by J P Nelson
Although the two teams were some distance apart, each team member was close enough to his mates to be instantly aware of any hand signals. When Rahno suddenly stopped beside a huge tree and held his hand up in clenched fashion, his other three team members froze instantly.
Upon signal, Corad came up to see Rahno’s find. It was a solitary track with a partial impression about the size of a child’s foot, but definitely not human. The sergeant signaled the other two men to bring Dessi back, stat. Soundlessly the men were gone.
When Dessi and his team arrived, he took one look at the track and his expression went to alarm. Looking around the woods he focused back on the track and spoke quietly, “See this outside toe with the one small claw point, then the next looks to be double-wide with two claw points on either side, and these other smaller toes also with single claw points … and no indication of a heel? Men, this is a troll track, and it is maybe two hours old.”
Without saying another word, the attitude of the group went from alert to imminent danger.
One of the men asked, “Gutty? Have you fought trolls?”
“No, but my grandfather has. He fought them with one of the Gohbashai Elf tribes. He told me a lot about them. One dominant trait among all trolls is the feet. Big, small, in between, they all have the same kind of feet, and they walk on their toes, so-to-speak.
“This one may be a pup, but it will be about yay big,” he held his hand to his belt line, “and one this size, even a pup, is maybe three times as strong as the average man. Their claws are perhaps one inch in length, but they can rend flesh like a knife through a rotten sail. They can literally dig their way through a man. The ones back home favor elf, human, and dog meat in that order, and they are cannibals.”
He looked at each man, “They seem cowardly, but are utterly vicious. They attack preferably in groups and can be dumb as a rock or genius smart, depending on variety. My grandfather said some can even use magic. Men,” he paused, “some of them can regenerate on injury, and I mean like really fast. You have to sever things to slow them down. If they have enough food to eat, they can regrow limbs.”
To Corad he said, “Sarge, take your team back to fort. I want all Marines locked and loaded and at full go. Then give the commodore full report. He wants to be ready-launch a week from now, but I may advise sooner.”
He looked around to his own team, “We will complete this mission, see if there are any routes. I have a hunch there are not, but I want to tie this off to be sure.”
Back to Corad, “If we do not return by fall of night, we will not be returning. Any questions anyone?”
There were none.
“Then … let us move.”
There were no routes leading away, but Dessi’s team did find another long-house, blacksmith shop, and barn … rather, they found the burned out remains. Buried in this ruin were the old, charred remains of at least five humans and one very large creature Dessi identified as a troll.
When the team returned, it was nearing dark and the fort was on full alert. Jha’Ley, S’Getti, and a few others listened to Dessi’s full report before saying a word.
He concluded with, “Sir, it is my opinion we should leave immediately. We have no idea how many there may be, but they know we are here. My opinion is to take no chances. My bet is they are what happened to the pirate colony.”
Jha’Ley responded, “I am agreeing with you. Mister Sealer, what knowledge have you of trolls in this part of the world?”
“Very little commodore. They were at war with elves for ages, but were beaten two or three centuries ago. It’s rumored there are three, maybe four types, one is human sized and intelligent. I know they are savage and top of the food chain about the Pel’Fynqiuah Peninsula, and there’s some bad shit in there. If this is a band here, they might be connected, but that would only be a wild guess. I mean, it’s all arctic country, but that may mean nothing. They could be totally separate groups, a different variation even.”
Jha’Ley looked to S’Getti, “What are your thoughts, captain?”
“My thoughts are it is nigh time to cast off. I would t’ruther scuff a wee bit more ice against plow as risk to chance not necessary. Our Marines conclude with straightforward notion, there be no trails bearing course away from our holding. Our dance among these trees is o’er.”
Toagun had a straw in his mouth picking his teeth, “It works for me. I’m running late for a date in Kresses, in any case.”
Rufus asked, “Is the word given, commodore?”
With a nod and a wink, Jha’Ley replied, “Yes, Mister Rufus, the word is given. Let us be packed and into the wind.”
As a camp run according to strict naval discipline with no lax of drill, it was a matter of short order to strike down and ready the ships. Everyone had several hours head start in preparations from time Corad arrived with his report. That which took the longest time was the actual loading of the vessels.
Courses A, B, and C had been outlined long before, with more options discussed besides.
The expedition was still exploring and making intricate maps, but in an easterly direction; a close inspection of the ice barrier was of direct order. Should a passage be found, they would set course for Sterine. If not, they would continue on to map out the Uordak Gulf coastline. Perhaps they might find yet another watercourse. If so, such course may yield way through to so-called Tyr N’Aill.
They dropped the Clyde, put down her keel and raised sail. Lieutenant Dalton was put in command with purpose of breaking way while dragging line at safe depth, ensuring the ships safely sailing as close to shore as possible.
Rufus, Yeau and Jha’Ley were standing at forward port rail when Rufus commented, “It is something, is it not, we are close enough to sink a crossbow bolt upon the shore, yet not drag bottom.”
“Yes, Ru, it is. I believe more than once we have had readings of forty fathoms within one hundred rods.”
Yeau offered, “It iss hahsh, put pwetty.”
“Yes, it is pretty. Of that I must agree.”
They stood quietly for a few moments, then Jha’Ley thought out loud, “I am trying to discern why Old Uncle did not make some kind of reference to this place. Even if he did not sail in here, if the Kelshinua navigated this sea, he would of known of it.”
Yeau offered, “Ssuh, ah haff thought of matt-uh.”
Jha’Ley looked to him with a questioning glance, “And?”
“Suh, begg-ing yuh fam-i-ry’s pah-don, ssur … ah think it wou’d pe safe too asssume theh-uh maht pe a pad oh-ange in the bassket.”
From the time he met Yeau, the commodore had always liked his pleasant demeanor and seeming innocence. He never had a cross word to say and just standing next to him, one could feel the endless source of calm spirit about the man. Jha’Ley wondered, not for the first time, if Yeau had ever lifted a finger in anger or aggravation.
“A bad orange?”
“Ssuh, maht ah implo-ah a quess-tion?”
“Of course, always.”
“Suh, you have own of two map, yess?”
Rufus was thinking as Jha’Ley replied, “That is correct.”
“Suh, ah thuh moah of the map?”
Jha’Ley shifted his stance and replied, “No, Mister Yeau, they are the only ones I know of. These are the originals. To my knowledge, they have never been reproduced.”
Yeau tilted his head in thought, “Nossuh, it iss not my mean-ing … ah thuh moah to sset, ssuh … ah thuh on’y two map of co’ection, ssuh? Cou’d Captain Ui-am haff keep ssome foh to ho’d, ssuh, fouh puh-sson-au gain, ssuh?”
Jha’Ley just stared at his quarter-master.
“Ssuh, it wou’d ansah some quess-tion, ssuh.”
One of the crew hurried up, waited for a pause, then saluted and asked, “Commodore, Chief Yeau?” Looking to Yeau he continued, “Chief, we need your presence down below, sir.”
Yeau looked to Jha’Ley, “Suh, with youh puh-miss-ion …”
“Of course.”
&n
bsp; Jha’Ley watched Yeau put his hand to the man’s shoulder and walk away listening to his report. Thoughts were crossing his mind, thoughts he did not like. Old Uncle had been a hero to him. And the stories he told …
Rufus offered, “He has a point.”
Jha’Ley looked to Rufus and said not a word.
All along the shoreline, the northern edge of Belmond Glacier was prominent, but there were many pockets of trees to be found. Nowhere, however, was there a cove such as they had left. From current observation, Choe had chosen his spot well.
Occasionally diving teams would go down, largely for practice, but at one point Jha’Ley went down one hundred rods from a well wooded point. There was very little slope, from water’s edge the rocky ground went nearly straight down.
At about sixty-seven fathoms, he found a large cave mouth. Jha’Ley was typically curious and began to enter. It was then two large, glowing orbs could be seen, orbs perhaps four or more feet in diameter. The diver hesitated, then realized these orbs were following his movement. The idea crossed his mind these were eyes.
Ever-so-slowly, Jha’Ley reversed his motion. Moving back up, he found Clarise’s ladder.
Several voices asked, “Commodore, what did you find?”
Seedle helped him aboard and had a big grin on his face, “Anything of interest, sir?”
Jha’Ley wrapped himself in offered blankets and sought Telroy, “Uhm … Mister Telroy … let us be off to the east, shall we.”
“Aye sir.”
“And Mister Telroy?”
“Aye sir?”
“Let us be as quick as we can … but …” he drew in his breath, raised his eyebrows, and raised a forefinger out from his wrap, “… as quietly as you can.” He raised up on his feet and bobbed a bit in embellishment as he gritted his teeth, “Like … tip-toe … rapidly.”
Telroy raised his own eyebrows and widened his eyes, just a bit, “Aye, sir.”
Jha’Ley sidled up to Seedle, dipped his head next to the cob and whispered, “Do not raise alarm … but have some weapons covering our stern. I will be in … in my private head.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned to leave, then turned back to Seedle, “Uh-h-h … yes … that is where I will be.”
Seedle turned, and with a raise of his own eyebrows said under his breath, “O-o-o-kay-y-y …”
When the expedition reached the point where the mouth of the sea had been, ice still made barricade all the way across. At select points, away-teams ventured up to check distance across, but there was no good news. Here and there seemed to be holes in the wall, resembling a Swiss Cheese effect. Occasionally ledges and ramp-like formations could be seen.
Two-thirds of the way north along the barricade, they found a lagoon set back in the ice. Jha’Ley felt something peculiar about the current and wanted to do a dive. He and Toagun boarded Clyde and went in. The lagoon took up an area less than three acres, but the depth was nowhere less than fifty fathoms.
All around, the walls were a combination of the Swiss Cheese and a network of ledges and ramps. At the top, protruding over the edge by over two dozen feet, was an overhanging cliff of maybe two hundred feet in height.
Lebracio whistled and muttered, “I would not want to fall from that. The water face would smack as sheet of stone.”
Dalton made comment, “Sir, look … the ledges … they appear to all be connected.”
Toagun patted the edge of the boat and said, “You know, commodore, I bet you could haul one of these up to the top.”
Jha’Ley looked at him.
Toagun shrugged, “You know, five or six men dragging.”
Jha’Ley was still staring at him.
Toagun added, “Of course … you don’t know what’s on the other side.”
They dove.
Down below was a widening funnel of caverns. In some places it was obvious the depth was more than six hundred feet. Suddenly something caught Jha’Ley’s eye. He motioned a return to ship.
At ship’s side he called up, “Mister Seedle, get me a harpoon. Then set teams, one from each ship, to try scaling those walls and see to the top. If success, endeavor to find the Meinkutt side. No split of teams. You are lead, get the climbers, including Mister Caroll. And carry with you an extra set of clothes and gear.
“Mister Rufus, make lend to me that red kerchief about your neck, please sir.”
Seedle asked with incredulity, “Sir?! Where are you going?”
A harpoon was handed to Seedle, who handed it to Jha’Ley as he replied with a malicious smirk, “To the other side.”
Toagun glared, “Not without me you’re no---”
Jha’Ley back-flipped into the water like a bottle-nosed dolphin.
The farther down they had gone, the warmer the water got. He could feel the current flowing into one of the caverns, and small fish were traversing it as well. There could not be current flow without the water going somewhere …
This was fun! Deep into the cavern of ice he went, harpoon held at the ready. For a few moments it became dark, then a prismatic light surrounded him. It was as if the whole of his surrounding was a giant piece of crystal; a crystal with a tunnel big enough for two or three men to swim side-by-side … if they could breath, that is.
Jha’Ley saw many places eroded into this winding tunnel, some of which could house creatures of many kinds. More than once he saw side tunnels which ventured into upward angles. He felt he could spend months down---
Suddenly a gaping mouth full of teeth darted out of one of those side tunnels. With a burst of speed he did his swim-flying thing out of the way. At this point the tunnel was about sixteen feet in diameter. He went around a corkscrewing curve, found yet another of the side tunnels, and ducked in.
The creature had a big head, long neck, whale-shaped body, and a shark-like tail. It went by him with alarming speed. A few moments later, Jha’Ley poked his head back into the main tunnel and almost got it bitten off.
Quickly he thrust his harpoon into the hideous mouth, withdrew and thrust again. There was much thrashing and mingling of blood into the water, but Jha’Ley held on and thrust deeper. Finally the creature entered into its death throes.
Where there was one, there may be another. Looking around and trying to feel out sensations of movement through the water, Jha’Ley continued on. At what seemed to be the end of the tunnel, there was a large tangled substance blocking the light.
At first, Jha’Ley thought it to be an accumulation of seaweed and other aquatic growth. But he was wrong, it was a living creature. He saw some small fish trapped in the tangle. Apparently, it was filtering its food brought forth by the current.
Jha’Ley took pause before continuing on. He was not going to be stopped so close to the outside. Carefully gauging how the seaweed creature was hanging onto the opening, where the gaps were, the amount of room he might could squeeze through, he also took his time to see manner in which fish were captured.
Jha’Ley watched one fish attempt to swim through an opening not quite at center. The fish was almost through when it must have brushed one of the billowing strands. The strand suddenly swelled and engulfed its prey with a type of thin web, then yanked it into the mass with a reeling motion.
‘Great,’ thought Jha’Ley, ‘this ought to be a joy.’
Taking his time, he watched the same effect happen twice more, yet another fish swam through an open area at the tunnel mouth with no challenges.
Collecting his breath, Jha’Ley exploded with a rush of speed to one side of the opening. Swimming with a vortex motion and rotating his harpoon, he rebounded from the tunnel wall about ten feet from the opening, changing direction to the opposite edge.
Moving at about thirty knots, Jha’Ley felt little prickles of numbing pain all about his body as he shot his way through. He felt his limbs and part of his torso slipping into a partial paralysis, but thankfully not unconsciousness as the harpoon slipped from his unfeeling fingers. But he was drifting up … up … up to the light in t
he warm current.
Jha’Ley was on the other side.
Chapter 46
CAPTAIN VILLIAM S’GETTI was not pleased with Jha’Ley diving off on his own like that. Granted, he knew from expedition’s launch to expect such actions. He was not along just to act as second in command, but to lend rational reasoning in an attempt to temper some of the young commodore’s sail-by-the-seat-of-your-pants style.
Admiral Sark had himself put S’Getti in the venture, “Now you watch the fellow, captain. He is a good man but can be impulsive.”
Even though they spent most time on separate vessels, the two had developed a solid friendship. But damn, if sometimes he could fray ones nerves. Not that his ideas were bad, mind you, in fact he rang sometimes of genius, but there was a way to do things. One took time to deliberate, to make council, plan. Jha’Ley had gotten better, but damn.
As the two teams grouped to enter the lagoon, S’Getti himself had his dingy dropped. He had a skill in playing of puzzles, and he wanted to study the network the men were to climb. Perhaps they could save time, a lot of time, by plotting a course upward before commencing the journey.
Indeed, sitting in his boat and spending a couple of hours in study with his telescope, he presented Seedle with a fresh parchment outlining what he believed would be best path.
“It is a labyrinth of upward scale, my dear Mister Seedle. A wager it would be, this should salvage precious time.”
“Aye sir. Many thanks.”
S’Getti sat his post until he saw with satisfaction the hike up the charted trail completed. After the last crewman stepped up and out of sight, Seedle came into view on the edge of the cliff. S’Getti became startled as he put hand to his forehead and murmured, “No … not so close … not so far out on the ledge …”
Seedle waved enthusiastically as S’Getti thought, ‘I shant take surprise to suffer failing of the heart.’ He waved back and ordered his boat return to the Ubank.
Ascending the path was actually simple, if not arduous. Jha’Ley must have taken Sealer seriously of the notion to drag a boat up. They could have scaled much quicker, but not a path for such a potential chore.
