Through the Dark Wood

by Geno Allen

  “My grandfather!” she breathed almost silently.

  In a show for the crowd, Zam took hold of her armor, pulled her close, and held her own blade to her throat. He looked deeply into her eyes and quietly said, “He says he misses you, as do your mother and Tearis.”

  Raine’s eyes grew wide with recognition. Zam looked over her shoulder to the merchant, then back to her. Keeping the blade to her throat, he smiled and motioned for her to drop to her knees. When she did, he asked loudly, “Do you concede?”

  A tear slid down her cheek as she looked deep into Zam's eyes. She could not deny the care she saw there. This young man had a heart like her grandfather’s. The tension in the crowd was palpable. All awaited her response. After a long moment she replied, “I do.” The crowd cheered.

  Zam called out to the merchant, “Good Sir, as I said, I should like to purchase this slave!”

  The merchant shook his head in disbelief at Zam’s victory. “By the prince’s order, three thousand durras is the cost.”

  Sheathing his own blade, Zam reached with his free hand for the satchel of jewels. He tossed the bag to the merchant. “I do not know the exchange, but I am certain there is more than enough. You may return the difference to me when our transaction is complete.”

  Opening the bag, the merchant nodded his wide-eyed agreement. “Aye, my lord.”

  In a solitary moment Zam took in all that had occurred.

  Looking from Raine to the merchant once more, he asked loudly, “Good Sir, what can be done to not simply purchase her, but to grant this slave her freedom?”

  Raine’s heart leapt at the thought. The merchant was startled by it, and the old Coriaeran who had brought Zam to Raine responded. “Pay the price, which is now done, and declare before the peoples that she is free.”

  Zam looked to the merchant. “Have I met your price?”

  “Aye, my lord.”

  Zam looked from Raine to the crowd, his heart swelling as he reached his goal. “Then hear me all who have witnessed our battle. From this day forward, Raine Dorria is no man’s slave, nor shall she ever be again!” He pulled the blade away from Raine’s throat and said with great compassion in his voice, “Rise, Raine Dorria. You are free.”

  She sprang to her feet and threw her arms around his neck.

  Zam was overwhelmed. He had never been hugged so tightly. He had never felt so good. He had completed his task.

  Raine was free.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN: ONCE MORE NORTH

  Night had fallen by the time the sale was complete. The merchant had been kind enough to inform Zam that if he truly wanted Raine free, he would have to see the magistrate in the morning and purchase for her Letters of Right. They would be costly, but having seen the contents of Zam’s satchel, he was sure he could afford it. Once they had been purchased, none could make her a slave again unless so decreed by the king himself.

  Zam expressed his gratitude and turned back to Raine, who was standing nearby, looking at him. Her gaze startled him and pulled on his heart.

  “You know my name, Sir, but when shall I learn the name of my savior? And how it is that you have been trained by my grandfather?”

  Zam smiled, noticing Raine’s voice for the first time. It was entirely pleasing to his ears, almost musical, and it warmed his heart. He bowed as he introduced himself. “I am Zamuel Windwater. I have traveled far to find you. You may call me Zam if you like. That’s what I am called by those for whom I care and to whom I am closest.”

  “Zam,” she said with a tone that said she liked it.

  The old Coriaeran approached. “If you wish a bed for night, you must come.”

  Zam was surprised when Raine turned to follow the old man. The man urged Zam, “Come... to least unsavory inn at market.”

  Both Zam and Raine longed for rest, and there was something very pleasant about the old man, so Zam followed. He learned the aged Coriaeran’s name was Jairis Tan. He was a servant of the royal house of Coriaer, and had acted as a sort of chaperone for Raine on the long sea journey home.

  “You two have place each other at edge of exhaustion from fight,” he said as they entered the inn. Pointing to the innkeeper, he told Zam, “I negotiate price, you pay for lodging.”

  Raine reassured Zam. “Jairis is a trustworthy man. He is a large part of why you found me unharmed.” Zam agreed and Jairis approached the innkeeper to make arrangements for their rooms.

  Several of the lords and ladies who loitered in the main hall, taking respite from the crudities of the market, had witnessed Zam and Raine's battle. As such many of those present were surprised when Zam paid the hefty price for more than one room.

  When Zam came to pay, the innkeeper asked, “You really want two rooms?”

  “Yes, Sir. And for the lady a room with a door that locks.” The innkeeper nodded and led them toward the stairs.

  It seemed forever to simply cross the room. Zam was acutely aware of, and uncomfortable with, all the eyes that watched as they passed. Some, he was sure, assumed the second room was merely for show, but some looked on and saw the truth, which caused them to wonder at his honorable choice.

  Once on the second floor the innkeeper led them to their rooms, midway down a long wooden hallway. Here Jairis had resided while Raine slept among the slaves. He had both threatened and bribed a kindly soldier to ensure that Raine would remain safe through the nights, but no longer would that be necessary. The innkeeper gave Raine and Zam the rooms on either side of Jairis.

  “You two take rest, but not sleep,” Jairis said. “I find you food and return soon.”

  Zam realized he was incredibly hungry.

  Raine smiled at the old man as she had done many times in the last two years. “Thank you Jairis.”

  Jairis simply bowed and turned to Zam. “Nom sai ry’ar coderik. The honorable heart stays true.” With that he turned to leave.

  Zam thought that a polite way of reminding him to act honorably toward the young woman he had freed. The two of them spent an awkward moment there in the hall.

  Raine finally said, “I want to thank you, Zam, for what you have done for me, and for my family.”

  Zam smiled humbly. “Your family is very much in my love. They have taught me so much. And the way your mother nursed me back to health after my encounter with the dragon... I have never known such care.”

  “Dragon?” Raine asked with great curiosity.

  Zam half-wished he hadn't said the word. “Yes. That is one part of the tale that led me to find you.” He fumbled for words. “But... I… would rather discuss such things at a later time.”

  She stared at him inquisitively. “I suppose I can wait to hear the tale, but I hope you do not make me wait too long.”

  “I won’t. You have my word.” Just then a thought Zam had not considered before flashed through his mind. His countenance dropped. “Raine….”

  “Yes?” she said enthusiastically then noticed the change.

  Zam took a deep breath. “You are free now, and free to do as you please… but I have a request I should like to ask of you.”

  She smiled and said warmly, “There are few things I can imagine I would deny you. What is your request, Zam?”

  Just then a rowdy so-called nobleman came staggering down the hall with a bedding wench in tow. Raine and Zam stepped into her room to avoid the unpleasant couple. Zam found a low chair and Raine sat at the end of the bed.

  “What is your request?” she asked again.

  Zam thought hard about how to explain and chose the most direct route. “I need you to come with me to free another friend before we return to your family.” He paused and sighed. “I know you have been gone long, and I am sure you desire to see your family, but–”

  “Done. I will go with you.”

  Zam looked up and caught her eye. “But you don’t know the peril.”

  “You have risked something, I am sure, to save me. And I vow to return the gesture.” She had a heart just like her mother’s and
Galwen’s.

  Zam was impressed again, but he couldn't let her make such a statement without understanding. “Don’t vow yet. I haven't explained.” He stood and paced as he spoke. “I know the tale of how you became a slave. And I must explain, it is the daughter of Lord Neereth of Knighton who holds my friend, and she desires to meet the girl whose reputation alone led me to travel through Darlandis.”

  It took a moment longer than he expected for the look of shock to cross Raine's face. Though, her response was not what he expected as her voice filled with awe. “You passed through Darlandis to find me?”

  Zam furrowed his brow a bit. “It was the only way to reach you in time. Had I traveled the main roads, I would have been trapped in some place called The Heights until spring, if I survived at all. But that was not the point.” He paused then added uneasily. “Did you not hear that it is Tara Neereth who holds my friend? Could that not mean danger for you?”

  Raine was grateful for Zam’s concern. “I have not met Lord Neereth’s daughter. She was away in Artolis when I resided in her father’s house, and she was not present when her brother Tantus died. I will simply hope and trust that she will likewise not know me, and if she does that she will not seek vengeance. Elyon will decide for me in either case.”

  Her heart was proving to be all her family had described. Zam was about to respond when the door slowly opened. Jairis had returned. He looked at Zam with displeasure. “Not honor to sit alone with lady in bedroom, Zam Windwater”

  Zam bowed in apology as Raine responded. “It is well, Jairis. We entered to avoid a lewd man and his wench who were lurking in the hall. Zam has behaved honorably toward me.”

  Jairis looked from Zam to Raine and back. “Then… no honor lost, noble Zam.” He brightened. “Come, table in my room for to eat.”

  The three of them made their way to Jairis’ room which was quite larger and of a royal standard compared to Raine’s. There they sat and ate. As the meal passed, Zam and Raine’s exhaustion increased until both truly required sleep.

  At last Jairis said, “Your courtesy has been full, young ones.” he smiled. “If tired, then go to rooms and bed for sleep.”

  They both politely thanked Jairis for the meal and made their way to the hall. Zam was overwhelmed with caution at the thought of leaving Raine alone. “I will stand guard at your door.”

  “You need rest as much as I.” She examined the door. “See? It locks.”

  Zam consented to take his leave, providing she take his dragon dagger and keep it close at hand. She agreed, and with that he was content to make his way to his own bed where he fell fast asleep. All else would await the morning.

  When morning came they went to see the magistrate and purchased Raine’s Letters of Right. It was a deeply emotional moment for both of them when Zam, literally, handed Raine her freedom. She was saddened that Jairis was not present to witness it. He had left early in the morning and, as they prepared to leave, he was nowhere to be found. Zam explained the details of Griss’ captivity, and Raine was very much impressed with the valor of Zam’s friend.

  As they talked about what to expect when they reached Valkiliar, Raine was pleased to hear Guardian Corben was stationed there. She looked forward to thanking him for saving her life, and to assuring him that his actions had saved her life and sent her where Elyon intended her to go.

  An hour passed and Jairis had still not appeared. Raine and Zam stood outside the inn. The morning was crisp and a light fog formed around their words when they spoke. The lanes and paths of both the market and Slavetowne were relatively untraveled at this hour, mostly because many of those who had been carousing the prior evening were still sleeping off the previous day’s revelry. The atmosphere of the market seemed far less oppressive in the still of the morning.

  Raine tightened a strap on the pack she would have to carry. “I know we are pressed for time to rescue your friend and that we must go, but I’m sorry I'll not get to say goodbye to Jairis. He has been such a friend to me during my time in Coriaer.”

  Zam understood her feelings and was sorry as well that she would have to leave without saying goodbye to so important a friend. But if they did not leave soon they would be forced to walk through the night once more. Zam was about to say something to this effect, when a familiar voice called out to them in broken Cairemian.

  “Zam Windwater leave too soon! Raine Dorria not receive gift yet.” Jairis Tan was riding up the lane on a very regal steed. In his hand were the reigns of two more horses, both looking like royalty among their breed. Their coats had been dyed in Coriaeran fashion with symbols and words to proclaim the honor of their riders. Jairis smiled broadly. “Prince Jarmiel make Jairis promise, if good man claim Raine, a gift be made that benefit both. Here I give Teller and Ox. Not as magnificent as Coriaeran steeds, but valorous and noble in their kind.” He climbed down from his stallion and led the other horses to Zam and Raine.

  He handed the reins of Teller to Zam and Ox to Raine. The horses seemed well fit to their new masters. Raine took Jairis’ hand and held it to her cheek as she would her own grandfather. A tear made its way to his hand at the thought of parting ways. Jairis simply smiled in a way that spoke of his own sorrow and bowed his head, touching his forehead to hers, resting there a moment. Then the beloved old man turned, clasped hands with Zam, and bowed.

  “Thank you, Jairis. I am sure your friendship has brought protection to Raine, and that brings joy to my heart. It will soon bring joy to her family’s hearts as well.”

  An odd look passed over Jairis. “Does not Raine continue on path with Zam Windwater?”

  Zam thought that a curious question. “She does.”

  “Then family not receive joy sooner, but later. Both have more travel north.”

  Raine was curious too. “What do you mean, Jairis?”

  “Northward must go. Kindly messenger give scroll for noble Zam.”

  Zam was a little startled by that. “A messenger? What was the messenger’s name?”

  Jairis reached into his purse and pulled out a small scroll nearly identical to the one Zam had received what now felt like a lifetime ago. “He not say his name. Lordly he was. He say Jairis meet him again someday. He say Zam Windwater know his pen.” Jairis handed the scroll to Zam who quickly opened it and read:

  Travel once more north, young one. There are beasts at another’s borders, and, yes. They do wish you harm, but their darkest thoughts are bent toward the ones to whom I send you.

  These beasts must be faced. They must not acquire their quarry. You will understand in time. Take the help I have provided you and free your friend.

  And, Zam, fear not those who join your quest unexpectedly. They are with you of my purpose. Treasures you have found, yet greater stores lie hidden still. You will hear from me again.

  ~ Elyon

  Zam whispered the name, “Elyon?” Zam looked at Jairis and at the scroll agian. It was Elyon’s pen, not Graffeon’s.

  Raine looked at the scroll. “What does it mean, Zam?”

  He marveled a moment still. Elyon himself delivered the message?

  “Zam?” Raine asked again, bringing his thoughts back.

  He shook his head. “It means I cannot follow you home to Rivertowne, and as Galwen believed, my quest is not complete. I did not think I should leave you to travel home without me, but–”

  “I will not.” she said abruptly. “I will travel with you.”

  Zam thought about the perils he had faced thus far and did not wish Raine to face any such danger herself. “No. I will not have it.” He turned to the old Coriaeran. “Friend, Jairis, you have protected Raine many months. In different times I would not ask such a thing, but could you be persuaded to travel south with Raine to Rivertowne and see her safely home?”

  Taking a firmly disapproving, crossed-arm stance—and showing a hint of her youth—Raine said, “Good Sirs, I do have a say in this.”

  Jairis replied to Zam as if Raine had not spoken. “I do travel
south, Zam Windwater.” Zam—also showing a hint of his youth—crossed his arms and looked at Raine with the confidence of one who is getting his way.

  But Jairis continued, “Though I not travel with Raine. Kindly messenger asked Jairis tell Raine’s family she is free and travels north with noble Windwater to greater deed.”

  All of the wind was knocked from Zam’s sails. He wanted to protest and Raine read it on his face. She let her cross-armed stance slowly drop and said softly, “I am no man’s slave. Those were your words. I will decide for myself, Zam. And I say I will follow you on your quest until it is accomplished.”

  Shadows of fear and memories of danger passed through Zam’s mind, but before he could speak, Raine said again, “I will follow you on your quest until it is accomplished, no matter the danger. You passed through Darlandis to find me. Until that deed has been repaid, I will walk with you.”

  Jairis said, “That is honorable.”

  Zam tried in vain to think of some way to dissuade her, but he could not. At last he said, “It is honorable.” then he half smiled, “Most likely foolish, but honorable... yet hear me when I say this,” he looked Raine solidly in the eye. “There is no need for repayment.”

  Jairis said, “That too is honorable.”

  Raine smiled, not because she had won, but because she appreciated Zam’s sentiment and genuinely looked forward to traveling with him. That look disarmed him, and had he tried to speak, he would have been tongue tied.

  Knowing full well the answer, she asked, “Then it’s decided?”

  Conceding with a smile, he nodded. “It is decided.”

  Zam loaded up the horses as Raine and Jairis said their emotional goodbyes. Jairis would await the first sign that the heights were thawing and set out for Rivertowne to deliver both Elyon’s message and Raine’s love to her family. Zam and Raine would make for Valkiliar to free Griss and once more face the unknown.

  It was time to go. They mounted up and soon passed through the gates of the slave market. Truth be told, Zam was very glad to have company on the road once more, especially Raine’s company. Her presence, and the fact that she truly had been there in the market for him to find and free, brought a comfort to him that he could not explain. He only hoped he would be able to keep her safe in whatever dangers lay ahead. As he pondered these things, a voice whispered in the background of his thoughts, soothing his fears: Raine is a warrior.