by Bill Mays
“I’m not sure I understand?” The big man was growing a little uncomfortable. Had they chosen the wrong man to reveal themselves to?
“Catch up, snail brain!” Ado giggled. “It’s a good-sized, port town sitting halfway between the Barrick Isles and Drackmoore. It’s probably teaming with smugglers and pirates.” Tark glared at Ado and the gremlin backed away, ready to fly.
“Your little friend is right. The noble and artsy people of Villinsk would never think of coming here for safety, even though we have the sea to guard our backs and Learianna’s blessings watching over us, those pompous fools.” He raised the large, rune-covered seashell hanging about his neck to his lips and kissed it. “You asked about the status. We are pretty much keepin’ ourselves afloat here. The ports are open for all. Most of the finer folk fled for the capital over a month ago. Hell, even the other temples in town have closed their doors and fled. Though we’re not as busy or populated as normal, the people are going on with their lives. Nothing comes too cheap these days. Oh, and always remember to watch your backs when in the streets. You’re big enough to scare most of them away so I’m guessin’ you won’t have any trouble. But, times are hard and some folks will do anything to support their families. Just avoid eye contact and be direct about what you want. Other than that, I don’t have much advice for you. You can bet we’ll probably survive this war without trouble. Whoever wins will just take over the trade routes and life will go back like it was, I’m prayin’. If you’re needin’ passage to someplace in particular without headin’ back through that mess to the south, then here’s the place to find it.”
Tark was surprised to hear that the man sounded unconcerned with the outcome of the war, but he figured he was an outsider and it was none of his business one way or the other. “Is there an inn you’d recommend?” Tark asked after a pause.
“Not anymore. The good ones closed up,” Belrrus replied evenly. “There are extra cots on the second level of this tower. You’re more than welcome to stay for a couple of days while your friend recovers.”
The gladiator nodded, drew out his coin purse and handed the priest a gold coin. His bag was beginning to lighten considerably. “We owe you this much at least,” he whispered.
Belrrus accepted the donation, took a second to bite the coin, and then grinned back happily. “Your offerin’ is greatly appreciated by the temple, son. You have Learianna’s blessings.”
* * * * * * * * * *
It was late when Tark, an invisible Ado, and a disguised Nivit left the light tower in search of food and supplies. He kept the old priest’s warnings in his thoughts as he searched for the best place to try out. After a little searching, he located a tavern with a small supply store adjoining it. That was exactly what they needed. It was also less populated than most of the other establishments they passed. It appeared that in times of trouble, Seaside’s populace turned to ale and beer for support. Tark sucked in a breath, puffed out his big chest, and walked into the warm room as if he owned the world. This was just like entering the arena, he thought. He was careful to avoid eye contact and kept a scowl on his face. Hopefully, it would be enough to ward off any trouble.
Maybe ten people sat about the room. Some were at the bar, and others were at tables. The mood was quiet, almost somber. There were at least two other people here dining alone, judging by appearances. A greasy-looking man with a pug nose, large belly, and a well-worn apron ran the establishment. Tark had not bothered to notice the tavern’s name. There was also a portly young woman, working as a barmaid. It was probably the owner’s daughter for she had some of his less attractive features, including the pug nose. As the gladiator claimed a seat at an unoccupied table, the barmaid was practically in his lap. It was clear she had been working, and sweating, all night from the odor that filtered up from under her arms.
“Haven’t seen you around before,” she smiled as she leaned over him suggestively.
The girl was round in build with an impressively large chest that she let hang in his face. The neckline of her dress left little to the imagination. Her short, curly brown hair bobbed up and down as she moved and her teeth grew in various directions. Her smile was a smile to keep well hidden, though evidently nobody ever told her that.
“Just passing through,” Tark replied evenly.
“You’re a nice piece of muscle,” the girl giggled as she draped an arm around the big man’s neck and squeezed one of his arms. She almost knocked off the bluebird that was Nivit in the process, and that awful smell wafted from beneath her arms to his nostrils.
The fairy was quite put off by the display not to mention the smell. The way the round woman giggled and flaunted her unattractive body and smile was sickening. This girl was like a rude, ugly, and smelly version of Lilelee. What did this woman think she was doing crawling all over Mr. Tark? Nivit could see that Tark felt the same way. The bluebird pecked her hand and chirped angrily.
“Ouch!” The barmaid pulled back quickly, and then waved away a concerned look from the owner. “Your little bird bites,” she pouted.
“Yes,” Tark restrained a chuckle. “She can be a bit overprotective.”
“Aint never seen no one with a bluebird as a pet. I’ve seen plenty of parrots, a couple of blackbirds, a hawk and even an owl, but never a plain old bluebird.”
“She’s a special bluebird, but I came here for food and supplies, not conversation,” Tark clarified curtly. Nivit chirped loudly as if to second that statement.
“Right, just passin’ through,” the pug-nosed girl grinned. “Too bad.” The barmaid took his food order and promised to return and get a list of supplies that would be collected from the shop while he ate.
“Repulsive wench. She looks like she has orcish heritage,” Ado giggled once the girl had moved out of earshot. “You sure do know how to attract them, and such a lovely fragrance.”
“Just keep an eye on the room for me you two, while I settle with our supplies. I don’t want any trouble, is that understood?” Tark whispered harshly. Nivit chirped and Ado giggled.
“You already have at least four sets of eyes on you as it is. I suggest you be careful when flashing around that gold purse of yours,” Ado whispered. “I also sense magic in here, though I can’t quite pinpoint it.”
“Keep trying, and guard up everyone,” Tark grumbled. He did not like the thought of having to deal with anymore magic.
His large meal came and all three companions indulged themselves once it was clear their admirers were content just watching from afar. Ado had narrowed the magical presence down to the tall, redheaded woman at the back table, her dwarf companion, or both. Magic was coming from their corner and they were definitely two of Tark’s biggest admirers. Once he paid for his supplies, Tark exited the tavern. As he left the room, he quickly slipped around into a side alley and waited. Just as he expected, the tall, redheaded woman and her stout dwarf companion were close behind. The two exited the tavern then stopped in the open streets scanning both directions. Upon closer inspection, they both looked familiar to the gladiator though he could not remember why.
“Are ye sure about that one?” The dwarf grunted doubtfully as he stroked his long braided beard. The stout little man kept a steady scowl. “He don’t look so important to me.”
“Fairly sure,” the tall woman responded in an odd accent. She was pretty in a dangerous and exotic way.
“Looks like he’s gone now,” the dwarf shrugged. “Maybe we should tell the boss?”
The woman pondered the thought for a moment. “Maybe…”
Tark waited for the pair to leave. He considered following them, but decided it best to just take shelter and hold out for Herrin’s recovery.
“What is it this time?” Ado huffed. “Are the pirates of the ports after us, too? Perhaps it’s just the city militia that wants to string us up. Or wait, maybe it’s a new sect of evil doers devoted to hunting us down. Why should this town be any different from all the others?”
“Shut
up!” Tark snapped. “Let’s just get back to the lighthouse and talk to the priest. Maybe he’ll know something.”
The big man could feel his anxiety returning. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore was deafening. He could hear the laughter, music, and conversation spilling forth from the many taverns. The calls of night birds roared in his ears. The jumble of noise was causing his head to ache.
“I could follow them?” Nivit, back in her fairy form, offered.
“No!” Tark growled. “We head back to the lighthouse! I told you both, I want no trouble here!” The girl nodded sadly and switched back into a bluebird.
When they reached the tower, Belrrus had already retired for the evening. This left them no choice but to do the same. The priest had his routine and Tark could not justify waking the helpful old man for answers to questions that could hold until morning.
* * * * * * * * * *
Morning seemed to take forever to come around for the restless gladiator. Tark’s mind reeled from all the images that flashed through his head and the many thoughts that plagued him. Without Herrin, they were as good as lost again. Only the sage could translate the ancient writings she carried. There were the reivers, their fanatics, and the orc army to worry about should they need to venture south. He wondered how Kandair was faring against the dark land army. No matter where his worries led him, the images kept shifting and twisting. Tark had begun to feel an eerie presence in his dreams. For some unknown reason, he knew it was the Dark Lord, Meiron, searching for him. What had become of his friends? Their faces came to his mind often, especially Dalia. He could only hope they had managed to escape the borders of the spreading wars. Now he had others interested in him, but who were they and what did they want? It was all getting to be too much for the mentally weary gladiator.
Tark pulled himself up from the chair where he rested on the cluttered first floor of the tower. He stretched away a knot in his back. The big man was not going to chance any late night visitors. He kept watch over the front door to the temple tower all night long. The first rays of day were beginning to shoot in through the sparse windows of the lighthouse.
“You’re an early riser?” Belrrus greeted the warrior as he descended the spiral stairway leading up into the tower.
“I don’t sleep much,” Tark replied honestly.
“But you should still be resting,” a weak but motherly voice coughed out from the far end of the room. It was Herrin. The woman pulled herself to a sitting position on the worn mattress.
“I knew that one had a strong spirit,” Belrrus beamed. The old priest kissed his seashell again. “Thank you for your blessings, Learianna, Mistress of the Sea,” he whispered.
Tark rushed to the woman’s bedside, as did the priest. “Herrin, you’re awake!” The big man could not hide his pleasantly surprised expression. “I’m so glad to hear your voice again. You had us worried.”
“You didn’t think I was going to abandon you on your quest so soon, did you? We just started getting somewhere. I hate to leave a project unfinished. Where are the little ones? They saved my life, I thought I was gone for sure when that creature grabbed me,” she coughed weakly. “I got him, though! He didn’t know what hit him when he started absorbing that shrinking vapor,” she chuckled. “They eat energy, magical energy in particular. Curious creatures, those reivers.” Herrin broke into a coughing fit.
“Lady, you should save your strength for now. Your body suffered a terrible trauma. Visitin’ can wait.” Belrrus left little room for argument. “First you must eat and regain some strength. We aren’t as young as this boy, and it does make a big difference, you know.”
Herrin accepted the advice, though there was a hint of insult in her mannerisms. How dare this old man compare their ages? He had to be at least ten or fifteen years older than she was. Tark caught the woman’s vibe, but he did not have the guts to tell her she had aged nearly that much in appearance since escaping the reiver’s grasp. Despite Belrrus’ best efforts at keeping the woman resting, Nivit’s chattering and Ado’s constant questions were always disturbing the bedridden sage. It was clear to the priest that they were all happy to have their companion back. It gave him a good feeling in his heart to help bring such joy to the odd group of travelers. It was at times like these when he remembered why he followed the lonely calling of the priesthood. After a short debate about the identity of the strange pair that followed Tark from the tavern, Belrrus decided enough was enough.
“There are a number of reasons those two could have been interested in you. Maybe they saw you spendin’ coin. Maybe they need a big man for their crew. Maybe the maiden just took a fancy to you. As for the dwarf, Gurdail rests on an island not too far northeast of here. Dwarves are not uncommon in Seaside. I am sure of one thing, though. This lovely woman will never recover if you people don’t let her rest!” He shouted. “Get upstairs, or outside! You can’t stay here!” The priest demanded shooing them all away from Herrin’s bed.
They were a little surprised by the command, but the words held wisdom. The three companions shuffled out the door and into the cool, salty air. Tark again caught himself staring out at the vast Sorohl Sea. He felt so calm. He wandered nearer to the waves crashing against the rocks of shore. The big man sat on a large boulder overlooking the docks for some time, just taking in the scenery. Ado sat quietly on one of Tark’s shoulders and Nivit on the other. It was a time of contemplation for all three. Where were their lives taking them?
- Chapter 25 -
Out to Sea
The docks of Seaside constantly bustled with activity. It did not matter that over half of the port town’s traffic was driven away by the threat of the war. Even with its reduced amenities, the docks here offered a better stop than either of the ports nearby did. Drackmoore’s bay was off limits to most, and the dwarf isle of Gurdail had grown strangely quiet as of late. Without many choices, Seaside became the favored stop for current information and supplies.
After being kicked out of the lighthouse temple by the old priest, Belrrus, Tark and his tiny companions spent a good deal of time in silence. They sat together, just watching the ships come and go as the sun rose high into the sky. Eventually, Nivit returned to check on Herrin while Ado disappeared to cause who knew what kind of trouble. He mentioned something about being hungry before he vanished from sight. The gladiator remained alone on his boulder overlooking the docks. He was simply entranced by the sea. The waves seemed to call out to him, begging him to join them. That thought was a bit disturbing. Spending his life in the mountains and then as a slave of Drackmoore, Tark had not even set foot in the sea before. It was not too long after his little friends left that he spotted a familiar pair of faces. It was the dwarf and the exotic redhaired woman from the night before. The two strolled casually from the port to enter the town. Tark chastised himself for not paying closer attention. He had all but forgotten about the odd pair. He might have been able to locate which ship they had come from and thus would have gained a little more information on them, if he had been more alert. With nothing else to do, the gladiator went against his better judgment and decided to follow them. He felt a sudden flare of adventurous energy course through his veins. The strange vigor came to him out of nowhere. His mind raced with possibilities. Better to stalk them before they could stalk me, he thought. He gripped the pulsing gem beneath his leather jerkin for a bit of its calming energy as he cast one last wistful glance at the crashing waves.
“I just need to stay out of trouble,” he whispered to himself as he took up a slow and cautious pace.
The dwarf and the human woman lacked any discernable direction. The pair wandered about the streets aimlessly, it seemed. Tark was beginning to wonder if he was not just wasting his time. Maybe the priest was right about them. It did not look as if they were out to find him or anything else besides a little casual entertainment. They eventually came to a tavern where they stopped for a drink. The sun was bright and the sky was clear. Its warm rays had a way
of washing away the coolness of the sea’s breeze. Tark began to feel thirsty himself. A drink sounded good right about now. The tavern stop was more at the dwarf’s insistence. The stout little man did not seem to be a big fan of wandering either. The woman, on the other hand, was content to study the town and its people.
“Now what do I do?” The gladiator mumbled under his breath as he rested just out of direct sight from the tavern doors. He could not exactly enter unless he was planning to confront the pair. “Why am I even here? I should just take my own advice and return to the lighthouse,” he grumbled.
“I agree,” a squeaky voice giggled out of nowhere. “You always know how to attract trouble.”
The unexpected speech startled Tark at first, but he was growing accustomed to the always hidden gremlin’s presence. He quickly realized Ado had joined him. He could also hear the distinctive sound of the little man crunching on an apple.
“You’re invisible,” Tark grinned as a plan formed behind his dark eyes.
“Oh no!” Ado protested between bites. “I’m not a scout or a spy. I’m a tremlin mage. How many times do I have to explain that to you? Your head is thicker than it looks! It simply goes against tremlin nature to put oneself into a dangerous situation.”
“It’s just a common tavern in the middle of the day. This is the kind of place you would go on your own. Don’t gremlins like to cause trouble in taverns? Do a little eavesdropping and see what you can find out. Those two will never even know you’re there, besides I’m sure Nivit would do it …” He let the last comment hang in the air, hoping it would push the gremlin into compliance. He knew the little mage hated to be outdone by the fairy.
