by Shawn Sodman
“That is terrible,” Fernando says. “I cannot imagine what that must have been like.”
“I don't understand,” Allen says, “Why didn't you go back to the Red Dawn?”
“As much as I wanted to,” Red Beard answers, “I did not want to put Ariella in danger. You see, Torgus isn't the only one who can see through those blue orbs. I can, as well as Corthag. If Corthag ever knew that I escaped from that anchor, I'm afraid he would take Ariella hostage until I returned his key.”
“Well, why not return it, then?” Fernando asks. “Is the treasure really worth it?”
“I would if not for one detail,” Red Beard replies. “Torgus and I both gave Corthag our Soul Keeper crystals. I fear he may have put them inside his treasure chest.”
“That would be a problem,” Fernando says.
Marie asks, “Can't he just smash open the chest?”
“That would be suicide,” Red Beard says as he stands up and turns the small treasure chest on the table around to face them. “This is a dwarven lock box. Not only is it forged from the best dwarven iron, it's also enchanted. If you just smashed your way into it, the chest would explode and destroy anything inside. It is the same kind of treasure chest Corthag has. So you see, Corthag needs me to open it, and as long as he thinks I am still at the bottom of the sea, Ariella is safe.”
“Corthag may be still be trapped, himself,” Allen says as Red Beard picks up the chest and places it on the floor.
“I doubt it,” Red Beard replies. “From what I heard, the crew thought he was dead, and only used rope to tie him to a smaller anchor. I'm sure he was able to free himself before I was.”
“So why wouldn't he just return to the Red Dawn?” Allen asks.
“Corthag has no interest in the Red Dawn,” he answers. “He was always trying to convince Torgus and me to trade her in and get a larger ship. Even if he wanted to come back, Torgus is powerful enough to keep him away.”
Fernando says, “If Torgus can protect Ariella on his own, then the two of you should have no problem against him.”
“Possibly,” Red Beard says, “but someone who is desperate may do desperate things, and I am not willing to bet Ariella's life on it. Besides, if I went back, I would be giving up my advantage, the element of surprise. I have been looking for Corthag for quite some time, and when I find him, he'll never see me coming.”
“I understand now,” Fernando says as he stands up. “I do have a request, if it is possible.”
“And what might that be?” Red Beard asks as he strokes the coarse red hair of his beard.
“I was wondering,” Fernando answers, “if I might be able to have Ariella's locket. I plan on returning to her, or should I say I plan on her finding me.”
Red Beard shakes his head and says, “If you were wise, Fernando Greythorn, you would put that cloaking amulet back on and leave here as soon as you can. I was watching through the orbs, and saw what Ariella did to this poor boy here,” he says, pointing to Allen. “She punished him severely, Greythorn, so what do you think she will do to you?”
“I am sorry, Allen,” Fernando says to him. “I had no idea.” He then turns to Red Beard and says, “I know Ariella will be angry with me, but I was hoping that if I returned her locket, and told her that your treasure chest only had a few gold coins, and my sword, that she would accept my apology, and grant me some mercy.”
“If you return with nothing more than her locket and a story,” Red Beard says, “she will have no mercy for you.” He picks up the chest and opens it again. He pulls out a folded parchment and says, “Give her this as well.”
Fernando takes the parchment and asks, “What is this?”
“It is a letter that we found on Ariella’s mother,” Red Beard explains. “We hoped that it would help us find her family, but we had no luck. As far as we could tell, she was in the middle of writing it when the White Feather was attacked. It's not signed, and it ends abruptly. There was a desk not far from where her mother was. I had always planned on giving it to Ariella someday, but never quite found the right time. Perhaps with this letter she will find more peace with her past, but I still don't recommend that you do this,” he says as he holds out the locket. “Take it, Fernando. I'll empty the chest and you can take that to her as well.”
Fernando takes the locket, places it around his neck, and says, “Thank you, sir. I assure you your secret will be safe with me.”
“I believe you, Mr. Greythorn,” he says as he begins to remove gold bars from the chest and stack them on the table. “Allen, I recommend that you take this pretty young girl and get far away from here.”
“Why?” Allen asks.
“I believe in Mr. Greythorn's will-power,” Red Beard explains, “but I doubt you could keep my secret from Ariella.”
“He's right,” Marie says, “we should go.”
“I don't know,” Allen replies.
“Allen,” Fernando says, “take Marie and get her far to the west. The orcneas will be here soon and I know you do not wish to put her in danger.”
“All right,” Allen says as he takes Marie's hand, “we will go back to East Artos. Be careful, Fernando,” he says as he extends his hand.
“You too, my friend,” Fernando says as they shake hands. He turns to Marie and says, “Take good care of him.”
“I will,” she says with a laugh.
Red Beard turns to the goblin and says, “Riktog, would you please see Mr. Allen and this lovely girl out.”
“Yes sir,” Riktog replies. He turns to Allen and says, “If you would please follow me.”
Allen and Marie leave the room as Red Beard continues to stack more gold bars on the table. “There we go,” Red Beard says as he closes the chest. “Now the chest is all yours.”
“Thank you,” Fernando says as he takes the small chest from the table. “That is a lot of gold. Are you planning on buying another ship?”
“Something like that,” Red Beard replies. “I don't mean to be rude, Fernando, but if Torgus is tracking you...”
“Of course,” Fernando replies. “I will be going now. Thank you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Greythorn,” he replies as he offers his hand. Fernando shakes it as Red Beard continues, “Good luck with Ariella. Remember, if she finds out about me, her life could be in danger.”
“I understand,” Fernando replies. “I do have one more question. Wouldn't it be possible for you to search for Corthag with magic just as Torgus can?”
Red Beard laughs and answers, “We were pirates, Mr. Greythorn.” He rolls back his sleeve. “Even though it was very expensive,” he says, pointing to a round tattoo on his forearm, “we all got these to protect us from being tracked. Even the Red Dawn herself is untraceable.”
“Very clever,” Fernando replies. “I see why you are so concerned. Do not worry, I am certain that I convince Ariella that there is nothing more for her to pursue in regards to the treasure.”
“I hope so,” he replies as he walks to the door. He opens it and says, “Goodbye, Mr. Greythorn.”
“Goodbye,” he replies.
Fernando exits and Red Beard closes the door behind him. He says to himself, “I pray to the gods, Mr. Greythorn, that you are right about Ariella. If you are not, she will kill you trying to get the truth.”
Chapter 2
First Night Watch
Beyond the Northwind Range, within the old orcnea territories, Princess Kianna and her group have officially joined forces with the seven sisters of the silver moon and Kristieana. With their combined resources they have six tents. They have set up camp for the evening and even though Kristieana has scouted from above in her eagle form, they decide that there should still be night watches.
“I'll take the first watch,” Garrin says.
“I want to be on watch!” Kelik exclaims eagerly.
“No,” Ya’leigh replies, giving her brother a stern look. “You and Ambra are not going to be on a watch.”
“Sven will take se
cond watch,” Sven says as he pokes at the fire with a long branch.
“I guess that leaves me on third watch,” Isen says.
“Wait, what do you mean by that?” demands Kristieana. “You know we can take watch, too.”
“Sure,” Isen says, “you can keep me company on my shift.”
“That isn't what I meant,” Kristieana snaps.
“I am sure you all can take care of yourselves,” Garrin says, “but I would feel better if there was a man on each shift.”
“How typical,” Kristieana replies angrily. “Fine, I'll get up on the third watch with him,” she says, pointing to Isen.
Evelena says, “I'll take the first watch with Garrin.”
“I'll be on watch with Sven,” Lyra says as she looks up from her book.
Sven says, “Sven and Lyra will make good team.” He smiles at Lyra, who begins to blush before burying her nose in her book once again.
“Yes,” Yentroc says quietly to Lyra, “I am sure the two of you will make a very good team.”
“Stop it,” Lyra says as she lightly slaps Yentroc's arm.
Yentroc laughs as she stands up and says, “I am going to bed now.”
“I think we all should,” Kianna says as she looks at her group.
“We should put the fire out,” says Evelena.
“Agreed,” Garrin nods.
“I'll do it,” Kel'ana says. She holds out her hands high over the flames and as she concentrates the fire quickly dissipates. “I am going to my tent now,” she says. “May your dreams guide you safely to a new day.” Kel'ana heads to her tent, and Ja'noa follows her close behind.
Soon, the others all file into their tents. Sven and Isen take the largest tent as Garrin stays up on watch. Evelena stays up with him.
“I don't know how well we'll be able to see,” Garrin says.
“That's all right,” Evelena replies. “We will have an elf on every watch, as well. We see quite well in the dark.”
“I'm sorry if it seems like I don't trust women on watch,” Garrin says, “but I am not used to women being warriors.”
“I understand,” Evelena replies. “I just hope that by the end of our time together you may see us differently.”
Even though they are no longer in the mountains, the clear sky makes for a chilly night. There are no trees and Evelena is able to see far off into the distance when she climbs on top of a large boulder. Other than a few smaller boulders, she doesn't see anything of interest.
“So how does one become the leader of your group?” Garrin asks. “I assume you are their leader.”
“I am,” Evelena answers as she looks down from the rock. “I was chosen by the elders to be the leader. They said I was the most balanced in combat skills and magic. I can also speak five languages, so they said I was the most qualified.”
“Five languages,” Garrin says, sounding impressed.
“Yes,” Evelena replies as she jumps down from the rock. “I can speak Elven, Common, Dwarven, Goblin, and some Orcneish.”
“Being able to speak the orcnea's language could be very useful,” Garrin says.
“The elders felt that if I was going to be speaking for the group, then I should be the leader.”
“So, no one can challenge you?”
“No, that isn't how it works,” Evelena answers as they begin to walk around the camp. “If they all agreed, they could vote someone else as the leader, but I get along with all of them. There haven't been any problems so far, or at least none that I couldn't deal with. So, how long have you been a guard for the Princess and Chance Na'Moon's children?”
“I have known Chance for a very long time,” Garrin explains. “I moved to Sheathelm after King Arioch took the throne. My daughter, Aria, is good friends with Ya’leigh and Kianna.”
“Where is your daughter now?” Evelena asks.
“She's studying her magic at Dicean,” he replies as they continue to walk the perimeter. “She is taking the advanced classes from the light college, just like her mother once did.”
“She and Lyra should get together sometime,” Evelena says.
Evelena and Garrin continue their patrol for a few hours before waking Sven and Lyra.
“It's cold,” Lyra says as she steps outside the tent.
“But it's much better than the mountains,” Evelena replies.
“Yes,” Lyra says with a laugh. “My coat will keep me warm enough.”
Lyra carries a book with her up to Sven, who is standing on top of the boulder Evelena was looking out from earlier. She climbs the large rock and says, “This should be a good place to watch from.”
“Yes,” Sven says, “but Sven wishes he could see better.”
“I can help you with that,” Lyra replies. “Close your eyes.” Sven closes his eyes and Lyra makes a few incantations with her hands then touches Sven's forehead. “Now open them.”
He opens his eyes and whistles softly, impressed. He can now see as though there are two full moons shining their light over the land. “That is much better, Lyra, thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” she replies.
“Is this how all elves see at night?” he asks as he sits down on a flat portion of the boulder.
“I suppose so,” Lyra replies as she sits next to him. “I don't really know what to compare it to, since our vision is naturally better at night than that of most humans or goliaths.” She opens her book and begins to read.
“What book is that?” Sven asks as he looks down at the pages.
“It's an account of the Second Orcnea War,” she replies. “I'm hoping to find something useful in here about this area.” She reads it a bit more and says, “I'm sorry, did you want something to read?”
“Oh no,” he replies, “Sven is fine.”
“Are you sure?” she asks. “I can get you another book if you wish.”
“Sven does not like to read,” he says.
Lyra ponders for a moment and says, “It's all right, Sven. You don't have to be embarrassed. Most people don't know how to read.”
“Sven knows how to read,” he replies. “Sven just does not—“
“Here,” she says as she leans against him. “I'll read and point to the words, and you can follow along.” She lifts his massive arm and places it over her shoulder as she makes herself comfortable against his warm body. She holds the book out in front of them and begins to read slowly.
Hours pass, and Kristieana wakes up. She exits her tent and looks around for Sven and Lyra. Soon she spots Sven sitting on the boulder. She walks over to them, and when she climbs up she finds Lyra asleep on Sven's lap.
Sven turns to Kristieana and says, “Lyra was showing Sven how to read and fell asleep.” Lyra's head is resting on Sven's thigh as she lies on the ground next to him. Sven's coat is over her like a blanket. Sven gently shakes her and says, “Lyra, it is time to go back to your tent.”
“Did I fall asleep?” Lyra asks as she sits up.
“Only for little while,” Sven answers.
She looks up at Kristieana, who looks unhappy. Embarrassed, Lyra quickly stands up and says, “I am sorry. Sven, you should have woken me.” She hands Sven his coat and picks up the book.
“Sven thought you needed rest,” he says as she climbs down from the rock.
Sven begins to follow her, but Kristieana grabs his arm. “Wait,” she says. “I want to talk with you.”
Sven looks down at Lyra, who is waiting for him. “Goodnight, Lyra.”
Lyra glances at Kristieana, who still looks aggravated. “Goodnight, Sven,” she finally replies. Feeling guilty, she turns and heads back to her tent, knowing Sven is about to be chastised for her mistake.
Kristieana waits for Lyra to get to her tent before saying, “The sun is close to rising already. Your shift should have ended more than an hour ago.”
“Sven must have lost track of time,” he shrugs.
“That's because you were too distracted by Lyra,” she snaps.
“
If you have something you would like to say to Sven, say it.”
“Alright,” she says as she draws herself to within inches of his face. “I already warned you that if you try anything with her I will make you regret it.”
Sven drops his gaze and asks, “Are you finished?”
“No,” she says angrily. “From now on, you will not have any more watches with her. She fell asleep, and you just let her lie there on your lap.”
“She was comfortable.”
“Too comfortable,” Kristieana replies. “I know what kind of man you are, and if you end up hurting her, I am going to hurt you.”
“Sven knows that you do not like him very much. Sven promises that last thing he wants to do is hurt Lyra.”
Kristieana drills her finger into his chest as she says, “Then Sven had better stay away from Lyra.”
“What are you guys talking about?” Isen asks.
Kristieana turns to see him standing at the base of the rock. “Nothing that concerns you,” she says. She turns back to Sven. “Do we understand each other?”
“Yes,” Sven says as he squats down before jumping to the ground. “Goodnight, Isen.”
Sven walks away as Isen replies, “Goodnight Sven.” He climbs up the rock and asks, “What was that all about?”
“It was nothing important,” Kristieana says as she turns around and looks out over the plain. “How well do you know Sven?”
“Pretty well, I guess,” Isen answers. “Why?”
“I just don't know if I trust him around my sisters,” Kristieana says.
“I wouldn't worry about that,” Isen replies. “The first thing he said to me when our groups joined together was that they were off limits.”
“I have met men like him before,” Kristieana says as she sits down. “They're always chasing the women, and never want to stay with only one.”
“That sounds like Sven,” Isen says, “but he wasn't always like that.”
“Oh? We have a couple hours left before sunrise. Why don't you tell me more about him?”
Isen sits down. As they look out over the red eastern horizon, he begins to tell her what he knows about Sven.
Day 13
