The Towers

Copyright (C) 1997 by Charles Tryon


4: The Parades Pride

All too soon, the morning sun began to streak the horizon with red and orange. GreyEagle stepped down from the back of the wagon and stretched. She felt a change in the wind and looked up at the clouds, wondering if another storm was brewing.
Behind her, the door of the wagon opened again and Recuahc stepped down, still a bit unsteady, but on his feet none the less. He had improved noticeably over the day before and smiled broadly at her. "Hungry, philosopher?" GreyEagle asked as she offered her elbow to him.
"Who would have thought that sleeping for two days one would work up such an appetite? I guess we had better find some breakfast before I try to eat the first thing I lay my eyes on."
"That wouldn't include things still moving around on two legs, would it?"
Recuahc's eyes sparkled. "It might..."
"Well then I guess we had better get looking. I worry enough about becoming a midnight snack for a dragon without having to worry about you too." Recuahc leaned over and made like he was about to take a nibble out of GreyEagle's ear and she jumped away with a giggle. "You'll have to be quicker than that to catch me. Here, would you like to have a sample of my boot?"
Recuahc frowned. "Much too tough for my taste. Here, if you come back, I will promise not to bite. These legs of mine are not too steady yet, and I could still use an elbow to hold on to."
GreyEagle relented, and together, the two went off to find some breakfast. The wagons around them were already being packed up to leave. Many of the people had risen earlier and had finished eating by now, but GreyEagle and Recuahc managed to find one cooking fire which had not been cleaned up yet and quickly grabbed some food there. With food still in hand, they quickly headed back to the wagon to prepare to leave.
On the way, one of the wagon drivers spotted Recuahc. "You want a ride up here young man?" the driver called out. "I'd enjoy a bit of your singing." He bent down a bit closer to the two of them. "I used to sing quite a bit when I was younger," he whispered loudly. "Not too bad, if I might say so myself. If you don't mind."
Recuahc looked at GreyEagle with a shrug, and accepted the offer. GreyEagle went to fetch his horse, and hitched it up at the back of the wagon. By now, the wagons at the head of the caravan were already crawling up onto the road and GreyEagle ran to catch up. She saw Marianne scramble up with the driver as their wagon started moving and she called out to tell her where Recuahc was. She then swung up on her own horse and fell in behind them.
The road had already become congested with the traffic which passed each morning between Suzail and the outlying cottages and farms. Shortly after lunch, they crested a hill and saw the city of Suzail spread out in its magnificence before them, sitting like a jewel on the edge of the Lake of Dragons. The water of the lake sparkled in the early afternoon sun and spread off to the horizon. GreyEagle could just pick out the tall masts of the ships sheltered in the docks of the city. She had spent a little time in boats on rivers and small lakes, but had never gone on a voyage of this length, or on a body of water this big. She figured Schimray knew what he was doing, but there was still an uneasiness in the pit of her stomach.
At the center of the city she could see the fortifications and towers of the King's palace, with the sky reflecting blue off of the surface of a small lake before it. The rest of the city lay spread below, glittering richly in the sun. GreyEagle pushed her mount forward to the head of the caravan where the others were riding.
"I'll be glad for a real bed tonight," Trouble commented with a touch of glee as she came along side.
"That and someone to share it with if I know you," Conrad muttered under his breath.
"You only wish you were so skilled," Trouble grinned back.
"I'd more likely call it a lack of discrimination."
"Call it what you want. I know what I like."
Captain Metzler rode up and interrupted before they could get into an argument. "We are about to enter Suzail," he said, still watching Trouble and Conrad carefully. "Once we are inside of the city, we will escort the caravan to the docks where the merchants will be busy for the remainder of the day in preparations for the voyage. You are to report to the Skatterhawk warehouses and dock by the end of the first watch tomorrow morning. The Parades Pride is scheduled to leave one hour after that."
"Where will you and your men be staying?" Ormec asked.
"We will be staying at the Black Rat Tavern which is a short distance from the docks and you are welcome to stay with us or find your own lodgings, so long as you are at on dock at the appointed hour." Metzler dismissed them and turned to ride back up to his position at the head of the caravan.
"Might as well stick with the others," Ormec said with a shrug.
"I agree," GreyEagle said, "at least until we have reached the dock area. I'd like to know where the docks are, so I will have no problems finding my way in the morning. Will you be joining us Sucaba?"
"I will be staying with Horton," Sucaba answered. "We will return in the morning." He leaned over and whispered something to the dragon, and the two of them flew off together.
As they entered the Suzail, GreyEagle looked at the people who crowded the streets around then. They looked prosperous for the most part, and there were few beggars or peasants, at least along this main boulevard which ran towards the center of the city. The crowd parted without a word before them, and then closed behind them again without the slightest indication that they had passed that way.
Riding next to her, Conrad's eyes lit up like a small boy in a toy shop as he peered into the windows and doorways of the shops they passed. "Now here is a city I could loose myself in for a good long time," he said with a chuckle
"Just make sure you have a good grip on your purse," Trouble said, carefully eyeing the throng pressing around them.
"Ah, these people don't look like they have any interest in robbing us," Ormec scoffed.
"You are far too trusting, Dwarf," Trouble muttered. "Besides, there are more ways to separate a man and his gold than to cut the strings of his purse."
"You at least, seem to be well acquainted with some of those methods, what with the companions you keep at night," Recuahc laughed from the back of the line. Trouble looked back at him, unsure if he should consider the comment as a complement or a dig. After a while he shrugged.
"Just watch yourself while we're here."
They finally arrived at the warehouse area. It was apparent that they had been expected, as the caravan was greeted there by several people and the merchants were quickly wrapped up in their business. GreyEagle joined a group of soldiers who sounded like they knew their way around the city and followed them to a tavern a short distance from the docks.
It was certainly not a place where one would expect to find nobility, and it smelled heavily of the sea and of those who made it their life to travel it. The main room had a low ceiling, crisscrossed by heavy beams supporting the upper floors. The walls were bare and blackened by years of smoke. Some of the tables leaned precariously, but not so badly that they couldn't support the large mugs of ale which stood before the small number of patrons sitting there at this hour of the morning. A couple of burly sailors turned to look at them as they entered, and GreyEagle pulled the hood of her cloak around her face and looked away. The soldiers must have been a common sight however, and the sailors quickly lost interest.
Conrad was in a hurry to get back out onto the streets and he quickly located the innkeeper. As soon as he had secured a room and stowed his few belongings, he was back out the door and had disappeared into the crowd. Recuahc, on the other hand, seemed content to plop himself down at a table in the center of the commons room. He was still pale, but while he had not fully regained his strength, he certainly had recovered his spirits and had full use of his tongue, and was laughing and talking with the other patrons of the tavern almost as soon as he had found a seat.
GreyEagle secured a room and carried her things there. She went to the window and stood for a while looking out over the harbor which lay spread out before her. She thought of Schimray. The stated reason why they had been hired to travel with the caravan was the threat of pirates who roamed the Sea. With some luck, they might be able to slip through without being noticed, but that was small consolation. She thought back to the fight in the first tower, and her injury there. The orcs had not been a particularly dangerous foe, yet one had still managed to catch her off guard. Then, she had been able to use the potion of healing which she had brought, but now that was gone. She knew that she had some protection due to Schimray's skills, but she had no idea how long that might last. They had passed a number of temples on their way through the city, and GreyEagle wondered if she might be able to find a potion of healing at one of them. Surely, in a city of this size, almost anything could be had, for a price.
She went back down to the commons room and looked for Recuahc. He had already gathered a small knot of people around him, and was exchanging news from the lands which surrounded Suzail. He seemed to be well taken care of, having attracted one of the younger serving girls who sat looking fondly into his eyes. GreyEagle smiled and shook her head. The others had already disappeared on whatever business they had, so she slipped quietly out the door and into the busy street.
She retraced the path they had taken and quickly found the temple district. The buildings stood tall and majestic there, their gilding and stained glass windows glittering brightly in the noon time sun. They contrasted sharply with the low grey and brown warehouses and taverns along the shore. Priests and monks serving the various gods and temples of the region scurried up and down the streets, mingling in an odd jumble of colors and mannerisms.
She paused in front of the temple of Torm the Brave. Carved in the stone above the heavily banded door was the sign of a gauntleted fist, fiercely clenched in the face of evil. Torm stood with those who stood against evil, who followed the call of duty without thought for their own safety or comfort. Here, she thought, was a place where she would find an ear sympathetic to her cause. She leaned her shoulder into the door and it slowly swing open.
The heavy smell of incense washed over her as the stepped into the dimly lit court. A young accolade was scurrying past, and she stopped him and asked to see one of the priests of the temple. Without a word, he led her down a long dimly lit hallway to a heavy wooden door. He stopped, knocked once, and then immediately turned and hurried away. GreyEagle stood frozen in her tracks and looked after the young man as he disappeared. For a long moment, she stood by the door, unsure of what to do, but there was no response from within. Finally, in desperation, she quietly pushed the door open and slipped in.
The room she entered was without windows, and lit by a single candle standing on a low table at its center. Its light danced on the low ceiling as the flame flickered before the breath of air which followed her into the room. The silence of the room was almost palpable, and she dared not speak.
Sitting behind the table, reading from an immense tome which lay open before him, was a thin stick of a man. He wore a threadbare grey robe, and his hair, what was left of it, was wispy and white. The man slowly looked up as she entered, and GreyEagle could feel his eyes. The skin of his face was weathered and worn, as if it had spent many noontimes exposed to the harsh sun, but the eyes were bright and sharp. Not knowing what else to do, GreyEagle bowed to him.
"And what might bring you here, young woman," he asked quietly, eyeing her carefully.
"I come seeking your help, holy one," she began carefully, trying to keep her eyes focused on him. "As you can see, I am a fighter by trade. While I know that my sword is anathema to you, I serve the same cause as you, to free those held hostage by the powers of evil. I come seeking protection in my fight." She paused, unable to gauge the reaction of the man from his dimly lit face. "I seek only a few potions of healing to bring with me on my quest." GreyEagle held her breath and waited.
The man regarded her silently for a long time. "I have heard your story often enough, seeking to buy the protection of the gods." He sighed as he slowly closed the tome before him. Quietly, he stood, never taking his eyes off of the young fighter. GreyEagle stood frozen where she was, afraid to move as the man walked slowly around her, his eyes peering through her. When he had completed his circuit, he returned to his seat. "The truth is in you fighter, though you have little understanding yet of the words which you speak. You have much to learn about what it means to defend the weak. Watch your steps well, lest you yourself become more terrible than that from which you seek to deliver them. The line is as fine as gossamer, and easily brushed aside by the careless." The man closed his eyes and sighed. "How many potions do you wish?" he asked, his voice a whisper.
GreyEagle looked nervously around the room. "Three vials would do," she said quickly.
The man rose slowly and walked to a table in a corner of the room on which stood a small, heavily bound chest. He stood silently with his hands on the chest, and after a long moment, there was an audible click. A faint light came from deep within the chest as he opened it, and a curious scent filled the room. GreyEagle could feel the power released by the chest as it washed over her, and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end as a cold wave of fear gripped her.
The priest drew out three small vials, and silently closed the chest. The room suddenly returned to normal, and GreyEagle's fear quickly melted away. "Here is what you seek," he said as he handed the vials to her. "Use them well, and may you find success at the end of your quest." He returned to his place on the floor behind the table and sat silently with his eyes closed.
GreyEagle stood waiting for the priest to tell her what he expected as payment, but it was as if he was no longer aware of her presence. She shifted her feet nervously and cleared her throat noisily. Finally, she could take the silence no longer. "Surely, sir, you expect a payment for these potions."
The priest's gaze snapped back up at her, and she jumped back a step at its intensity. "You think you can buy the favor of the gods?" he shot at her, almost spitting the words.
GreyEagle's eyes went wide in terror. "Well, yes... no... I mean," she stammered, hunting for words. "I guessed..."
"You have guesses wrong," he snapped back. "You have more to learn than even I thought," the priest breathed almost silently, "and much to unlearn."
The tears flowed freely from GreyEagle's eyes as she clutched the small vials. She looked down at them, glowing faintly in her hands and the priest's warning echoed in her mind. What would she do with them that was any different from someone who's heart was filled with evil? She thought she believed in herself, and the validity of their quest, but in the back of her mind, there was a seed of doubt. She could not be sure of the others and their motives. The potions could end up in the wrong hands. Was she wrong to depend on their magic rather than her own skills? Her sword was magical, but that was different -- or was it? GreyEagle closed her eyes tightly as the fears and doubts swirled around her. Perhaps she shouldn't have come here. She quickly placed the vials back on the table before the priest, and turned to hurry out the door. Better to leave the power behind, even so small and seemingly harmless a power as a potion of healing, than to risk falling prey to it.
Suddenly, the quiet of the room was broken by a laugh -- not an evil or threatening laugh, but one which was filled with light and healing -- coming from the priest behind her. She spun around to look, and it was though a beam of sunlight had penetrated the ceiling and was now resting on the priest's face.
"Return child. You are not so evil as you might think," the priest said to her with a wave of his hand. "You stand well in the face of difficult truths, and your decisions are wise. Yes, you may have the vials, and yes, you may leave gold in exchange for them, though it is your heart, not your gold that causes the gods to smile on you." He paused a moment and became serious again. "You learn well. Mark my words though. I have spoken the truth, though you may not yet understand all. To do good is more than just destroying that which is evil. Now, be on your way, and my blessings go with you." With that, the priest returned his attention to the tome before him, and the room once again was silent and dimly lit.
With her heart still pounding within her breast, GreyEagle took the three vials and slipped from the room. A man stood outside the door, and he collected the gold pieces for the potions and then ushered her silently to the door to the street. As she stepped out on the street once again, the sunshine washed over her and she turned to look back at the door which once again stood closed behind her. She wondered if she had just stepped out of a dream, but the touch of the vials in her hand convinced her that it had in fact been real. She slipped the vials into a pocket deep within her cloak and with a shake of her head, hurried back to the tavern.
The next morning at the appointed time, GreyEagle returned to the front of the warehouse with the rest of the soldiers. The skies were grey and overcast, and there was fickle wind out of the North, the kind that whipped around the corners of buildings, picking up dust and debris and flinging it in your face. GreyEagle pulled her cloak tightly around her as she bent into the wind.
The dock was already bustling with activity as the crews finished loading of the cargo from the caravan. GreyEagle cast a wary eye at the ship which lay before her. Its name, The Parades Pride was painted in bright gold letters on its prow. It was about 100 feet long and 20 wide and boasted twin masts. The sails were still tightly furled and the wind moaned as it whipped through the rigging.
"I'd rather keep my feet on solid ground if you ask me," she said to Sucaba as he wandered over from where he had been admiring the ship, "but if Schimray believes this is faster and safer than traveling by land, I guess we can make do."
"These boats are quite sturdy," Sucaba reassured her. "There's nothing to worry about. Besides," he added with a devious grin, "Horton will carry me if it sinks, but that only happens once in a while. Sharks have to eat too, you know." Sucaba chuckled to himself and headed off to check on Horton.
"Sharks?" GreyEagle asked, carefully eyeing Sucaba's back as he walked away. "I'm not sure I want to know about them. Well, I wasn't planning on doing any swimming anyhow."
The others in the group began to arrive, some still rubbing the sleep from their eyes. The silent mage had shed his grey cloak and wizard's cap in favor of the short pants and loose white shirt of a sailor, and his red hair was pulled back tightly and braided at the back of his head. His pack was lazily flung across his shoulder, and fastened to it, carefully wrapped in oilskins, were his two longswords. A trio of daggers were sheathed at his side. He greeted GreyEagle with his bright green eyes and a casual wave of his hand.
What did catch GreyEagle's attention, however, was the raven sitting perched on the mage's shoulder. It was black as midnight, and its golden eyes peered about the party. It caught GreyEagle's eye and she thought it winked at her. She was fascinated by it and approached to get a better look, but then she suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes narrowed to slits as she peered intently, first at the raven, and then at the silent mage. The raven. Could it be the same raven she had seen on their way to the first tower? If so, then it was the silent mage that had been spying on her. She suddenly felt violated, as if she had discovered someone peeking at her through a keyhole while she undressed. She was glad now that she had been cautious when she had first seen the raven. In truth, it had done her no real harm, but the underhandedness of it all still ruffled her. Finally, a slight smile cracked her lips and she relaxed her shoulders.
"You," she said to the raven, "I will have a word with later."
"Have you lost your friend?" Sucaba asked the mage. The silent one cocked his head to one side, as if to say that he had no idea what Sucaba was talking about. The two stood facing each other in silence for a moment., until Sucaba finally threw up his hands and left in disgust. The silent one smiled as Sucaba walked away.
Coyle made his way through the crowd towards them. "Well, it's good to see you back up and looking healthy," he said to Recuahc. "If you are all ready, we can bring your things on board and I'll show you where you will be staying." He led the group up the gang plank and below deck to the cabins. A narrow isle lead through the center of the ship, with cabins off of either side. It was dimly lit and smelled of ancient wood. "You will be bunking here three to a room," he told them. "Conrad, Ormec and Recuahc in this room and the others in the next cabin. GreyEagle will be staying in the same cabin as Marianne. The captain's name is Berakus, and I would advise you to keep on his good side," he added with a smile. "He is not known for his gracious manner." He slapped Sucaba on the back. "You may unpack your things here while I show GreyEagle where she will be."
Sucaba took a quick peek into the small room. "Looks pretty tight in there."
Trouble laughed. "I guess we'll fit, but it doesn't look like you'll get a dragon in there."
Sucaba shrugged, but he picked up his things and pushed through the door. Trouble followed him, still shaking his head and snickering. The silent one seemed happy enough with the room and followed the other two. Coyle pushed open the door on the other side of the isle, revealing another room identical to the first, and Ormec, Conrad and Recuahc entered to unpack their things.
He led GreyEagle up towards the bow of the ship and quietly knocked at one of the doors. Marianne opened it and quickly invited the two of them in. The cabin was small, but it had a single porthole, which now stood open to let in the fresh air. The sound of the waves slapping against the side of the boat had a soft and reassuring sound. There were two bunks built into the side, and a small desk. Marianne had already laid out some sweet smelling herbs and their scent made the tightly packed space seem a little more comfortable.
"Can you stay a little while Coyle?" Marianne asked.
Coyle shook his head. "I need to go back and check on the others. I have much to do before we cast off." He smiled at GreyEagle and nodded. "If you need anything, Marianne will know where to find me." With that, he quietly slipped out and closed the door behind him.
GreyEagle sighed as she let her pack slide from her shoulder to the floor with a heavy thump. "Those men," she sighed, "will they ever leave me alone?" Marianne laughed. It was good to be back with her again.
Once she had settled in, GreyEagle returned to the deck to see how the others were doing. Since Horton wouldn't hear of being stuck below with the horses, the sailors had prepared an area on the main deck for him. In spite of the dragon's small size, they were still clearly awed by him, and gave him a wide berth, much to Horton's delight. Sucaba was already resting with his back up against the dragon's side, almost lulled to sleep by its slow rise and fall.
"You look comfortable," GreyEagle said, leaning lazily against the mast and looking out over the harbor.
Sucaba opened one eye and smiled. "Well, perhaps here I will finally gain the respect I deserve as the rider of a Black Dragon."
GreyEagle looked over the rail and down into the mirky waters of the bay and wondered what might lurk below that placid surface. With a slight shudder, she turned away and climbed up on the poop deck to look out over the lake. The sun was climbing higher into the morning sky, and in spots it reflected brightly off of the surface of the water as it poked through occasional breaks in the clouds, dancing on the waves, beckoning her to come and join them. The breeze was fresh with the smells of the sea, and it tossed around a few loose strands of her hair which had managed to escape the confines of her braid. This would be a new adventure, sailing over the sea, and the newness of it began to tug at her heart.
Overhead, the clouds were turning darker and the flags on the masthead snapped nervously in the breeze. She didn't look forward to the likelihood of weathering a storm on board a ship, out in the open waters, but the sailors gave no indication that they were concerned as they hurried here and there through the rigging making final preparations to set sail. As she leaned back against the rail to watch their activities, GreyEagle hoped that they knew what they were doing.
Recuahc wandered by, quietly singing little snatches of sailing tunes. There was a loose rope hanging down from one of the masts, and he grabbed it and took a short swing. Hearing a quick yell from one of the sailors, he quickly let go and wandered off. After a while he climbed up with her to look out over the water.
"Are you in trouble that quick?" GreyEagle teased.
"It was just hanging there waiting for someone to swing in it," he shrugged. "I just answered its call."
"It's good to see you back to yourself again," GreyEagle said with a laugh. "It was starting to get awful quiet around here without your little songs and stories."
"Thanks to your good care," he replied with a smile and a bow, "I am ready to face more adventures again." His eyes twinkled, and like a little sprite, he turned and once again was off to continue his explorations around the ship.
At last, the ship was ready and the sailors cast off. In spite of its size, the ship seemed to lunge forward in anticipation as the sails were unfurled and the winds caught in them. Once clear of the harbor, they turned south and the splendor of Suzail quickly slipped away behind them.
As the day passed, the members of the party spent much of their time on the main deck, preferring the open air to the stuffiness of the cabins below deck. Recuahc spent a great deal of time following the sailors and listening to any of them who offered to teach him new songs as they worked. The silent mage too shadowed the sailors, carefully watching their work, sometimes mimicking their actions. The sailors occasionally gave him strange looks, but since he was always careful to keep out of their way, the soon learned to ignore his constant scrutiny.
The raven flew around the ship, always interested in what was going on or any place where there was activity. GreyEagle found that she herself seemed to be the raven's favorite object of study. It did not approach closely at first, but sat on the rail a short distance from her as she watched the sun and waves, and followed her every move.
The sun had begun to sink towards the Western horizon as GreyEagle and Recuahc stood together at the rail, watching the pilot fish as they played in the spray thrown up by the bow of the ship slicing through the waves. The silent mage was standing near by, and the raven had settled down on his shoulder, where it sat carefully preening its feathers.
"I don't suppose he has a name and can talk like your other friend," Recuahc said to the mage, "or is he a `servant' also?"
The raven cocked his head, and then quickly hopped from the mage's shoulder to the Recuahc's.
"Well met, Recuahc," the raven said. "You know me. I am Arial. Sometimes Raal." Though the appearance was different, the voice was unmistakably that of Raal's. "Servant? It seems so sometimes, though a student must not question the master. The what's and why's of the Pedestal of Power are surely beyond my ken. I am glad that you are well and singing again. I know a sea song too, thought just one. Would you like to hear it?" The bird began a scratchy rendition of one of the bawdy songs which GreyEagle had heard the sailors singing earlier. Recuahc laughed and joined in. It was an odd combination, but neither seemed to mind.
"You'll scare off all the fish if you keep that up," Sucaba laughed from where he was standing with a line thrown off the side of the ship.
GreyEagle held her hand out to the raven and called to it softly. "So Raal, or Arial, or whatever you go by at the moment, was it you I met when I was off in the field by myself? And what have told your master about me?"
The raven paused its singing for a moment and hopped from Recuahc's shoulder to the railing near GreyEagle. "Oh pretty person, yes, I have visited you before." It cocked its head slightly, and then with a flutter of wings, it hopped up to GreyEagle's shoulder. GreyEagle held herself steady as the raven peered into her eyes. "You are presumptuous however, to believe that knowledge passes from me to Prodigy of Perception. Rather, it is the other way around." The silent mage turned from where he had been watching one of the sailors and eyed the raven keenly.
"Ah, do you mean to tell me that you told your master nothing of what you saw, or perhaps, did you come to see me on your own?" GreyEagle reached up to stroke the bird's iridescent feathers, but it immediately jumped up with a deft flap of its wings to avoid her touch. Startled, she put her hand back down.
"I watch for our safety." The raven looked quickly to the silent mage and then back to GreyEagle. "You went off alone and I did not wish to see harm come to you." The silent mage appeared to loose interest in the conversation at this point, and with a polite nod of his head, turned back to watching the sailors at their work. With this, Arial suddenly lost some of his boldness, and hopped from GreyEagle's shoulder back to the railing.
"Well then," she said, "I thank you for your concern. I do think I like you better as a raven than a rat though."
"And I like you better as a woman than as a man, but then we do not always get to choose. Begging your pardon though, I believe that I was in the middle of a song." With a slight nod of its head, in a manner much like that of the silent mage, the raven flew off to land on Recuahc's shoulder.
A sailor approached the silent mage, carefully eyeing the raven as it sat on Recuahc's shoulder telling a string of jokes. "Sir," he said, "The evening meal is ready, and you may join us now." It had been a long time since breakfast, and GreyEagle was ready to eat. She started to follow the mage when she was interrupted by the hand of the sailor on her shoulder. "Excuse me Ma'am, but you may eat a little later with the merchants and other women." GreyEagle could feel the blood rising to her face as she jerked away from the man's hand. She thought to strike him, but the sailor had already turned his back on her and left. GreyEagle clenched her fists and spun around away from the others to look out over the lake and hide her anger.
She heard footsteps behind her and angrily wheeled to see who might have the audacity to disturb her. She was greeted by Marianne's gentle face, and her shoulders slumped as the woman stretched her hands out to her. Marianne embraced her and spoke softly into her ear.
"You thought you had won that war, and now you find that you have just begun all over again? Come, forget their pettiness, and it will be time to eat before you know." GreyEagle looked into Marianne's face and wished that it was that simple. "Just remember to stay with me," Marianne added quickly, "and don't go wandering off by yourself. We can come back up on deck together tonight to watch the sunset together. They cannot take everything away from us." Marianne smiled mischievously, and GreyEagle laughed in spite of herself.
When it was finally time for them to eat with the merchants, GreyEagle found that the food was not as good as she had grown used to while traveling with the caravan, and the tables in the small dining room were cramped and narrow, but it was passible. They were standing by the rail after dinner talking when Ormec approached.
The dwarf looked nervous as he bowed slightly to the two ladies. GreyEagle noticed that his face was redder than usual, and wondered what might be bothering him. "GreyEagle," he began, "the ship's captain has decided that, as a member of our group, you should be allowed to have your meals with us and not with the passengers. I told him that I was outraged at this slight against your skill and would not stand for it any longer. He agreed, but he still suggests that you not go off alone and wander about the ship. He thinks it would be for your safety, but we know that anyone trying to harm you would be the one in danger. Still, I think this is wise. Having to travel by boat is bad enough but adding trouble with the crew would make the rest of the journey a nightmare."
"I thank you Ormec. Your respect means much to me."
Ormec bowed once and turned to cross the deck again to the hatch. He stumbled once as he crossed the rolling deck, but he eventually made it to the hatch and disappeared below deck.
GreyEagle and Marianne remained to watch the sunset. The wind had picked up and the waves had become choppy. A fine spray dampened their faces and clothes as they watched the sun vainly attempt to break through the clouds, but GreyEagle was determined to stay on the deck until it set. She looked over at Marianne as she leaned against the rail, her face turned red by the filtered light of the sun.
"Marianne, how do you do it?"
"Do what?" Marianne asked, looking up at GreyEagle puzzled.
"Put up with these people?"
Marianne laughed quietly. "Oh, that. Don't you remember what I told you when you were so upset at being left behind at the inn at Immersea?"
"Well, yes," GreyEagle answered impatiently, "but that doesn't stop them from treating me like dirt."
"So?" Marianne looked at her intently. "What does that matter? Does that change who you are?"
GreyEagle sighed. She knew Marianne was right, but that didn't make it any easier. She wanted things to change overnight, but as she was beginning to see through Marianne's eyes, she was seeing that some things would never change, not in her lifetime at least. "So, why do you stay here?" she asked at last.
Marianne looked out over the waves and was silent for a long time. "I married Coyle's brother when I was sixteen," she said finally, still looking out over the waves. "I thought I would never leave the farm where I had grown up, but when Jeryl came along, everything changed. Could it really have been seven years ago? It was he who taught me to roam. It took me some time, but I began to love the life of the caravan - - the new faces, the constant change. I had learned a good deal about herbs and medicines while growing up, and there were always those that I met on the road to teach me more, so I was welcomed in the caravan. We had two sons in those years, the most beautiful boys you have ever seen."
Marianne paused, and her eyes looked far out over the waters, as if trying to see back to another time and place. "He was killed two years ago. An attack in the middle of the night as he stood guard. I never had a chance to say good-bye to him. Some told me I should return to the farm, but that was no longer my home. Somehow, Jeryl's memory was still alive here in the caravan. I sent the boys back to their grandparents so they would learn to take care of the farm, but I had to stay here. I go back often to visit them." Marianne was silent again. Suddenly, she turned to GreyEagle, and a smile once again shone on her face. "So, that's why I stay here. Coyle has been very helpful, though he can be just as thick headed as the others at times."
"Did I hear my name mentioned?" a voice spoke behind them. Both of the girls jumped in surprise and spin around to see Coyle standing behind them, his hands on his hips and a stern look in his eyes. GreyEagle's heart began to pound as she feared what he might say. Suddenly, a sparkle shone in Coyle's eyes, and the corner of his mouth curled up into a smile. "Coyle here, at your service," he said with a deep sweeping bow, "as thick headed as ever."
Marianne laughed and GreyEagle let out a quick sigh. The last thing she wanted to do was upset the delicate relationship she had begun to form with Coyle since their match a few days earlier. She was still not certain what Coyle thought of his defeat at her hands, though he had certainly taken it like a gentleman.
Coyle came and put his arms around GreyEagle and Marianne's shoulders. "Enjoying the view?" he asked casually. "Mind if I join you?" His armor and most of his weapons were gone and he was now wearing comfortable clothing and soft leather shoes. He seemed much softer and less aloof than before, and he smiled warmly at GreyEagle. A gust of wind whipped around them, tugging at their hair and clothes, and GreyEagle drew her cloak tighter around her shoulders to ward off the chill of the spray. She looked up at the clouds which were gathering on the horizon and a frowned.
Coyle squinted out over the waves. "You're right about a storm building. It will probably hit us shortly after midnight -- by the second watch, I'd guess, but only the edge of it. The captain has already decided to stop in at Tezlir on the south side of the lake before heading to Westgate and the open sea, which should take us out of the direct path of the storm. We'll have no more than a little rain and some uncomfortable tossing," he said with a smile.
GreyEagle was not sure how much she was reassured by Coyle's words, but she was grateful for the warmth of his body next to her. "I will be just as glad when the storm is past. I guess I'll just have to trust in your confidence in this bit of bark here."
She paused for a moment before continuing. "I am glad to see that you are not angry with me for beating you in our match," she said quietly. "I wouldn't want any hard feelings between us."
Coyle laughed and gave her shoulder a squeeze. "You are not the first woman to beat me in a contest of steel, though you are the best I have seen in many years." His smiled and shook his head as he thought back. "A woman named Dove," he whispered, "tall, and beautiful, too lovely for me to believe her claim that she was a ranger in the service of the Harpers. I was still a brash, young man then, though I had been out on my own for almost ten years. While I knew there were many men more skilled than me, I refused to believe that a mere woman could hold her own in any real battle. She suggested a sparring match to while away the hours of our watch one night, and I took her up on her offer, figuring to take it easy and let her score a couple of hits to make her feel good." Coyle laughed again. "After being dumped to the ground a couple of times I discovered that not only was she serious, but she more than a match for me." Coyle shook his head. "I thought the next hour would never end. She was always a step ahead of me. I tried every trick I knew, but it was like she could read me like an open book. Never have I felt so humiliated. In the end though, she proved to be not only a great fighter, but a great lady, and not a trace of spite or gloating over my misery. While we rested afterwards, she told me of her adventures, and in a short time, my feelings of embarrassment had turned to a sense of honor that she even bothered to speak to me. I would have done anything for her at that point. She must have sensed how I was feeling because she looked into my eyes and told me it was time for me to sleep. She told me she would take the first watch and wake me later." Coyle fell silent for a time and then looked down. "She never did though, for when I awoke in the morning she was gone. I searched everywhere for her, but could find no trace." Coyle's voice became almost a whisper. "All I could find was a legend of a Dove Falconhand, a member of the Knights of Myth Drannor. I went to Elminster of Shadowdale, and when I described her, he agreed that she must have been the one, but he told me that the Knights had not been seen in many years. Since then, I have kept my eyes open whereever I go, hoping perhaps to get another glimpse of her." Coyle suddenly shook his head. He looked down into GreyEagle's eyes. "I guess something in your manner reminded me of her."
GreyEagle blushed and she looked away towards the small sliver of the sun which still hung on at the line of the horizon. "You honor me too much I think," she said with a shy laugh. "I am no Dove Falconhand I am afraid, and I am sure that my skills with a sword are as far below hers as is my beauty of face, though I am honored that I remind you of her."
Coyle gave her shoulders a squeeze. "You underestimate yourself. In any event, I respect your ability and I certainly have no hard feeling towards you after my defeat at your hand. In fact, I would consider it an honor and a pleasure if you would continue to practice with me."
"I would be happy to," GreyEagle answered quickly. "I have much to learn which I am sure you could teach me."
She gazed into Coyle's eyes and noticed how much younger he looked with the last light of the sun reflecting red in his face. She remembered her anger with him when she had first met him, but now he showed a different face, and she was beginning to enjoy his company. The feel of his arm around her shoulders felt warm, and she let herself be drawn closer. She looked over at Marianne and noticed that she was smiling at her, though she quickly averted her eyes when she saw GreyEagle looking her way.
In the middle of the night GreyEagle awoke to the sound of the wind howling in the rigging and the deep crash and roll of thunder. Over the blast of the wind and the constant moaning of the great timbers of the ship, she could hear Horton's disgusted bugling as the rain pelted down on him. The blackness hemmed her in, and she felt like she was being thrown back and forth as the ship pitched in the waves. Her head was already pounding, and her stomach felt like it was going tear itself out through her throat. She felt like she was spinning in circles, though she couldn't imagine how the boat could move that fast. She moaned for Marianne, but she had apparently left on some other errand.
GreyEagle felt a sudden urgency to get up on the deck of the ship to breathe some fresh air, but she was terrified of the thought of facing the storm out in the open. Visions of being washed over the rail spun around in her head, and she thought she would drown. The wind screamed inside her head. Not knowing what else to do, she leaned over the side of the bed and relieved her stomach of its contents. While the stench quickly filled the room, and she dreaded cleaning up the mess in the morning, it provided some relief for her stomach, and the boat seemed to slow its spinning.
The hours seemed to drag on for an eternity and GreyEagle wondered if the storm would ever pass. Gradually however, the winds ceased their raging and the waves subsided. It afforded her some small consolation that, judging from the sounds that she had heard in the corridor, she was not the only one to experience problems that night. Eventually, she fell back into a fitful sleep.
By the time the first rays of the sun were peaking in through the port hole, the storm had passed, and the lake had returned to its placid self. GreyEagle dragged herself out of bed to find that, in her sleep, Marianne had already cleaned up the mess and spread sweet smelling herbs around the cabin to ward off the smells before leaving to tend to the others. GreyEagle silently blessed her as she struggled out into the corridor and up on to the deck.
The others were already there. The silent mage and Recuahc looked like they had not enjoyed the night, but they were in much better shape than the others. Ormec was still leaning over the rail and muttering about how he'd rather climb a thousand mountains than take another trip by boat.
Sucaba was leaning against Horton with a smug look on his face. "Ormec," he called out to the dwarf, "your fighting skills alone are amazing. Now you display the breath weapon of a dragon!" He gave an overly loud laugh and Ormec glanced up at him with a disgusted look, still too weak to make an issue if the comment. GreyEagle could hear a low chuckle coming from the dragon as a thin stream of smoke curled from the tip of its snout.
GreyEagle found an open spot along the rail where the morning sun was hitting. Even with the gentle rocking of the boat, it felt good to be able to look out over the waters at the steady horizon, and she let the sun gently warm her face. She had a feeling though that it would be a while before she would be able to face food again. After a while, she returned to her cabin. She had left her leather armor on the night before, but now she found that even it felt hot and stuffy. She thought that, since Coyle had changed out of his armor the night before, she could do the same, and some looser clothes might ease her still queasy stomach. She dug through her things and found a shirt, some close fitting pants, and her soft boots. As she stepped through the door to leave the cabin though, she paused. While she didn't expect to need it, she still felt uncomfortable without her sword. Attackers could appear at any moment, and she was still a lone female among a group of strangers. She carefully tucked her dagger inside of her boot and strapped on her sword. Feeling a little more secure, she went back up to the main deck.
Sucaba was there fishing already, as if nothing had happened. As GreyEagle walked past, he let out a low whistle at her new outfit. "So, she is not always a fighter!" he said with a wink. "Care to partake of some fishing lessons?"
"Not right now, thank you."
"You might like what I could teach you," Sucaba said, continuing to leer.
"I think not," GreyEagle said forcefully as she turned away.
She saw Coyle approaching, watching her carefully. "Your new outfit suits you well," he said. Seeing the gleam in his eye, GreyEagle blushed. She had seen that look before, and wondered if Coyle had more in mind than a simple friendly greeting. She remembered the comfortable feel of his arm around her shoulders the night before, and thought once again of Schimray. He seemed suddenly far away, but still, she could not bear the thought of hurting him or betraying his trust in her. Her head still pounded from the seasickness, and she didn't want to think. She wanted Schimray to be there, but he wasn't, and no amount of wishing would make him come back any sooner. She quickly excused herself and returned to her cabin where she flopped down on her bunk to try and clear her head. How could she have been so blind the other night? She wished that she could get by herself for a while, on solid ground.
They sailed all that day before a fair wind, but GreyEagle stayed in her bunk, going up on deck only occasionally to get some air. By supper time she still didn't feel like eating, and she slept fitfully through the night. By the next morning, she finally felt well enough to face food again and with a great deal of effort, joined the others for breakfast.
GreyEagle wanted to tell the others about the healing potions which she had acquired, but she hesitated. Should she tell them about all three potions, or just about the two, and keep the third hidden in reserve? The thought of being deceptive bothered her, but she still had a difficult time trusting all the members of the group. Better to keep one potion hidden, where she would be sure she would have it if the need arose.
"I have obtained a couple of potions of healing at my own expense," GreyEagle said to the others as they were finishing up their meal, "just so that we can be prepared in case we are called on to fight. As I remember, there has been trouble with pirates lately in the seaways between here and Arrabar, and I suspect that our voyage will not be without incident."
Recuahc cleared his throat and glanced around at the others. "I too have purchased a potion, since I am well aware of the necessity of such things."
GreyEagle raised her eyebrows and looked the young man. "Well, good," she said after a pause. "I feel like we are a little better prepared then."
That evening, the city of Tezlir was spotted off the starboard bow. As they approached land, the captain informed them that they would be spending the night in port, but that he wanted no unnecessary departures from the ship as he wanted to get an early start the next morning. As soon as the ship was tied up at the dock, he and a couple of crew members headed into the city. As soon as the captain was out of sight though, Sucaba quickly looked around, and without a word, slipped down the gangplank and vanished into the gathering twilight.
Trouble watched as Sucaba left. "I think I'd better get onto solid land for a while too," he said, "for my physical and mental well-being. I'll be back soon." He too slipped down the gangplank and headed off after Sucaba.
"Well, if they are going to go wandering off," Ormec grumbled, "then I might as well go down as far as the dock." He made his way down to the dock and flopped down on his back, eyes closed and arms outstretched. "Oh! This is better, much better," he said with a broad smile.
"Come now Ormec," GreyEagle called down to him from where she was leaning over the rail, "it cannot be that bad."
"I saw you the other day," Ormec replied, still not moving, "and you looked just as green as all the rest of us."
"You prefer saddle sores?"
Ormec sighed. "I prefer a good battle well won I do, but I do not get that every day." He sat up wearily and looked out over the waters. "As long as this scourge of orcs and their ilk fouls the face of the land, I will put up with this travel. Still," he said with a moan, "it seems like there must be a better way to get there."
GreyEagle looked down at the dock, and the firm ground looked invitingly solid. The sun was sinking into the West, and it looked like it would be a beautiful sunset. She decided to go down on the dock, just to feel the land under her feet and to watch the sun set.
As she stepped off the end of the gangplank, the ground still seemed to rise and fall under her feet. She looked down the pier and spotted some of the massive pilings to which it was fixed. Still a bit unsteady, she made her way over to them, and sat down with her back against the pilings, glad for their solidity. The sun was rapidly sinking in the west, and the cool breeze brought the promise of good weather for tomorrow. It was late enough that the normal noise of the dock area had begun to quiet down, and GreyEagle was glad for a moment of peace.
She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps and saw Recuahc walking her way, softly humming to himself. He stopped next to the piling and stood for a while, watching the sun as it dipped towards the line of the lake. "It is a nice night out," he said at last.
"Yes, it is beautiful."
"Are you staying by the ship?"
"I just wanted to get my feet on solid ground for a while. I fear it will take some time before I feel at home on the waves," she said with a sigh. "I will be glad when we are finished with this portion of our journey, though I must admit that the sunsets on the water have been beautiful."
"Yes," he replied. He sat down next to her on the edge of the dock. He continued to chat, but GreyEagle thought he sounded nervous. She wasn't in the mood to talk, so she just listened, occasionally nodding her head to let Recuahc know that she wasn't ignoring him.
The sound of footsteps interrupted her revere again, and she looked up to see Coyle and Marianne approaching. She tensed as she sensed Coyle watching her intently and she looked away. Foolish girl, she told herself. You are jumping to conclusions too quickly. Coyle is a kind and good man, and you are a fool to be afraid of him. Besides, he is a good friend of Marianne. She looked back at the couple as they walked towards her and forced herself to smile and wave. Coyle and Marianne came and sat down with them and the four of them talked quietly for some time as the last light of the sun faded and the stars slowly began to appear in the sky.
After a while, Recuahc cleared his throat and turned to GreyEagle. "I wanted to say thanks for all the time you spent checking in on me when I was sick." He reached out his hand and gave her a shiny gold bracelet. "This isn't as nice as the one you already have, but I wouldn't want to crowd in on whoever gave you that."
"It's lovely!" GreyEagle exclaimed as she accepted the bracelet. She held it up in the faint light to admire it, and then slipped it onto her arm. "Thank you. I will wear it for you," she added as she carefully looked into Recuahc's eyes. "You are generous as well as kind."
Recuahc then turned to Marianne. "And, for saving my life, I also have a small token of appreciation for you. This is to try to express my heartfelt thanks for your care." He pulled out a small velvet pouch and from it produced a fine gold chain, which he handed to Marianne. "It would honor me greatly if you would wear your pendant on this."
Marianne blushed as she accepted the gift from Recuahc. "You should not feel like you need to repay me for anything," she said with a slight frown. "It was my pleasure to care for you." Then she smiled. "It is beautiful though." She carefully removed the chain which she was wearing and removed the small pendant attached to it. She held the locket tightly for a moment, and GreyEagle thought she saw a tear forming in the corner of her eye. Then with a sigh, she put the locket on the gold chain and placed it around her neck. She leaned over and gave Recuahc a kiss on the cheek. "I will wear it in your honor."
Next...

7 April, 1998