Vera didn’t respond to the water, but she did continue to swallow it as long as Lorik dribbled it into her mouth. It was a slow, tedious process, and it still took all of Lorik’s remaining strength. The sun came up and the day grew warm. Lorik pulled the sail over them to give them some shade. Birds sang and the farmer moved among the men on the shore, continuing to deliver water and helping them move into more sheltered places among the trees.
Sometime after noon Lorik finally passed out. He had given Vera almost half of the bucket of fresh water. The sun was going down when Stone shook him awake.
“What is it?” Lorik asked, as he tried to shake the fog of sleep from his mind.
“We’re back,” Stone said. “The healer wants to move Vera to Alyster’s cottage. Help me lift her.”
Lorik obeyed, although he wasn’t fully awake. They put Vera onto a folded piece of canvas sailcloth and used it like a stretcher. Some of the other sailors were awake now and moving the injured sailors off the ship. They helped lower Vera to the beach. Water was once again lapping around the ship’s hull. Yulver was on his feet directing his men.
Lorik saw it all and yet very little registered. They carried Vera back through the forest to the farmer’s house. Inside they found a small bed near the fireplace. The healer was brewing a drink for her on the fire. Lorik and Stone were soon sound asleep on the far side of the fireplace.
It was morning again when Lorik opened his eyes. Sunlight was streaming into the cabin from the windows the farmer was opening. The glass panes swung in, and he latched them to the wall with little wooden hooks.
“Back in the land of the living, I see,” said the farmer.
Lorik looked first at Stone who was still asleep nearby and then at Vera on the bed.
“Is she okay?” Lorik asked.
“She’s alive,” the farmer said. “The healer said it could go either way, I’m afraid. He’s gone back to Hanesworth for more supplies.”
Lorik got to his feet and moved to Vera’s side. He felt better, even though he was still tired and his body was stiff and sore from sleeping on the stone floor of the cottage. He was thirsty, too, and hungry as well.
“Do you have anything to eat?” Lorik asked without looking at the farmer. He placed one hand on Vera’s and laid the other on her forehead.
“Of course I have food. I’m a farmer, ain’t I? Do I have food...” he continued mumbling to himself. Then he handed Lorik a loaf of bread and a wooden cup of dark, red wine.
“The healer said you should have a glass of wine when you woke up. And then water the rest of the day. I suspect you’ll be staying here with her?”
“Only until Stone wakes up,” Lorik said. “Then I’ll do whatever you need.”
“Oh, we’ll get to that soon enough. For now, though, there’s still work to be done out at the ship. I’m going now. You follow along when you can.”
Lorik nodded and looked at Vera. For the first time he felt afraid. She looked like she was on the edge of death, her eyes sunken and her skin waxy. Fear clamped its icy grip around his heart and it took all of his strength just to keep breathing. He sat that way for a long time, just holding the wine and the bread, watching Vera to make sure she was breathing.
When Stone finally woke up, he groaned and then got slowly to his feet, then moved behind Lorik.
“Is she okay?”
“I don’t know,” Lorik said.
“What did the healer say?”
“He was gone when I woke up. The farmer said he had to go back to the village for more supplies.”
“Didn’t he tell you anything about her?” Stone said angrily.
“He said it could go either way.”
“What do you mean ‘either way’? What’s that supposed to mean?” Stone was shouting now. “Lorik, tell me what that means!”
“It means,” Lorik said quietly, as tears filled his eyes, “she might die.”
Chapter 12
Lorik felt helpless around Vera. Stone never left her side, but Lorik threw himself into the work to be done with the ship. Yulver was busy with his crew repairing the damage done in the storm, and Lorik helped out in any way he could. The healer returned to the cottage late that night, where Stone watched over Vera. He brewed another medicinal drink and sat with her while Stone slept nearby on the floor.
The next morning Lorik and Stone waited outside while the healer examined Vera again. Neither man spoke, but the tension between them was palpable. Finally, after nearly half an hour, the healer joined the two men outside the cottage.
“She’s no worse,” he said, “but no better either.”
“What is wrong with her?” Lorik asked.
“It’s hard to say exactly. Physically she seems fine. Other than the fever and the fact that she hasn’t woken up, there’s no indication that anything is wrong with her. Normally a sickness produces other symptoms, like a rash, or vomiting, or discoloration of the eyes or tongue. She has none of those symptoms. The closest I can come to describing her condition is hibernation.”
“You mean, like an animal?” Stone asked.
“Yes, very much like a bear or even a squirrel. Their bodies shut down during the winter when food is hard to find. They sleep much of that time, which allows their bodies to use less of the fat they’ve stored up in their bodies. Of course, she’s not in hibernation, but her body has shut down to conserve what strength she has left. If the story you told me about the voyage is true, I guess it’s possible that she worked herself to exhaustion. That added to the lack of food and water for several days, could in theory produce the hibernation-type symptoms.”
“So when will she wake up?” Lorik asked.
“I can’t say. She may never wake up.”
This last statement drew a groan from Stone that reminded Lorik of someone pulling a long blade from another man’s stomach.
“Our best course of action is to simply watch and wait,” the healer said. “We need to keep her comfortable. We need to keep giving her water and medicines, but at the end of the day, her body has to wake up on its own. We can’t force it.”
“There’s nothing more we can do?” Lorik asked.
“I’m afraid not.”
“Damn!” Lorik said.
“I’ll watch her,” Stone said. “You don’t have to stay around here, Lorik.”
“If there was something I could do...” he let the sentence trail off.
“I know, and if something changes I’ll send word. Until then, go make yourself useful.”
“I’ve got plenty to keep you busy,” said the farmer.
“All right,” Lorik said. “Show me what needs done.”
For the next three days Lorik worked the farm from sunup until after dark. It was harvest time, and he used a long sickle to cut wheat and barley. Then he helped bundle the harvested grains and stack them on the wagon pulled by the farmer’s plow horse. He also made repairs to the stable and the small storehouse where most of the farmer’s crop was held. The farmer was a resourceful man. He grew his own vegetables and raised his own chickens and pigs. He also brewed his own ale.
On the fourth morning Stone and Lorik finally got some good news. The healer reported that Vera’s fever had broken in the night and he expected her to wake up soon. Stone and Lorik went into the cottage to sit with her. It was the first time Lorik had seen his old friend in the daylight. Her body had wasted away over the last few days; the fever had burned away any excess fat. Lorik could see the bones in her shoulders, ribs and hips, even under the blanket that covered her. Tears stung his eyes, but he held his emotions in check.
An hour later, she stirred. Her eyes didn’t open but she moaned a little and moved her hands. Stone gave her some water and she seemed to relax a little after that. It was noon before she woke up fully. She didn’t try to raise her head, but she opened her eyes and looked around.
“Where are we?” she asked, her voice raspy and soft.
“In a cottage, not far from the coast,” S
tone said. “It’s a little farm. The owner’s name is Alyster. He’s been helping us take care of you.”
“The ship?” she asked.
“It’s not far. Yulver is still working on it. The volunteers from Hassell Point are helping him, although some are planning to return home.”
“How do you feel?” Lorik asked.
“Tired,” Vera said, but a faint smile appeared at the edges of her mouth. “And hungry.”
“We’ve got some broth,” Lorik said. “And bread, too.”
Stone fed Vera and then she slept some more. The tension between the two men seemed to disappear, and although Lorik went back to helping Alyster, he did so in a more jovial mood. When they finished their work at sunset, the farmer began to prepare food for everyone, including Vera, who was awake again. They all had ale for the first time in days, and the cottage was full of laughter.
When Alyster turned in for the night, Lorik took a walk. Vera was already asleep, so Stone joined him. The night was cool and the stars shone brightly in the dark sky overhead. They leaned against the well, which was made of heavy stones held together by thick mortar. They looked up and watched the moon as it slowly moved across the sky.
“So what do we do now?” Stone asked.
“That’s a good question,” Lorik said. “I heard that Yulver will have his ship repaired tomorrow. He plans to set sail soon.”
“It could be weeks before Vera is ready to travel over land,” Stone said. “I feel like we’re intruding on Alyster and I don’t have the skills you do to help out around here.”
“We could move Vera to the ship,” Lorik said.
“Are you set on going north?” Stone asked. “I could really use your help with Vera.”
“I would never turn my back on you or Vera, but I doubt she wants me around. Besides, I made a commitment to the volunteers from Hassell Point and to Yulver.”
“I don’t think Vera will go back on the ship, and I don’t blame her,” Stone said. “I’m just not sure what to do.”
“Ask her. She’s never been afraid of expressing her opinions.”
“Yes, I know,” Stone said.
They both shared a laugh, then spent some time in silent contemplation before Stone returned to the cottage.
The next morning, Vera broached the subject before either man had the chance.
“When are you leaving?” Vera asked Lorik.
“This evening, with the tide,” Lorik answered. “Yulver installed a new mast yesterday. He’ll just be reprovisioning the ship today and then setting sail.”
“Can you get me on board? I don’t think I’m strong enough to walk or ride a horse yet.”
“You want to go?” Stone asked surprised. “They’re still sailing north.”
“I know, and I know that Lorik is going no matter what.”
“So you’ve changed your mind about fighting the Norsik?” Lorik asked.
“Yes and no. I didn’t have a epiphany or vision from the gods. I just realized that what matters most to me in the world are the two men in this room and that you need each other. We can go with you, if Yulver will allow me to take up space on his ship.”
“I’m going to fight, Vera,” Lorik said. “Right or wrong, I’ve made up my mind.”
“I know,” she said softly. “I won’t try to stop you.”
Lorik looked at Stone and the younger man nodded. In fact, he looked relieved, and Lorik went outside to speak with Alyster. The old farmer refused to take the few coins Lorik offered him, and he even helped fashion a stretcher using the sailcloth and two small trees that Lorik cut and trimmed.
Stone carried Vera out of the cottage into the warm afternoon air. She seemed happy to be going, but Lorik couldn’t ignore how frail and sickly she still looked. He wanted to ask Stone if taking her back to sea was really the best idea, but he knew they wouldn’t be able to change Vera’s mind. He was glad she wanted to go with him, but he was afraid, too. If she got sick again, she wouldn’t survive. Lorik had seen first his father, then his mother waste away from sickness. Vera’s frail form reminded him of just how close to death she had come.
“You keep this old quilt,” Alyster said. “It may be a bit ragged, but it’s warm.”
“It’s lovely. Are you sure?” Vera asked, taking the quilt the old farmer had handed her.
“Of course I’m sure. It’s not everyday that I get to share my bed with a beautiful young lady. I think you should have something to remember me by.”
Vera blushed, her pale skin blooming red.
“I will remember you and how much you helped all of us.”
“Just being neighborly. If you folks get back down this way, stop by and see me. We’ll tap another keg and have a proper reunion.”
“That would be lovely.”
“Thank you, Alyster,” Lorik said, extending his hand.
“Oh, you earned your keep. I don’t remember ever getting a crop in this quickly. I’ll have more brewing time this year. Nothing wrong with that.”
Stone shook the farmer’s hand, then they set off. Lorik carried the front of the stretcher, and Stone carried the rear. The trail from the farm to where Yulver’s ship was beached was well worn now. They arrived at the small camp the sailors had been using just as Yulver was gathering the last of the supplies.
“You have room for two more?” Lorik asked.
“Of course,” Yulver said. “How are you feeling, Vera?”
“Better,” she said.
“Always a pleasure to have you on my ship,” the wizened old captain said, before turning back to Lorik. “Get her settled. We’ll be shoving off soon.”
The small shelter that Stone and Lorik had set up was gone, but the cabin was now fully repaired. Stone got Vera settled while Lorik climbed back out of the ship and joined the sailors who were pushing against the thick hull. The tide was rising, and Lorik stood in water as deep as his knees. The ship had settled in the sand over the last week, and it took all the strength the sailors had to push it free. The ship moved a few inches at first, then seemed to settle back into the sand. A wave came in, and Yulver timed his command to heave the heavy vessel with the wave’s backflow. This time the ship moved several feet. It took three more efforts before the ship was floating freely again. The sailors pushed the ship until the water was at their shoulders, then one by one they climbed aboard.
Stone and Lorik joined the volunteers in manning the oars. Almost half of the ship’s crew had succumbed to injuries from the storm. The ship plunged back out among the hidden rocks and sandbars of the Sailor’s Graveyard and then turned north. Jons served as lookout, hanging a bright lantern over the bow. A steady wind filled their sail, and the ship plowed ahead, leaving a bright white wake behind them.
Vera was sleeping when Lorik and Stone returned to the small cabin. They settled in for the night, but it took them both a long time to fend off the frightening memories that came with being on board the ship again. Finally they fell asleep as the ship sailed north, toward the Sandah Gulf and the invading Norsik.
Chapter 13
Supplies on board the ship were limited. There was plenty of water, but not much food. Yulver sailed for two days and then took shelter at the harbor in Pettis Cove. It was a small trading village, like most of the other coastal towns north of the Sailor’s Graveyard. Vera was still too weak to leave the ship, but Lorik and a few of the volunteers from Hassell Point decided to visit one of the waterfront taverns. It was a long, low building with a thick roof that was covered with clay tiles. Inside, the room was warmed by a large fire, and the smell of roasting meat made the tavern feel comfortable.
Lorik and the others took seats and ordered ale. Food was brought and they all enjoyed a warm meal, but Lorik wasn’t there for the food or the drinks. He wanted news of what was happening in the north. He made eye contact with the proprietor of the inn and soon the man joined him at a small table.
“My name is Lorik,” he said, waving at the seat opposite him.
“I am Wallace, and the Sea Spring is my tavern,” said the man as he took a seat.
They both took slow drinks of ale and sized each other up. Lorik was tall and thick through the chest, shoulders, and arms. Wallace was a much smaller man, short and thin, but tough—Lorik could see that in the tavern owner’s eyes. Lorik guessed that Wallace was not the type of man who allowed himself to be pushed around and didn’t shy away from hard work. Lorik liked him immediately.
“We’re from Hassell Point,” Lorik began, wiping the foam from the ale off his mouth.
“You’re a long way from home,” the tavern keeper replied.
“Aye, we’ve come north to push back the Norsik.”
Wallace didn’t reply; he just cleared his throat and spat.
“Is there word from the north?” Lorik asked.
“For certain,” Wallace said. “We get more every day. Raids by the Norsik. Another village burned. They’ve started taking slaves, too. They’re becoming more brazen every day.”
“What about the Wilderlands and Fort Utlig, does it still stand?”
“Yes, the volunteers have held it so far, but there’s no real soldiers left. They all marched south with the mad King Oveer. It won’t be long until the defenses are overrun. The Norsik have been raiding, but now they’re finding abandoned villages just waiting to be occupied. It won’t be long until they’ve occupied over half of the kingdom. Then what will we do?”
“Aye, it can’t be allowed,” Lorik agreed. “We’re sailing north to stop them.”
“I hope you’ve got an army with you.”
“No,” Lorik said. “Just a dozen or so volunteers.”
“Well, what you’re planning is noble, but I wouldn’t put much hope in your group turning the tide. You might be better off sailing south again, if you value your neck, that is.”
“I need to know if the Norsik are crossing the gulf,” Lorik said.
Lorik The Protector (Lorik Trilogy) Page 9
