Caravan to Kittikin

by Brian S. Pratt

  Raising one eyebrow questioningly, he asked, “How so?”

  Reneeke gestured to the entrance. “If you would be so kind as to accompany me outside, I will show you.”

  Curiosity prompted the priest to nod. “As you wish.”

  Leading the way, Reneeke explained that they were Adventurers from the Guild and that one of them had been inadvertently inflicted with a curse. They emerged from the temple just as he was explaining the nature of the curse

  Borj stood by the horses and conversed with over a dozen other boys, most of whom had gathered around Jaikus-beast. When they appeared, Borj shooed them away and turned to meet them.

  “I was hoping you could remove the curse and restore my friend to his former self,” Reneeke said.

  The priest walked past Borj who bobbed his head at the priest’s passing and came to stand before Jaikus-beast. Summoning the power of his god, he took a moment to ascertain the extent and nature of the curse.

  “It is not too late,” the priest said upon concluding the examination. “Another day and the curse would have been irreversible.”

  “Can you heal him, Father?”

  The priest nodded. “I believe so, yes. Bring him,” he paused then turned to Reneeke, “it is a him?” When Reneeke replied with a “Yes,” the priest said, “Bring him inside.”

  Taking out his knife, Reneeke cut the bonds securing his friend to the horse. As the wriggling Jaikus-beast began sliding off, he caught him and slung him over his shoulder. He glanced to Borj, “Can you watch the horses until I return?”

  “I sure will,” Borj said with glee.

  “Rest assured,” the priest added, “as long as they are before Fjerl’s temple, nothing will befall them.” He eyed young Borj and added, “Right?”

  Bobbing his head rapidly, the boy said, “They’ll be safe here, Father.”

  Reneeke eyed where Oriu’s chest sat wrapped and secured behind his saddle. He hated leaving it there, but Jaikus had to come first. Carrying his friend-turned-beast, he followed the priest inside.

  A ruckus started as soon as he stepped foot within the temple. A lady conversing with a friend by the entrance glanced at them and screamed upon seeing Jaikus’ red eyes boring into her. Her companion grabbed her by the arm and they quickly departed.

  Others either gawked in curiosity, made exclamations, or fled the temple.

  “Sorry about this, Father.”

  The priest waved away his concern. “Think nothing of it. A good fright often births a good story.”

  “So does an act of stupidity.”

  Glancing first at Reneeke, then to Jaikus-beast, he nodded gravely. “Is that what happened?”

  “In part, but the act had not been his but another.” He explained about the thief and the opening of the chest.

  They passed through a side arch and entered a hallway. Doors stood closed on either side; the priest brought him to the third on the right. Producing a key, he opened the door and led them in. Inside was a single cot with a chair on either side. To the left of the cot was a small table.

  “Lay him there.”

  About that time, another priest arrived with two acolytes.

  Reneeke placed his friend upon the cot then stepped back.

  “Do you have the object that cursed him?” the second priest asked.

  “Father Ranon has experience in curses such as afflicts your friend,” the first priest said. “Being able to examine the object can often shed light on the nature of the curse and speed the victim’s recovery.”

  Nodding, Reneeke said, “It’s out on my horse.”

  “Can you bring it in, please?”

  He started to turn to get it, but then paused. “What do you plan to do with it?”

  “See if we can ascertain the nature of the curse.”

  “You aren’t going to destroy it or harm it any way are you?”

  The priest eyed him a moment then replied, “No promises.”

  Reneeke hesitated.

  “You need to hurry, son.”

  “Yes,” agreed Father Ranon from where he was examining Jaikus. “What remains of your friend is fading rapidly. Tarry overlong and we may lose him.”

  Reneeke was torn between his duty to his friend and his duty to return the chest to Master Tuppin. No matter how dire Jaikus’ condition may be, the chest was not his to give away. Honor warred with desire.

  “How long does he have?”

  Father Ranon gave him a confused look, as if not understanding why he hadn’t already supplied the chest. “Not long. I’d say that by the time the sun rises high this noon it will be too late.”

  “And how much to heal him?”

  “For a curse of this severity and considering that it has infested his system for a lengthy period of time… two thousand.”

  “Golds?”

  The priest nodded.

  “And if you don’t have the chest?”

  “Three silvers for a burial plot.”

  “Okay. I’ll be back. Will he be safe here?”

  The priest nodded. “Just hurry. Time is not your friend.”

  Reneeke raced from the room, down the hall and out the temple. Borj remained by the horses.

  “Where would a caravan go that just arrived in town?”

  Borj pointed across town. “To the caravansary of course. All caravans stay there. It’s actually a nice…”

  “Show me,” Reneeke said as he swung up onto his horse. “And hurry.”

  “You got it!”

  Taking off in the direction he had indicated, Borj made his way through the darkened streets. Reneeke followed right behind.

  The caravansary sat just beyond the North Gate. A wide expanse had been allotted to caravans and nearly two-score wagons sat in four separate areas. Spying the only group with but four wagons, he tossed Borj a silver, offered his thanks, and headed that way.

  Before he reached the wagons he saw Midden sitting before the fire. Larko laid on the ground next to him. Of the others there was no sign.

  “Well, I’ll be,” Midden said with a grin upon noticing Reneeke’s approach. Then his grin vanished when he failed to see Jaikus.

  Larko got to his feet and they both came to him.

  “Did you get it?” the one-time guild member asked.

  Reneeke nodded.

  “But where’s your friend?” Midden asked.

  “At Fjerl’s. Where’s Master Tuppin?”

  “Having an ale at the Whip and Wheel,” Larko replied. “Most traders and teamsters frequent the place.”

  “Where is it? I have to speak with him.”

  From behind him a small voice said, “I know where it is.”

  They turned to find Borj appearing out of the dark.

  “Get on with you, boy,” Midden said with a scowl.

  “That’s okay,” Reneeke said. “He’s with me.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  Glancing to Larko, Reneeke said, “Jaik was close when a thief opened the chest.”

  Both teamsters nodded as Midden said, “And they want to examine the chest.”

  “Yes.”

  “He won’t agree to it,” Larko stated.

  “But if they don’t, Jaikus will die. They as much said so.”

  “He’ll have to.” To Borj he said, “Take me there.”

  Midden held up his hand to forestall their leaving. “Give me a moment and I’ll come with you.”

  Borj glanced to Reneeke who nodded.

  “Don’t know how you’re going to help,” Larko said.

  Midden shrugged. “That boy is a real irritant and no denying. But he’s got pluck. Be a damn shame to leave him in such a state.”

  Larko grinned and Midden just scowled. “You’re going to make people think you’re a nice fellow.”

  Harrumphing, Midden replied, “No need to be insulting.” Then once he had crossbow in hand, indicated that he was ready. “Lead on, boy.”

  “It isn’t far,” Borj said to Reneeke.


  He scurried away and Midden fell in beside Reneeke. “Now, just how did you manage to get the best of ol’ Mackum?”

  By the time the Whip and Wheel came into view, Reneeke had come to the part where Arno had opened the chest and Jaikus had been cursed.

  “Quite the tale,” the elder teamster said. “You boys might do okay as Adventurer’s.”

  “I don’t care about that,” Reneeke replied. “All that matters is restoring Jaikus to his former self.”

  “Bet they’re going to charge you too much.”

  “Is two thousand golds too much?”

  He thought a moment, then shook his head. “No. I was thinking at least five. They may have took in your homespun appearance and figured you a bit lean on coins.”

  “That’s true enough. But even if I get Master Tuppin’s permission to allow them to examine the chest, I don’t have the money to pay them.”

  “Do what many Adventurers do.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Sell everything you have. If you still don’t have enough, commit to doing them an errand. But I’d avoid that last if you are able. They tend to be fraught with danger and most don’t survive.”

  “I would think some would agree then back out once the healing is done.”

  Midden shook his head. “Can’t. They put a geas on you.”

  “Geas?”

  “It compels you to complete the agreed service.”

  Coming to the Whip and Wheel, Reneeke dismounted. “I’ll remember that.”

  About to enter, he saw that Midden was not accompanying him. “Aren’t you coming?”

  The teamster shook his head as he hefted his crossbow. “I’ll stay and look after your horses and things.” He nodded to Borj. “Leave just a boy and you may not find them here upon your return.”

  “Hey,” Borj exclaimed, “I can take care of myself.”

  Breaking into one of his rare grins, Midden tousled Borj’s hair. “I’m sure you can.” Despite Borj’s assurance, he made no move toward the tavern.

  Reneeke glanced at some of the unsavory individuals loitering in the area then returned his gaze to Midden. Nodding, he said, “Thank you.”

  Midden shrugged then with Borj’s help, gathered the horses in close together. He heard Midden explain to the boy, “Better to keep an eye on them,” as he walked up the steps and entered the Whip and Wheel.

  Even at this hour the tables were still fairly full. A bard played a merry tune off to the side though the roar of conversation nearly drowned him out. Pausing in the foyer, he scanned those in the common room.

  Master Tuppin sat on the other side, a few tables in from the wall. With him were his other teamster Peter, and his guards Somak and Rojer. Two women shared their table.

  Somak spied him at about the same time and waved him over. He then spoke to Master Tuppin who looked up from a conversation with one of the young ladies.

  “By the gods am I glad to see you,” the caravan master said. “Where’s your friend? Outside with the horses?”

  Reneeke shook his head. “No. He’s at Fjerl’s.”

  Master Tuppin’s grin at seeing him vanished. “Too bad.” He gestured for Reneeke to join them at the table. “Did you retrieve the chest?”

  “Yes.”

  Slapping the table, Master Tuppin said, “There’s more to you two boys than I would have credited.”

  “Where is it?” Peter asked.

  “Out with the horses.” When Master Tuppin’s face turned into a scowl, he quickly added, “Midden is watching it with his crossbow.”

  “Your arrival is most timely,” the trader said. “I was about to face the very unpleasant prospect of explaining to Oriu that his chest had been absconded with.”

  “Yes,” Reneeke said as his eyes flicked from Master Tuppin to the others in his employ, “about the chest.”

  Rojer caught the inflection in his tone and made an intuitive leap. “Your friend opened it, didn’t he?”

  “What?” Master Tuppin exclaimed. All signs of joviality vanished.

  “Not him,” Reneeke quickly explained. “A thief opened it near Jaik.”

  Rojer nodded. “And that’s why he’s at Fjerl’s?”

  Reneeke sighed. “That is correct. And that is why I am here.” He turned to Master Tuppin. “The priests said the only way they will be able to negate the effects of the curse and restore Jaik is to inspect the chest.”

  “That wouldn’t be a good idea,” Somak said. Then to Master Tuppin, “Oriu would become incensed.”

  The trader nodded.

  “But without it, Jaik doesn’t stand a chance!”

  “Now calm down, son.”

  “Calm down? How can I calm down? Jaikus is…”

  Holding up his hand to forestall Reneeke, Master Tuppin said, “I did not say nothing could be done. Just that turning the chest over to Fjerl’s priests would be a bad idea.” He eyed Rojer then said, “What we need to do is speak with Oriu about this.”

  “Are you crazy?” Somak demanded. “Oriu is no one to trifle with. What happened to your friend is regrettable, but incurring Oriu’s wrath would be extremely foolhardy.”

  “But without Jaikus, the chest would never have been recovered,” Reneeke stated.

  “And that is what we shall tell Oriu,” Master Tuppin said with finality. “Your friend did a service for Oriu and leaving him in his present state would be poor compensation.”

  Reneeke began to calm down now that it appeared they were not going to cold-heartedly turn a deaf ear to Jaikus’ plight. “The priests said he has until noon. After that, the effects would be beyond their ability to reverse and he will forevermore remain one of those beasts.”

  Master Tuppin came to his feet. “Then we should see to this right away.” To the ladies he said, “My apologies for this ungentlemanly departure. But situations dictate we must.”

  “I’ll stay and look after them,” Peter offered.

  “I’m sure you would,” Master Tuppin replied. “But you best be returning to the wagons. Rojer, Somak, you two come with us.” Then giving a brief nod, he said, “Ladies,” then headed for the door.

  “Do you think Oriu will help?”

  “I have not the slightest idea, son,” Master Tuppin said. “But if he fails to do so, I’m afraid your friend is lost.”

  Chapter 19

  Outside with the horses, Reneeke explained to Midden what was going on then asked, “Can you do me a favor?”

  “If I can.”

  “Sell all this stuff and see if you can raise two thousand golds.”

  Midden’s eyes widened, and eyed him questioningly.

  Reneeke produced the items retrieved from the Halflings, even the ring Jaikus had been so happy to have. He almost held it back but knew they may very well need the coins it could fetch.

  “I’ll do what I can.”

  “Try Morgul in the Temple District,” Master Tuppin suggested. “He remains in his shop until nearly morning. If anyone will give a good price for those items, it’s him. Tell him I’d consider it a favor,”

  Midden nodded. “Okay.”

  “Then meet us at Fjerl’s.”

  “See you then.”

  Rojer took charge of Oriu’s chest before they headed out.

  Master Tuppin pulled Midden aside for a quiet conversation. Once the conversation concluded, Master Tuppin bid his teamster good luck and made for the North Gate.

  Midden, with Borj in tow, led the horses toward the Temple District.

  Reneeke eyed them as they left. “Do you think they will get the golds the priests require?”

  Master Tuppin shrugged. “That all depends on the magic imbuing those items. “

  He gave the trader a run-down of the various items. “Again, no way to know. But that scale you found, if it’s what I think it is, it alone could fetch nearly five hundred.”

  “Then there may be hope”

  Somak slapped him on the back. “As long as there is life, there is hope. Your f
riend is not yet lost to you.”

  “I hope not,” Reneeke mumbled to himself.

  When the North Gate appeared down the street, Reneeke asked, “Why all the worry and fear over what this Oriu may think?”

  “When we get there,” Rojer explained, “you’ll understand.”

  “He’s a person of power,” Somak said. “Never wise to antagonize someone like that.”

  “Surely even someone of power can be reasoned with.”

  Rojer chuckled. “Just wait.”

  Further attempts to ferret information concerning Oriu failed to reap results.

  Once through the North Gate, Somak produced a lantern. They hadn’t gone far beyond the wall before departing the road and headed cross-country. They walked in silence, the lantern lighting the way. Twenty minutes or so later, they reached where the ground became rugged.

  What grass had been present during their trek from the wall gradually faded away leaving behind a ground devoid of life and cracked like soil that had been parched far too long. A feeling of foreboding settled upon them as they continued forward.

  A trail of sorts soon became apparent. Bleached bones of many different animals reflected the lantern’s light from where they laid scattered upon the ground to either side. Some, Reneeke had never seen. The trail serpentined its way around the worst of the land malformations; acrid steam that stung the eyes issued from a few of the cracks marring the ground. From a rather large one that the trail hair-pinned around came what sounded very much like the lamentation of a wayward spirit. At least that was how it sounded to Reneeke.

  “What kind of man calls a place like this home,” he whispered.

  Somak turned to him and said, “Never said he was one.”

  “One what?”

  “A man.”

  “Then, what is Oriu?”

  “I’ve never asked.” Master Tuppin glanced over his shoulder. “Some things are best left unknown.”

  Reneeke swallowed the lump of fear threatening to rise.

  Then from up ahead came a popping sound followed by a moan devoid of all happiness and hope. Thrice more it occurred before the lantern’s light illuminated a black, tarry pit several yards to the right of the trail. As Reneeke came abreast of it, a large bubble rose from its depths.