by Bob Nailor
Jewyl scrambled to sit up. "Perhaps we have a bargaining chip." She smiled as innocently as she could at Auro and Murdo.
"There was rumor at the inn yesterday," Murdo whispered. "I, too, heard about Lord Azre attacking Ballec at the temple. Still, it was only a rumor."
"Fine," Auro said. "Taking this rumor as a truth, why would you tell me Ballec won't be coming. I'm protecting you from Murdo who feels he is due some taste of the spoils."
Jewyl squirmed trying not to show her captors how close she was to being free of the ropes holding her hands together.
"Perhaps it was all just rumor," she said, and gazed into the distance beyond Auro.
"I waste my time," Auro said, slightly annoyed.
Murdo pushed Jewyl once more prone onto the ground then raised a hand in a threat to strike her.
"Touch her and your life is forfeit." Auro cocked a warning eye in Murdo's direction, turned, and plodded off into the brush.
Murdo scowled at Auro as he retreated into the shrubs then quietly dusted himself off, glanced at the five prisoners and smiled.
"I may not get my full reward," he said, leering at Jewyl, "but I have this which will keep me quite happy." He patted his leather bag before opening it and removing one the of pearls. "I thank you, Chardo, for this great booty." Murdo held the item between his index and thumb, letting it roll, allowing it to shimmer in the flickering fire light. He leaned back and laughed into the sky above as he slipped it back into the bag with the others. "Why waste my time on one Jewyl when I can buy a bounty of women when I return to the shores of true land." He raised his hand as if to slap Jewyl. "Bah. No need to waste my energy." He followed Auro into the shrubs.
Jewyl watched him leave and scrambled to sit up once more. She surveyed the area. "We are totally alone," she said. "Is it not strange they would leave us?"
"We are on an island," Harsborz replied. "Where would we go? They have Yendisa to guard us."
"They may have Yendisa," Jopab said, "but they also have pliocas — or will soon."
"They have what?" Harsborz asked. His eyes moved quickly as if searching the space in front of him while he remembered. "Did you say pliocas?"
Chardo and Percho nodded their heads vigorously.
"How?" Harsborz asked.
"Chardo guaranteed our place on board the ship with plioca eggs," Percho said. "He picked them up not knowing their true identity, but thinking them to be pearls."
"How many?" Harsborz hastily asked. "How long do we have?"
"I'm uncertain to the actual count," Jopab said. "We paid fifty to Auro, plus Murdo took the remainder. Now, as to when they will hatch? By the look of the one Murdo held, I would say within the next sunset or sooner. We need to escape."
"Voracious pliocas," Harsborz whispered. "Hagontha is truly a goddess of chaos."
"Or the stupidity of my friend," Jewyl said. "Are you through your knots yet, Jopab?" she asked. She was now sitting up, but had bent over and was squeezing her body through the small loop her tied arms created. "I'll have these in front soon," she grunted. "Then I can use my teeth to untie these lame excuses for knots."
"You're not the only one who can do that," Chardo said and was quickly hunched over to pull his arms forward. "Now move over here and I'll untie you."
Jopab, Percho and Harsborz stared at Chardo.
"Being limber is a necessity in this line of business," he quipped and untied the knots binding his feet. "We'd best be moving quickly, and as quietly possible, away from here."
"Auro didn't get blown onto this island," Harsborz said. "Nor was he shipwrecked. He should have a ship, probably a very small one, moored someplace."
The four looked at him for more information.
"I would guess his ship to be in the lagoon," he said with a quirky smile, and raised his hands into the air.
"Are you truly a wizard?" Chardo asked.
"Did you not see the waters recede? Do I not appear and disappear with ease? Are we not at the lagoon?"
Jewyl glanced around and realized that they were no longer at the opening where they had been held captive, but instead on the beach, listening to the waves quietly lap the sands.
"You are truly a wizard," Jewyl said.
"I thought him to be a crazy, old hermit," Chardo said. "A wise wizard, indeed."
"I am more than what I appear." He pointed at the boat. "There is your escape from this island," Harsborz said. "Move quickly for I fear the pliocas are hatching as we speak. Listen."
In the distance they heard the screams; painful screams of victims as small pliocas dined on living flesh.
"They said Ballec will come here," Jewyl said and strained against the old man's pull.
Harsborz's eyes glazed and he let loose the hold he had on Jewyl.
"Ballec moves toward Zornal at this very moment," Harsborz said, his voice very distant. "You must not tarry, but hasten to meet him. He awaits you."
"Well," Jopab said. "At least we know where he is, and it isn't going to be here."
Again, distant screams of pain and agony carried on the winds of the island jungle.
Harsborz's eyes cleared and he moved with the group to the water.
"Go," Harsborz said. "On the ship you will find a small bowl of water with a stick floating on it. Keep the stick aimed at the right side of the ship until you see shore. You have a very long row. Now, go!"
"You must come with us," Jewyl said, pulling Harsborz into the waves.
"No," he said. "I must stay here, it is my destiny. I serve Hagontha here."
Jopab grabbed Harsborz other arm and helped to pull him toward the ship. "You can serve Hagontha at the temple," Jopab said.
Harsborz snapped his arms free from Jewyl and Jopab.
"I must remain here," he said and lifted from the waters to float above the waves. "It is my duty and punishment."
"Punishment?" Chardo echoed.
"Who was Holy Father before Ballec?" Harsborz asked. "Think, Jopab. Do you remember his name?"
Jopab stood quietly in the waters, letting the waves massage him with each surge.
"Percho?" Harsborz called. "Did you learn the Recitation of Holy Fathers?"
"Yes," Percho replied.
"Borhars," Jopab blurted. "The Holy Father before Ballec was Borhars. He dishonored himself and Ballec replaced him. Why do you ask?"
"Do you know the story of Borhars and why he was so-called dishonored?"
Jopab and Percho shook their heads negatively.
"Borhars discovered through the mysticism of magic, the Holy Father had even more power to confound and control chaos," Harsborz said. "Many considered Borhars on the verge of heresy. Lord Azre cared little one way or another if Borhars was being sacrilegious, but Ballec saw this as a chance to gain some power as the younger brother. He convinced his father, Lord Renyon, to place him in the position of Holy Father, and ban Borhars from Shiyula."
"Shiyula?" Jewyl repeated. "You know of Shiyula?"
"Child," Harsborz said, smiling at her. "Shiyula is all. Dianiya has always been only a small portion of the great land your grandfather ruled."
Jewyl pulled back, surprised at his statements.
"Yes," Harsborz said. "I knew your grandfather. As Holy Father I served your grandfather faithfully."
"Served?" Jopab asked.
"Yes, Jopab," Harsborz said. "I served Jewyl's grandfather. I was the youngest Holy Father ever to be seated on the throne of Hagontha.
"You are Borhars?" Chardo asked.
"I am," the wizard said. "But, I no longer answer to that name. Today I am known as Harsborz, and will remain such until my time is committed."
"Come with us," Jewyl pleaded.
"No, my daughter," Harsborz said. "You must go forward and find your destiny. I will remain here to fulfill mine. Pliocas." He smiled, and an evil glint of happiness sparkled for a mere second in his eyes. "They won't bother me," he said. "I am a Holy Father and am protected." He raised his hands again to the sky. "Mother H
agontha, only your chaos can comfort me. Into your arms I offer my services."
Jewyl watched Harsborz walk back to the shore, his feet barely touching the surging waves of the ocean.
"Jewyl," Chardo yelled. "Give me your hand."
She reached up and Chardo pulled her aboard the small ship.
"Plenty of room for the four of us," Percho said. "Of course, I do wish we had our supplies along."
"Those?" Chardo asked and pointed to the bundle behind Percho.
"Thank you, Father Borhars," Percho yelled to the small figure standing on the beach.
Jewyl watched, and waved one last time.
The beach was empty.
She turned back to the matter at hand, grabbed an oar to assist, and wondered at their escape.
Everyone kept an eye on the needle floating in the bowl so it would never waiver from pointing to the right of the ship.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Mersayn
Jewyl stretched her arms hoping the pain would go away.
"Any idea of where we are?" she asked, and once more scanned the surrounding area trying to locate something familiar. The shore extended in each direction.
"Hmm?" Chardo said. He stood there, hand covering the lower part of his face with one finger thumping on his lips. He continued to search the horizon. "Uh-huh. Yes. Yes." He sighed loudly. "As usual, we’re lost," Chardo said, with a boyish grin.
"Well, there's a fire over there," Percho said and pointed toward the pale gray tendrils of smoke to the north.
"Well, we may be lost, but that fire indicates whoever is there must know where they are." Chardo said. "Sounds like as good of direction as any to me." He slapped Percho on the back. "Great eyesight, Perc, old boy."
"Perc? My name is Percho." The soft gentleness was missing from his voice. "Also, I am neither old, nor a boy." He gathered the bag of belongings and headed in the general direction of the smoke.
"Is there something wrong?" Chardo asked, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Did I do something?"
"Percho isn't lost," Jopab replied. "He came from a coastal village located north of Lisbeth Harbor. I feel he knows exactly where we are."
"Your mouth has gotten us into more trouble," Jewyl muttered and shook her head.
Chardo shrugged. "I'll go talk to him. Give me a little space, okay?" He hustled to fall into a matched stride with Percho.
Jewyl figured it would take only a few seconds before Percho fell under Chardo's charms and was once again himself. She watched Percho push Chardo's arm away. She frowned. Perhaps this time it will take longer, she thought. Chardo stepped behind Percho and Jewyl could see her friend's hands come up around the neck and slowly massage the shoulder blades before his hands disappeared from view. She didn't even want to think of what could be happening.
"You're quiet," Jopab said. "You've been watching Chardo so intently. Is there more between you two than just long term friends?"
Jewyl clenched fist struck out at Jopab, lobbing gently against his upper arm. "Trust me, he and I are only friends. Nothing more."
"Hey, you two," Chardo yelled. "Take a break, collect flowers, look at the sky, whatever. Percho and I are going ahead to scout the area."
Jewyl rolled her eyes, let her head drop forward, and slowly shook it.
"His timing is always less than perfect," she murmured.
"I think they want some time alone," Jopab said. He smiled at Jewyl. His lips parted and the smile quickly turned into a silly grin. A grin like that of a little boy.
Jewyl tried to ignore him, but knew that Percho and Chardo would be missing for at least another hour, possibly longer.
"I know we spent a lot of time on the water, but would you be interested in swimming?" Jopab asked and removed his tunic.
His muscles moved with a hypnotic rhythm to keep Jewyl's eyes watching him. He kicked off his sandals.
"Are you going to stare, or join me?" he asked. "You've seen all of this before." He waved a hand at his naked body. "Remember?"
Jewyl turned away. She could feel the heat of embarrassment flush her cheeks. "I don't know," she replied.
"Skinny dipping can be fun," Jopab said, and dashed by her on his way to the lapping waves.
She watched his feet kick up the sand and his leg muscles flex with each grand leap of his jog to the water, before splashing into the water. Jewyl shaded her eyes and scrutinized the sky. She turned to watch Jopab, seeing only his legs dive from sight.
It was too idyllic, too suddenly easy. What had happened?
Jewyl watched Jopab surface and splash in the water. It looked inviting. She removed her garments and slowly walked to the shoreline. Her hesitancy was not if she wanted to swim or not, but if she should be more modest; as Jopab had commented, he knew her body, too.
"The water is very refreshing," Jopab yelled. "I feel my very soul being cleansed right now."
She sauntered into the waters, feeling the coolness surge up and down her legs with each wave as she continued. Finally, she dove under. She surfaced and found Jopab.
"I don't do this too often," Jewyl said, swimming over to Jopab.
"Nor I," he replied. "Since the day I was initiated into the priesthood of Hagontha, I can't remember ever going swimming." He moved closer.
"It has been a long time for me, too," Jewyl said. A movement on shore caught her attention, yet she saw nothing.
Jopab reached out with a hand.
"I don't think we should," Jewyl said and tried to appear nonchalant as she watched the shore.
"Are you afraid Chardo and Percho would return and catch us?" He smiled with a devilish glint in his eye.
"Hey!" Chardo yelled, running over a dune toward the beach. "What you doing out there? Can I join you?"
"That was quick," Jopab said softly. "I figured they would be gone at least an hour." He nodded to Jewyl and they started to swim toward shore.
"As did I," Jewyl said. "Did you happen to see anything moving on the beach just a few minutes ago?"
Jopab shook his head negatively and continued to swim.
Jewyl stopped, treaded the waters and scanned the sandy beach. She knew she had seen something. It had to still be there, but all she could see was Chardo.
"Where's Percho?" Jewyl hollered.
"He's gone ahead to let them know we're coming," Chardo yelled back.
Jewyl trudged from the water, all the while keeping an eye on the location where she'd seen movement.
Chardo glanced in the direction of her gaze. "What's going on?"
"Nothing," Jewyl replied, shaking her head. "Where did you say Percho went?"
"The least you could do…" Chardo smiled while motioning toward her. "At least show some token of modesty." He placed a hand over his eyes in mock shock. "At least Jopab was prudish enough to cover himself as he dashed for his clothes."
"Behave. You have Percho," Jopab said and slapped Chardo on the shoulder. "And, to answer your question, Jewyl, my guess would be to see his parents."
"Parents?" Jewyl asked, and looked about for her clothes. "Where are my clothes?"
"Probably where you dropped them in your rush," Chardo quipped.
"Actually, I left them right about here," Jewyl said then glanced over at the rock where she'd seen the activity. "Excuse me." She tromped toward the stone.
Jopab and Chardo quietly followed.
"What do we have here?" Jewyl said, grabbing her clothes from the clutches of the small creature.
"Please," a high pitched voice squealed. "Please, don't hurt me."
"What is it?" Chardo asked.
"A small child," Jopab said, and grabbed an arm. "A very dirty little child."
"Please, no hurt," the child cried while trying to pull away from Jopab. "No hurt me."
"We won't hurt you," Jewyl said as she slid the tunic over her head. "Why would we want to hurt you?"
"Clothes," the child said, and cowered closer to the large stone.
Jewyl kneeled down to the child. "Come
here," she said. "You're safe with us. We won't hurt you." Jewyl leaned forward and pushed a scraggly mat of hair behind the waif's ear. "What's your name?"
"Her name is Mersayn," Percho said. "She is the child of the hermit, Atchel, who lives near here."
"What a lovely name," Jewyl said. "Are you hungry?"
The little girl nodded her head and reached out to Jewyl. "Food? Please?"
"Where is Atchel?" Percho asked. "Is he well?"
"He sleeping," Mersayn replied, and grabbed the crust of bread from Percho's hand. "He sleep long time."
Percho frowned. "Long time?"
"Atchel?" Jewyl murmured. "That name is familiar."
"If you are indeed the person you claim," Percho said. "Atchel is your mother's cousin." He reached down and picked up Mersayn. "This child would be a cousin, somewhat removed."
Jewyl smiled at Mersayn and reached out to hold her. The waif curled into the protective arms of Percho.
Chardo frowned. "Such a young child. How?"
"Atchel's father, Lysirth, came to the aide of your grandfather and was also killed in the siege of Shiyula. Lysirth's wife was with child, a son, who was born six months after Lysirth's death. The son, Atchel, much like you, fought a tedious vendetta against Renyon, then Azre, in an attempt to regain the proper ruling for your mother, Vaela. When Atchel’s son, Resnold, was born — Atchel stopped fighting. Resnold took up the fight when he was only sixteen."
"I remember that," Jewyl said. "Strange. I never knew Atchel or Resnold were related."
Percho nodded. "I believe that was the plan," he said. "To protect you, and when you became another pest bothering Azre, the self-proclaimed monarch declared Resnold a traitor to the reign and placed a bounty on his head. Resnold was betrayed by one of his own. He and his wife were killed five years ago. Mersayn was hidden from Azre's men."
"Atchel sleep," Mersayn said. "Come. You see." She jumped from Percho's arms and scurried a few feet. "Hurry. See."
"We'd best follow," Chardo said. "She'll get away."
"I know where Atchel sleeps," Percho murmured. "I fear this slumber is his long sleep. If you would, please take Mersayn to my parent's home and I will take care of Atchel." He stooped down to the waif. "Go with these people to see my parents. You are safe with them." He took Mersayn's hand and curled Jewyl's fingers softly around them. "Okay?"
