Naga’s tribe of Indios. It was obvious that both Trasker and Florin were held in the highest esteem.

There were flags of many colors snapping and popping in the breeze and the sea beyond the bluff sparkled like a bed of diamonds. The soft breeze was scented with salt, rockrose, and sage as well as the many flowers that were brought by the villagers. There was electricity in the air.

Trasker regretted that his best friend, Axtant, couldn’t be there. Unfortunately Axtant was far away to the south training in order to complete his service to the village. It would have made the day perfect.

Finally, the horns blared announcing that the bridal procession was on the way. Trasker turned and saw Assod, the senior village elder, leading it into the great meadow. Riding next to him was Sager, who was the eldest of all of the villagers, but no one knew how old. He still had one of the quickest wits Trasker had ever known and a mental sharpness that matched anyone. Following behind Assod and Sager was the wagon with Lumin, Trasker’s mother, and Caelum and Ruah, Florin’s mother and father. Behind them riding atop a wagon was Florin. The wagon was painted all white and adorned with silver fittings and trim and pulled by two beautiful black stallions.

Trasker stood at the entrance to the tent waiting for the procession to arrive. He smiled at his mother and at Florin’s parents, but when his eyes fell upon Florin, riding atop of her wagon, he was stunned. Granted, while he hadn’t seen her in quite a few days while he was busy making preparations for the wedding, but he was unprepared for how beautiful she looked.

Her face glowed, and her eyes were like bright agates. Her dark hair flowed over her shoulders and down her back shining like satin. She wore a long white gown of silk that clung to her lithe and athletic body and revealed every curve. Trasker was weak in the knees. He had never seen her so beautiful. He felt like a grubby little boy beside her.

Florin saw the look on Trasker’s face and melted inside. He was the perfect combination of the strong, handsome man and the little boy she loved to chase after when she was young. His tall, muscular physique and handsome face, framed by his reddish-blond curls and intense blue eyes, made her glow inside. She couldn’t wait for the day to be over and to settle into his arms for the night. However, there was still a ceremony to be held and a party to be had.

Assod stepped forward and helped Florin down off the wagon. With her on his arm, he turned toward the crowd. It is with great joy and honor that I present Florin and Trasker to be wed this day, he declared and then turned and handed her off to her father.

Caelum in turn walked her to where Trasker was standing and placed her hand in his saying, I give you my daughter with our blessings. May you live long and happy lives.

Trasker turned with Florin holding firmly onto his arm and walked down the aisle to a promontory at the edge of the tent, which was overlooking the ocean beyond. There, Sager was waiting to perform the ceremony.

The sun shown warm upon their faces and suffused their bodies with a glow while Sager took them through the ceremony and gave them their vows to repeat. Finally, he placed a hand on each of their shoulders blessing their union. Trasker turned to Florin taking her into his arms and kissed her passionately.

As they turned, a great cheer went up from the four-hundred-plus villagers. Assod stepped forward leading them down the aisle followed by Quill and Sager. When they got to the end of the aisle, Assod threw up his hands and shouted, Let the wedding feast begin! Another great cheer went up from the crowd.

The crowd of villagers began streaming out of the tent and to the tables laden with all manner of food and drink. There were legs of lamb, loins of venison, roasted pig, chicken and turkeys stuffed with nuts and fruit; roasted salmon and white fish in herbs, clams, and crab; roasted potatoes, corn, beans, and greens and beets; freshly baked breads and rolls; and all manner of pies and cakes as well as fruits and cheeses.

Next to the food table was Pigue’s massive oak table with his beer, wine, and brandy. Of course, Cabe was helping to serve everyone as well as himself. There were several types of beer, including a special wedding ale Pigue had brewed especially for this occasion, as well as red and white wine and a cask of his very special brandy that was over twenty years old.

Trasker and Florin stood there while most of the village came up to congratulate them. Finally, Quill showed up with a couple of cups of wine, for which they were most thankful. When most of the guests were ensconced at their tables eating and drinking, like there was no tomorrow, Trasker and Florin were able to escape.

While the crowd was occupied, Quill and Assod came up to them. We have something special that we’d like to show you if you’ll please follow us, said Assod.

Trasker looked at Florin as if to say Why not? and shrugged his shoulders, stood, and followed.

Assod and Quill led the way to the edge of the bluff looking down at the water below. There below, sitting at anchor, was the prettiest sloop he had ever seen. It was fifty feet in length with a green hull and beautiful polished wood decks. Trasker had rarely seen its equal.

She’s beautiful, Quill. Whose is she?

Why, lad, she’s yours. Yours and Florin’s, that is.

It was the second time today that Trasker was stunned.

I don’t understand. What do you mean mine and Florin’s?

Well, you see, lad, the villagers all got together and wanted to give you a very special wedding present, considering all you have done for the village. I told them that there was nothing more special than a fine boat, and they agreed. We just finished rigging her a couple of days ago, so she’s ready for her maiden voyage.

Trasker looked at Florin with an expression of disbelief then back at Quill, who was beaming from ear to ear.

I, I don’t know what to say, Quill. This is way too great of a gift.

I tend to think of it as a mere token of the village’s appreciation after what you did and what Florin went through at the hands of two of our council members, said Assod.

She’s amazing, Quill, stuttered Trasker. She looks like she can fly through the water, said Trasker. I can’t wait to get aboard and see what she can do.

Well, lad, I can tell you truly that she does fly through the water. I personally put her through her paces during her sea trials. You will get your chance at her helm this evening once we send you on your way. Now perhaps we should get back to your guests. He gave Trasker a wink.

The wedding celebration was at its height. There was music and dancing and children running wildly about chasing one another and sneaking desserts. There were also quite a few in their cups, including Cabe, who had given the first toast of the afternoon and and raised his cup to many more.

Florin was sitting next to Trasker at the head table as the afternoon wore on. Finally she gently squeezed his arm to indicate that she was ready to abandon all this frivolity and all the drunken merriment and sneak off to their new boat. Trasker took his queue and looked at Quill and Assod and nodded as if to say It’s time to get us out of here. The two old friends returned the nod and left the table in order to create a distraction, which would allow the two newlyweds to slip out unnoticed.

Assod went to the food tables and started to speak, which drew the attention of everyone. He spoke of the day’s events and how he wished Trasker and Florin and long and happy life together while Quill spirited them out of the tent and behind a laurel hedge. They made their way to the top of the trail leading to the quay where Trasker’s new boat was now docked. Trasker and Florin took turns hugging Quill and started down the path. Once their feet touched the warm sand of the beach, they both breathed a sigh of relief and hurried on to the quay and down to their new boat.

Up close it was even more beautiful that it looked from atop the bluff. The shiny brass fittings glowed in the afternoon sun, and the woodwork shone from fresh varnish. They stepped on board and found that Quill had seen to it that all of their clothes and other belongings were stowed aboard.

Trasker looked at Florin and said, Are you ready to cast off, my love?

In response, she threw her arms around him and kissed him hard upon the lips and said, What do you think?

Then perhaps I can get you to cast us off.

Florin didn’t need to be asked twice. She hopped on deck and jumped down to the quay and undid the mooring lines, pushing the boat away from the quay and hopping back on like she’d been doing it all her life.

Take the wheel, my love, and point her straight out along the cliffs while I hoist the sails. Trasker grinned.

Once the sails were up, the wind caught and filled them and the boat fairly leapt forward. Trasker moved in beside Florin behind the wheel, and they were on their way.

Suddenly they heard a great cry and looked up at the cliff. All the villagers had lined the cliff and were cheering and waving as his new sloop pulled out to sea. Trasker hoped that none of the drunk ones would fall off the cliff as he waved back.

Florin settled back into his arms thinking that this had been a perfect day so far.

Chapter 2

Maiden Voyage

Trasker was amazed and delighted by how responsive the ship was. As he guided it out of Quill’s anchorage, he felt the wind catch the sails, and the ship surge with speed, almost as if it had pent-up energy.

He and Florin looked back to see the villagers still standing atop the bluff with their lit torches still waving and cheering. He looked at Florin, who was curled up next to him, and noticed she had tears in her eyes.

Why are you crying? he asked.

I’m just a bit overwhelmed and happy. I think back to the solstice, and I thought that I would never see you or anyone else I cared about again.

That’s all in the past, my love. Besides, I would never let anything happen to you. If you have any doubts, we have the great stone statue just down the coast to remind us that he will never be back. He pulled her close and kissed her. Now will you go forward and raise the jib? We should be at our destination before nightfall.

They both turned and gave a final wave to all those still standing on the top of the bluff, then Florin went forward and loosened the ties that bound the jib and was back by Trasker’s side. Once there, she set about hauling in the jib sheets.

Once the jib was set, the ship heeled over and seemed to fly across the surface. Trasker checked the compass but really didn’t need to. He could find their destination blindfolded.

The breeze was off the land from the east. It was warm and bore the scent of the forest and the hills. The western horizon was clear with no sign of fog or clouds, and the sun looked like a giant fireball as it touched the horizon.

As Florin settled in next to Trasker, he couldn’t remember a time when he had felt more at peace.

You look like you are far away, whispered Florin, fearing she would break the mood.

I can’t imagine a finer day than today, he replied. The only thing that would have made it better would have been to have my father there.

I’m sure he was in spirit. You know that the old women of the village say that the spirits of our ancestors travel under the cover of fog so they can’t be seen.

Trasker laughed. You know, Quill told me that the Indios believe such a thing. He says that’s why the fog comes in at night, so they can watch over us while we sleep.

Florin just smiled and slid further under Trasker’s arm and settled in, feeling warm and safe.

I see our headland up ahead, he said. The cove is just on the other side. We’ll be anchored before dark.

They sat silently, relishing the evening as it closed in around them. Trasker took a port tack just as the remainder of the sun slipped below the horizon. As the bow came around to the west, there was a brilliant greenish-blue flash.

Florin gasped. I’ve never seen anything like that before.

I’ve only seen it once before my self. Quill calls it the mermaids’ flash. It only happens when there is a perfectly clear horizon. He says it’s the mermaids’ scales reflecting as they dive below the surface chasing the sun.

Florin laughed. Quill has as many superstitions as the old women of the village do.

Oh, I think that he may have more than they do, Trasker laughed. You should hear some of the stories he’s told over the years. He is a match for any Indio shaman with his bizarre stories and legends."

They had cleared the headlands, and Trasker made his final tack toward the shore and their destination for the night. He could barely make out the broad sandy strip of white sand that made up the beach and the woods beyond. As they neared, he could see the darker sand delta where the creek entered the small bay.

Remember our first trip here? he said.

How could I forget? It was the first time we kissed. I thought that I was very bold to go off alone with you.

Yeah, and look what happened, he said with a look of mock horror on his face.

Florin punched him in the arm, and they both laughed.

We’re getting close. Better get the anchor ready, suggested Trasker. I’ll bring her into the wind, and you can let the anchor go. Then we can go below and see what the bridal suite looks like, he said with a sly grin.

Trasker turned the boat into the wind with all the skill of a seasoned mariner, and Florin dropped the anchor right on cue. Once everything was made fast topside, they went below and prepared to settle in.

They thought of everything, said Florin with delight as she examined the galley. She made her way into the master salon and exclaimed, Look at that bed. It’s all down-filled and comfy-looking.

I’m sure that your mother and my mother had a hand in this, he said. Care to get in and try it out? he asked, grinning.

Hmmmmm, yes, my love, but I feel so sticky from our long day and the heat. I think I’ll take a quick swim to rinse off.

With that, Florin shot up the companionway to the deck, shedding her clothes on the way. Trasker followed, and when he arrived topside, Florin was standing stark naked looking at him. She gave him a sly smile then dove over the side into the dark water.

Trasker stood there paralyzed for a moment with the sight of Florin’s perfect body seared into his mind. Recovering quickly, he stripped down and followed her over the side.

Once he surfaced, he could see Florin’s head bobbing in the twilight just a few feet away. He slowly swam toward her, and when he reached her, he encircled her in his arms. It was as if a bolt of lightning shot through him when he felt their bodies touch.

Their bodies glowed with warmth despite the chilly water. Florin wrapped her legs around him and cried out as she felt him