Ghost in the Desert: Misfits of Gambria, #3

By pdmac

Duncan's ambitions have been destroyed. Removed as High Priest, he and his pregnant lover have been exiled to the wastelands, a land so desolate that it's merely a matter of days before their dried-up shriveled bodies are food for the jackals.

Unable to save Duncan, Alexis retreats to the Tarrac pastures only to discover her adoptive father Menec has decided he's had enough of palace intrigue and is off to the far north to find out what happened to his father all those years ago. Unfortunately, as the new Tarrac Master and nation's Berserker, Alexis' loyalty and obedience are demanded by the very man who sent Duncan to his death.

However, things aren't going too well for King Diad as he finally realizes he has run out of time and quickly discovers he doesn't have the necessary forces to prevent his brother's quest to rule Gambria. With his brother marching on Mull, Diad must find a way to save himself.

Back in the Temple, life seems to have returned to the dark days when Vix was High Priest as Cattwg has finally achieved his greatest ambition. Yet there are many in the Temple who remember the vibrance of life during the brief time when Duncan was in charge. Though they are silent, their thoughts are the same – if only Duncan was still here.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trimble Hollow Press
• Release date: Apr 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9781946495464

pdmac

pdmac is a diverse author, writer, and editor. He has a MA in Creative Writing, a Ph.D. in Theology, and is a member of the Steampunk Writers and Artists Guild, and the Georgia Writers Association.  He has also sung back-up for Broadway plays, provided voice for radio plays, and acted and directed theater stage productions.  In his off time, he and his wife race mountain bikes, kayak, and occasionally backpack sections of the Appalachian Trail.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Duncan stood behind Tene, his arms wrapped protectively around her.  Their paltry belongings, two pack rolls and a walking staff apiece, had been unceremoniously dumped at their feet.

The irony was not lost on the guards as they smirked unabashedly at the gear.  They were a good half-day’s travel into the desert by cart.  It was now the middle of the afternoon.  By this time tomorrow, these two exiles were as good as dead.  The walking staffs would be just another bit of litter on the desert sands.

After checking the overhead tarp on the cart, the one guard slowly dipped a ladle into the water barrel strapped to the side.  He took a long sip, letting the water spill from his mouth.  Ah, he sighed in satisfaction.  Still cool.  Casting Duncan and Tene a look of derision, he mounted the cart.  C’mon, he said to his partner.  Let’s get out of here.  I’ll buy you a tall ale when we get back.

Climbing to sit next to him, the other guard picked up the reins.  Giving a flick, he urged the twin uchen forward.  Have a nice walk, he called over his shoulder, his laughter heavy upon the wind.

Entwined together, Duncan and Tene watched the lumbering wagon disappear into the shimmering distance, the short clouds of dust settling into an empty vastness of open sky and burning heat.  The desert dunes undulated around them as the dry wind fluffed and tugged at their clothes.

It’s still early.  We should rest here until night comes.  Then we can see where we need to go, he flatly stated.  It wasn’t a command.  Neither was it a suggestion.  It was simply a fact.  He wiped his sand encrusted cheek and shielded his eyes as he scanned the surrounding monotone sand.

Rubbing her wrists from the ache of the rope bonds, Tene reached up to brush a windblown strand of hair from her face and felt the dirt of the journey on her skin.  We don’t have much food, but there’s probably water enough for two to three days if we ration it.  Her voice was muted, yet with a trace of hope.  Maybe there’s a place somewhere out here where we can survive.

He hugged her to him.  There is.  I just have to find it.  He turned her around, reaching up to gently push away an errant hair strand.  He tenderly stroked her cheek and looked into her wide expectant eyes.  During the jolting wagon trip down here, he had felt a subtle confidence that he would make everything all right... another miracle, another thunderbolt across the midnight sky.  Yet now, here in the swirling wind of endless desert he was no longer so confident.  It was easy when the risk taking involved only him.  Now he was responsible for two other lives.  I’m sorry.

Tene pressed his hand to her face.  What for?

Stop it.  You know what for.  The only reason you’re here is because of me.  He turned away and gazed back out over the expanse of wasteland.  The sun etched his shadow on the rippled sands beneath him.  It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, he said to no one.

It happened because they’re afraid of you, she softly answered.

He watched the wind whip up some sand.  Me, I understand.  But you?  Why you?

Get rid of the wizard, his woman, and his bastard child.

Bowing his head, he tapped his forehead.  I know that, up here.  It’s just barbaric... a pregnant woman... in the desert... little hope of survival.

Tene shrugged unconvincingly.  We are who we are.  It is the Gambrian way.  But the tremor in her voice gave sound to her fear.

Sighing loudly, he sat down.  He pulled her to him.  Let’s rest.  When night falls, we’ll travel.  He positioned his body to give her more shade.  How are you feeling?  He rubbed her belly.

I’m fine, she smiled unconvincingly.  We can make it.  I know we can make it.  We’ll survive and we’ll be OK.  Won’t we?  We’ll be OK?

He felt a slight shiver pulse through her body.  Sure... We’ll be OK.  But you need to rest now.  It’s going to be a long journey.  He turned to the pack rolls.  Time to start putting these things to use.  He stood and scanned the immediate area.

What are you looking for?

A place to sleep.

Tene grimly laughed.  Duncan, my love, you’ll find no inns out here.

He smiled in response.  Well there ought to be.  But until then, I need to get us out of this heat.  Looking up to see the location of the sun, he did a quick appraisal determining the sun’s direction, then turned and unrolled one of the packs.  Here, he said, shaking out a blanket and handing to her.  Let’s use this to keep some sun off of you.  Grabbing a walking staff, he jabbed it into the sand near Tene’s right knee then stabbed the other staff a little to the front of her other knee.

I’ll borrow this back.  He took the blanket and draped it over both staffs.  He then anchored the base, scooping up and depositing handfuls of sand on the blanket ends.  Satisfied, he looked down at the smiling Tene hidden in the shadows of the makeshift tent.  You’ll need to hold the ends so the wind won’t blow the cover off.  She continued to grin at him.  What are you smiling at, he asked, self-consciously.

You.  Her eyes brimmed with affection.

What?

Who but you would’ve thought of this?  Build a shelter from what little we have.

Duncan shrugged, silently wishing everything would be that easy.  I’m going to the bottom of this dune, he pointed behind him.  I’ll be gone for a little while.  I want you to stay here and rest.

Take some water with you.

I’ll drink some when I get back.

Please?  Her eyes spoke her concern.

Duncan pondered momentarily.  OK.  Here, let me have the smaller of the water skins.  And I’ll also take one of the metal pots.

Tene reached in and found one of the small pots Duncan had insisted on bringing.  I still don’t understand the need for this, she frowned as she handed him the pewter-colored pot, remembering the guards’ laughter when Duncan had asked for a small metal cooking pot.

You’ll see, Duncan grinned.  He bent down and unrolled the remaining pack.  Selecting three blankets and a wide leather wrap, he headed down the dune.

Two hours later, Duncan was back with Tene, tearing down her temporary tent.  His whole body was caked with dry sand and sweat.  Yet he was grinning contentedly.  While the lodgings may not be the best you’ve ever had, I’ve put in a request for breakfast at mid-morning.  He lifted her up.

She wrapped both arms around his left arm.  Will they have sweet-cakes?

Only the best.  I hear they make them fresh each day.  He hoisted up the remaining rolls and together they descended the dune.

I shall eat three before even the milk is served.  Tene gave a quick giggle at her own attempt at flippancy.

And we’ll flay the cook if they’re not the right sweetness.  He joined in the game.

O my god, no! Tene was horrified.  It probably wasn’t his fault.  Maybe he baked them too soon.  We shouldn’t have slept so late!  Oh my, this will never do.  Please tell him we’re sorry.

Duncan stopped midway down and saw the genuine concern in her eyes.  He held her at arm’s length.  Tene.  You are no longer a servant.  You are the woman... I mean, the girlfriend... or uh, wife of a wizard, who once was high priest.  I don’t know what I mean, but your status has changed.  We are no longer who we were.  He gestured to the surrounding sands.  This is our home now.  If... I mean... as long as we survive, you are not a servant, but a free woman... to do as she pleases.

She stared at him, her eyes blinking in dull comprehension.  It will take some time, she deeply sighed.  After all, I have the lineage of fifteen generations in me.  She shielded her eyes from the sun’s brightness.  And now I am a wizard’s wife.  Or is it the wife of the High Priest?

It’s neither, he responded matter-of-factly.  Right now, we’re just man and wife, looking for a place to live in this ocean of desert.

As they descended the dune, she mutely said, I seem to have missed the ceremony changing me from girlfriend to wife.

It happened on the way down.  You were asleep, he blithely answered.

Ah, she nodded.  Studying his face, she saw his worry hinting at the edges of his eyes.  Relaxing, she turned and slipped her arm around his.  When we find a place to live, perhaps I’ll prepare your bath like I did the first night you met me.

A warm smile curled his lips as he recalled that first evening.  If I remember right, I fell asleep.

She matched two of his strides with her three.  Oh, I won’t let that happen again.

Chuckling, he shook his head.  I suppose that’s all gonna have to wait ‘cause we’re here.

Tene looked around.  Duncan, there’s nothing here except a hole and some blankets in the sand.  She wiped the sweat from her forehead.

Exactly, he grinned proudly.  Lemme show you.  See, he crouched down.  I’ve used two of the blankets to act as sun reflectors.  I dug out a horizontal space so that both of us can lie down.  I covered the trench with one blanket and used some sand to anchor it.  Then using more sand, I spaced the other one an elbow’s length above the first blanket and anchored that one too.  He patted the sand in front of the hole.  Go ahead and see how cool it is.  I’ve already put a blanket down for you to lie on.

Tene gave his arm a quick squeeze and crawled in.  Much to her surprise, it was indeed cooler.  In fact, it was decidedly cooler.  This is amazing, she called out.  Are you coming in too?

In a minute.  I need to check on the water.

She looked out to see his legs disappear.  She lay back and gingerly touched the blanket, a hand’s width above her.  He had expended so much energy doing this, and he was going to need much more water to keep his strength.  Suddenly it hit her; what did he mean by check on the water?

His legs reappeared just as she spoke the words.  He crawled in beside her, propping himself up on an elbow.  It won’t be much, but if we leave after dark, we should have enough, and we probably can travel a good six to seven hours.

Tene reached up to brush some of the encrusted sand off his cheek, her eyes a mixture of appreciation and devotion.  You’ve done so much.  It is you who need the rest.

Duncan sighed slowly.  Yeah... I’ve done so much that I got you exiled into a desert. 

A seed of anger broke through his walls.  It felt familiar, and suddenly the crumpled mass of his father flittered across his mind and then was just as quickly gone.  They’re gonna pay for what they’ve done to you.  If it takes me a lifetime, they will pay.

He forced a smile at her.  Why don’t we both rest.  It’s gonna be a long journey.

––––––––

Pacing the floor, Bradwr seethed, his lips pursed.

Rovan stood to the side swaying slightly, still feeling the haste of round trip to Mull and back.  I hurried back as fast as I could, m’Lord. he said apologetically.

What?  Lost in his thoughts, Bradwr returned to the moment.  Of course...Yes, yes, I know you did.  He walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.  Excellent work.  You must be quite tired.  Get some rest.  I may have need of you again shortly.

Rovan bowed respectfully and headed out to the kitchen, hopeful to find some warm food, a mug of ale, and a quiet corner to sleep.  However, knowing his master, he could be on his way again before he had a chance to finish his ale.

Well Cousin, what are you going to do? a deep voice asked.

Bradwr waited until the door closed behind the messenger before turning to a tall man sitting comfortably in a large chair, his right leg pivoted at the ankle on his left knee.  He wore the sleeveless tunic of a warrior, mostly out of vanity to display his muscular arms.  His walnut-colored goatee descended a palm span below his chin and was cut straight across at the bottom.  The hazel eyes had a brightness to them that spoke of impish humor.  Yet Bradwr knew better.  The man was a merciless killer.

Moving to a table in the center of the room, he leaned forward to study a large map held down at the edges with a tankard, a paring knife, and other various objects at hand.  That was unexpected.  Alric is the better choice, but Emer is no fool.  Still, it’s hard to imagine an uprising of scholars.  He chuckled at the thought.

The man got up and moved to the table, opposite Bradwr.  Does it really matter who his heir is? he asked.

No Slaven, it does not.  But caution is still necessary.  Rest assured, he placated, your position as army commander is not compromised.

Then you will move?

It seems my hand has been forced, he airily stated.  Studying the map again, he placed his finger at a spot.  How long will it take you to assemble and move to the river here?

Slaven appraised the distance between his own domain and the spot indicated.  I can be there in less than five days.

Good.  Gefnyn is still preoccupied with his borders, as is Harun.  I would have you cross the river and block the north.  Galyn will approach from the south.

What about Cedrych?  Slaven pointed to an area on the map to Bradwr’s right.

Cedrych is an opportunist.  He will wait for the winning side.

Slaven nodded.  And you are sure about the Twelve, and Kylar?

Yes, Cousin.  It has all been arranged, he patiently replied.

Good.  I do not wish to fight Tuathal again.

Bradwr curiously eyed him.  I’ve often wondered why you didn’t challenge another of the Twelve.

One does not prove he is the best by challenging any but the best.

Yet he defeated you, he stated matter-of-factly.

That is true, came the quiet, yet tart, reply.

I have heard it said, Bradwr continued, he told the others that you were the best he ever faced, that he was glad you were a Gambrian for to face you again in battle, he might not be so successful.  He studied his demeanor, but if the words flattered, he could not tell.

That was very honorable of him, Slaven answered.

I suppose it was.  So why not challenge another and become a member of the Twelve?

Slaven looked up, a slow smile edging itself on the corners of his mouth.  I would rather lead than follow.  Learning your intent, I decided I would rather be the Army commander, than a member of the Twelve.

And what about your domain?

I am a soldier, a warrior.  It is what I do best.  My brother can have the domain.  He’s wanted it ever since our father died.

Bradwr nodded.  Gambria needs a warrior to lead them into battle.  From the corner of his eye, he saw a servant flit by.  You there.  Yes, you.  Fetch Rovan at once.  And tell the cook that Lord Slaven will need victuals for his journey home.  He returned his attention to the Map.  So, Cousin, tell me what you think of my battle plans.

––––––––

Duncan listened to the steady rhythm of her breathing. 

I wonder what time it is?  I suppose it really doesn’t matter... It’s dark.  He rolled over onto his belly and backed out of the pit on his hands and knees.

Sitting on his haunches, he shivered in the coldness of the night.  The twin moons were still high, and the myriad of stars filled the rest of the expanse.  He searched the sky.  There you are.  He focused on the star and began the calculations aloud.

As long as I keep you to the right, we travel west.  If we can make four kilometers an hour and travel for six hours, that's twenty-four kilometers a day.  Hmmm.  He searched his memory.  This desert is about four hundred kilometers across... that's 16.67 days of travel... We probably have food for three days, maybe four... If we stretch it out, we could probably do six days...  He sighed deeply. Unless I can find water, we've had it.

Duncan searched his memory again. Water... water... If water is scarce, do not eat... Food requires water for digestion. Eating food will use water that you need for cooling... Don't ration water... dehydration causes disorientation.

He closed his eyes and concentrated, and the images came, especially the hologram of the planet spinning lazily in front of him.  He focused on the continental island on which he and Alexis landed.  He macro-expanded to the Starn sea, and then drew back.  There it was, in tan, the desert that now held his and Tene's fragile lives.  In his mind’s map, it was such a short distance from the desert to the sea.

Alexis came into vision and Duncan paused in his thoughts.

At least one of us has succeeded.  I hope you get what you want... whatever that is.

However, he sighed aloud, I've got more important problems right now.

He resurrected the desert map and concentrated.  The map grew and he could see where there were oases spotted throughout the tan of the desert.  Most were very tiny, but several were significantly larger.

But where are we now?  Where did they leave us?  Think, Duncan, think.  We left the edge of Gambria somewhere in the southwest part of the country.  It was a five-day ride from Mull... five days in a wagon at say, eight kilometers an hour.  We did maybe ten hours of traveling each day, so that puts us about 400 kilometers from Mull.  

He focused on the map again, using the relative scale of distance for the hologram area, comparing the terrain of the past five days with what he could envision on the map. 

OK, let's take a swag right here.  He refocused the map to the area chosen.  Let's see if I can overlay some life readings.  He reached deep into the memory data that Talane had implanted. He scanned several life-form reading charts. Let's overlay this one.

Duncan matched the overlay to the map.  There were numerous life-form readings in the area selected. It took us about five plus hours to get here... the road taken was relatively straight... so it can't be too far from the edge.  Duncan looked at the result.  There was a large oasis to the southwest. The question is, how far is it from us?  He glumly shook his head. This is all crazy.  It's gonna be by pure dumb luck if we make it.  He rolled his head backwards to stare at the star filled night.  Some wizard you are, he muttered.

He stood up and exhaled slowly.  Guess we better get going, he said to no one.  Tene, he called softly, as if afraid of disturbing the night.  He crawled back into the shelter and gently touched her shoulder.  Tene.  It's time to go.

Is it breakfast time already? she yawned.

Not quite. We'll eat later. It's time for us to go.  He backed out and waited for her to emerge.

It's cold, she exclaimed as she stood up in the star filled night.

He was already pulling down the shelter, shaking the sand from the blankets.  Here, he handed her a blanket.  Wrap this around yourself.  Why don't you finish packing while I check on the water.

Water?

Yeah.  I'll explain later.  He walked off to where she could barely see him.  Tene busied herself with the packs and was finished just as he returned.

It's not much, but it'll do for now.  He handed her a small pot about a quarter filled with water.

Where did you get this? she marveled.

I rigged a type of dehumidifier, he stated.  C'mon.  I'll explain it as we travel.

How do you know which way we should go?

By using that star.  He pointed up.

Which one? she shook her head.  There are so many.

See those stars that look like a crescent? Duncan pointed again.  Now see the star just to the left of the bottom? That's the one.

How do you know?

Wizardry, he shrugged, grinning lamely.

Tene kissed him sweetly then clutched his arm tightly, shivering slightly.  Will all the nights be cold like this?

He placed an arm around her shoulder and squeezed her to him.  Yes, but the days will be hot, so we'll need to walk while it's still cool.  It won't be too long before the sun comes up, and I want to be in the shelter before it gets too warm.

They continued on in silence for a while, Duncan walking purposely forward, with her close behind.

Duncan? Tene said softly.

Yes?

Does this mean we won't have any sweet cakes for breakfast this morning?

I'll put a word in with the baker for tomorrow, he smirked.

Continuing to trudge behind him, she quick stepped a few paces and thrust her hand in his, holding tightly.  I suppose you could punish the cook if you really want to.

Duncan didn't look back but squeezed her hand.  Can't.  When he found out where we were going, he accepted a better offer.

Tene shook her head.  Good help is so hard to find these days.

––––––––

Amidst the surrounding hum and murmur of conversation, the smells of freshly poured ale mixed with the tart bouquet of lingering spills, and the occasional banter.  Raefgot settled himself at a small table not far from the door.  That way, when they threw him out later on in the evening, he wouldn’t have to be dragged so far.

Tonight, he felt a certain prickliness mixed with a heavy boredom.  The excitement with Tegan was suddenly over.  He wasn’t even sure what had happened.  From being so interested in him, she was quickly bored, then just as quickly interested, then bored again.  And he still hadn’t met her parents.

Tonight, she was bored with him.  In smoldering jealousy, he watched her saunter and flirt among the clients.  Her cold-shoulder and the annoying buzz of the tavern grated, and he had half a mind to leave when a barmaid sauntered up.

Evening to ya.  Your usual?  She was a full-figured cherub sort of a woman, with luring eyes that danced when she spoke.

I guess, he shrugged, still deciding whether he wanted to stay.

As she swished away, he looked around at the other customers, recognizing some who lifted their glasses in acknowledgement, their smiles belying their bemusement.  Their grinning faces simply added to his irritation.  His mind told him to go, but the weight of his malaise held him fast.  As languor and action struggled within him, the barmaid returned.  Seeming to recognize his mood, she gently set the mug of ale in front of him, and then placed a small plate of cold meat next to it.

Dermod said ya looked hungry, she jerked her head back towards the owner standing behind a long table, busily serving other patrons.  Don’t worry, she smiled suggestively, it’s paid for.

Blinking a few times, Raefgot gravely nodded.  That was very kind of you, Modlen.

Not at all, she replied.  Lowering her voice, she leaned forward.  I’ll be free in a little while.  You look like you could use some company.  Without waiting for an answer, she ambled away, her hips swaying invitingly.

Well if it isn’t the perpetually inebriated sod, a voice sneered.

Raefgot lifted his head, his eyebrows furrowed.  He knew the voice and for some reason it chafed him.  Looking up, he saw Emer flanked by several lesser rank scholars standing in the doorway of the tavern.  Emer’s arrogant disdain advertised his condescending superiority.

Oh, Raefgot curled a lip and mumbled.  It’s you.

Imagine my surprise seeing you here.  I was told this was a reputable establishment, Emer taunted.

Leave me alone.  He bristled at the patronizing grins of the other lesser scholars, their sycophantic behavior painfully obvious.

What?  No clever repartee?  Turning to his followers, he stage-whispered, "Be careful, he’s such a wit."

Shut up and leave me alone.  He tiredly picked up a small carving knife and sliced a little sliver of meat in half, a feeble attempt of ignoring them in hopes they would go away.

See what I mean?  Emer barked a sneering laugh.  "He’s such a wit.  Come; let’s not let an opportunity like this escape.  How often does one get a chance to parry with such an intellect?  Why look, he indicated a table next to Raefgot, this table is free, and we can continue our fascinating discussion.  That is of course, he added as he seated himself close to Raefgot, if he’s not too blinded by drink to continue."

I said leave me alone, his voice rose as he felt his bile likewise rising.

Now, now.  Why so inhospitable, my dear bastard brother?  Emer grinned wickedly as he turned to acknowledge the derogatory laughter of his followers.

I told you to leave me alone, his voice rose as he stood up.  In one sweeping motion, just as Emer was turning to gloat, the knife swung in a sideways arc across his older brother’s neck, slicing both throat arteries.

For a moment, no one moved.  Raefgot stood immobile, panting heavily, until he realized what he had just done.  The room had gone strangely quiet as everyone turned to see the disturbance.  It wasn’t until the blood began gushing out from his brother’s neck that Raefgot was awakened to action and immediately barged through the front door and fled into the night.

Murder!  Murder! 

Raefgot’s hasty escape likewise shook Emer’s companions awake.  Yet for all their learning, they were suddenly impotent, staring in horrified shock as their superior weakly tried to stop the blood pouring over his hands and onto his chest.  It wasn’t until Emer’s head banged on the table and his arms flopped to his sides that Dermod barreled up.

You, he barked, pointing to one of the scholars. What’s happened here?  Great Safti!  It’s Lord Emer.  Looking at the man slumped against the table, he knew it was too late.  Glancing furtively around, he rapidly calculated the repercussions.

The volume of the tavern increased a bit as the name of the victim became known.  Yet for all the excitement in discovery, none seemed too interested, for most returned to their own discussions.  A curious few now surrounded the scene.

"There’s nothing for you to