by Andrew Symon
Frantically, Jack reached for the bowl beside the bed, and was extravagantly sick.
“There. It’s working.” There was a tone of satisfaction in the old woman’s voice which was completely at odds with how Jack was feeling.
He retched and spewed again, then lay back, gasping.
“Will that clear all the poison from him?” asked Lizzie timidly.
“It’s the only way. I’ve kept him from getting worse these past weeks, but this is the only way to get the poison out.”
Jack closed his eyes, and prayed for respite. Please please please make this go away.
He shivered, and fell into a fitful sleep.
When Jack awoke, he felt ravenous. Sitting up, he realised how weak he was, and he lay down again.
There was a clatter of pans from through the house, and he could smell cooking. His stomach rumbled. There was no sight of Rana or Lizzie, though, and with some trepidation he called out, “Hello? Anyone there?”
The cailleach emerged from the gloom, carrying a bowl. Steam rose gently.
“Sit up. I’ve made some broth.”
Jack pushed himself up into a sitting position again, and gratefully accepted the bowl. When he had finished it, he was surprised at how much better he felt.
“Take a look at yourself,” said the old woman. She indicated a half-length mirror by the wall.
Jack stood up slowly, and edged over towards it. His face was hollow, and his shirt hung from him.
“Some of that’s from the poison,” said the old woman, matter-of-factly. “But mostly it’s because you’ve eaten little for a long time. Does it remind you of anyone?”
It didn’t take long for the image of the emaciated creatures at the Hebseelie Court to flit into Jack’s mind.
“You almost look like a local,” said the old woman. There was no satisfaction in her voice; it was just a statement of fact.
“And my family?” asked Jack. “Have they been eating since … since I came here?”
“Every other day. It is the way of things here in winter – excepting special days. Now you will see why they wish to retrieve the Gusog feather. It will allow them to endure the winter. Ishona will be here soon; she’ll take you back.”
“You mean … I can go now?” Jack was surprised at how well he felt.
“It’s special broth; you’ll be fine to leave the island in a day or two.”
“Thanks for … you know.”
“It was my duty. Yours is to defeat the wastrels who desire a perpetual winter.”
Jack thought for a moment.
“Those floods I saw, when I looked at Tamlina’s ring. Are they what’s happening now?”
“They are. The climate is disturbed; such things are rare; or should be. But the rhythm is changed. Was that the second time you used the ring?”
Jack nodded.
“The first time will have showed you something that had already happened; am I right?”
Jack gulped. “It was … an execution. I didn’t understand it; later, I found out it had happened.”
“It’s a triple spiral: two arms have faded. You have one vision left. The next time you use the ring it will show you something that is yet to happen. Use that wisely.”
Jack fingered Tamlina’s ring. When’s the right time to do that?
“And don’t forget your knife.”
The cailleach handed him Trog’s knife. He fingered it carefully, thinking back to the ancient Norseman on Ilanbeg. Then he strapped it to his right calf.
When Ishona came, Jack said his goodbyes, and climbed onto the cart. He hadn’t been outside the gloomy cottage for three weeks, and the brightness of the day made him wince. The air was still, quiet; and bitterly cold. His breath formed clouds in front of him, and his nose dripped slowly. The desolate frosty countryside made him long for warmer days. He shivered and pulled his coat around him.
At least when I had the fever I was warm.
“They’re desperate to get going,” said Ishona. “Your grandfather fears you will never reach Novehowe in time.”
“But the sail here from Ilanbeg only took three days,” pointed out Jack. “It can’t take more than a week from here?”
“The weather’s turning; and the seas are rough. You will only manage short sails. You’ll have your work cut out to make Novehowe in three weeks; but there was no choice.”
“Who’s got the Mapa Mundi?”
“Iain Dubh has it, but it shows nothing.”
It began to snow; softly at first, then with more force. Jack shivered.
Seelie don’t go out in weather like this.
Ishona looked at him. “It’s the same for us,” she said. “We should all be indoors now; but the winter is long and hard here. If we can get the Gusog feather, that will make it bearable once more.”
“We’ve to stop the Kildashie as well,” stated Jack. “The old woman was telling me: if they win, it’ll be like this all the time.”
He looked up at the snow-laden sky, then across at the white landscape. It was beautiful … but such beauty is appreciated more when you’re not perishing cold. Jack tried to pull his coat tighter around him, but it made little difference.
“How far’s Balbegan?”
“Far enough. The cailleach doesn’t like to be too close.”
It was a good two hours before they reached sight of habitation, by which time Jack was almost frozen. He tried to move, but found that his feet would not cooperate. Ishona had to turn his body round so that he could dismount. On firm ground, he stamped his feet to try and get the circulation going. Ishona tutted, and led him to a small doorway.
“Come on. It’s warmer down below.”
They descended a wooden staircase which creaked horribly. Then along a low dark corridor, and finally into the great chamber.
It seemed to Jack that the chamber was smaller than before; two burning staves on the wall gave off a smoky light. People milled around aimlessly, gaunt creatures whose pinched faces betrayed their chronic hunger. Everything was so … grey.
“Jack!” Rana bounded up and gave him a hug. “You were so sick yesterday; it was gross.”
Jack’s frozen nerves were starting to thaw out. His fingers and toes began to ache as the sensation returned. It was almost better being cold!
“Jack, my boy.” Phineas strode up, and hugged Jack. “It’s been a long time. But you’re better now?”
Phineas led Jack over to the far side of the chamber, where several people sat at tables. Jack saw his grandfather in deep conversation with Finbogie and Murkle. Seeing Jack approach, Sandy stood up.
“Welcome back! It’s good to see you.”
There was real warmth in Grandpa Sandy’s eyes, but Jack couldn’t help thinking that his grandfather looked somehow smaller; less imposing.
“Jack!” Iain Dubh’s voice called out firmly. “Sit down, lad, and we’ll tell you our plans.”
Jack did as he was bid, noting that the people were subdued. It was hard to make out how many were there, or who they all were, but in the gloom he saw Enda, and Dermot, and Ossian, with Morrigan and Fenrig. Petros came and sat by Jack.
“Your safe return gives us all great joy,” announced Iain Dubh. “The unfortunate manner of your illness presented us with something of a challenge; but now I believe we can leave.”
Enda stood up now.
“Jack, I can’t tell you how sorry I am about what happened. It shamed all the McCools. But it’s made us all the more determined to succeed.”
Jack’s body had warmed up sufficiently now for him to feel alive.
“Who poisoned me? I’ve a right to know.”
“We have found and punished the guilty person,” said Iain Dubh emphatically. “And let that be a warning to all who would try to thwart us, for this is a matter of life and death to us.” He indicated the far end of the chamber, where Jack could just make out a figure, suspended from the ceiling.
“Is that … ?”
“It’s Telo
s,” whispered Petros. “He put something in your goblet. Iain Dubh took care of him.”
“You mean …”
“Not even a Shian death; they’re showing their contempt for him, leaving him strung up like a human criminal. And it’s a warning to others.”
Jack turned back to face Iain Dubh, who had silently observed Jack’s reaction.
“Like I said; it’s a matter of life and death. And while we’d not normally leave our shelter in the winter months, the return of our flag is an omen. The Mapa Mundi will show us how we can recover our ancestor’s talisman. And now we must set sail, before the weather closes in. Your grandfather will take four boats directly to Novehowe. The other two Ilanbeg boats will take a select band to Tula. But we must all beware: it is now December, the Blue Men of the Minch will be there.”
15
The Blue Men of the Minch
December already. Jack knew that he had been delirious or drugged for ages, and hadn’t really been aware of time. But a whole month? Suddenly getting to Novehowe by the winter solstice looked a lot harder; and even more so with the planned detour to Tula.
Grandpa Sandy approached him.
“Jack, it’s no secret that I do not approve of your going to Tula; but I have been overruled. I am asking Armina, as a personal favour to me, to accompany you.”
“It’s where the Mapa Mundi says we have to go. And if we get the Gusog feather and the Raglan, then we’ll be better off.”
“The Raglan … I do not believe that is worth such a dangerous mission. But I must bow to our hosts here. Promise me you will avoid danger wherever possible. I will sail with your cousins for Novehowe. Weather permitting, we shall engage Magnus at the solstice there.”
“Ready, Jack?” Enda’s cheery voice boomed out. “We sailed the Minch earlier in the year. Some bad currents, but nothing we can’t handle. Kelly will take the lead boat.”
One of the McCools stepped forward, and shook Jack by the hand.
“I like a challenge. And I’ve sailed these straits before.”
“Why aren’t the Hebseelie taking the lead? They should know the seas here better than anyone.”
“Ah, who knows? One of their boats will go off to Lyosach anyway, to recruit there.”
“Who are the Blue Men?”
Kelly looked sideways at Enda, then back at Jack.
“Between you and me, I think this superstitious lot here have imagined them. I’ve sailed here many times without a problem.”
“So who’m I going with?”
“Ye’ll come with me, Jack, along with your dad and Armina,” said Enda. “Dermot will take Ossian and the two Brashats. Are ye ready?”
“How long will it take to get to Cape Wrath?”
“A week at least. We can’t hug the mainland coast: the Kildashie’s spies might see us. We’ll go north to Port Ness, then cross the Minch.”
“But that’s the most exposed part,” said Jack.
“Like I said, the mainland coast’s not an option. We’ll have to take a chance with Cape Wrath.”
“Where are the boats?”
“We’ve not been sitting idle while ye were away. The boats are all ready, below in the harbour. They’re kitted out, and ready for sailing. Oh, by the way; Iain Dubh said you’d better have this.”
He held out the Mapa Mundi, draped flag-like over his arm. Jack took it, wrapped it around his neck, and fastened it with Tamlina’s ring. It felt chilly, and he wished he could get properly warm. Tentatively, he approached Gilmore.
“Umm, Gilmore. Do you have those warm clothes?”
Gilmore looked at him distractedly for a moment. “Of course, of course,” he muttered. “The others packed them for when they’re at sea. That’s when it’ll be coldest. Are you wanting to wear yours now?”
“Yes please. The ride back from the cottage was freezing.”
“We’re all ready now for the Minch; and Tula. Lots of haemostat bandages. And Finbogie has the swords all prepared.”
Gilmore handed Jack a nondescript-looking jacket. Dull brown, and thin-looking, it didn’t look like it would keep out anything much; but when Jack put it on he felt the benefit immediately.
“That’s brilliant! I wish I’d had that earlier!”
Phineas came up.
“All ready? This is it, Jack. Time for a real adventure. I’m sorry Grandpa doesn’t approve of you coming; but we’ll show him, eh?”
“Got your sea legs?” Dermot’s cheery shout echoed across the chamber.
And Trog’s knife stuck to one of them, thought Jack happily.
He followed his father up the wooden staircase to the barn. Gilmore’s jacket was certainly an improvement, but what it didn’t cover still felt bitterly cold. The snow had stopped, and the wind had fallen. As the boat crews set off down to the harbour, Jack marvelled at the beauty of the scene.
Nine boats lay waiting in the harbour.
“Excited, Jack?” Lizzie gave him a hug. “Grandpa’s going to take charge of our boats. We’ll see who gets to Novehowe first, yeah?”
“We’ve a few days before we split,” said Jack. “At least a week, Enda said.”
“It’s not fair that you’re getting Arvin on your boat the whole time,” pouted Rana. “I want to be able to hear his music too.”
“He’s not on my boat; he’s on Ossian’s. But anyway, we’ve got to learn to sail the boat as a team: Grandpa said. That means keeping the same crew, and not swapping around.”
The flotilla was soon afloat, despite a swelling sea. Even in the comparative shelter of the harbour, Jack could tell that it was not going to be easy. He looked across at Petros on his grandfather’s boat.
He doesn’t look well – already.
The McCools’ seamanship was put to the test straight away. Even with the tide running in their favour, the boats were only able to make slow progress north. Kelly bravely took the lead, and showed his mettle, finding the best path in the squally conditions. The small Shian craft bobbed up and down in the swell; at times the waves seemed like they would engulf the tiny boats, but experience – and perhaps luck – told. And all the while a lone eagle soared above them, seemingly keeping watch. Jack wondered if this was the same eagle that had attacked the Urisk.
It was big up close on the beach; I’m glad it’s keeping its distance.
By the second night they had reached Antob, and the next night saw them beach safely on Scalpay. Here the third HebShian boat would leave them, setting a course for Lyosach, where they would attempt to recruit the outer isle Shian.
As the eight crews prepared to set out on the fourth morning, Iain Dubh gave a warning.
“The Blue Men are awake. Be on your guard. And remember, they are capricious. Have your answers ready.”
“What’s caprish … ?” asked Lizzie.
“It means they like to have fun,” said Phineas. “But their version of fun is to drag boats down to the bottom.”
“Kelly doesn’t even believe in them,” pointed out Jack. “He says he’s been here loads of times and never seen them.”
“He’s never been here in December,” noted Phineas. “You just be on your guard.”
“How do they attack?”
“They ask riddles.”
Jack laughed out loud. “That’s silly! You mean they’re jokers?”
“These are no jokers,” admonished his father. “This day will be the toughest yet. Keep a careful watch.”
Jack wasn’t sure how much to believe his father’s warning. How bad could creatures be if they asked riddles?
Lunch was a bouncy affair, which saw Petros forego his food. The youngster gazed glumly at the foam-flecked sea. Jack had just finished eating when he saw the eagle, flying to the east, and calling raucously.
He’s never made that sound before; and he’s always been directly above us.
Kelly had steered the lead boat into the Shiant Sound, where the water was briefly calm, but with a covering blanket of mist. Looking around, he cal
led over with satisfaction to Enda in the second boat, “Told you I’d find a smooth path!”
The eagle called again, a harsh urgent cry.
At first Jack thought it was a selkie, and his heartbeat quickened. Then he realised that the creature whose head he could see was far from beguiling. Rising out of the water, its long grey beard partly covered a dark blue body. Splashing down again, it was joined by a second. Jack strained to see … Then a face appeared out of the water, and called across to the lead boat. Kelly seemed dumbstruck.
His silence was fatal. The sea around the lead boat began to froth, and five of the creatures now rose simultaneously out of the water on the port side. They landed on the boat’s edge, tipping it over. The McCool crew had no time to leap for safety, and were lost within seconds as the sea around them churned violently.
Jack looked around to see how Iain Dubh would respond, and was disconcerted to see the Hebseelie leader frantically trying to tack.
That’s no good! We’ve no chance of turning round in time!
A blue face appeared out of the water again, close to Enda’s boat.
“‘Out of the eater came something to eat; and out of the strong came something sweet.’ Answer me now, or drown like the first.”
Enda looked helplessly around him. The sea began to churn again.
Jack heard the eagle calling again.
Got it!
Jack jumped forward to the prow of the boat and shouted down, “It’s a honeycomb! The bees made a hive in a dead lion!”
The churning waters now settled, and the top half of one of the blue figures reappeared. It stared hard at Jack for a moment, then uttered a roar, before turning and splashing down dramatically and swimming away. The waters settled, and the mist started to clear.
Phineas looked at Jack with amazement.
“How in Tua’s name did you know that?”
Jack had stunned himself.
“I … I read it somewhere. It must’ve been one of Marco’s books.”
“Well, it’s saved our bacon, that’s for sure.”
“What about Kelly?” Jack looked sadly over the side of the boat.
“They’re gone,” replied Enda. “They wouldn’t last long; not the way those waters were churning around.”
