by Bob Nailor
Jewyl followed Jopab.
"Remember, Chardo," Jopab called from the depths of the hole. "Pull gently so as not to disturb the chair."
"Why?" Chardo asked. "Do you think the guards will find the room?"
"No, but the priest needs to know we left by the river and replace the boat below us."
"Would he not realize that when he sees we've taken the clothes?" Jewyl asked.
"I stated that it is an Exchange Room." Jopab continued down the tunnel. "Simply stated, there is more than one way to leave. Remember, I asked you which way you would like to leave the city."
"More than one way out of the room?" Jewyl repeated.
"There were two more ways out, not including this one and the way we came in." Jopab continued down the ladder.
Jewyl couldn't see his face in the semi-darkness, but she knew Jopab was smiling, proud of this escape. "Jopab." Jewyl looked below but saw nothing but a dark blob moving in the low glow. "I didn't see any torches. Don't you think that would be a good idea to have them available in the Exchange Room, or at least in this tunnel? This is very dark and the passageways were, too." Suddenly she heard splashing water and once again looked down. A brighter glow allowed her to see a detailed outline of Jopab.
"I'll suggest it," Jopab replied. "Now watch your step and I'll guide you onto the boat."
His hands were firm in their grip, yet modest in their touch as they slowly crept up her leg to assist. She felt a sudden flush which confused her, and she inhaled deeply. Jewyl felt the boat under her foot and slowly allowed her weight to be steered by Jopab's strong hands.
"Is something wrong?" Jopab asked. "Have I offended?"
"No," Jewyl lied. "I'm fine." She gazed about in the eerie green glow of the walls and found a place to sit in the boat. The waters lapped at the boat's sides as it rocked on the surface of the river. In different locations, the river had glowing green lights to cast eerie shadows.
"Hey, none of that without me," Chardo bellowed.
"Quiet, Chardo!" Jopab grabbed Chardo's right foot. "Let me guide your foot to the boat."
"Oooh, I like that." Chardo smiled as the priest's hands steadied his leg to the boat. Chardo placed one hand on Jopab's back and let go of the rung. "This could be interesting."
"Later," Jewyl said.
Chardo frowned; he was not accustomed to hearing Jewyl's voice sounding so cold. He wished he could see her face better so he could read what the problem was. In the glow, he couldn't tell her mood.
Jopab stood up and nudged Chardo who had turned around and bent over to find a seat.
"No!" Chardo lurched forward, flailing his arms in the air before falling over the edge of the boat. The sound reverberated in the tunnel.
"Do you see what your foolery has done?" Jewyl chastised.
In the green glowing shadows, Chardo stood in chest-high waters. Jopab and Jewyl grabbed Chardo's arms and hoisted him back into the boat.
"Sit here," Jopab said. "In a few minutes we will be out of this runnel and in the light."
Chardo did as he was told and huddled in the bow of the skiff, his body and clothes dripping water. "The water is cold, just in case anyone was interested."
Jewyl giggled. "I would have assumed so." She turned her attention to Jopab. "You called this a runnel. Why is that?"
"A runnel is a water run channel," the priest replied. "Water has secreted through these rocks over thousands of years creating small channels or tunnels. Most of them are very small and not useful, but a few have been discovered and served us well over time. This particular runnel is the largest and will take us out at the base of the castle, just beyond the village."
"Interesting," Chardo said. "Where are the oars?"
"We don't need them," Jopab replied. "The current is carrying us out to the river."
"Fine." Chardo shrugged. "But what happens when we get out on the river?"
"You will see, we are almost there." Jopab nodded toward the direction they were headed. "We will go around this stone wall and through the vines and be on the river in full daylight." He paused. "Then your wet clothing will have a chance to dry properly."
"On a river without any oars?" Jewyl asked. "This should prove interesting."
The boat hesitated and the bow pressed against the massive tangle of vines. Dotted light pierced through the overhang.
"Do you see anyone out there?" Jopab whispered as he maneuvered the boat to float against the growth. "Chardo?"
Chardo fingered into the vines, creating a viewable peephole and checked the river for activity. "You'd think the guards would be patrolling, looking for the escaped prisoners."
"Is there anyone out there?" Jewyl asked.
"No," Chardo whispered. "It's all clear."
"Fine." Jopab pushed against the stone wall, once more angling the bow of the boat into the tangled weave of green growth.
The boat pierced the twisted veil of greenery and eased onto the river. The three of them squinted in the sudden brightness of the sunlight. The boat glided into the middle of the river and floated with the current, twisting and turning. Jopab manipulated the wooden rudder and the boat straightened and gracefully floated with the flow.
"I know this river. It flows to Bashiwa. Do you think we can make it there before dark?" Jewyl asked. "I have a friend there where we can stay."
"We can easily make Bashiwa," Jopab replied. "Remember, it is there that all will be revealed."
"Please tell me you aren't thinking of Hvar's," Chardo said. He smiled nervously, remembering the last visit to the old man's tavern.
"You have a problem with that?" Jewyl gave Chardo a questioning look.
"No." Chardo replied and wiped his hand across his lips. "Hvar does a great dish of venison."
"His son is cute, too," Jewyl said. "Right?"
Chardo grinned at the memory of Vico. "Contrary to what you think, nothing ever happened." Chardo placed a hand to his chest. "May Rorc rip out my heart."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Jewyl leaned over and let her index finger play on the water's surface. "Hvar might not like seeing you again."
"Perhaps Vico has moved on." Chardo sighed and shrugged his shoulder. "He didn't want to be an inn keeper."
"Why do you insist on calling on Rorc?" Jopab maneuvered the boat through a small rapid. "Is not Mother Hagontha worthy of your praise and curses?"
"Rorc listens to the pleas of thieves," Chardo replied. "He watches over those who—"
"To the shore on my right," Jopab whispered. "A group of the king's guard."
Jewyl and Chardo slowly shifted their gaze to the shore and found the group of three guards lazing under the clump of trees. They sat on their horses, idling watching the boat float by.
"You three in the boat," the lead guard shouted. "Where are you bound and your business?"
"Performers," Jopab yelled in response. "We head to Bashiwa."
"For what purpose," the guard asked.
"We have been commissioned by the Temple of Hagontha to perform during the Celebration of Chaos tomorrow's night."
"We are?" Chardo whispered.
"Hush," Jewyl responded.
The guard held up his hand and Jopab waved back.
"That was close," Jopab whispered. "Praise Hagontha and her chaos." He nodded back at the three guards. "That one guard was a follower."
"He was?" Chardo asked. "How do you know that? Most military are followers of Rorc since he fortifies their strength."
Jopab silently scrutinized Chardo a few seconds, the only noise being the lapping of water against the boat.
"He gave me the secret sign of the priesthood," Jopab said. "Does he know we are the prisoners? I have no idea but, at the current time, we have safe passage."
"Why would he know the secret sign?" Her eyes widened. "Hold on," Jewyl cried. "Here are the rapids."
"This is the reason why there is no water trade between Bashiwa and Dianiya." Jopab maneuvered the boat. "The water flows to Bashiwa
, but isn’t deep enough to come back to Dianiya."
Chardo glared at Jewyl as the boat entered the rushing waters. "Why did you decide on this mode of travel?" He held a cupped hand over his mouth as the boat danced in the water. "Oh, my stomach."
"It is only a small set of rapids, Chardo," Jopab said. "Praise chaos and Hagontha in her mystery."
"Relax, Chardo, dear." Jewyl leaned over her companion as he held his head beyond the boat and lost his stomach. She softly rubbed and soothed his back. "Just think of the inn. Think of Vico's smiling face."
Once more Chardo heaved. "It's not helping," he muttered, and splashed cool river water on his pallid face as another bout wracked his body.
CHAPTER THREE
Inn at Bashiwa
The inn keeper glanced at the three people standing in the shadows of his doorway. Mother Hagontha's curse. Trouble, I'm sure. He grimaced, his heavy eyebrows almost knitting together. He shrugged and replaced the scowl with a fake smile framed by his heavy mustache. Still, three silver decas is three more than I had before, he thought and flipped the cleaning towel over his shoulder. Hvar grabbed his apron and dried his hands in preparation to greet them.
"Hvar," Jewyl called out. "Have you room for us?"
"I should know you?" Hvar stopped to scrutinize the visitors as he idly stroked the thick mustache. The late day sunlight behind them hid their faces in shadows. He approached cautiously. "By the gods! Jewyl!" Hvar stepped closer and grabbed Jewyl's hands in his. "What brings you to the Red Horse Inn?"
"Travelers," Jewyl replied. "Just simple travelers seeking accommodations for three."
"Oh!" Hvar looked directly at Chardo. "I see you have him with you." The man cocked a furry eyebrow at the thief, but there was no hiding the distaste in his voice as the word 'him' slurred snidely.
"Glad to see you, too," Chardo said. "What is your problem?"
"How many rooms do you seek?" Hvar ignored Chardo and spoke directly to Jewyl.
"Two." Jopab moved forward. "One for her and another for the two of us. If that is amiable to all?"
Hvar reared back and silently looked at Jopab then to Chardo. "So, you two are friends?" He nodded his head and waggled a pointing finger between them.
"We travel together and if it will save us a silver deca or two..." Jopab surveyed the interior of the inn. "Is that a problem?"
Jewyl leaned in, touching Hvar on the bare arm. "We have no coins, Hvar. Perhaps one of these will suffice to pay our bill?" She dropped three jewels into his hand. "Can you get them exchanged without problems?" She paused. "No reason to awaken a dragon..." She smiled conspiratorially. "If you understand my meaning."
"The ruby will more than suffice for your stay." He lifted the gem to check its purity. "Let Hagontha have her way with the dragon. How many days will you need?"
"Tonight and tomorrow." Jewyl smiled. "Beyond that I am not sure."
"We will only need to stay possibly through tomorrow," Jopab added. "The Celebration of Chaos is tomorrow night."
"Hagontha?" Hvar stared at Jewyl. "I didn't realize you followed in her steps."
"Please, Hvar." Jewyl once more placed a hand on the big man's strong arm. "Let us get our rooms and let me rest. I will explain all later, if that is well with you." She smiled at the man. "We have much to discuss."
"Britha," Hvar yelled. "Please show our guests to their rooms."
"Yes, father." A dark-haired, young girl placed a tray of food on a table and headed for the staircase. "Your rooms are up here."
Jewyl watched the lass rush across the room. "How long has it been since I was last here?" Jewyl asked, grabbing Hvar's arm. "This is little Britha? Why Hvar, she has grown up to be quite a fetching maiden. She was just beginning her teens when last I saw her."
"I do what I can," Hvar mumbled. "I don't really want her working here, but things have changed."
"Keep all the stones, Hvar," Jewyl whispered. "Need I mention we are not here?" She gazed out those who sat at the tables. "Especially if Azre's guards come asking."
"Of course," he replied. "You are like a daughter to me." Hvar leaned in conspiratorially. "But, who is your friend?" He cast a glance at Chardo. "His?"
"Right now, let's just say a friend. Later?" Jewyl paused before dashing across the room to join Britha and the two men who had already started up the stairs.
Hvar absently rolled the three gems in the palm of his hand, his thick thumb fumbling over them. A ruby, an emerald and a sapphire, he thought. Three gems, three visitors, three problems. The last time they were here I lost Vico. What will I lose this time? He sighed.
# # #
"Father!" Breathless from rushing down the staircase, Britha practically knocked Hvar over in her haste. "Is that truly Jewyl?"
Hvar quickly surveyed the room and found they were alone except for a couple of the regulars he knew to be safe. He then realized he had made a mistake of calling Jewyl by name when she first arrived and he tried to remember who was in the room at that time.
"Hush, daughter." Hvar nodded. "Yes, she is the one who I have spoken of. It was her father who befriended me when I was a young man."
"She must live an exciting life." Britha sat on a chair and propped her head with both hands as the elbows hit the table. She took a deep breath and then exhaled in a rush. "Not something as boring as an innkeeper's daughter."
Hvar glanced at his daughter and could see the wanderlust in her eyes. He wondered what he would lose, and wasn't happy at the answer coming so quickly. He and his wife had scrounged a meager living with the inn until her death. Vico had helped until he left. Now Britha assisted, but if she left and he had to hire yet another to help, he wasn't sure he could continue. He pulled the cloth towel from his shoulder and started to clean tables. "Enough day-dreaming, daughter. Now get about your tasks."
"Hvar?" Chardo called from the landing. "May we speak?"
"Of course," Hvar replied and motioned for him to join him. "Would you like an ale?"
"Please," Chardo replied.
Hvar nodded to Britha and then pointed to a table in the corner. "We can talk over there."
Hvar plopped into the chair, sighed heavily, then aimlessly started to wipe the table.
Chardo dropped into the chair next to him then leaned close. "My friend, Hvar, have I offended you?"
"Here you are." Britha placed the foaming mug of ale in front of Chardo. She flashed a smile at the dashing man.
"Thank you, Britha," Chardo said, and smiled at her. "I will make sure you receive a shiny copper for your service."
Britha curtsied and Hvar waved his hand to dismiss her. "Clean the tables, daughter." He noticed two more regulars walk in and take their customary seats.
Chardo lifted the mug and slugged it down, gulping deeply to drain it. "Another one, please?"
Britha looked to Hvar and he nodded.
"What do you want, Chardo?" Hvar breathed deeply and strummed his thick fingers on the table. "I am a busy man and have no time to idle away uselessly. Speak your wishes."
"You acted very annoyed and angry at me when you saw me." Chardo wiped his chin. "Obviously I have offended you."
"Your ale," Britha said.
Hvar glared at Britha. "Leave us, Britha" he growled and then glared at Chardo, tightening his grip on the twisted cloth in his hand. "Vico," he spat.
"What about Vico?" Chardo's expression of total ignorance confused Hvar.
"You have no idea what you did that night? No shame?" Hvar looked away.
Chardo gulped the ale, finishing almost half. "What night?" His eyes blurred for a few seconds and the room swayed slightly. "You, my man, have the best ale in all the kingdoms."
Hvar threw the cloth onto the table. "Your last night here, you called Vico to your room." A tear welled up in Hvar's eye then cascaded down his cheek. "I bring you into my home, introduce you to my family and you do that to me."
"What did I do?" Chardo asked. "Vico came to my room and we talked."
"You
seduced my only son." Hvar leaned in closer to Chardo's face. "You. Had. No. Right."
"I did what?" Chardo sat upright in his chair. He grabbed the table for support as the room swayed about him. "I have never gotten drunk so quickly." He closed his eyes, but it served no purpose other than to intensify the feeling. "Perhaps I should have eaten first." Chardo tried to remember the last he had ate, and the secret chamber was a long time back.
"I am showing Jewyl a kindness by allowing you to stay at this inn again." Hvar leaned back in his chair. "But, you dare to bring your latest conquest? Your lover?"
"Conquest?" Chardo held onto the table and tried to focus his eyes. "Lover?"
"Perhaps you are his conquest." Hvar glared at Chardo. "Nonetheless, you stole my son when you were last here."
"I never touched your son," Chardo slurred.
"Innkeeper!" The command came from the doorway.
"Oh, by the gods," Chardo muttered and his head leaned forward before he passed out, his head slamming to the table.
"Here," Hvar replied and stood. "What is your need?" He glanced at Chardo, and then shook his head in disgust.
Four guards strode across the room, their armor clanging loudly as they approached the table where Chardo and Hvar were.
"You have three guests," the lead guard said.
"I have more than that." Hvar spread his arms out. "Is there a problem?"
"Three guests just arrived at The Red Horse Inn." The guard gave Hvar a look of total disdain. "Where are they?"
"Well, yes, there were three." Hvar frowned as if attempting to remember. "Ah, yes, a female and two men."
"Those are the ones." The guard gazed about the empty room. "Are they here? Where are their rooms?"
"I'm not sure I understand," Hvar said. "There were three, but they weren't together. The female is in her own room and the two men are sharing the last room I had."
"Fine and well. Where are they?" The guard grimaced. "Speak quickly, innkeeper." His hand moved to the hilt of his sword.
"Well, the female is the daughter of my friend," Hvar started. "She is here for the celebration tomorrow. One of the men, I believe, is a traveling priest of Rorc and the third one, his companion, is here, drunk." He nodded at Chardo. "He was my son's first lover, and now, unfortunately, he is of no use to anyone right now. He just found out my son has another lover."
