Yrsa and the Dragherd's Eye: Tales of a Melder, #3

By Alex J Markson

After unveiling a traitor in book two of the enticing Tales of a Melder series, Yrsa's adventures continue ...

Yrsa and her new friend, Taigrun, head for Flengara. The sword she is learning to use – the sword she inherited from Amluss – needs altering for her size and style, and only the Royal Armoury there can work the famed Flengaran steel blade.

 

When she reaches the city, she manages to arrange an appointment with the Chamberlain, and while they wait for the slow cogs of bureaucracy to turn, she and Taigrun spend time in the archive trying to find the history of her szanka.

 

There, they meet Hobrin, who assists their search, and when they reach a dead end, he offers to take them to a wise man he knows in a city far to the south. The scholar's words send them off again, this time towards Harmarok, a distant town famous for its metalwork.

 

But on the way there, everything changes. Yrsa and Taigrun find themselves in a race to save themselves and the zeffen, and to prevent an attempt to endanger the Flengaran royal family.

 

Along the way, Yrsa meets an old friend, they encounter a very strange bird, and learn a few truths about dragons.

This is the third book in the Tales of a Melder series, which blends mystery and adventure in a fantasy world much like our own, but in another time and another place. The series is suitable for a general adult audience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Parignon Press
• Release date: May 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223868859

Book preview

Map

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A map of a fantasy world Description automatically generated

A larger, downloadable version of this map can be found on my website here.

Author’s Note

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For those who haven’t read earlier books in the series, there is one thing which needs explanation. Vaying.

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Vaying is a rare skill in humans. It is the ability to communicate with animals and is akin to telepathy. Most animals in Yrsa’s world can do it (if they wish). Very few people can. Yrsa is one.

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Any dialogue in italics is vayed. Only those with vaying abilities can comprehend it. Others around them are oblivious to it.

Chapter 1

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Yrsa looked out over the water, calm now after the storm. It had hit fast and hard on their second day at sea, arriving with no warning, and the captain had done well to find a bay which afforded some shelter. Even there, the ship had tossed and rolled for hours, while the crew battled to hold it between the open sea and the rocky shore.

And Yrsa had loved every moment. The exhilarating power of the wind and the waves filled her with energy. She could feel the lightning’s strength in her soul. But as she looked around, she knew she had to keep that quiet.

Most of the crew were asleep on the drying deck. Too exhausted to return to their berths, they’d dropped where they were when the storm left as quickly as it had arrived. Just the captain and one other man had stayed awake, keeping an eye out for more trouble.

Yrsa offered thanks to the spirits for her decision to pay a higher fare for passage on a large, sea-going ship, and wondered how many smaller vessels had foundered that night.

Admittedly, the decision had been partly made for her by the increase in numbers. Now that Taigrun had joined her after their adventures in the Outlands, there were the two of them, and their four horses, as well as the two zeffen. Most smaller ships would have been unable or unwilling to carry them.

The unmistakable sound of someone retching made her turn, and she saw Taigrun on the other side of the ship, emptying what little was left in her belly. She made her way over and offered a waterskin. Her friend took one look and leaned over the side again.

You at least need to take some sips, Yrsa said. Otherwise you’ll only feel worse.

I don’t remember signing up for this, Taigrun croaked.

All part of a sea voyage.

Haven’t you been sick?

I’ve never been sick at sea, Yrsa replied.

Bitch, Taigrun managed, before retching again.

The captain - a man named Oppulus - came over to them.

You’re very calm, he said to Yrsa. That was a tough night. We’re lucky to be in one piece.

My father was a sea trader, she replied. I’ve been on ships since I was a child.

Even so, I doubt you’ve seen the like of that storm. I hope you weren’t in a hurry, as we’ve got some damage, and it’ll take time to repair. We’re going to be here for a day or two.

Anything we can help with?

What’s this we? Taigrun asked beside her, the words making her cough and retch. I’m dying here.

Thank you, Oppulus replied. But we can manage.

He strode off and began to wake his tired crew. They sat up, stretched, and looked around the ship, already assessing the damage. Gathering around their captain, they quickly divided up the work and set to it.

The masts seemed in one piece, but much of the rigging was broken or loose. The rail along the side was smashed in several places, and the random presence of several large pieces of wood on the deck hinted at other necessary repairs.

I’ll go and check on the animals, Yrsa said. Coming?

Taigrun hadn’t thrown up for a while, so grabbed the waterskin, and tried drinking.

Slowly, Yrsa barked. Sip it.

It stayed down, but the look on Taigrun’s face told Yrsa it wasn’t finding an easy home.

You go first, Taigrun whispered. I’ll follow.

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Down in the section of hold they’d been using, the smell wasn’t pleasant. Yrsa first checked Tennell, her black Buran mare.

‘All right, girl?’ she vayed.

‘My head was spinning, but it’s better now.’

Their two pack animals - Lucky and Brimble - had taken it in their stride, and were happily munching away on some hay nets. Riggle, Taigrun’s horse, still wasn’t vaying with Yrsa but she checked him over while his owner leaned against a beam to steady herself. He appeared uninjured and was also grazing on some hay. The horses were fine.

The zeffen brothers were another matter entirely. They were a type of canid, as large as a pony and, according to myth and legend, ferocious and terrifying. But at this moment, Bodro and Pek were lying still on the floor, looking sorry for themselves.

‘How are you feeling, boys?’ Yrsa vayed.

‘I don’t like boats,’ Bodro replied.

‘Nor do I,’ Pek added.

‘It’s calm now. Rest.’

She turned to Taigrun.

I think I need to clean up here.

The floor was a mess of horse dung and zeffen vomit, all nicely mixed by the rolling of the ship during the storm. Taigrun took one look and promptly added to the mess.

Go up on deck, Yrsa said, and get some fresh air.

As her friend made her way unsteadily up the steps, she grabbed a roped bucket, dropped it into the sea through a hole in the side, and began to flush the planking clean.

* * *

The crew were hard at work when Yrsa emerged on deck, and she made her way around them to join Taigrun at the bow which remarkably had sustained no damage. They would be out of the way there.

Feeling any better? she asked.

Haven’t been sick again, Taigrun replied. So that’s something. But my gut hurts.

Try this, Yrsa said, handing her a few dried leaves. Chew them slowly, then swallow. They should help. I’ve given some to the boys.

I’m surprised they get sick.

So was I, on our first voyage. It was on a riverboat, and the water was dead flat. But they were still sick.

They’re not invincible, then.

Far from it. But don’t tell them that.

This skin’s empty. Where can I fill it?

I’ll do it.

Yrsa took their waterskins to the three barrels of fresh water, only to find one had been smashed to bits.

We’re getting low on water, Oppulus said. And with your horses, we need a lot. There’s a stream over there, so we’ll have to go ashore tomorrow.

What about food?

We’ve plenty of that as long as you don’t mind salted pork and dry bread.

Got any fishing lines?

One or two of the lads will have.

As you don’t need us to work, we’ll see if we can catch anything.

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This is too easy, Taigrun said, pulling her line in again. Why are fish so stupid?

They see food, and swallow it.

Hook and all.

She removed the hook from the fish’s mouth, attached another piece of bait, and dropped it into the water. Then burst out laughing.

What is it? Yrsa asked.

If someone had told me six moons ago, I’d be fishing over the side of a ship, having survived a terrible storm at sea, I’d have thought they’d had too much ale.

They soon had a good catch, mainly of a chunky, silver fish with large eyes, but there was plenty of flesh on them.

Can we cook them on board? Taigrun asked.

I expect they cook on longer voyages. I’ll ask Oppulus later.

Why won’t they let us help? Because we’re women?

They took us as passengers easily enough. We just don’t have the skills. It would take them longer to show us a task than do it themselves.

I don’t have any skills, Taigrun said thoughtfully. You do know that, don’t you?

We all have skills, Yrsa replied. We don’t always know it, though.

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As dusk fell, the work stopped, and two of the men brought out a sheet of heavy metal, stood it on four large stones on the deck, and built a small fire on it. Yrsa and Taigrun cooked the fish on a wide, flat pan, handing them out as they were done. They were fresh and tasty alongside the dry bread, and a hot meal improved the general mood.

Even Bodro and Pek put in an appearance, climbing up the steps onto the deck.

‘Did you smell food, boys?’ Yrsa vayed.

‘It smells good,’ Pek replied.

‘It’s fish.’

Yrsa tried to remember whether the zeffen had had fish before. She concluded they hadn’t.

‘What are fish?’ Bodro asked.

‘They live in the sea.’

‘Do they get sick?’

‘I have no idea,’ Yrsa replied, trying not to laugh at this conversation unheard by the others. ‘If there are any left, I’ll let you try some.’

Where do they come from? one of the crew asked, looking at the brothers. Yrsa had been surprised that even when they first boarded, none of them had shown any fear of the zeffen.

As far as I know, she replied, they belong up in the northern wastes.

How come they’re here, then?

I found them as orphans and raised them. They’re kind of my family now.

They’ll keep you safe enough, Oppulus said. No one’s going to have a go at you with them around.

Oh, she said, ruffling the zeffen’s heads. They have lots of uses.

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There were several fish left when everyone had had their fill, and Yrsa cooked a couple, then tried to separate the flesh from the bones.

‘What are you doing?’ Pek asked.

‘Fish have a lot of bones,’ she replied.

‘We eat bones.’

‘You do?’

‘When we hunt on our own and eat things raw, we often eat the smaller ones. They’re crunchy.’

‘All right, give them a try, but I wouldn’t eat the heads.’

‘Why not?’

Yrsa couldn’t think of a good reason, so shrugged, and handed Bodro and Pek a fish each.

‘Don’t blame me if they make you ill,’ she vayed.

The zeffen sniffed the fish, then delicately nibbled some skin and flesh.

They’ve never had fish before, Yrsa said to the watching crew.

‘It’s good,’ Pek vayed, before taking the whole fish in his mouth, chewing it a couple of times and swallowing. Bodro did the same.

Looks like they’ll want it again, Oppulus said as the crew laughed.

By the time the fire was extinguished, they’d eaten the remaining fish, and Yrsa was relieved they seemed none the worse for it.

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When the sun rose the next morning, it revealed a calm sea and a gentle breeze. Oppulus and his crew decided they’d done enough to make the ship seaworthy. The other repairs could be done as they sailed, so once they’d gone ashore for fresh water, they resumed their journey.

No more storms affected their progress, and three days later, Oppulus told them they’d make port the following morning.

Have you been to Flengara before? he asked.

No, Yrsa replied. Though we’ve heard a lot about it.

You know where you’re going?

I have one or two things to do in Flenga.

We’ll be tying up in Siantum, the main port. Flenga is two leagues up the river.

Will we find a boat to take us?

It’s easier to ride or walk. There’s a fine road between the two, though it’s always busy.

What about somewhere to stay?

You’ll have no problem there. There are inns and taverns everywhere, though be careful. Some prey on the unwary. Choose one with a dragon symbol outside.

A dragon?

It’s the emblem of Flengara. Any inn displaying it must charge official rates.

I stayed at an inn in Lonithrya like that.

Those here are privately run, but they’re regulated in the same way.

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As they got nearer, the waters grew busier, with ships of all shapes and sizes visible around them. They rounded a headland, and Siantum came into view.

I’ve never seen anything like it, Taigrun said in wonder.

A long breakwater protected the harbour, with a tall tower at its end. Beyond that, they could see rows of identical buildings rising several storeys high. The ships formed into a line as they approached the entrance, and as their ship sailed slowly towards the tower, they saw a group of men at its base, with a large wooden frame. As each ship passed, they loaded a number onto it.

What’s that? Yrsa asked Oppulus.

Tells us which berth to use.

They were given number twenty-seven, and the crew turned the ship sharply to the right once they were inside the breakwater.

I didn’t know there were this many ships in the world, Taigrun said.

There are thousands, Yrsa replied, being careful not to mock her friend’s naiveté. It’s a whole different world.

Once they’d tied up at the wharf, Yrsa and Taigrun went below to lead the horses up when Oppulus was ready for them. They’d packed and loaded earlier.

What’s the plan? Taigrun asked.

The first thing is to reach Flenga and find somewhere to stay. I have a feeling it will be expensive. It was bad enough in Lonithrya, and this place seems to be another step up.

What do you mean by expensive?

In Lonithrya, it was a solen a day for each horse.

What?

It’ll probably be more here.

Good job we’re both rich then, isn’t it? Taigrun replied, still shocked. That would last me half a moon in the Outlands.

Chapter 2

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Oppulus called down to them, and they led the horses up on deck, along the plank, and onto the wharf.

How do we get out of here? Yrsa asked him.

Over there, he replied, pointing towards the largest building. Under the archway. You’ll be asked your business.

The port was a hive of activity. Most berths were occupied, with ships loading or unloading. People were moving in every direction, but a moment’s observation showed them the unwritten rules. Porters using one path, officials another, and seamen, yet another.

They led their animals to a quieter stretch and headed for the archway, where they joined a queue of people waiting in front of a row of large windows on either side. A soldier stood nearby, watching over proceedings. They’d seen another on their walk from the ship.

What do we do now? Taigrun asked.

Wait for a free window, I guess.

What will they want to know?

No idea. But I’m learning the bigger the city, the longer the formalities.

What if-

Relax, Taigrun. We’re merely a couple of visitors, wanting to see the wonders of Flengara.

The queue moved quickly, and they were directed to one of the windows.

Flengaran or foreign? the man asked.

Foreign, Yrsa replied.

Where from?

Caropa.

Both of you Caropatian citizens?

Yes.

He wrote something on a large slate hidden from their view.

Animals?

Four horses and two hounds, Yrsa replied.

Any goods to declare?

Goods?

Have you brought merchandise to trade or sell?

Oh, no. Only our belongings.

He gave them two metal discs.

What are these? Taigrun asked.

Permits, he replied. They show you’ve entered Flengara legally. Good day.

Yrsa and Taigrun looked at each other, still somewhat mystified, before leading the animals through the arch. Oppulus hadn’t exaggerated. In front of them was the widest paved road either of them had ever seen. Then they noticed it was two roads: one leading away from the port, the other towards it. The two were divided by a low wall. A few shouts from behind reminded them this wasn’t a good place to stand and gawp, so they joined the stream of traffic heading for Flenga.

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They were in no hurry, still taking in the bustle around them, so they joined the slowest stream on the outer lane, which consisted mainly of carts. People walking and riding overtook them all the time. No one took any notice of them, even of Bodro and Pek, who were bringing up the rear.

Taigrun put her hand on Yrsa’s arm.

Soldiers, she whispered.

A small column of uniformed men was marching the other way, with their sergeant at the head.

Guilty conscience? Yrsa asked, with a laugh, causing Taigrun to frown. No one here will know who we are, or where we’re from.

We’re both Caropatians, apparently. That’s what you told them.

And who’s going to argue? Relax.

I spent years on the run after I escaped. So this is a bit ... intimidating.

I didn’t think of it like that. But you’re a free woman. Just so happens, today, we’re Caropatians. And no one can say we’re not.

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The land on either side of the road near the port was filled with warehouses, with carts going to and fro, and men loading and unloading all the goods coming off the ships. As they walked, the buildings thinned out, and their view broadened. The river appeared on one side, and farmland on the other.

At one point, the road lay alongside the river as both passed between two towering cliffs. As they came through and turned a corner, they saw Flenga for the first time. It spread as far as the eye could see, on a largely flat plain, with one raised area by the river which had impressive buildings on it.

We’d better try and find an inn, Yrsa said. Anything will do for tonight. We can move on tomorrow if it’s no good. Keep your eyes open.

They quickly worked out which buildings were inns. A large bottle seemed to be the sign, and some had a horse alongside it, which presumably meant they had stables as well.

How do we choose? Taigrun asked.

Yrsa was about to reply when a lad of around ten appeared in front of them.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, he said. I know the very place.

I’m sure you do, Yrsa replied. And how much will they pay you to take us there?

Two copper kels, he happily admitted.

Who owns it?

A man I know.

What’s your name?

Jopi.

Listen, Jopi. I’ll make you a better offer. We want somewhere with good stables, decent food, and safe for two women travelling alone. If you lead us to such a place, I’ll give you five kels. She had his attention. And if it’s any good, you can visit us in three days, and I’ll give you a silver solen. If it’s not, we’ll have moved on.

He didn’t need to think about it for more than a heartbeat, and led them further along the road before turning down a side street, and through a wide gate into a courtyard. They saw the dragon emblem on the gatepost. A man was just leaving, and he quickly studied the new arrivals, before steadying his horse which had been spooked by the zeffen.

This is just right for you, Jopi said.

Is this where you would have taken us?

No, he replied, shaking his head. My uncle’s place is much smaller than this.

Yrsa gave him a five kel piece, which he quickly put into a drawstring purse hidden under his tunic.

I’ll see you in three days, he said, running off.

We’ll see, Yrsa replied quietly, tying Tennell to a post, and looking around. The stables ran along two sides and appeared tidy and clean. They were nearly full.

Let’s see if it was worth the money, Taigrun replied.

They entered the main tavern and found a comfortable room with tables and a counter. The pleasant smell of food was a good start.

Good day, the man behind the counter said. How can I help?

We’re looking for a place to stay for a few days. The two of us, four horses and two hounds.

Visitors to Flengara? he asked, and Yrsa nodded. You have your entry permits? He inspected the discs they offered. Right, let me see ...

He checked a slate hanging on the wall, with two sets of large squares, and shorter dashes all over it.

The horses aren’t a problem, he said. I have room in the stable. But there are no spaces in the women’s dormitory. All I can offer you is a small private room.

How much?

The horses will be a solen a day each, and they get all the food and water they want. The room is a solen a day for the two of you. Meals extra.

Five solens a day! Taigrun said, shocked.

We’ll take it for three days, Yrsa said. If we like it, we’ll discuss staying longer.

She took out her purse, and as she fumbled for the money, it spilled out onto the counter. The owner couldn’t miss a few gold coins among the silver. When she’d picked it all up and paid him, he called a girl who showed them to the room.

It was indeed small. A wooden cot on either side, with straw mattresses, and a couple of shelves built into the wall at one end, holding a stoneware bowl and jug.

There’s a well around the corner, the girl said as she left them.

You did that deliberately, Taigrun said.

What?

Showed him the gold.

Let’s see if it works. Come on, let’s get the horses comfortable, and bring our stuff in.

A lad took charge of the horses and put them in stalls, and they carried their things back to the room, accompanied by Bodro and Pek.

‘I don’t know where you’re going to sleep, boys,’ Yrsa vayed. ‘The room’s not very big.’

‘We can curl up,’ Pek replied.

‘Or sleep in the stables,’ Bodro said.

Where are they going to sleep? Taigrun asked.

We’ve just been discussing that, Yrsa replied. I’ve left it up to them.

They laid their sleeping rolls over the mattresses and tested them. Not exactly luxurious, but they would have to do.

Hungry? Yrsa asked.

That smell was good.

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Room all right? the landlord asked as they reached the counter in the tavern. Then he saw the zeffen. What are they? he whispered.

My hounds, Yrsa replied. The room will do. We’d like something to eat.

Of course, he replied absent-mindedly, still watching the brothers as he went out to the kitchen.

The food was as good as it smelt when the girl brought it out. A fine roast pork with a stew of vegetables and lentils, and bread. The ale was unlike anything they’d tasted, with a strong sweet scent to it, and it seemed to match the food perfectly.

I still can’t believe how expensive everything is, Taigrun said when they’d finished. How long can we afford this?

You said you had a stash put away, Yrsa replied teasingly.

I have, but it’s nothing like the one you seem to have, and I hadn’t intended to spend it all in the first moon.

I’ll pay for the moment, Yrsa said, raising a hand when Taigrun went to object. After all, I’m the reason we’re here and I doubt we’d find anywhere cheaper unless we want to stay in some flea-infested hovel.

I’d rather not, but even so ...

When I set out with just Brimble for company, I was happy to sleep under the stars by a small fire, hunt for the odd coney, and make a few coins from odd jobs when I needed to. Somehow, life’s been a bit more complicated, but while I’ve got money, I’ll use it. If I don’t, what am I saving it for?

Fair point. Mine’s what I’ve saved over nearly eight years with Grecken and the gang, and now I think about it, what was I planning to do with it? There was nowhere to use it in the Outlands.

"But if you hadn’t had