by Duane Alston
“Jim Braxton and Sarah!” Jalaby said forcefully. “I can't see her going to meet with the likes of him and besides, I don't want to put her in any sort of danger with this guy,” finished Jalaby and shook his head.
“Wait a minute Jalaby, Jim's no jerk, he's really a perfect gentleman with the girls in town. Sarah won't be in any danger. Besides, you've seen that dagger she carries. She knows how to use it and can handle any situation. She'll be fine,” finished Connel spreading his arms in a gesture to indicate that there should be no problem with his plan.
“Connel's right, Jim's been asking her quite a bit but Sarah won't go out with him. I think I can convince her to help if you want. Jim's OK, a little pushy, but he's harmless,” Tom offered.
“Well, I'll don't like it, she shouldn't be put in a situation like that, it's not right.” Jalaby stood in thought for several minutes. “But I can't think of any other way to distract the second guard. Tom, go ahead and ask for her help, but let her know that she should plead total ignorance after we get across the bridge. She should tell them that I asked her to do it. That way your family won't suffer any consequences. I wish there were some other way, but there isn't.”
Jalaby pondered this for only a moment and then went on, “OK, that's the plan then. Come over around five tomorrow so we can take everything over to Clancy's. That should put us there and ready to go around six o'clock tomorrow evening. We'll wait there until just after midnight. Sarah should set her meeting with Braxton for around ten minutes to one o'clock. That way she will have to spend as little time with him as possible, in fact by the time he walks the distance over to meet her at Jenkin's store, we should be over the bridge.”
Then a smile lit up Jalaby's face as he came up with an idea. “Hey, that being the case, just tell her to make the appointment but to not show up. That will do it,” said Jalaby with a determined look.
“One would think that she's your sister the way you are trying to protect her,” said Tom laughingly.
“Yeah, I've always known you kind of liked her Jalaby even though you fight it. Come on admit it, after all, we may be away a long time.” Connel stated this lightheartedly but there was a touch of seriousness in his choice of words and tone just the same.
“Come on you two, that's enough, this is serious, do you buy my suggestion or not?” Jalaby also fought to keep it serious because he always had a tendency to smile when Connel teased him about Sarah.
“Yeah, it's good. I'll tell her, but in the end she will do what she wants,” said Tom.
“Yes, I like it,” stated Connel solemnly. “It'll work.”
“OK, let's break this meeting up and check outside before you take off. Tomorrow's the day, so I'll see you all here at five o'clock tomorrow.” Jalaby then opened the barn door, walked out and gave his surroundings a good look, before waving Tom and Connel out and on their way. They were well down the road and Jalaby was looking around for anyone watching them, when he caught site of a movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned and focused in the direction of the movement and quite a distance off he was just able to distinguish a bright blue hat.
“Sarah! I should have known,” thought Jalaby. “Is there nothing she can't find out. I'll swear she knows more about the plans for this journey than I do. Well, I guess it makes little difference, she would have to know anyway.” Jalaby then closed the door and was about to head for dinner and bed when he remembered Willow and his decision to ride him today. Impulsively, he decided to take Willow out for a quick ride and catch up with Sarah. Since she was on foot, he figured he would have time. Jalaby quickly saddled Willow and rode out in the direction that Sarah went. He had no concept as to what he was going to say to her and would let the conversation evolve based on what Sarah said. Jalaby had jumped several fences with Willow when, as he came down from the last great leap he caught sight of Sarah a mere fifty feet away, trudging up the road towards her home. With his sudden approach, she turned to watch him as he reined in Willow just in front of her.
“Sarah, hello,” was all he could manage to start things off.
“Well Jalaby, I see you are riding a new horse. Where did you get him? I suppose he's for your great journey,” she said sarcastically with her arms folded across her chest.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, my Uncle got him for me and I just wanted to make sure I could handle him before tomorrow. By the way, I know that you were listening to our planning session a short while ago and need to have a word with you. Can I give you a ride home?” Jalaby made sure his offer was made as cordially as possible so she might accept.
Sarah paused for a moment or two looking around. Jalaby wasn't sure whether she was being cautious or looking for a way out of their conversation. Moments later she offered her hand up so Jalaby could pull her up behind him.
“Sarah, I suppose you heard that Tom will be asking for your help in distracting Jim. I wanted you to know that if I could find any other way to do it, I would. I didn't want you to get in trouble by helping us. I know those who stay behind, may be under suspicion and I didn't want to put you on the spot,” said Jalaby as he cantered.
“You don't have to worry about me Jalaby, I can take care of myself.” Sarah said, more as a point of information rather than defiantly.
“Well, whether you think so or not Sarah, I do like you and don't want any harm to come to you.”
“Oh you do, do you. Like a sister I suppose,” Sarah said lightly with a teasing voice.
“Well, er, no. Well, I mean as a person, a friend. Well, just make the appointment with Jim and don't show up, that's all! I don't want you there.” Jalaby finished hotly.
“I'm going to miss these wonderful exchanges Jalaby, when you are over the river. You can't seem to carry on a reasonable conversation for the life of you and all you can say to me after all the years we have known each other is, I don't want you there.” Sarah's voice displayed no anger or disappointment in fact, she seemed to sense his inability to talk to her and was trying her best, despite her first inclination, which was to jump off the horse and run towards home.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. It's just you are hard, I mean.....”
“To control? Well maybe you shouldn't be trying. I'm my own person Jalaby and I will decide what I will do or not do. In this case, I will ask Jim to meet me so you can rest your mind.” Sarah paused briefly and asked. “What do you think you will find across the river? I mean, you have really got to be wondering after all these years what's over there and you finally get to be the one who crosses. You seem so calm. Aren't you excited at all?” Sarah finished and with her arms around his waist, squeezed him, seemingly in an effort to get the information out of him, making him slightly grunt.
“Uh, well yes I'm excited, who wouldn't be, but I am also trying to take this whole thing very seriously, so I am probably not letting much show. I have no idea what to expect on the other side, but at least I am glad you'll be safe on this side of the river,” Jalaby finished as they turned to head up the entrance lane to Sarah's farm.
“There you go again, treating me like your little sister. I don't need protection any more than Tom or Connel. I bested both of them at the tournament last year in broadsword and archery, so why should they go and I stay.” Before he could answer willow stopped in front of Sarah's house and she slid easily to the ground and said. “Save your breath Jalaby, I've heard your answer already, so long,” and she dashed into the house before he could manage a reply. Jalaby stared after her and thought; how can she complain about me not being able to communicate, when she seems to run away every time things get the least bit out of her control. Jalaby realized he had much to do and galloped Willow back towards home.
At home his Uncle rocked in his chair as usual and Jalaby sat thinking that this would be his last evening at Endless House. He had told his Uncle of his plans and his Uncle had made a few minor suggestions but overall said Jalaby had covered everything. His Uncle had said that he was proud of Jalaby an
d felt that Jalaby was indeed ready. Jalaby now felt a peace within him that removed the restlessness that he had always felt in the evenings. He knew his destiny lay across Crieton River, in the land of his birth. He had mixed feelings about leaving Sarah behind. The four of them had always been together over the years and it seemed somehow wrong that she should not be part of this great journey, but the thoughts of possible danger and death that could await them in the Land of Langton set his mind at ease. The decision that she stay in Onan took one less burden off his mind and he knew it was the right one.
The last night in Onan was a peaceful one. Unlikely as it was, Jalaby spent a restful night and the anticipation of the journey had not disturbed his sleep as he thought it might. He was up bright and early and breakfasted with his Uncle as usual. His Uncle had insisted that he take the morning to recheck his supplies and make sure Willow was in the best condition. He urged Jalaby to use the afternoon to try to get some sleep, if possible, since they might be up most of the night. Jalaby's Uncle then said he was going into town to nose around and see if there were any rumors floating around about the crossing.
Jalaby didn't get the rest that his Uncle had tried to make possible. Although he made the effort, his mind would not give him the opportunity. As he lay, his mind anticipated each aspect of the journey at hand, but more than often his thoughts kept coming back to Sarah. He kept playing back their recent conversations in his head. She was right in many respects, he couldn't seem to communicate with her very well to say the least, but was it all totally his fault. No, Sarah can be difficult and it is in her nature to be obstinate at times. Images of the brief time he saw her in the blue dress flashed though his mind, even as he fought against thinking about her in his vein effort to get some solid sleep.
Jalaby dozed lightly and was instantly awake when he heard his Uncle open and then latch the front door. He got up and went to the living room to greet his Uncle.
“Hi Uncle, how was town? Everything look OK for leaving tonight?” Jalaby finished by sitting across from his Uncle, who now resided in his usual chair. His face was flush from the sun and the trip to town. Jalaby noticed this and before his Uncle answered said. “Can I get you some water? You look hot and thirsty.”
“Yes, that would be great. Going into town on these hot days pretty much does me in.” While Jalaby went into the kitchen to get water his Uncle kept talking.
“Well it looks good, I couldn't see anything or anybody out-of-place. Even the Mayor was running around as usual talking and talking in an effort to make sure he is on everyone's mind. He even asked me, as usual, how my crops were doing, with no mention of our previous conversation of the other day. Of course, now if we were paranoid, we would suspect something was up, but I believe if the Mayor had something on his mind, he would be unable to keep it to himself. He'd say something.” His Uncle now took a long drink from the glass that Jalaby had given him and sat back in his chair. Jalaby wondered if it would be right leaving his Uncle when there was so much to do on the farm. As if reading his thoughts, his Uncle spoke again.
“Don't worry about the farm work while you are gone. I hired that kid Kenny, from up the road, to help out. He's young but strong and we'll manage. I told you I knew my limitation and running this farm by myself is one of them. Anyway, we best be getting you ready. You get any sleep?” His Uncle finished and rose heading back toward the kitchen, undoubtedly taking the glass back.
“Well not really. I rested though.” Jalaby said and rose to stand by the door waiting for his Uncle.
“Well, that is the best you can do, let's go,” and together Jalaby and his Uncle headed to the barn where they began loading the pack animals.
As they worked, his Uncle gave him pointers on loading the packs. How to make them even, what signs to look out for that indicate the pack is not riding properly on the animal and how to take care of the animals after a hard day's journey. He made sure Jalaby had the proper medical supplies for animals, as well as humans. It wasn't long before Connel showed up and Tom arrived a few minutes behind him.
“All set with the distraction?” Jalaby directed his question to Tom but purposely didn't mention Sarah's name for fear of Connel's propensity for teasing.
“Yeah, all set. Sarah's being as agreeable as I have ever seen her. What did you say to her Jalaby?” Tom asked but didn't wait for a reply. “Either she's changed personality or we'd better be on guard for some sort of twist in the way that she's going to do what we asked.” Tom finished with a light laugh.
“What do you mean?” Jalaby asked seriously. “She's not going down there? She's just going to send the note and not show up, right?” Jalaby had quit his packing now and was facing Tom for an answer.
“Easy buddy,” Tom said. “All I can tell you is what she said and she said she would set Jim up.” Tom's smile now seemed to change to one of sympathy and added, by way of comfort, as if sensing the pressure Jalaby must be putting on himself. “Everything is going according to plan, I was just noticing a change in Sarah, that's all.”
“Oh, that's alright then. Sorry, guess I'm a bit too uptight today.” Jalaby spoke as if embarrassed by the questions he had asked.
“Nonsense!” Jalaby's Uncle spoke loudly. “You asked the right questions Jalaby, don't second guess your motivations. You're to lead this group and to do so you may have to ask and do some uncomfortable things. You'd best get used to it. The only thing I'll add to that is, to never make big decision in anger, give those a little more time. Come on now, all of you, cheer up, this will be an adventure of a lifetime for you. Here, Connel and Tom, get to packing those kacks and I'll teach you all a few songs to sing as you make your way through Crieton's Land.”
Jalaby's Uncle was as good as his word and after a few tries Jalaby's, Connel's and Tom's voices drowned out his Uncle's in a noisy chorus of “The Warrior's Coming” and “Fog Time”. Jalaby noticed that the songs were created to lift the spirits and reduce the fear of the unknown, but he didn't care about the motivation behind them, it felt good to bellow out the words, no matter how out of tune. Their singing soon broke down into a chorus of laughter rather than song, that slowly trickled away. To Jalaby it felt good to laugh after being serious for so many days, his Uncle was right and he would remember this lesson. Despite the singing and the laughter, they had finished packing and stood momentarily in silence, looking at their horses and pack animals, before Jalaby spoke.
“Uncle, I guess we'd better be off on this journey. I can never say enough to thank you for all you have done,” with that Jalaby lock his arms around his Uncle and gave him a big hug. In turn, Connel and Tom did the same.
Jalaby's Uncle, a bit misty eyed said, “I can never say enough about you young gentlemen. You make me proud to be a member of the Onan people. I want you all to be careful and return to this land, but I also want you to live the journey. You may never be in this position again, free of all burdens, so you can make this journey. Ride well and fast my young warriors, may the truth be known!” Jalaby's Uncle let his voice rise on the last of the sentence and as if on cue, Jalaby, Connel, and Tom echoed the words.
“May the truth be known!” With that, all three mounted and headed down the road with a pack kack placidly trailing behind each rider. After a bit, Jalaby looked back and saw his Uncle wave, which they returned. His Uncle was still looking after them when they were enveloped by the forest and Jalaby could see him no more.
Chapter 7
The night sky was darkening and after a mile Jalaby told the others to separate so that there would be at least five minutes between them and that he would arrive last. Jalaby wasn't sure if it would do any good, but he was determined to try everything to make this journey successful. The sight of one horse and one pack animal would draw less attention than if they were all in a group. At least in this instance Jalaby was correct, everything went smoothly and they arrived, one at a time, to Tom's Uncle Clancy's stable.
Jalaby dismounted and Tom, upon hearing his arrival
, opened the door for him to enter. He led Willow and his kack, which he decided to call Rosey, inside Clancy's Stable and Wheelworks. There was just barely enough light to navigate to the back of the barn where Connel held another door open and motioned Jalaby in. Once everyone was inside, Jalaby heard Tom rummaging for more lanterns. He knew it was Tom by the muffled noise he made after stubbing his toe on one of his Uncle's farm implements. Moments later, a bright light came from the direction where he had heard Tom's voice.
“Ah, finally I can see! There's what got me,” and Jalaby saw Tom kicking at his inanimate assailant.
“Never mind, it won't attack you again. Get a couple more lights going and let's get these packs and saddles off the animals, so we can all get some rest before Midnight.” Jalaby began saddle and pack removal on his pair and as he did so it became brighter because Tom found three more large lanterns and lit those in turn. After that, it was quite bright.
“Don't worry Jalaby, I know what you're thinking but we are double roomed to the outside and I did a test yesterday. You can't see any light from the outside.” Tom stood, as if expecting praise for his foresight.
“Good! Here, I'll help you with your animals.” After another few minutes, all the animals were unloaded and put into stalls. A bit of hay and oats were put in as well, even though they had all been previously fed. “OK, I'll take the first watch, you two try to get some rest. I'll put out all but a small lantern and wake Connel for the second watch in an hour and a half,” Jalaby said.
