by LeRoy Clary
Anna asked herself how could the general who had stopped, be even more stupid. Did following military orders, remove part of the brain? No, he would probably continue to do his duty, but think about her words, and might even relocate part of the troops as a result.
She checked with each of them and found all were ready to depart early in the morning if they moved slowly. Carrion wanted to remain a few more days but said that he would relocate the dragon farther off the road, out of sight. He believed he would rejoin them in no more than three days.
After a quick meal in the morning, they watched Carrion’s dragon stand and test its wings. One tear was larger and appeared red and raw, but the other two smaller tears already seemed to have partially healed, however, Anna could still see through them. The dragon flapped them slowly and managed to fly, but each downstroke looked painful to her. It flew east, into the forest of tangled brush and stunted trees. Carrion already had his belongings packed and headed after it, waving for the last time but offering no words.
“You two are a lot alike,” Anna observed.
“I know. But I’m prettier.” Raymer hefted his backpack and moved to the edge of the road with the others. His dragon moved tenderly on the foot that had the most damage, but when it took wing it flew normally. Raymer must have touched minds because he murmured, “That’s it. Now find a cliff to sit on. Rest.”
They walked on the road, Thief at Anna’s side, while Tanner and Raymer followed. Thief kept stealing glances at her. Finally, she leaned closer and said, “What is it?”
“Will we fight more dragons?”
“No. I mean, maybe, but not like we did before. Actually, I don’t know.”
“No is a good answer,” Thief declared after thinking about it for perhaps the time it took to take ten steps.
Anna turned to him. “It’s the best I have.”
“Where are we going?” Thief asked, although he had heard them talking the night before.
“First to a fishing village called Racine. We’ll find a ship there, or wait for it to arrive, and then we’ll sail across the Endless Sea.”
“Endless?”
She chuckled, “By the time we get there, we’ll probably think so. You don’t have to go. I can put you in a room at an inn, and you can wait for us to return. Boats are not the most pleasant things to travel on.”
“You have been on one?”
“I have. Just a short one, but I found it interesting. Maybe that’s because I never sailed to a place so far away that is filled with people who want our lands. No, that’s probably not true. Without knowing for sure, I suspect the average person in Breslau does not want our lands, and they do not hate us.” She screwed up her face as if to say that she didn’t know the answer to most of the questions he was asking.
“Then why should we go there?”
“They have a king. Maybe a queen. And lots of people, from what I understand. Too many people to feed with the little slice of land they have, so they want to come here where there is more land to farm.”
They walked in silence as Thief considered her explanation. Anna held back a smile. She knew another question was coming. And she suspected she knew what it would be, although she didn’t know the precise words.
Thief waved his arms wide, encompassing all the land to either side of the road, and not a house, farm, or building in sight. “We could give them this.”
“I knew you’d say something logical and sensible like that. And you’re right except for one thing. Instead of asking, they are taking. They sent those green dragons ahead, and they are coming in ships, with swords waving and arrows flying.”
They continued, with her wondering what his next words would be. He didn’t disappoint. “They are like you and me.”
“How is that?”
“In the Drylands. You thought I was taking what belonged to you. Then you freely gave me food and my new knife.”
Anna said, “I don’t see your point.”
“If I tried to take food and knife from you, we would fight. But you are free to give.”
“Yes, but there’s more. In your example, they want my food and knife, and they will kill me to get it. Then they will kill my friends and family and take my lands. They will make new laws, and their army will make sure we obey, or they will kill all of us.”
Thief walked for a long time before speaking again. “While they are here taking our lands we could take theirs.”
The idea was so ridiculous she snorted and started to explain, but the words didn’t come. Thief was maybe right. She pulled to a stop and turned. “Tanner, when you were in Breslau, you said there were three fleets of ships, each with soldiers training to man them? I mean the soldiers were all going on the ships?”
“From what we saw, that’s right. I’d guess every man of fighting age, they could enlist, was ready to climb on the ships.”
“Thief just asked me a good question. If they are all coming here, who is guarding Breslau?”
Raymer’s mouth twitched as he tried to hold in a laugh—and failed. He bent over and laughed so hard the others watched him as if he’d turned daft. When he regained control of himself somewhat, he took a step forward until he was standing only a step away, then he knelt and bowed his head. “For the smartest woman, I know.”
“Get up and stop fooling around.”
“As you wish.” He stood, but said, “I was not teasing. You have put your finger on their greatest weakness. Now it is up to us to exploit it. Imagine them sailing to Shrewsbury while our ships sail to Breslau and we capture their Royalty.”
Tanner gazed off into the distance. “It could be done. . .”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
They started walking again, heading for Racine, each lost in their own thoughts. Anna said, “It was Thief’s idea.”
Raymer said, “However this works out, the tales I’ll spread until my last days, will make him the hero of Princeton. Even the King will want to receive him. But you will be at his side.”
“No, I don’t want to be.”
Raymer lost his ever-present grin. “And that, young lady, is why you’re the best commander I’ve ever worked for. My father once told me never to follow anyone who wanted power. Follow the one who has power thrust upon him. In this case, her, but you see what I mean.”
Tanner, not to be outdone, said, “I will also spread the tales of how you fought and conquered Breslau, and what you must understand is that the better the stories, the more free wine will flow into my mug.”
Anna scowled, trying to think of something to reply. The best she came up with was to tell them, “Dead men do not spread tales.”
For some reason that made them both laugh for so long, they were almost at the top of the hill that rose above Racine before they calmed. The travel had been through farmlands all day, with sheep, pigs, goats, and chickens at almost all. The men in the fields tossed them friendly waves. The women paused to nod or wave and sometimes pass a few words. Dogs barked, travelers passed them in both directions, and crows sat on fences watching for anything to steal.
The road wound over, and around the hills, until at last they stood at the top of one with Racine spread below, what there was of it. Racine was larger than Shrewsbury, but then nearly all towns were. It had a few docks with ships at them. Other ships were anchored. And on the upper end of the bay were the boats and working docks of the fishing fleet.
While the hills were fairly barren of trees, someone had planted several a few steps down the slope where the view was best. They provided shade and three sturdy benches made of split logs were positioned for sitting and enjoying.
A young couple occupied one bench and appeared to wish to be alone, but the young man, not much older than a boy, stood and welcomed them with polite manners. “Can I help you with anything? Or do you want to sit and rest?”
Raymer said, “Would you be offended if I wanted to sit with your beautiful girl?”
Stuttering, the boy drew himself up and sai
d, “Well . .Yes, I would.”
“I don’t blame you a bit. We’re in a bit of a hurry so we cannot linger.” Raymer turned to the girl, “If he does not treat you well, come find me.” He winked at them both, and they were laughing together as the four strangers walked down the slope to the town.
Tanner said, “Hey, look out there. I think that’s The Rose.”
“The ship you own?” Anna asked, mentally berating herself for not questioning him earlier about it. Just the mere mention brought forth all that she had not asked, and should have. She seemed the only one aware of her flaw as they all looked to where he pointed.
Raymer said, “I know nothing about boats or ships, but I know what I like. That is the sleekest ship in the harbor.”
“We’re lucky she’s in port or we’d have to wait for her to return in maybe ten or more days. She’s not only the sleekest looking, but the fastest,” Tanner said, almost swelling with pride.
“Just to be clear,” Anna said. “You are the rightful owner and can tell the Captain to sail where you wish, as well as when?”
“I do and I can. Captain Jamison is a good man who was down on his luck when we found him. Both him and The Rose were, I guess.”
Tanner’s words hinted at deeper thoughts, and Anna paused at a small patch of grass that looked inviting. She said, “Before we go down there, I think you need to fill us in. There’s more to your words than you’re telling.”
Thief sat beside her as if to make a point. Tanner hesitated, which made Anna more curious, and even Raymer waited.
Tanner said, “It’s nothing, really. Captain Jamison was a drunk, and his ship required a complete refit before it could clear the harbor without sinking, as well as a new crew, one that was competent.”
“Nothing?” Raymer snorted, his eyes taking on the glint of anger.
“You don’t understand,” Tanner began.
“No, we do not,” Anna agreed, keeping her tone even. “But before we go into danger I want to know it all, even if we spend the night here.”
Tanner looked from one face to the next, finding them all in agreement with Anna. He said, “What is it that you want to know?”
Anna looked to Raymer and nodded for him to speak. He said, “Will this ship sail so far out to sea that we cannot see land?”
“Of course,” Tanner said. “Farther.”
“Then we will all trust our lives to the ship you say couldn’t clear the harbor without sinking, and a master who is a drunk. His crew was so poor it had to be replaced. I have no idea of how you could make this voyage sound less optimistic.” Raymer scowled and waited.
“Optimistic?” Anna said, “Where did you learn big words like that, Raymer? But first, let me have my say. I have sailed on a good ship, and while I know little about it, I do know that our lives will be in the hands of a drunk who let his ship almost sink in the harbor while his lazy crew watched. I know Raymer said much of that, but he was too nice about it, and I wanted to put it to you like it’s in my head. Convince me I’m wrong.”
Tanner sat as if defeated. “I can see where you would get those ideas. But have you ever met a man who has been beaten down by circumstances beyond his control? At every turn, he was blocked. No matter what he tried, others managed to get in his way. His ship only carries a small cargo and with every voyage, he went further into debt.”
“Go on,” Raymer said.
Tanner drew in a deep breath and said, as he eyes went back to the ship in the harbor, “A captain is a proud man. It’s a hard life and even harder to earn the respect of the other captains, but that’s what Captain Jamison did. As a man, they respected him. That is why I retained him when I bought The Rose.”
“Do they like him?” Raymer asked.
“Some like him. Others did not. But they all respect him.”
Anna spoke again, “Grandma Emma says that respect is the most important. Assuming she is right, and she always is, when we go down there, I trust we will find a ship in good working order, the crew willing and able, and the Captain sober.”
“We will,” Tanner said. “You also need to be aware of a young boy named is Devlin. He’s a Crab from Breslau that we rescued and placed on the ship as a crewman—if he has not already performed so well that a shipowner has not offered him a command of his own.”
“I thought he is a boy,” Anna said.
“A Crab, to be exact, at least, that’s what they call him. But he’s worthy of being Dragon Clan, in both his actions and deeds. He’ll be the one with dragon tattoos on both arms up to his shoulders.” Tanner sounded proud of him, if not affectionate.
Anna said, “That ship looks small, so small you are not even sure it’s the right one.”
“It is The Rose.”
“What else do we need to know before going down there?” Anna asked.
Tanner hesitated, glanced at Thief, and seemed to make up his mind about something. “You can trust Devlin with your lives. Captain Jamison owes me his life and his ship. But there may be others on the ship who are less than trustworthy, but it is a small crew, and I’m sure both Devlin and The Captain have learned who to trust by now.”
“But?” Raymer prompted.
“It is a small city, as cities go. Nearly every building looks out over the water and boats. All earn their livings from them, either directly or from selling food, or supplies, or serving wine and ale, so they watch. The people miss little. By this evening, most in the town will know of us, and more will recognize me.”
“Is that bad?” Raymer asked. “We can sneak you down there if it is.”
“Not bad, but a caution. Anything you do or say will be repeated. If you purchase a warm hat, the word will spread the ship is sailing for colder climates. By nightfall, all in the city will know your plans. If possible, all of you need to speak less often than Thief.”
Anna looked to Raymer, “Where is your red?”
“South of here. Can you feel its touch?”
“No,” she answered.
“Good. I suspect you’re more sensitive than most, if you can’t feel it, nobody in town can, either.”
Anna looked at Tanner. “What do you suggest?”
“Raymer is going to attract attention because of his size. We can’t help that. I will get some, but because I’m returning to my ship that will not be unusual. If we all enter together, people will talk and make assumptions we don’t want, and the word will spread faster and farther. My suggestion is that I go alone to the ship. I can order supplies and make the ship ready to sail.”
“And us?” Raymer asked.
“There are two inns to note. One serves the rougher crowd, but a man with a sharp ear may hear things. I suggest that you go there.”
Anna picked up on the idea and liked it. “Thief and I will go to the other inn?”
“As brother and sister seeking a ship to sail to Castle Warrington after a visit to your older sister’s new home near Shrewsbury. We split up here. Any closer and people will take notice.”
The sun was near setting, and as they agreed on the plan, Raymer stood and said, “I walk faster and am in desperate need of ale. I’ll be ready when you send word, but I’ll also keep an eye on the ship.”
Tanner said, “You two go next, so you’re not out after dark. It can get rough down there. The name of the inn where you’ll stay is called the Anchor Inn. There is a sign with a big anchor over the door. Ask for a room facing the street and push your bed against the door at night. Spend time eating in the common room and sipping watered wine. Listen to what is said, since most customers will be sea captains and the wealthier traders. Who knows what you might hear?”
Anna said, “We will either be at the inn or nearby, maybe looking out at the boats.”
Raymer was well ahead of them when Anna and Thief walked down the road behind, falling farther back with each of his long strides in his haste to reach a pub that sold ale. She looked over her shoulder and found Tanner still sitting on the grass.
&nbs
p; It was difficult to remember that he had been in charge of Carrion when they had traveled together. He seemed to hold no wish to usurp her command. Carrion was bonded to his dragon, but like Raymer, he liked to do what he wanted, when he wanted, and he wished little responsibility to the family. He’d fight for the Dragon Clan to the death, but give him the task of seeing the sheep returned before dark, and he would revolt.
The similarities in the two men were uncanny. Neither wanted part of the family or daily work. They thrived on adventure and danger. The insight gave Anna pause. Why would a man, or a woman crave those things before those they loved? Well, that was not precisely the case. Both of them rejected normal family life for the uncertainty of life away from the Dragon Clan, yet they were the two who were bonded with dragons.
Thief said, “They look at us.”
She glanced at the first of the buildings they passed and as he’d noticed, a window curtain ruffled as someone peeked from behind, another raked leaves and trash in the yard, but he raked the same area over and over, as his eyes followed them. A big brown dog spotted them and leaped off its porch to investigate, barking wildly and wagging its long tail just as wildly.
Thief pulled to a stop, and Anna prepared to shoo off the dog if he was afraid of them, but he was already down on one knee ready to greet the dog with as much excitement as it showed. The dog leaped, and Thief wrapped his arm around it, trying to avoid the lick to his face the dog insisted on giving. An old woman stepped to the door and called the dog.
With a last look at its new friend, the dog turned and ran inside. On the other side of the road, sitting under the shade of a tree, a gaunt man sat on a stump while taking a break from splitting kindling. When Anna met his gaze, he said, “You can always tell about a man from the way he greets a friendly dog.”
“I think so too,” Anna said.
“Beware of the man that a dog does not like, if you can take a tip from an old man.”
They were in a hurry to get to the Anchor Inn, but something told her to delay that and introduce herself. “I’m Anna, and this is my brother, Thief.”
