by L. M. Roth
A shout from the mast caught her attention as the lookout shouted for the Captain. What now, she wondered. Was a storm coming on that would hamper their travel?
Suddenly the boat began to turn around. It took an easterly course, and Felicia could now see a small island on the horizon. The boat made for it with all speed, and in very little time arrived at its shore.
They pulled into a rocky cove where they dropped anchor and lay at rest. The sun was setting and night would be upon them; the Captain announced that they would remain here for the night. Felicia looked behind her in the direction from which they had come and saw that there were dark clouds rolling in that seemed to chase the last vestiges of the sunset before it. It was well that they would not have to sail at the height of the storm.
She retired to her cabin for the night, but sleep came with difficulty, awakened periodically by the boom of the thunder and the onslaught of waves that dashed the side of the boat. When she at last fell asleep she was troubled by a dream…
She was standing in a swirl of mist so thick that she could barely see her hand in front of her. Around her was a wail that seemed to penetrate into her very soul. She covered her ears with her hands, but the sound persisted. She walked through the mist, and a shape rose up before her. As she neared it, she saw that it was a grassy mound of perfect symmetry, too perfect to have been created by nature.
A fear came on her, and her heart pounded as beads of sweat trickled down her body, soaking her robe. The wail grew louder and another shape took form in front of her. The shape appeared to be walking toward her, out of the mound, and as it drew closer she became aware of a sense of menace directed personally at her.
She woke abruptly and stifled a scream. The dream had been so real: was it a warning of some kind? One of those portents of impending danger?
Sunlight streamed through her portal, and she saw the sun had risen high already. She judged it to be about nine o’clock, later than the time she usually rose. Like her father, she savored the morning and hated to waste any of it abed.
She dressed rapidly and stumbled out of her cabin to ascend to the deck. The crew was preparing to take up the anchor and return to sea, when a disturbance caught Felicia’s attention. What was that, just at the water’s edge and making for their boat?
Her question was soon answered by a commotion among the crew as they scrambled to the side to hoist up the anchor. Too late: they were even now being boarded by pirates.
Pirates! Felicia thought in horror. And she was the only female on board, having taken a cargo ship as it was the earliest vessel leaving the Isles of Solone on the morning she left. She had been treated with great respect by the Captain and the crew, having been left alone by them for the most part. But pirates!
The fearsome brigands overran the small vessel, killing the lookout who had descended from the crow’s nest, and overpowered the crew. The Captain was still above in his quarters, and one look at what was happening below alerted him to the dire situation.
Felicia could see him assessing the state of affairs, and caught his signal not to betray him. She saw him slip out the door of his quarters to creep down to his men, but gave no hint that she had seen him. The pirates forced the crew into a huddle and barked orders to them.
Felicia wondered if she could reach the trap door to her cabin below unseen. The crew stood between her and it; she tried to squeeze herself into invisibility against the aft deck, looking furtively for a spare sail or tarpaulin to hide under. None presented themselves.
At last she was spied by a ruffian who sneered at the sight of her. Following the direction of his gaze, the pirate chief stopped in mid-sentence and laughed. He swaggered toward Felicia, who tried to still the beating of her heart which threatened to leap out of her throat.
I must not let them see my fear, she thought. Or it is all over for me.
She drew herself erectly to face the oncoming pirate. He stood before her and sized her up from head to foot. His amusement only increased as he noted her youth and lack of poise.
Please, Dominio, she prayed silently. Protect me! If this is punishment for running away I accept it and repent, but please protect me!
“Well, what have we here?” the pirate jeered. “A little wren among the crows, I’ll swear! Now, I wonder what it would take to make it sing! Shall I try, little wren?”
He reached out a hand to touch Felicia, but a sense of outrage swept over her, eradicating her fear.
How dare he!
Faster than she could think, she flashed up a hand in front of herself.
“Do not dare touch me, ruffian!” she exclaimed. “If you do it is at your own peril!”
Where these words came from she had no idea. But no sooner did they leave her lips than what looked like a flame of fire leapt from her fingertips, scorching the outstretched hand of the pirate chief. He gave a yelp of pain and grabbed it with his other hand, cradling it to his stomach as he bent over in agony.
“Water!” he shouted. “Water for the flame!”
His stunned men stood with open mouths at the sight of their leader writhing in the pain inflicted by one who was still little more than a schoolgirl. An obliging brigand flung a bucket over the side of the boat and collected water which he flung over their beseeching leader. After his drenching the captain gasped and looked at the injured hand: it was already blistering.
He turned to Felicia with fear in his eyes. His insolence had dropped from him as completely as the leaves of autumn are stripped from the trees in a high wind, leaving nothing but a barren frame.
“What are you, some kind of a witch? Fire shot out from your hand; I swear it did! Mine is completely covered in blisters!”
Felicia was as astounded as any of them, but knew that Dominio had heard her and answered her prayer.
“No, I am not a witch,” she smiled in triumph. “Let us just say that I am highly favored with Dominio, the One true God. He it is who sent the fire that burned you, in order to protect me.”
She turned to the rest of the brigands.
“And any other who would attempt the same with me shall get likewise.”
She looked upon their ashen faces now devoid of any insolence.
“I would suggest for the sake of your health that you do not even try.”
So much did the pirates fear Felicia that they disembarked from the ship and left the cove as quickly as their legs could carry them. She laughed at the sight and promptly went to the crew and loosed their bonds, in which task she was joined by the Captain. The grateful men had witnessed the entire incident, and they became extremely solicitous and asked what could be done to obtain her comfort for the rest of the voyage.
Felicia merely laughed as a sudden joy rose up within her, and replied that she was perfectly comfortable. But she informed the crew that the sooner they could get her off of this island and away from the pirates the better she would like it.
One day passed into another as the ship carries them westward. Felicia savored every moment aboard, particularly enjoying the breathtaking sunrises that seemed to creep up on her; the quiet of the lingering remains of night was overtaken by a rosy glow that emanated from the east and overpowered the darkness. No less spectacular were the sunsets that shuttered the ending of each day with a curtain of orange and purple that descended with a swiftness that took one by surprise as the great flaming orb descended below the horizon and plunged the vista into velvety blackness.
She spent the lazy days aboard with her store of scrolls she had accumulated while in Solone. She had not only studied intently the teachings of Alexandros, but had also purchased from the local merchants a number of old parchments that related the history of the Isles and the knowledge of its scholars that had once brought the world to its shores in search of the same. She kept these hidden from Kyrene, not certain what her mentor would think of this store of knowledge; but Felicia felt in her heart that she should acquaint herself with the beliefs of various people and cultures that
she might better understand them.
Now as the sea currents carried them swiftly to their destination she studied intently the history of the Oracle at Ephilene, who claimed to speak for Lopponios, the god of Light. Called the Sybillia, she would go into a trance and speak what seemed like gibberish, which she might or might not interpret. Those who journeyed to hear from the Oracle were permitted to ask one question only of her, so reverently did they approach her in her role of spokesperson for Lopponios. For nearly a thousand years pilgrims came from all over the known world to seek her wisdom, bringing gifts of meat and bread. It was only the advent of the Valeriun Empire that crushed the cult as the Army threw the prophetess and the priests out into the streets to beg for their daily bread.
Felicia reviewed some of the prophecies that had been spoken, and was surprised to see that some had been remarkably accurate in their fulfillment. How can that be, she wondered? For these were false prophetesses serving vain idols: how could they possibly have that kind of power?
She suddenly remembered something that Kyrene had said in class one day. Leon and the Astra, she said, had tremendous power before their fall from Heaven. And he still has partial knowledge of many things, so it should come as no surprise if someone speaking through the spirit of the Astra had a prophecy that came to pass. The way to detect whether a prophet was from Dominio or Leon, she instructed, was to determine whether they recognized Alexandros as the Son of God. The Astra would deny Him, and that would betray what spirit they were of.
So deep in her pondering was she that she was startled by a sudden thump coming from the prow of the ship. She looked up from her parchments and saw that they had come into the port of a small island while she had read. She jumped up from her seat and peered at the shoreline.
The island was not more than a few miles in circumference, but it had golden sand on the beach, lush palm trees that swayed gently in the mild breeze, and rich splashes of vibrant color dotted their branches as tropical birds nested in them. She saw no huts or houses along the beach, but a cluster of trees set back from the shore sheltered a small village that was visible from the ship.
The inhabitants had set up stalls to sell their wares along the coast. The scent of fresh fruit wafted to her nostrils, but not of any kind that she was familiar with. The aroma kindled her appetite, and she decided to go ashore and explore.
As she strolled along and nibbled at what she was told was papaya, she aimlessly explored the wares at the stalls. A young girl who sold handmade and somewhat primitive looking jewelry eagerly attempted to engage her interest. Felicia smiled at her kindly, but jewelry didn’t truly interest her. The girl importuned, and she relented, thinking perhaps she could buy something that she could present as a peace offering to her mother.
Nothing that would appeal to Tullia, she decided. Just trinkets carved of shell or bone; no gemstones or pearls wrought in gold or silver. She was about to walk away when her eye was caught by a small ring of white shell. She picked it up and examined it.
How pretty! she thought. It was just a little too large for her finger, but she was suddenly taken with it. It was carved from mother of pearl, and was twisted into a braid of three strands forming a circle.
“I will buy that ring,” she informed the girl in the Common Tongue.
The girl’s face brightened and she thanked Felicia effusively. What a kindness to buy her wares! For she sold what she could to help the aged parents of her mother, and visitors to the island were a gift from Dominio.
Felicia gasped and turned back to her, just as she was starting to walk away.
“Did you say Dominio?” she asked, so surprised that her voice rose higher and higher until it squeaked.
“Yes,” the girl said. “Our island serves Dominio! We are not many, but we try to advance His Kingdom whenever visitors come to our shores.”
“Oh, that is wonderful!” Felicia exclaimed. “For I serve Him also!”
The girl beamed her joy as a radiant smile threatened to run away with her face.
“Then we are sisters!” she crowed as she grabbed Felicia’s hands and clasped them tightly.
“Yes, we are!” Felicia laughed. “And I am so happy for the sight of another woman, as I am the only female on board our ship. And to meet a sister who belongs to Dominio is a delight indeed!”
“I am delighted also,” the girl answered. “And your ring has been especially blessed. It is made of pearl, which represents the Kingdom, and the three strands represent Dominio, Alexandros, and the Spirit. Any who wear this ring will be protected in times of peril. Such is the blessing that was spoken over it.”
“Then I shall love it all the more!” Felicia exclaimed. “Tell me; who is your local leader? Do you have one or do you have more than one? I would dearly love to meet and talk with them. For I have not talked of Dominio to anyone in weeks!”
The girl giggled and clapped her hands.
“I can bring him to you. He is my father,” she started to say, when she was startled by a movement behind her.
“Oh!” she exclaimed. “Here he is!”
A man who looked a little older than her own father stood just behind the girl. He was brown, with curly brown hair streaked with gray and warm brown eyes, and stood as erectly as a young god. He gazed intently into Felicia’s eyes for what seemed a very long moment before extending a hand in welcome.
“Greetings,” he said in the Common Tongue. “I am Bimo. Welcome to our island.”
Felicia smiled and bowed slightly but did not take his hand, as the Valerian people did not touch strangers.
“Thank you. I am Felicia Maximus, a passenger on the ship. I have just bought a very charming ring from your daughter.”
To her surprise Bimo blinked his eyes and let out his breath in a long exhalation.
“Marcus Maximus? You are his daughter, perhaps?”
“Why, yes,” Felicia said as she blinked her own eyes. “Do you know my father?”
“Yes, I do,” Bimo replied. “I journeyed with him once long ago, when he was not much older than you are now. I made my home in Eirinia for a few years, and then decided it was time for me to move on and go wherever Dominio would send me. After a time of roaming from place to place I eventually arrived here and founded a colony of Alexandrians.”
“Oh, how delightful! I do recall now that my father mentioned you once when I asked about his travels. He will be so pleased to know that we have met.”
Bimo furrowed his brow as he looked at her. For a reason that she could not understand, his inspection made Felicia uncomfortable.
“Is he with you now?” Bimo asked abruptly. “Or your mother? Surely you would not be permitted to travel alone? Such would be improper according to your custom.”
Felicia fidgeted under his penetrating stare. She dropped her eyes from his and looked at the ground beneath her sandals. At last she looked up at him and sighed.
“Perhaps there is some place where we could talk?” she asked with an appealing little smile.
They had not long for their conversation, as the ship would only be in port for a few hours. But it was not long before Bimo made Felicia see the error of her ways in defying her mother and abusing Kyrene’s hospitality.
Would Dominio approve of such flagrant disobedience to her mother and contempt for the woman who had mentored her? He thought not, Bimo said. And she would find no blessing on her venture to Eirinia, as it was born out of rebellion and not because Dominio was sending her there to be used in the Kingdom work.
Bimo advised her to make for home without any further delay. And once there, she should send Kyrene a letter of apology. If Dominio wished her to continue her mentoring, He would somehow find a way to provide a mentor in Lycenium.
Although Felicia did not like what Bimo said, she knew it was from the Spirit of Dominio. She hung her head with shame for her thoughtless treatment of Kyrene, and the distress her actions had no doubt caused her parents. By now they would have heard from Kyrene and
were perhaps already looking frantically for her. How could she have been so selfish and headstrong as to cause them grief and anxiety?
Bimo put a fatherly arm around her shoulders, and she admitted that what he advised was the right counsel. She would continue her journey on this ship only so that she could transfer to another ship at the next port that would carry her to Lycenium. Bimo patted her shoulder approvingly. He told her that another ship would be calling in a few days that would take her to Lycenium much faster, as it was coming from the west and heading east. Until then she could stay with his family and relate to him all that had befallen his friends of his journey so long ago.
This course was decided on, and Felicia enjoyed the next few days immensely. The little island was a port where ships called for fresh water and fruit, and frequently bought little keepsakes from the stalls for family back home. This commerce enabled the inhabitants to earn an adequate income, and it livened their days to see new faces and hear news of the wide world.
When Felicia shared with Bimo the story of Florindia and how it grieved her heart that she could not stay to teach the women more about Dominio, he assured her quickly.
“Not to worry,” he smiled gently. “We will send a few of our people there to teach them so they will not forget the teachings of Alexandros.”
Felicia smiled with a sigh of relief. How she had worried about them so! How good Dominio was, she thought, to send her to these shores where the provision for Florindia was waiting!
Chapter XXX
The Enchantment
Brenus could not believe his good fortune. He was so happy with Melisande! True, there were the occasions when she lost her good humor and snapped impatiently at him. But those occasions were rare, and all he had to do was give way to her to restore her to a happier mood. Was that too much to demand of him?
She had not been pleased by the return of Cort, and less so with the addition of his wife. For Cort and Siv had been married by the local priest shortly after their arrival in Leith. Dag had beamed his approval of Cort’s choice, and declared himself delighted to see a native of Trekur Lende once more. Both Dag and Judoc had made Brit feel welcome, and they prevailed on her as well as Cort and Siv to make her home permanently in Eirinia.
