8: Alaghon

The Towers

Copyright (C) 1997 by Charles Tryon

8: Alaghon

There was great excitement as it was announced that Alaghon had been sighted. They were nine days out of Westgate and had made better progress than expected. The port was clean and well organized as they sailed in, and the ship was quickly secured at one of the many berths. The docks were already crowded with ships of all shapes and sizes, from heavily armed battleships to the smaller yachts of the wealthy. Even the water and air smelled cleaner here than it had in Westgate.
Either they were expected, or news spread quickly in the city, for there was already a group of merchants waiting for them by the time they were ready to put down the gangplank. Those on the ship quickly hurried down to the quay where they were immediately immersed in bartering.
Coyle was in high spirits as he leaned over the rail and looked into the city. "It's good to be back here again. I think will never tire of this city, as often as I return here." He breathed deeply and looked around at those who had gathered on deck. "Well," he said with a sudden laugh, "who is going into town today for a look around? We will be in port for three days, but I have some sights which I believe you will be interested in. The food is excellent, the women beautiful, and there is metalwork which would set a gnome's heart afire."
"We'll see about that," Conrad said, rubbing his hands together. "I think I will take you up on your offer though. I have some business I need to take care of, but I would be happy to join you later."
"Beautiful women you say?" Recuahc asked, casting a playful glance at Marianne. She returned his look coldly. "Uh, perhaps not today... but if you could find another one of those delightful inns, I would be interested. I could take getting off this boat for a while."
Ormec snorted. "I'll drink to that," he said, drawing snickers from those around him. "I intend to avoid those sailors as long as we're here."
"Where might I find some basic provisions, such as flint and steel?" Sucaba asked abruptly. "I have need of checking that we are fully equipped for our journey south."
"You mean you won't join us first for some drinks and a sampling of the fine entertainment here?" Coyle teased.
Sucaba smiled wickedly. "I am not sure you would approve of that which I find entertaining -- but no matter. Perhaps you could direct me to an inn where we might be able to meet later today?" Coyle laughed, but GreyEagle thought she heard an edge in his voice. He gave Sucaba directions to the inn where they would meet later. Sucaba nodded and turned to say something to Conrad before he hurried off.
Alaghon was considerably smaller than the other ports which they had visited. The streets there were clean and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. The natives had rich mahogany colored skin and most of the merchants wore long, square cut beards.
Recuahc walked arm in arm with Marianne as they returned to the center of the city. GreyEagle suppressed a snicker as she watched the two -- Recuahc with his silly antics and Marianne just watching him and smiling. Marianne stopped briefly at one stand displaying various small trinkets and exchanged a few silver pieces for one which she slipped into Recuahc's hand. They smiled briefly at one another and continued on.
Ormec was clearly agitated though as they walked through the narrow streets, constantly peering into the shadows and fidgeting with the broad axe at his side. "I have a feeling those sailors might try something here," he said to her quietly.
"What do you think they could do? Would they try to attack us in town?"
Ormec frowned. "Not while we are together, but they could try to get one or two of us while we are most vulnerable." He looked behind them again. "I want to know who's behind me."
"I guess that it would be a good idea to stick together," GreyEagle said with a shrug.
"Do not let your guard down for a minute." With that, Ormec quietly slipped to the rear of the group.
GreyEagle had not considered the possibility of an attack while they were in town, but she had to admit that it would be easier to cover up an "accident" away from the confines of the ship. There would be plenty of other factors to blame a disappearance on. She reached down and touched her own sword to feel the comfort of it at her side.
Coyle stopped at one small street vendor to purchase a drink which had been freshly squeezed from some variety of fruit which GreyEagle had never before seen. He passed it around for them to sample. The taste seemed alive with sweetness as she touched it to her lips. She thought that she could go her entire life and never drink anything else again.
It was hard to take Ormec's fears seriously when she looked at the peace of the city around them. She looked at Coyle as she walked beside him. He was happy here, and took great pleasure in pointing out the various monuments and great buildings as they passed by them. Gone for a time was the battle hardened warrior. Now he was the traveler and guide, bard and historian, storyteller and entertainer. The road and the sea were in his blood. As she listened to him speak, she knew the same was true of her. When she had first left home, she had been driven by terror, but over time, the dust of the road had worked its way into her blood. She no longer thought of the village where she had grown up as her home, though there were still times when she missed her brother. She was beginning to enjoy the feeling of the deck of the ship rolling beneath her feet, and she wondered if the salt spray was getting into her blood too.
They climbed a tall hill above the city upon which stood the ancient ruins of a castle which had once stood guard over the port city. From its ramparts GreyEagle could see across the plains to the mountains which rose to greet the setting sun. It was already late in the afternoon by the time they reached the fortress, and a light haze covered the city below them. GreyEagle wondered where Sucaba might be. Schimray had told him that Alaghon would be the place to check their supplies before continuing on the rest of their journey, but she had a nagging feeling that he had more on his mind than simple provisions.
As they returned to the center of the city, GreyEagle spotted a small shop which advertised fine metal working, and a thought popped into her head. She slowed down until she was at the back of the group. Coyle had described the location of the inn which they were headed towards, so she had no doubt that she would be able to catch back up with them later. She dropped back off the end of the group and slipped back to the shop she had seen.
The sun shone brightly through freshly washed windows and glinted off the jewels on display there. She looked around for a time, carefully picking up a couple of pieces and turning them over in her hands to judge their quality. As she looked, the shopkeeper -- a small man with intense eyes and a sharp nose -- watched her every move from his seat in the corner.
"I am looking for a ring of a particular design," she said after she had looked around for a while. She tried to sound casual. "It must be of the finest silver, and worked with a design of interwoven branches, with a ruby mounted at the center. It is to be fitted for a man's hand. Would you have such a ring, or if not, could you make one?" She reached into a small pouch at her belt and pulled out a platinum piece which she silently laid on the counter next to the man's hand.
The owner casually picked up the platinum piece and slipped it into his pocket without a word. He pulled out a piece of paper and made a few quick sketches which he showed to GreyEagle. She looked over the drawings which he had made and selected one which did not look too elaborate. "How much would that be?"
The owner slowly rubbed his chin. "That would be between 500 and 1000 gold pieces for the ring, not including the cost of the gem."
GreyEagle bit her lip. "Well," she said, trying to maintain her air of self-assurance, "I was thinking of something more along the line of, say, 200 gold pieces."
The owner raised an eyebrow and looked at GreyEagle for a moment in silence. "That will be more difficult. Are you sure you do not wish to make it 300 pieces?" GreyEagle shook her head. The owner sighed. "I think we could do that," he said after some thought, "though it will not be nearly as nice." After a moment, he smiled again. "Yes, and you mentioned a gem?"
GreyEagle reached into her backpack, into a pocket hidden deep inside, and pulled out another small bundle wrapped in soft leather. She laid it on the table and carefully opened it. She had purchased a number of gem stones and had carried them instead of heavy gold pieces. Looking through the small pile of a dozen or so stones, she picked out a small ruby. She had kept this particular stone for a long time and it had always been her favorite. She had carefully kept it wrapped by itself in a corner of the leather. Now, held up in her hand, it looked like a tiny drop of blood. It was a small stone, but it had been carefully cut and polished so that it shown in the light which streamed in through the window, throwing little pinpoints of red light through the room. "I would like you to mount this stone in the ring," she said as she handed the ruby to the shopkeeper.
He produced a small lens which he fitted to one eye to examine the stone. "Looks to be worth about 400 gold pieces. A fine stone for its small size. I believe I can use this." GreyEagle was sure that he would have preferred to sell her a larger -- and more expensive -- stone himself.
"This will take some time, a week perhaps," he said, putting away his lens.
GreyEagle sighed. "I have only three days before I leave port. Can you have it by then?"
The owner frowned and rubbed his chin again. "Hummm, difficult," he muttered to himself. "It can be done, for a price. It will cost another 40 gold pieces to have it done that quickly, but I can do it."
GreyEagle swallowed hard. She had no idea how fair a price she was being charged, but she was not in a position to bargain much. She wanted the ring, and it would be difficult to have it made anywhere else. "I will be back the day after tomorrow." She reached out to shake the owner's hand, and he returned the handshake warmly.
GreyEagle walked in silence as she made her way to the inn to meet the others. Her hand touched the bracer on her arm, and she thought of Schimray. The bracer fit so well that she had almost forgotten about it. Now the memory of the night Schimray had given it to her flooded back over her. Her actions had seemed natural and right at the time, but now she was filled with doubt. She wondered about what Coyle and Marianne had told her of the mysterious mage. For the time being, she was with Coyle and enjoyed the comfort of his company, but she knew that she would have to face Schimray again once they returned. A sudden pang of fear gripped her, and she felt strangely cold.
Her thoughts were interrupted as she came upon the inn which Coyle had described. The smells of supper drew her in, and she was suddenly reminded of another time, standing before another inn in another town. She shook her head to clear it and walked through the door.
The others were there already, although the rest of the room was not crowded. It was still some time before supper would be served, and the normal crowd had not yet gathered for the evenings entertainment which she was sure would follow. She sat down next to Coyle and returned his smile warmly.
"You disappeared, and I was wondering where you had gone."
"A little business to take care of. I am sorry if I caused you to worry."
Coyle took her hand. "I knew that you were with Ormec, so I trusted you would keep out of trouble. I have started to get used to the people in your group disappearing and re-appearing at odd times."
As if to punctuate his comment, Sucaba picked that instant to walk through the door. He looked tired, but he wore an air of confidence as he chose a spot at the end of the table opposite Coyle. "I trust you found what you were looking for," Coyle asked as Sucaba drained a mug which a serving girl had hurriedly placed before him.
Sucaba smiled. "Certainly. One need only know what he is looking for." He raised the now empty mug to Coyle.
Conrad suddenly appeared at the table next to Sucaba. The gnome had a disconcerting way of moving unseen through a group of people, hidden by his short height. He nodded to the others and the mage bent to speak with him quietly. The two spoke briefly, and the gnome again headed for the door.
"What was that all about?" Ormec asked.
Sucaba shrugged. "Oh, nothing. Do you need to know?" he asked as he refilled his mug from a pitcher on the table without so much as a glance in the dwarf's direction. Ormec scowled, but made no further comment regarding Conrad's business.
They were interrupted by shouts from the door. Horton had stuck his head through the door, and his presence was causing quite a stir. "I am back," he announced. "I will be waiting for you outside, as I would guess that the innkeeper here would not appreciate me eating all his patrons." With that, he backed out and closed the door behind him.
Sucaba stood quickly to his feet and drained his mug. "I guess that I had better check up on him. I will rejoin you shortly." He quickly headed out the door.
With a rustle of feathers, Ariel suddenly dropped down from the rafters above them to perch on Recuahc's shoulder. GreyEagle guessed that he had flown in during the excitement over Horton's appearance and had not been noticed. "Ariel, how good of you to join us," she said. "Here, come sit by me!"
"I believe I will," the raven squawked. It took the long way around the table and hopped from several shoulders and chair backs to reach her.
Ariel had no time to tell of his adventures as the innkeeper entered the room and loudly announced that dinner was ready. Their patience waiting was richly rewarded by heaping platters of steaming food. The inn had become crowded as time had gone by, and there was a great deal of noise now as the dinner was served. Sucaba returned and his mood seemed to be considerably improved as he dug into the platter which was placed before him. He began to joke loudly.
"So, what have you been up to, dark one?" he asked the silent one as he slapped the mage on his back. The silent one almost choked on his mouthful of food and regarded Sucaba coldly. "My business today was quite boring." Sucaba said with another laugh. "It amazes me that Horton can deal with such boredom each day! Ah, but we do have our days."
Conrad joined them for the meal, but he ate silently. He seemed preoccupied by his own thoughts, so GreyEagle decided not to bother him.
After the meal was finished, the tables were quickly cleared and a number of instruments appeared from under cloaks and backpacks. The music was heady and fast paced, and GreyEagle felt herself being quickly drawn to her feet. She grabbed at Coyle's hand and he quickly stood to join her. Other couples joined them and soon the floor in the center of the room was a swirl of color. It didn't take long for Recuahc to join in with the others, his shrill flute whipping the dancers into a frenzy. GreyEagle was filled with a strange madness, and Coyle had a hard time keeping up with her.
"I am afraid that you will be the death of me if I try to keep up with you," he said with a laugh. "Who else will you weave your spell over?" GreyEagle touched his cheek lightly with her fingers and smiled silently. Then, with a shake of her long hair, she reached to Recuahc. Coyle laughed at her antics. "So I am left for another, younger prey?"
Recuahc took her hand with a smile and danced with her for a while. After a time though, he excused himself to return to the other musicians. The tempo of the music suddenly changed and slowed. There was a twinkle in his eye as he looked across to Marianne, and she stood to join him. GreyEagle quietly slipped to the edge of the crowd to watch the two of them as they glided across the floor, oblivious to everything else around them. She thought that she saw Recuahc steal a kiss from Marianne as they moved.
GreyEagle looked towards the silent one, remembering the time they had danced before, but the mage looked as if he was oblivious to everything going on around him as his eyes bore into the depths of the mug which he held before him. She shrugged and went off to find Coyle again.
It seemed like the dancing ended far too early for GreyEagle, though she knew that night was long gone. One by one, the others left, and she was the last one dancing when the music stopped and the musicians wearily put away their instruments. She sat down with a sigh. She turned just in time to see the silent one receive the key to the room he was staying in at the inn and head up the stair, to be met by a sultry woman for the rest of the night's entertainment.
Recuahc touched her shoulder. "We are leaving now. Are you coming with us?" GreyEagle sighed and pushed wearily to her feet. Sucaba and Conrad had already left, as had some of the soldiers, but the others were still there. "I suppose you could go on all night, but the rest of us would like to see our pillows before the morning comes to rouse us again." GreyEagle laughed, and followed.
She was still sweaty from all the dancing, and she shivered slightly as she walked out into the night air. She pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders as the night breeze rustled her hair and breathed life back into her. Her feet ached, but the music continued to whirl in her brain. The others were silent as they walked, and some stumbled from too much drink, but GreyEagle looked up to drink in the chilled light of the stars which pierced the darkness of the night sky.
When they reached the ship, GreyEagle knew that it would be some time before she was able to sleep, so she excused herself from the others and stepped to the bow of the ship to gaze out over the inky blackness of the waters of the bay. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rustling wings, and she turned to see Ariel. She could barely pick out the raven's form, black against the nigh, as it flew down to join her. She watched with great curiosity as she noticed that it clutched a tightly folded parchment in its beak.
"Good news friend human!" it said excitedly, once it had transferred the parchment from its beak to claws, "Your patience and perseverance bear fruit. I bring a message for you, a note written to you with the Lord of Light's own hand." After all this time of silence, GreyEagle wondered what the silent one could consider so important that he would write to her and send the letter by the raven.
"Can you read it, Bright Eyes?" the raven asked, continuing to hop around and hold out the parchment for her to take. "If not, I do admit to knowledge of the ink, and I could read it for you."
She smiled and gently took the parchment. "I thank you, but I believe that I can read it." She carefully opened the note. It was written in a flowing script and the strokes were penned with great precision.
GreyEagle,
I am not a master of the sword, for the Path I journey is along another way, but my swords have rested far too long in their scabbards, and I do not wish to loose the song they sing.
I would like, if you would please, to engage your offer to test their metal on the practice fields at dawn. I will await you there.
The note was signed with an ornate glyph.
Ariel was clearly excited. "The Master has not drawn His sword in the presence of another since... since, I can't remember when! He must value your ability immensely. What reply shall I bring to the Shaper of Sights?"
GreyEagle hesitated a moment. Why would the mage wish to test his skills with her now, and at the practice fields, rather than on deck as the others had done all this week? Yet, the challenge was more than she could bear to let pass by. "Tell your master please, pretty Ariel, that I will meet him at dawn to hear the song his sword sings."
The thought of traveling the streets at dawn concerned her. The idea of meeting up with some group of rough characters, alone, and likely without anyone else knowing where she was, did not sound wise. "I am afraid though that I am not sure where the practice fields are in this city," she said hesitantly. "Could you tell me where they are?"
"I have flown high above this city, and ridden the winds that pass over it. I've flow from sun-comes-up to sun-goes-down. It is there, an area down the main street and then to the west, near a garrison house. That is where the swords are openly bared."
"I thank you," GreyEagle replied, but she paused. She was still not sure how much she trusted the silent one. "Will anyone else be there?" she asked carefully.
The raven cocked its head as it considered her question for a moment. "I would presume so, for it is a public place, but if you mean to ask if I have a similar message for others, then no, it is only for you only that the Master asks." Ariel paused. "I do not see how the Master could be wrong in this, but do you suggest that there should be another in your stead?"
"Oh, no!" GreyEagle replied in a rush, "I was just thinking of Ormec's words of warning." Her statement was not completely true, but it contained enough truth that she thought she could let it pass. She considered backing out for a moment, but she hated to let such an opportunity go.
Ariel seemed little worried about the sailors. "What army could stand against the three of us?" the raven proclaimed with bravado. "If, for some inconceivable reason, the Pinnacle of Power's magic should fail, surely your blade could defend us from a kingdom."
"Oh, I don't know about that," GreyEagle laughed. She made up her mind. "Tell your master," she said, "that I am honored by his invitation, and will gladly meet with him."
"I will do as you bid, gentle lady." With that, the raven took wing to deliver her reply.
Marianne was already asleep and the room dark when GreyEagle returned. She hesitated briefly, but she felt she had to speak to Marianne. "A most curious thing happened today," GreyEagle said once she had propped herself up sleepily on her bunk. "The raven Ariel came to me with an invitation from the silent mage. He wishes to meet with me at dawn tomorrow on the practice fields. I told him that I would meet with him there. What do you make of it?" She gave the note to Marianne for her to look at.
Marianne rubbed her eyes and read the note. "He is certainly an odd one," she said with a shrug, "but I think you can trust him more than the other two who practice the magical arts."
GreyEagle scowled. "I suppose that is true. Sucaba gives me chills. Yet, the silence makes me nervous sometimes, though he does communicate through his actions, especially when he is around the ladies at the inn."
Marianne hesitated. "Do you want me to come with you? I could cheer you on if you'd like."
It would be nice to have Marianne along, but she would not always be there for her to lean on. "No," GreyEagle said finally, "I think I need to face him on my own, though I thank you for your offer. I will give you a full report when I come back."
GreyEagle could already feel her heartbeat starting to quicken in anticipation. The silent one had been with them the whole time, always bearing the two great longswords, but never once had he drawn them in battle or practice. She had seen the heat of his anger, and knew of his pride, but of his fighting skill, she knew nothing. She drew out her own sword and held it, looking at the blade and feeling the tingle of its magic as it worked through her arms. She was lost in the faint glow of the steel for a time, until she suddenly remembered Marianne sitting next to her. She blushed and quickly returned the sword to its place. "I guess I need to get some sleep if I am to meet the silent one at dawn," she said sheepishly.
The practice fields were still deserted when the silent mage arrived. Ariel was nowhere to be seen, but the raven's cry could be heard as it circled high overhead. The first rays of the sun were just beginning to pierce the darkness, and the early morning mists which still hung over the field gave it an eerie, dream like appearance.
He had not waited long though, when a small figure, cloaked in grey and closely hooded, emerged from the edge of the mists. It had no distinguishing features, other than the hilt of the two-handed sword which could be seen strapped to its back. The figure paused briefly at the edge of the field to survey the surroundings and the mage who stood at its center. Satisfied, it strode purposefully forward.
"Greetings, and well met, silent one," the stranger said as it drew near to the mage. "I have come to hear your song." GreyEagle pulled back her hood, for that was in fact who the figure was. The early morning light softened her features now, and she hardly looked the part of a great fighter. Yet, the silent one had seen her fight before, and was not about to be fooled by her soft looks. He stood motionless for a while, carefully regarding the fighter standing before him. He unfastened his cloak and lay it on the ground beside him. His arms and chest were bare, and GreyEagle could see the sinewy muscles of his shoulders ripple as he moved. He wore a pair of loose fitting shorts, but his feet were bare. Two swords were strapped across his back, and he made an imposing sight as he stood before her.
There was a small shed at the edge of the field, and GreyEagle quickly move to it and found a number of sets of protective padding. She selected two and handed one to the mage. He regarded the padding with slight curiosity for a moment, but then he took it and put it on. GreyEagle strapped her padding on also and cinched down the straps.
They faced one another, a couple of paces apart. A fond smile crossed the silent one's face as he reached behind his back and pulled out one of the long swords strapped there. He paused for a moment to look at the blade and to run his fingers along its flat. The blade was plain - showing no sign of carvings or other decorations, bur it reflected brightly in the morning sun. He drew a couple of wide, careful arcs in the air before he turned back to GreyEagle.
GreyEagle laid aside her own cloak. Her armor glinted brightly in the early morning sunlight. She drew out the great two handed sword and secured the small shield which she normally carried, over her shoulder. She tightened her grip on the hilt of the sword and gave a quick nod to begin.
The two of them stood motionless for a time. Slowly, the mage began to sway back and forth. Suddenly, he was on her like a cat, and GreyEagle was only just quick enough to bring up her sword to deflect the blow. The strength of the blow as it glanced off her blade surprised her and she stumbled slightly. The mage quickly saw the opening, and made the best of it, deftly reaching through her guard to slash a small hole in her shirt sleeve. GreyEagle looked at the mage in astonishment as he moved back a step and grinned at his first hit.
GreyEagle clenched her teeth. The mage was better than she had suspected, but she was not about to let him get the best of her. She planted her feet again and dropped the point of her sword slightly. The mage saw the sword drop and thought he had another opening. He quickly lunged, but GreyEagle was waiting for him this time. As he made his thrust, she quickly brought her own sword up under the mage's, almost knocking it from his hand, and forcing the thrust to go wide. Following through with a neat arc, she brought her sword around, pulling up at the last moment to neatly smack the mage in the thigh. Not a sound escaped from his lips, but he quickly hopped out of range and then straightened up to face her again and nod his complements.
They continued on for some time in much the same manner, with GreyEagle always just a step ahead of the mage. The early morning mists had already burned off and GreyEagle was sweating slightly in the cool morning air when she finally stepped back. "Do you think that it is time to switch weapons?" The mage wiped his brow with his sleeve and nodded his approval. His smile quickly turned to a frown however, as he watched GreyEagle draw out her short sword. A few curious passersby had gathered to watch the practice, and a low murmur ran through the group as they saw the faint glow of the magical blade. She unfastened the small shield from her shoulder and tightened the straps which bound it to her arm. "Are you ready then?"
The mage stood for a moment and studied her, probing the depths of her magic. As GreyEagle's heart began to race, the cool blue light of her sword began to intensify, shifting to almost a pure white. She strove to remain in control, and concentrated on the magic of the sword. Finally, the mage nodded to her and lifted the point of his sword to begin.
GreyEagle's arms tingled with the magic of the blade as the mage prepared himself. She held her ground, not moving, purposely waiting for him. Then she felt it - an ever so slight surge in her arm, and a shadow of movement. She leapt out just an instant before the mage made his move, knocking aside his swing. The silent one recovered quickly though, and GreyEagle's attack went wide too, but he gave her a sharp look as he stepped back. He shook his head, and GreyEagle could see the muscles of his jaw working. He griped his long sword more tightly and came at her again, attempting to take advantage of his longer reach. GreyEagle thought she saw an opening and went for it, dodging under the mage's swing to slap the padding on his forearm with the flat of her sword. The mage quickly spun around and swung low. GreyEagle attempted to jump over the swing, but she lost her footing in the soft sand and the flat of the sword slapped her in her calf. The blow stung, but she quickly rolled out of range, jumping quickly to her feet. She saw the mage standing there watching her and she almost imagined that she could hear him laughing. He was clearly pleased with his hit, but he was already breathing heavily and lines of sweat crossed the dust on his chest.
The sword in her hand surged again, and she lunged. At the last instant, she switched her direction. The mage had turned slightly to meet her charge, but now he found her suddenly behind him. GreyEagle lightly touched his shoulder before he had a chance to spin around to face her and had ducked out of range before he could get his sword around again. He did not slow down though. Taking advantage of his greater size and strength, he bore down on her, bringing two blows in quick succession on the shield which she held over her head. GreyEagle was suddenly frightened by the intensity of the mage's attack, wondering for a moment if he had forgotten that they were only practicing. But the mage suddenly pulled back. The fire had gone out of his eyes, and he stood for a moment. GreyEagle stood straight again and tried to catch her breath. The mage was much stronger than she was but her speed continued to give her an edge. He was beginning to tire and his body was now covered with sweat, but he was clearly enjoying the match. GreyEagle tightened her grip on her sword once again, and with a smile, nodded to him to continue.
After a time, the mage finally stepped back. GreyEagle realized as she wiped the sweat out of her eyes that the sun had risen high in the morning sky and the air was already becoming warm, with the promise of more heat as the day progressed. She had not yet eaten, and she wondered suddenly if the others would be concerned when they did not show up for breakfast. The mage was bent over with his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. After a few deep breaths, he looked up and saw GreyEagle watching him. He rose to his full height, switched his long sword to his off-hand and extended the now empty right hand towards her.
"You fight well, silent one," she said as she took his hand. "I am honored to stand next to you in battle. I hope that we will have occasion to practice more in the future." The silent mage nodded to her.
They walked back to the small shed and the mage removed his protective padding. With a motion of his hand, he offered to take GreyEagle's. She quickly removed her padding and handed it to the mage who carefully replaced them in the shed where they had come from. He donned his grey cloak again and with a bow and a flourish of his pointed wizard's cap, he turned to take his leave.
"Do you return to the ship now?" GreyEagle asked hurriedly. "If so, may I accompany you?" The mage turned back towards her and motioned for her to accompany him.
The streets were already filled with the day's traffic as they walked back towards the harbor. They passed through some of the darker working districts, and GreyEagle stuck close by the mage. The people they passed paid them no attention as they were already busy with their own affairs and in a short time, they arrived back at the ship.
The others were just heading for breakfast when they returned. Coyle gave GreyEagle a strange look as he saw her head up the gangplank behind the silent mage. The mage nodded briefly to the others and immediately headed below.
"I was wondering where you had gone off to," Coyle said to her quietly once she reached the deck. "Are you all right?"
GreyEagle raised an eyebrow. "The silent one and I have spent the early hours of the dawn in practice," she answered curtly, "and now I am hungry!" She put her arm around Coyle's and gave a tug in the direction of the galley. Coyle scratched his head and with a shrug, followed after her.
Coyle was quiet as they ate, and looked as if he had little appetite. GreyEagle wondered what might be on his mind, but felt uncomfortable speaking to him amidst all the noise and confusion of the breakfast table. The others seemed cheery enough, and looked as if they were enjoying themselves, in spite of the occasional complaints about the cooking. The silent one joined them at the breakfast table a short time after they had begun, his hair still dripping wet from a quick swim.
"I have had enough of strange towns," Coyle announced abruptly. "I will be staying on board today," he said, looking at GreyEagle.
GreyEagle blinked back at him, stunned. "I suppose I will stay here too," she stammered. She knew that she would need to get into town to see the jeweler some time before they left the next day, but she would worry about that later.
Sucaba shrugged. "Fine, but I need to head into town again today. I still have a few items I would like to pick up. Coyle, you seem to know these ports well as anyone, perhaps you can help me."
Coyle frowned. "Yes, I suppose that would be possible," he said after a moment's thought. Sucaba scuttled around the table and sat down next to him, and the two spoke for a few moments before Sucaba stood up.
"I have a few things to get ready," the mage said. "Could we leave in an hour or so?" Coyle nodded silently. Sucaba left the dining hall with a sly smirk on his face.
Coyle leaned back from the table and forced a smile. "As long as we are here, I guess I could teach you to do some swimming. There is a small sandy beach a short distance from the harbor where we could go. Being on a boat or near the water, it could come in handy."
"I have work to do, thank you," Trouble said hurriedly.
Coyle raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were one who wanted to learn."
"Well, I've changed my mind, thank you."
Coyle shrugged. "How about you, GreyEagle?"
GreyEagle was not sure she wanted to swim, but she thought that she would enjoy going down to the water to cool off. The day was already hot, and she was still sweaty from her match with the silent one. "I will go with you," she said.
"Well, if you are going, I guess I'll join you," Recuahc added.
Conrad just scowled. "I managed to learn how to ride that horse, but I would prefer to keep as far away from the water as I can if I can help it."
Coyle laughed. "Still no sailor to be found in you, my gnome friend? I thought for sure you would love boats by now."
"My stomach still turns every day I have to endure this tiny bark," he said with a scowl. "The sooner we make it to land, the happier I will be."
Ormec cleared his throat. "Can't say as I've ever been too fond of the water either, though I appreciate the offer. I fear I would sink like a rock though." He shook his head. "I still haven't figured out what keeps this boat afloat."
"A simple matter of buoyancy..." Recuahc began.
"Oh, I've heard all that before," Ormec cut him off. "I just still have a hard time believing it."
"Well, it seems that I am to go into town with Sucaba soon. We will meet after the noon meal." Coyle rose from his place and with a nod to the others, left.
GreyEagle quickly finished the rest of her meal and went out to look for him. She found him alone on deck, leaning against the rail and looking out over the bay to the sea beyond. She silently moved next to him and took his hand in hers. She stood quietly with him for a while. Finally, she looked into his eyes. "Coyle, what troubles you?" she asked quietly. "Only yesterday you told us that you would never tire of this city. Has something happened?"
Coyle continued to stare out over the water for a while. Finally, he let out a deep sigh. "I cannot help but think that shortly you will be gone. I suspect that the danger you face will be great, and I may never see you again." He paused and GreyEagle bit her lip but said nothing. "For the first time in my life I am seriously considering throwing away all my responsibilities and coming with you," he said quietly. GreyEagle began to protest but he quickly held up his hand to stop her. "It is a hard decision to make, and I am not happy with either alternative. I wish I could keep you at my side and protect you here, but I understand you have given your word to Schimray." He turned away to look out over the water again. "This is not something that you can help me with -- I must decide what I am to do on my own. But stay with me here for a while please. Your presence lifts my heart, if not my spirit."
GreyEagle frowned. "I too wish that this task could be over quickly. I wish to hurry, but at the same time I wish I could stay." She fidgeted with the bracer on her arm. "My heart too is torn." She paused for a long moment. She wanted to just let her emotions go, but she knew that Schimray would still be there. Suddenly, she was afraid of what he might think when she returned. She would not be able to hide from him. Doubts began to creep into her mind, feeding on what Marianne and Coyle had said of Schimray.
Suddenly she became angry. "What am I doing? I am acting just like a foolish little girl." She turned away and griped the rail with such force that her knuckles turned white. "I am a warrior, and my father was a warrior, and his father was before him. I cannot let myself be driven by my emotions." She knew too that she was a wanderer. Relationships only made you vulnerable, blinded you to the hard realities of life around you and always ended up tearing you apart in the end.
Then, Coyle leaned back his head and laughed.
"Do you make fun of me?" GreyEagle asked hotly, the color rising in her face.
"No," Coyle said. He stopped laughing, but he still smiled. "No, in fact, in my heart I was saying exactly the same thing, but it was not until you said it out loud that I suddenly realized how foolish it was -- I was. We are comfortable with our masks, you and I, and we become uncomfortable when someone starts to pull them away." He looked out over the water again. "It is true that we have tasks before us that we must accomplish, but we need not fear to make friends along the way, even if it is for only a little while, for it is those friends who give us the strength to face those tasks."
"But what if I never see you again?"
"Then you have your memory, and other friends to find along the way."
"But I fear I will never meet anyone else like you," GreyEagle sighed.
Coyle shrugged. "I thought I would never again meet someone like Dove Falconhand, but yet I met you." GreyEagle stiffened at the mention of that name again, and Coyle sensed it. "Forgive me," he added quickly, "for I do not mean to compare you with her." He touched her cheek lightly and she turned to look him in the eye. "You are every bit as worthy of my admiration as she ever was. You stand on your own, not in her shadow. You need not fear her memory." GreyEagle was not so sure she was convinced, but she had to concede that she was not in a much better position. How could she avoid comparing Coyle with Schimray?
"How much longer do we have until we reach Arrabar?" she asked after a moment.
Coyle considered. "A week or so, perhaps. The winds within the Reach are often unpredictable, so it could be longer. Where do you go from there?"
"South," she said. She was unsure how much to tell him though, being mindful of Schimray's warnings.
"Along the Golden Road? I have heard of it."
GreyEagle jumped at the sound of Sucaba clearing his throat behind them. She spun around to see him standing there with his hands on his hips. She wondered how long he had been standing there.
"Are you ready to go Coyle?" he asked.
"Yes. I was just talking to GreyEagle here, waiting for you."
"Take care you do not talk too much," he said sternly, looking at GreyEagle. "In any event, I have business to attend to." With that, he turned and headed towards the gang plank.
Coyle shrugged. "I will speak more with you later, when others are not around to interrupt," he added with a wink. He nodded to GreyEagle and hurried off after the mage.
Shortly before the noon meal, Coyle and Sucaba returned from town. Coyle waited an hour or so after they had eaten, and then collected those who were interested in swimming. Trouble was still not interested, so the others headed off.
There was a small sandy beach a short distance from the docks and this was where Coyle lead them. GreyEagle saw Conrad watching them from the deck of the ship.
"I guess he doesn't like the water," Recuahc said as he saw her watching the gnome. "Well, perhaps he can keep an eye on the sailors from there while we are gone." Recuahc looked around at the bushes as they walked past them. "I'll be more relaxed when we finally get away from these sailors. They need to be watched every minute."
"You worry too much," Sucaba sneered. "They are of no consequence, and will not trouble us again, not as long as I am around."
"I wish I had your confidence," Recuahc said, "but remember that it is not with you that they have a gripe."
Sucaba shrugged. "So? We will be done with this part of the journey soon enough, and we will be done with these sailors and this foolish caravan." He cast a derisive look in GreyEagle's direction. "Perhaps then we will once again be able to concentrate on our mission rather than confusing ourselves with side issues." GreyEagle felt the blood rising in her face, but she carefully held her tongue.
When they reached the beach, GreyEagle found a large stone which jutted out into the water. She sat there as Coyle, Sucaba and Recuahc stripped down to their shorts. They were just getting ready when Horton glided in and gracefully set down in the shallow water, not far from the shore. He kept a watchful eye on Sucaba the whole time they were there.
The water was shallow and warm, and felt good on her feet. Coyle was a patient teacher as he gave pointers on how to keep heir heads above the water without swallowing too much of it. Recuahc was uncharacteristically awkward in the water, and seemed unsure of himself. GreyEagle laughed as he got a mouthful of water by accident and sputtered and coughed.
"Ah, it is easy for you to laugh," he said once he had finally caught his breath, "sitting up there like a princess on her throne." He paused a moment and a teasing smile came over his face. Suddenly, he ran at her, throwing up handfuls of water as GreyEagle squealed. She threw up her hands to shield herself and tried to get up, but Recuahc was on her before she could move. With a gleeful laugh, he plucked her from her spot on the rock and pulled her into the water with him. They both went under and broke the surface a couple of seconds later, coughing and laughing. GreyEagle splashed water up in Recuahc's face. She felt like a child once again as the water washed away the sweat and tension of the morning.
Eventually, she got down in the water and let Coyle hold his hand behind her back as she leaned back into the water. She was afraid at first, and found much like Recuahc, that though Coyle made it look easy, even the simple lesson of learning to float took a great deal of concentration.
Sucaba, though he had seemed anxious enough to learn to swim earlier, became nervous and touchy once he got his feet in the water. He ignored Coyle's offers of help and pointers, preferring to splash around on his own. After a while, he tired of the exercise and splashed off to sit in the shallow water, leaning back against Horton's side and watching the others. He laughed as the others floundered in the water, and generally seemed to be in one of his better moods.
After an hour or so, Coyle decided that they'd had enough. GreyEagle and Recuahc had both learned the basics of staying afloat, as well as some simple strokes, though it was obvious that much more practice would be needed before they would be really comfortable in the water. GreyEagle was tired as she left the water, and was surprised at how heavy she felt once she no longer had the water to support her weight. Her legs wobbled and she would have stumbled had Coyle not reached out just in time to catch her.
"I never thought this would be so much work!" she said as she finally got herself to shore.
"Great for building muscles," Recuahc winked at Coyle.
"As well as for developing your coordination."
"Was that a reference to my clumsiness getting out of the water there?" GreyEagle asked, standing up straight and looking at Coyle with her hands on her hips.
"Would I say such a thing of you?"
"Knowing you, yes." GreyEagle reached down to the ankle deep water she was still standing in and threw a handful of it up at Coyle who dodged and ran up on the beach ahead of her.
"It does wonders for your looks," Sucaba added with a snicker as he climbed up on Horton's back. GreyEagle looked at herself and blushed as she noticed how the thin shirt she had put on before now clung tightly to her body. Sucaba laughed at her discomfort, and with a flurry of sand, the two of them vaulted into the air.
Coyle and Recuahc exchanged stupid looks, not sure what to do. Finally, GreyEagle laughed, and broke the uneasy silence. Coyle reached the pile of clothes he had left on the beach and tossed her his shirt to put over her shoulders.
"We might as well stay here and dry out a bit before we go back." Recuahc offered. "The sun is bright and the sand is warm. Just so we don't fall asleep."
They stretched out on the sand. GreyEagle lay on her stomach and watched the waves as they lapped against the shore while Coyle and Recuahc sat and talked quietly together. The sounds of the sea -- the water, the birds overhead, the wind rustling the grasses behind them -- soon lulled her to sleep.
Coyle woke her some time later. The sun was already sinking towards the horizon. "We had best get back to the ship now, before they wonder where we are," he said quietly. GreyEagle sat up and stretched. For a while, she had almost forgotten their journey. It felt good to relax for a while, but now it was time to return. She shook the sand out of her things and trotted off after Coyle and Recuahc.

Next...
7 April, 1998