“Come back tomorrow. I will have what you need,” the man said. Arfusei bowed. He needed the metal. And he was too afraid to continue seeking it from the other vendors. “I will be here when the first hours light shines bright,” he said, as he turned and walked away. The man stared at the back of the strange man. He wondered about him. He was sure he’d never met the man. He had been a vendor on the old paved road near the trees for some time. The market district was his. He had several stands offering many items for trade. He had met just about everyone in Panga. It was odd. This was a man he did not know.
Arfusei hoped he hadn’t exposed himself. It was common for citizens to have stones and other goods from the other cities. But the stone was large. Maybe too big. Arfusei underestimated how much so, until the man’s eyes bucked wildly with anticipation. Arfusei had nothing but large stones. He was once the personal guard and soldier of a wealthy king. He was wealthy. And so, it was what he had to trade. Large stones.
“Did you get anything?” Lillia asked her husband. “Just some seeds for your garden and a few fish. I could not get the metal. Not until tomorrow,” he said. Lillia looked through the items. She was pleased. The fish were her favorite. “You’re going back tomorrow?” she asked, her attention catching the last part of what he said. Lillia didn’t think it was a good idea. Asking for metal would attract the attention of anyone. She wanted Arfusei to be more careful. Just because the king was being gracious did not mean they were safe. “Why don’t you wait. Don’t go back tomorrow,” she urged. “I must! We need that metal,” he replied.
Lillia shook her head at her stubborn husband. His pride would be their undoing. “What will metal do against many men? It is a false security. Please don’t,” she begged. “We need it Lillia. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. And I will go to speak with the king myself. I’m sorry he felt the need to speak with you. I know he has concerns,” he replied, as he turned from her and went into an adjoining room. Lillia had told him of her meeting with King Nephrus. Arfusei wasn’t surprised that the king had summoned her. He was being elusive. He had no new information. He too wondered what the next move was. He was awaiting word from Lark or Ziege by way of messenger. And the wait was grueling.
He wanted back in his homeland. The city he was born and raised in. The place he fought for and his best friend Sparrow died for. He vowed not to die on Panga soil. He would help reclaim the land that belonged to Finora and now Lark. Panga was not his. The home he sought refuge in was unbefitting. It was small and modest. Not the home of a man in his position. He was a guard to the richest king in Madaka. Paid handsomely for his duties and his loyalty. He was slowly crumbling under the weight of what was now his life. Living as an exile. He was free but he never felt more confined. The metal would bring a comfort Lillia couldn’t understand. He would die fighting many men. And he wouldn’t die alone. He would take several of them with him.
“Do you have what I need?” Arfusei asked, as he approached the bearded man. “Yes I do. It is over here. Behind my tent,” the man said. Arfusei looked around. The road was busy. Many pangians lined the streets again. It was nerve wrecking, hoping to be invisible among the faces. Many taking a moment to speak with their neighbors. It was obvious that the pangians were friendly. It reminded Arfusei of home. The welcoming looks on everyone’s faces. His surroundings felt safe. The smiles were disarming. But Arfusei was a man who had seen what could lie behind a smiling face. Andreus had one, the day he thought he would take the princess by force. That dark day King Zander yelled attack, and the fighting that ensued. It was the last time he saw Sparrow alive. His brethren whom he became close to not long after joining the king’s army.
Fear set in. Memories of that fateful day played in his mind. The way they swam to an awaiting ambush. It seemed King Zander had a feeling all along. He didn’t hesitate to start the war that had already begun. And here he was again. Facing the unknown in what could be a planned attack for profit or gain. Instead of a princess it would be for his valuables.
Arfusei knew the risk he was taking. The man had ample time to alert hidden eulachon soldiers. He could be snatched and taken to the sea within minutes. But he was still willing to bet against the odds. “Show me,” he said. The man walked, as Arfusei followed close behind, the stone gripped firmly in his hand. The man walked behind the tent. Arfusei’s heart skipped a beat. He worried about what would come.
The man picked up a sack and outstretched his arm. “Darr told me to take care of you. Said you are a hero. You are the one who saved his life in battle. We need more men like you. Brave. Strong. Fearless. I am his brother. My name is Fritch. Take this metal and let me know if you need more. Do not ask anyone else for metal. It will draw suspicion. The eulachon soldiers have spread word of a bounty for your capture. Many pangians will protect you, but there are some who will choose valuables first. Our king will persecute anyone who tries to profit from such an act but that won’t stop someone from trying,” he said.
Arfusei removed his hood as a show of trust. “I will be back for more. I need all you can stand. War may come. Do you understand?” he said. Fritch nodded. “The gods shine on you. Me and my men will protect you when you come to the market. But always come covered and be careful in your movements,” he said. Arfusei bowed and put his hood back on. He turned and walked back to the paved road headed towards the forest.
Fritch watched him. He wondered what skill Arfusei possessed. Metal was difficult to work. Pangians had not yet learned the art of fashioning weapons. Their soldiers were handed spears made of wood. Weapons made of metal had no value. They were heavy and shined, giving away the element of surprise, even in water. Information they had learned from Fin during the war. A war that was won to their surprise. It was a feat they believed was impossible, given the enormous sized army that Andreus had amassed. Arfusei looked back then continued on. Fritch nodded. He was proud to have met him. He believed he had been in the presence of greatness.
“Uhmm,” Lark moaned, as he turned on his side. He opened his eyes, squinting as he adjusted to the light of the sun. He rubbed his eyes then turned his back to the window. Lark kept them closed. He wasn’t ready to wake. But the soft rustling sound on the edge of the bed caught his attention.
He opened his eyes slowly. Lark smiled at the small face before him. It was the face of an angel and the splitting image of Fin. “Hi there,” he said. Nimah returned the greeting with a huge smile. And soon another small face peeked from under the edge.
“Hi Uncle Lark,” Isla said, smiling as she turned and ran out the room. He could hear her calling to fin. “Mommy, mommy come quick. Uncle Lark woke up,” she said. “He did!” Fin exclaimed, as she walked down the hall towards the spare room at the end. Isla ran ahead of her, anxious to get another look.
“See mommy see,” she pointed. Lark sat on the edge of the bed. He looked up at Fin and smiled. Tears came to Fin’s eyes. “Lark!” she said, as she walked up to him. Lark was surprised. Fin was the mother of two girls. It was shocking. She was living a full life in this strange world.
“How do you feel. You must be famished. I will make you something to eat. I will make you something your stomach can tolerate. The food is good but its hearty. I had a hard time adjusting. I will make you fish soup,” she said. Lark nodded. “The food is rich. I have been here. I have eaten what they offer. I will be fine with chips and juice. Maybe a sandwich,” he said. Fin’s eyes widened.
“A sandwich. You’ve eaten a sandwich before?” she asked. Lark nodded again. Fin looked off.
“Alright…Now this is alarming. When have you had time for a sandwich here? You should be home being king. When do you have time to come here? Why are you here now? What about Madaka, Lark,” Fin questioned relentlessly. She had a sinking feeling. She feared his response. He had no reason to come there. Unless something terrible had happened.
“Eulachon has taken Mojarro,” he said, his voice cracking, his eyes sullen. Fin tried processing the words. She was sur
e she had mistaken them. “What! Guida sent soldiers. Why?” she asked. Lark shook his head slowly side to side. “Not Guida. Andreus,” he replied. Fin gasped. It was shocking news. “Andreus! But…But…He’s dead,” she said, her eyes searching his for clarity. It didn’t make sense. It wasn’t true.
“No Fin. He is alive. He made it back to Eulachon. He has resumed his position. Guida is with him,” he said. Fin looked away. Her mind raced. She rubbed her daughters heads to ease what had become a tense conversation. She could feel Nimah trembling. As if she understood what was happening. “I will be back. I need to get my girls comfortable. You should take a shower then come eat. I’ll see you down in the kitchen,” she said.
Fin left out with Isla and Nimah right behind her. Nimah begged to be picked up. Fin reached down and scooped her up and descended the stairs to the grand room. She cut the television on and placed Nimah on the couch. Fin tried to remain calm and appear unaffected in front of her sensitive and highly intuitive children. Isla stared at her blank faced and Nimah teared up.
“Don’t cry. It’s okay. It’s nothing. Mommy’s just worried about home. Remember the place in the story. The world where mommy is from. They’re just having a problem. It’s no big deal,” she said. Isla touched Fin’s hand.
“But the book is a happy book. Why are you sad?” she asked. “Yes, it is sweetheart. I’m just a little worried. When daddy gets home, he and I will help Lark figure it all out. Don’t you worry,” she replied. Fin looked at Nimah. It was hard to read her non-verbal child who always seemed to respond emotionally to everything. She touched her hand. The rubbed her fingers. It was something that always soothed her.
“Now who wants ice cream?” she said, changing the subject. Isla jumped up and down. “I do,” she exclaimed. Fin looked at Nimah. She hadn’t been convinced. Her baby was in tune with her. More so, than Isla. Nimah stared into Fin’s eyes. Fin could feel her sadness. She touched her baby’s hand again and felt a strong sensation. Fin furrowed. She wasn’t sure what to make of the powerful and intense feeling. It was overwhelming.
Fin exhaled. She felt relaxed. It was as if her baby had power over her emotions. Fin smiled. “Thanks Nimah. Mommy needed that,” she said, curious as to whether Nimah understood what she had released into Fin’s spirit. Nimah smiled. Fin was overcome with joy. Her baby did understand. She was trying to make her feel better. A power Fin didn’t know she possessed. Fin still hadn’t been able to use telepathy with her. A power that Isla had since she was a tiny baby. Nimah had yet to send telepathic messages and she still wasn’t talking. Fin knew she was only touching the tip of the iceberg with both her girls. Isla didn’t like to display all her powers. Fin could tell she was holding things back. And Nimah appeared to be figuring hers out. It was interesting. Fin couldn’t wait to see what her girls could do once they got older. They were still too young to grasp it totally. And they had time.
Lance walked into his home. It was eerily quiet. “Hellooo,” he yelled out. Nimah and Isla came running. “Daddy,” Isla said. Lance bent down and kissed her. Nimah smiled as she touched her father’s face. “How’s my girls?” he asked. “We’re good daddy. Uncle Lark woke up. He and mommy are talking,” she said. Lance’s mood changed quickly. Nimah touched him again. He looked at her. His emotions calmed slightly. Lance furrowed. Nimah seemed to want to calm him. Her touch did, for a moment. He was puzzled but his immediate concern was Fin and Lark.
Lance jogged up the stair to the second level, his girl’s jogging closely behind him. He glanced down. He wanted them to stay back. This was adult’s business. And if he needed to bring physical harm to the man sitting with his wife, he didn’t want them anywhere around.
He was angry. And his children’s appearance didn’t help. They should be watching cartoons or enjoying a playful time outdoors. Instead they were disheveled, unsupervised and now running behind him to an unknown situation. He walked the long hall to the room Lark was staying. A room he purchased new furniture for, then carried Lark’s resting body to the bed just a few weeks prior. All in an attempt to make his adoring wife happy.
But this was not the man he was. He did not shelter adult men. Especially when that man was possibly in love with his wife. And Lance had waited for this moment. To look the man in the eyes. To see how Fin responded to him. And he to her. But the man had slept every day since showing up. He had been in a coma like state. Lance was anxious. He had to meet him. The man Fin loved like family.
“Wait here,” he said, as he held his hand out, stopping his girls in their tracks. Nimah put her fingers in her mouth, as she shuddered. Isla took her by the hand and waited. “It’s okay Nimah. Daddy will make everything better,” Isla said. Nimah looked at her then smiled. Lance glanced back at them and gave a half smile, attempting to mask his anger. He wasn’t sure what he would encounter. He loved Fin. He thought he knew her well. But Lark’s presence had him doubting their union. Lark knew her first. Maybe had her first. Lance’s mind played tricks on him. He hoped he was wrong. He hoped he wasn’t about to walk in on indiscretions. The door was closed. He wasn’t sure. His heart sank as he approached and turned the door handle.
Fin looked up. Her face was filled with anguish. Lark slowly looked up and Lance. Their eyes met. The tension was thick. Lark stood up and Lance walked to him. “I’m Lark. It’s nice to finally meet you,” he said. Lance nodded then looked seriously at Fin. “What’s wrong?” he said, noticing her pain. “Mojarro was taken by force. My city is crumbling. People have died,” she said. Lance exhaled sharply. It was terrible news. He knew how much Fin loved her home. This would make her want to return. Taken by force meant another war was imminent. And he could lose her this time. “No!” he said, as he turned and left the room. Lark looked at Fin. She gave him a reassuring smile then left out to catch up to her husband.
Lance reached down and scooped Nimah up then took Isla by the hand. Fin walked quickly behind him. “Lance wait! You are being unreasonable,” she said. “Am I,” he said, as he stopped and turned around. “This is selfish of you. I can see it in your eyes. You want to go back. You think you can help. And what about them Fin. Huh! Have you thought about what happens if you don’t come back this time,” he said, his emotions running high. Nimah touched his cheek again. Lance exhaled. His voice calmed as he tried to reason with Fin
“You are a woman. You have no business in the middle of a war between men,” he said. Fin looked down. She was heartbroken for her city. Lance was right. But she couldn’t sit by idly as Mojarro was under siege. Lance walked towards Fin. He got close. He wanted to know why she was so valuable. Lark was a man. He was King. It would seem he could fare without a woman calling the shots. Lance was baffled.
“Why can’t the men fight without you? I understand the value you brought when you introduced weapons. But they now have to use that and take down the enemy themselves. Why has he come for you? What does he want?” he asked, shaking his head slowly.
“The weapons are in the hands of the enemy. They took them from the dead. Studied them. Then fashioned their own. There are too many of them. I have to help figure this out. Morale is down. Mojarro knows me. They believe I’m some sort of guardian angel. I wasn’t aware of how much they valued me until now. Lark said the citizens have lost hope. They ask about me still. If I go back, maybe my presence can give hope. So you ask what is my value…That is it. Hope,” Fin said, looking deeply into Lance’s eyes.
Nimah laid her head on her father’s shoulder. Lance glanced down at Isla. The blank stare on her face spoke volumes.
“They don’t want you to go. Neither do I. Do what you must,” Lance said, as he turned and walked away. Fin burst into tears and looked back at Lark’s room. He stood in the doorway, saddened by what he saw. She turned away and walked to her room. Lark watched as she slowly closed the door. He blamed himself for her sorrow. For the troubles her husband felt. This was not his call. Fin was right. She was needed because she was the face of triumph.
The m
en would rally for her. Fight for her. He needed her there as a show of solidarity. To remind the men of Zander. The greatest of all kings. Her presence would help the men find their courage again. It would give them the strength to face the enemy. Lark had no intention of allowing Fin to join the fight. He would protect her to the death. He did love her. And he wanted her safe and happy. She had a family and he also had no intention of trying to come in between that. He had reason to. He had fallen for someone. The love he had for Fin would always be tucked deep inside his heart. But someone else had stolen his heart. A woman named Chloe.
F
in awoke from a long nap. Her energy was drained. The daily emotional conversations with Lance had her fatigued and weary. It had been several days since Lark had awakened and she was still trying to figure a way for them to defeat the enemy. There had to be a way. Size did not mean a solid win. There was power in being prepared. In having something that made one man the same as three. Fin thought of weapons. She thought of skill. And she wondered if it would be best to be on land versus in water. It was a lot to consider. And she didn’t have a lot of time. Every day that passed meant another day a Mojarroian could die.
She wanted to go back but Lance was making it impossible to leave. He no longer harbored ill feelings towards Lark and the two were being cordial given the circumstances. But Lance was still adamant about her not returning. His fears had him behaving differently. Fin couldn’t blame him. She could see he was terrified of what would happen. Unsure of the future of his family. As long as she continued to be accessible to Madaka, there would always be a looming cloud in their relationship. It was the bane of his existence. The thought of the possibility of her leaving him to raise his girls without her was grueling. The last time she was gone nearly two years. When she returned, she was near lifeless and badly damaged. It was too long and Lance didn’t have the stomach for it.
Pretty Fin- Raging Seas Page 11
