by Bob Nailor
"There's nobody here," Jewyl said. There was surprise in her voice. She again glanced about her noting to conceal an assailant. There were none.
"We seem to be quite safe." Percho casually leaned against a tree.
Chardo frowned. "Yes, it appears that way." He sheathed his sword.
"I suggest we be on our way," Jewyl said. "But, not before we cover our tracks here." Jewyl sheathed her sword and looked to Jopab. "What happened? Why aren't they here?" She grabbed a small clump of weeds and swept casually at the footprints in the dust.
"Percho," Jopab said. "Get away from that tree and the grasses. We don't want to leave any tracks."
"For a simple priest, you seem to know a lot about skulking about places," Jewyl said. A frown knitted between her eyebrows. "In fact, you don't seem at all surprised nobody is here."
"Oh, trust me," Jopab said. "They will be here — in time. They first must find Rane, gather their wits, learn the truth, and finally, tromp out here to capture us."
Jewyl looked about.
"Yes," Jopab said. "They could show at any minute."
"Percho, straighten the grasses," Jewyl demanded. "Chardo, could you cover our tracks back into the tunnel a short distance?" Jewyl pointed at a cluster of large stones. "Jopab, stand on those stones. Percho, you join him."
"Because I'm a priest, I can't help with this?" Jopab asked. The sarcasm not lost on Jewyl.
"No," Jewyl said. "I want you to carefully move on the stones beyond us so you may scout the area. Leave as few traces of being here, and let us know if they come. I'm entrusting our lives to you. You recognize the whistle of a blue chipper?"
Jopab nodded.
"Fine," she said. "When you hear the whistle, we're ready to depart. If you see something to warrant an earlier departure, I'm sure you will let us know."
Jopab glared at Jewyl for a full minute before stomping off, leaving deep footprints, seething she had spoken to him in that tone.
He watched the nearby road, listening for Jewyl to whistle. Behind him he could see Percho standing on the rocks while Jewyl and Chardo cleaned all traces of their mere existence. A movement. He caught it at the edge of his vision and jerked to see what it was. A sound carried on the wind. He frowned and scrutinized everything — only thing moving was Jewyl and Chardo. Suddenly, a fawn stumbled from the brush, and froze, staring at the road to the west. The deer's ears twitched, trying to locate the sound.
Jopab immediately glanced down the road. There was nothing. At least, nothing he could see. Yet, there was a sound on the wind blowing from that direction. Both the deer and Jopab heard it. Is that muffled voices? he thought.
The sound of a blue chipper whistle cut through the air. Jopab silently eased back to the group.
"We'd best be on our way," Jopab said. "I didn't see anyone, but there was a sound, like the mumblings of people talking. A startled fawn heard it and we both watched the road."
"Fine." Jewyl pointed toward the woods. "Move out that way. Follow Chardo. I will cover our final footprints."
"We're not using the road?" Percho asked.
"The woods, shrubs and brush will be our friends," Jewyl said. "They will keep us hidden, and if we don't break too many branches, not reveal our escape route." Jewyl nodded in the direction to go.
Chardo motioned for the two priests to follow him. "The road is for guards and others, not for us."
"East? I thought we're going to Zornal," Jopab asked.
"In due time," Jewyl said. "We could walk the distance, but if we take a round-about journey, going first to Lisbeth Harbor, our group can enjoy some leisure while aboard a ship bound for Zornal."
"A ship?" Chardo yelped. "Out on the open waters?"
Jewyl smiled. "Yes, out on the ocean. Is there a problem?" She smiled, enjoying Chardo’s fear of water and his uncontrolled nausea.
"I've never been to sea," Jopab offered sheepishly. "How many days?"
"If the wind is with us, I would chance two days at best," Jewyl said. "Of course, if the wind is against us, perhaps another day longer. Still, it is better than walking, and it will give us some leisure time."
"Leisure," Percho echoed. "To sit and enjoy doing nothing. How marvelous, me sitting with my head over the side the whole trip. It will take Ballec at least three days to get to Zornal." Percho carefully pushed a branch aside. "We could even beat him if we hastened our steps."
"We will proceed with caution to protect ourselves," Jewyl said. "We're not safe, yet. We could encounter priests or guards at any moment."
Chardo snickered and Jopab shook his head.
"We'd best be making plans for this evening," Jewyl said. "The woods will end shortly and then it will be open fields — not the easiest place to hide."
"Could we skirt them?" Percho asked.
"Add more walking?" Jopab questioned. "You of all people, you want to take a longer route?"
"I prefer to keep my life," Percho said. "The inconvenience of walking for the convenience of breathing is welcomed by me."
Chardo held up his hand and everyone froze. He placed a finger to his lips then whispered. "Who would like fresh meat for our evening meal?"
Jewyl looked beyond Jopab. A stunning stag with an enormous rack stood motionless, watching them.
"So much meat to waste," Jewyl hissed.
"Not the stag." Chardo slowly motioned to the right. "There, near the clearing. Do you see that good sized hen? It would feed us well."
Jewyl followed Chardo's pointing hand as he dropped to a knee, bow in hand, arrow ready.
The bird squawked and the stag dropped. The stag lay dead on the ground, an arrow piercing its body.
“Nice aim, but I thought you were going for the hen.” Jewyl gazed down at Chardo. She stared at the arrow still in the bow. “Nice shot, but exactly how did you do that? I thought you aiming for the hen, not the stag.”
"There's plenty for all," a voice cried out from near them.
Jewyl spun to face the body of the voice, her sword held at the ready. Chardo stood, following suit.
"Please, Jewyl," the voice continued. "You'd dare to lock swords with the love of your life?"
"Bezner?" Jewyl asked. "Is it truly you?"
The tall stranger stepped into view.
"Bezner!" Chardo shouted. "You dirty flea bitten scoundrel of Winmore. How did you get here?"
"Yes," Jewyl’s voice matched her icy glare. "Exactly how did you get here? Is there a beauty hidden among the bushes waiting for you?"
Bezner moved to Jewyl and wrapped his arm about her waist, pulling her close. Tipping her head up, he gently kissed her.
Jewyl pulled away from him. "So, after three years, you believe you can walk into my life, and everything is forgiven?" She wiped the back of her hand slowly across her lips, all the while watching him. She only hoped her body wouldn't give away her true feelings. Already she could feel her heart starting to beat faster.
Chardo came up and slapped Bezner on the back. "So what have you been up to?"
"News travels fast," Bezner replied. "I've heard about your incident with Lord Azre, and today's little fiasco at the temple has everyone's lips flapping in the breeze."
"How did you happen upon us?" Jopab moved forward. "I am Jopab, a priest of the temple." He offered out his hand as a gesture of friendship.
Bezner shook it. "You walked directly under me. I had my eye on that stag for a few minutes and ready to shoot when you appeared. I couldn't believe my eyes. It took me a few seconds to recognize Jewyl…” He reached out and stroked her hair. “Now, Chardo? Who can forget Chardo?"
"Why are you out here?" Jewyl asked.
"To be honest?" Bezner stroked his chin and grinned slyly.
"That would be refreshing, and definitely a good start." Jewyl walked away from Bezner.
"There is a farmer a short distance from here," he said. "He has a daughter who I have had my eye on for some time."
"Oh?" Jewyl said, her voice cold.
"Ah, y
ou're jealous, my love." Bezner smiled and winked at Jewyl. "Hiurla is not one who I will tarry a bit of time and then run. We are to wed after the harvest."
Jewyl frowned, and turned away from the group. A tear welled in one eye.
"Uh-oh," Chardo whispered and nodded at Jewyl.
"How was I to know you still existed?" Bezner moved closer and placed his arms about her. "We crossed swords and when the guards finally entered the tavern, you escaped. I haven't seen or heard about you until the last few days." He paused. "It has been three years."
"I had no ties on you," Jewyl said, and turned to face the group. "I hope you and this farmer's daughter have a full life together."
"Hiurla," Bezner said.
"Fine," Jewyl said. "There could never be an ‘us’ until I settled accounts and reign on the throne of Shiyula. I don't have time to involve myself with any man."
Percho had retrieved the stag and quickly cleaned the carcass.
"Then let us enjoy this meal." Bezner nodded at Percho. "I thought of letting you shoot the hen, but that would have meant I would need to follow the stag later and get it for Sanat and his family.” He gazed at the sun. “This late in the day? I would have to give it up.” He scrutinized the four. “You may stay there tonight, if you so wish."
"Your offer is very kind," Jopab said. "If Sanat has no problems then we will stay there."
"No!" Jewyl announced. "We need not put anyone in harm's way." She stood firm in her words. "We should continue on and stay elsewhere, even out in the open, if need be."
"Whatever you wish, Jewyl," Bezner said. "I'm not all that hungry, so I'll take the remainder of the stag with me, if you don’t mind. Good fortune in your endeavor, whatever it may be."
"May Mother Hagontha smile upon you," Jopab said.
"Chaos is at every turn," Percho piped. "Blessed chaos."
"You're going to let him go?" Chardo whispered to Jewyl.
"Yes," she replied. "He loves another, and I'm not free to love him. It is best."
Bezner stopped and stared at Jewyl.
"Good fortune, my love," Jewyl said, hearing her voice tremble the words. "Hiurla is very lucky."
Bezner nodded, turned, and disappeared into the brush.
"You let him go?" Jopab asked.
"I don't want to talk about it." Jewyl wiped the tear from the corner of her eye. "Percho, hurry with that hen. I'm famished."
"Somebody start a fire," Percho asked. "By the time it has glowing embers, this slab of venison will be ready to cook. A feast, indeed."
Chardo and Jopab quickly built a fire. Jewyl kept a watch for anything out of the ordinary.
"Maybe we could rest here a while," Jewyl said, turned and looked to the edge of the woods. "Then just as the sun sets, continue our journey out of the woods and across the open fields. Traveling under the shroud of darkness will be to our advantage." Jewyl turned back to the group of men. "That smells good," she said turning her attentions to Percho and the roasting hen. The scent of crackling juices over the open fire gripped her stomach. "I don't know if I can wait until it is done."
"It will be ready shortly," Percho said. He opened a pouch he pulled from inside his garments. He pinched his fingers into the leather sack and gently sifted the retrieved, minute contents over the meat. "That will add a nice flavor," he added. "Just two more minutes." He smiled.
Jewyl feasted on the venison, slathering the juicy meats into her mouth. She watched the others enjoying their meal. She suddenly wondered if Bezner had gotten the stag back to the farm and into Huiurla’s arms. It really didn't matter. Bezner would be back at the farm, and with his bride-to-be. Jewyl winced at the thought of him holding another. She dropped her eyes to cover a tear. How could she expect any man to wait for her to finish her self-assigned task of claiming her kingdom?
"How soon before we go?" Jopab asked while gazing at the setting sun.
"We can depart soon." Jewyl threw dirt onto the fire in an attempt to hide any signs of their having been present.
"Your friend said there was a farm nearby." Jopab gazed at Jewyl with hope. "Perhaps we could stay there?"
"I would rather move on and not involve them," Jewyl replied.
"I agree," Chardo said.
The group moved about the small area, removing as many traces of their presence as possible. The fire was covered, it disappeared, leaves and debris were strewn casually about to hide any tale-tell signs of their presence.
"This time of the evening is perfect, just as the shadows play about," Jewyl started. "That will be to our advantage and we can move, just like a shadow between the trees."
"Until we get to the fields." Chardo grinned evilly. "Exactly how do you plan to hide us in the fields? Have you not noticed the moon in the sky? Full. It will shine brightly tonight."
Percho glanced nervously at Jewyl. "You have a plan?"
"Perhaps we should take the time to discuss—"
"I have a plan!" Jewyl stood with hands on hips, glaring at the three men. "Yes, I am a woman, but I have survived by my wits, perhaps better than some men."
CHAPTER TEN
Longrel
Jopab sputtered. "I beg forgiveness, Jewyl. If you have a plan, please share."
Jewyl strutted close to the edge of the woods, near where the field began. "See the cattle just a ways into the field?"
The three men gazed out into the open area. Not far away, cattle grazed in a cluster.
"I hadn’t noticed them,"
"We should be able to gain them," Jewyl said. "Once we are within the herd, we can urge them to the other side. Who would question grazing cattle, moving in the darkness."
"A wise idea," Jopab said.
"We could milk them," Chardo said. "A bit of nourishment for us."
Jewyl shook her head. "You really have never learned, have you? If these beasts needed milking, the farmer would have taken them in before dark. These are probably being raised for butcher." She grinned. "They might all be young bulls."
"Could we take one?" Percho asked.
"Again, too much waste," Jewyl said. "Plus, I would prefer not to rile Bezner, nor his future father-in-law. We can move these cattle quickly across the fields and be back into the cover of the trees."
"Then we will sleep?" Percho asked. "Yes?"
"Yes. A short walk into the forest on the other side...to hide us," Jewyl said.
Chardo nodded agreement.
Jewyl glanced up at the sky. "The moon is about to hide behind some clouds. There will be some momentary darkness. Now is our chance." She stepped out into the open field. The four moved silently into the cluster of cattle.
"Just keep down," Jewyl whispered as she gently stroked her hand across the cow's shoulders. "The silhouette of a man will stand out easily in the moonlight.
She watched the moon break away from the clouds and shed a bluish light on the scene. The cattle were a bit nervous, but failed to stampede which Jewyl was thankful for. She had noticed them as they approached the clearing, and the plan solidified in her mind. Her only fear was of spooking the beasts. Once more she felt the flames of anger build as she remembered Jopab's attempts to continue to control the group. It was quickly replaced with remorse at the thought of Bezner and Hiurla being wed. Jewyl felt the tear trace a path from the eye and felt her nose start. She sniffed and wiped the tear away.
In the distance, she could see flickering lights of what she was sure to be the farmer's home. Bezner would be there. She urged the cow beside her to plod along a little faster and wiped one last tear from her eye.
"What is your hurry?" Percho lagged behind with his cow.
"The quicker we are across this opening, the sooner we are safe." Jewyl glanced back the young priest. "Now, hustle these cattle."
"You've pushed them far enough," Jopab said. "We are but a few strides from the other side. Let our disguises rest and feed here."
Percho shoved the shrubs apart and leaned against a small tree. "How far before we rest?" He slid d
own the tree allowing the bark to rake up his spine. "A fire will be nice."
"No fire," Jopab said. "Jewyl wanted to get a bit further into the woods before we rested."
"On second thought, I say we rest here." Jewyl contradicted Jopab. "I see now the fields can be our friend. While we rest here, we can see if anyone draws near."
"Then we should set a guard," Jopab countered.
"No," Jewyl retorted quickly, and glared at Jopab. "We all rest. We need our strength. A weak link could be our downfall."
Jopab fumed and stomped about in a fit of anger.
"Doing that, my dear priest," Jewyl said. "Leaves a difficult track to hide."
Jopab froze and stared at the severe damage done. "Hagontha's bane," he whispered. "The goddess has caused this chaos."
"Enough of Hagontha," Chardo said with a yawn and a stretch. "Let's sleep."
He lay down and quickly curled into a fetal position. Percho smiled and moved near Chardo. Jewyl scanned the shadowy area and started to move toward an area a few feet away.
"I think we should all sleep very close," Jopab said. "If you don't mind, you can sleep by Chardo and I will take up a position on the outside."
"I need no protection," Jewyl said, and glared at Jopab while placing a hand on the hilt of her sword.
"Nonetheless, you will sleep as I have said, or we assign a watch."
Jewyl sighed loudly and slumped into a sitting position, folding her arms in front of her defiantly.
"I'm not sleepy so I will sit here until my eyes feel ready to close," she said.
"Fine. I will sit with you." Jopab grinned at her, yet even in the darkness he knew she was frowning at him. "When you decide to sleep, so will I."
Her eyes flashed in the moonlight. "As you wish," she said. "I'll lay down and go to sleep." She flopped down on the ground, her back to Jopab.
In the distance, Chardo grinned at her. She rolled her eyes in exasperation.
Jopab lay down.
Jewyl lay there, seething at Jopab’s demands. Who does he think he is?
Ever since Bezner had showed up and left, Jopab had become impossible. Bezner, she thought and the memory of his strong arms and flashing smile filled her mind, and time passed.
