Altaica

by Tracy M. Joyce

‘Give me a bucket, you cruel girl.’

  ‘No.’

  He was turning green. She grabbed some rope, quickly tied it around his waist, then anchored it to a hook on the cabin wall.

  ‘Hang your head over the side. You can’t possibly fall in now. You’ll be safe.’

  He cast her a savage look as she turned and walked away. At the prow she leaned out over the water, inhaling deeply, hoping that the sight of her doing this would terrify her father. When she looked back he was leaning over the railing, being violently ill.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  THE STORM CLOUDS loomed over them, while the steadily rising wind carried a chill. Jaime and Daniel, usually buoyant, sat side by side quietly observing their friends and neighbours.

  ‘Gods, Dan. Do you think this will work? I mean … it seemed like such a good idea in theory,’ Jaime said in a hushed tone.

  Daniel did not reply as his gaze roved first over their companions, then over the expanse of river before them.

  ‘None of us really have any knowledge of sailing on a river or the sea,’ Jaime continued. ‘Who knows what will happen?’

  Daniel looked squarely at his brother. ‘At least we’re alive. Not like those poor souls back there. We’ll make it. I have to believe it … and Jaime, we have to act like we believe it. Look at them, just look at them. Doubt will be like a disease on this boat if we’re not careful.’ Jaime nodded, looking at his brother with a new element of respect and gratitude. ‘Now smile, Jaime. People are watching,’ Daniel said, shoving him impishly.

  Jaime followed Daniel’s glance to alight upon a pretty blonde. She stared at them pensively. Daniel smiled reassuringly at her; she gave a half smile in return, but her focus was on Jaime. Jaime frowned, looking down and away as he folded his arms on his chest.

  ‘What in the world is wrong now?’ Daniel whispered, stifling a laugh. ‘It’s obvious that Gabriela likes you. When are you going to do something about it?’

  ‘You don’t know that.’ Jaime blushed.

  Daniel groaned dramatically and rolled his eyes. ‘Yes, actually, I do. Every time she has come into my shop for cloth, she asks after you. I kept hoping for months that she’d at least look at me. But she’s just not interested. I even flirted outrageously,’ he added in falsetto.

  Jaime snorted in amusement. Of the two, he had always been the one who had no trouble attracting young women; Daniel was the shy one.

  ‘I don’t know, Dan. Well, you know I’m not … ah … inexperienced in this.’

  Daniel was turning a puce colour, merriment dancing from his eyes. ‘No, no … definitely not inexperienced.’

  ‘Oh, forget it!’ Jaime snapped.

  ‘All right, I’ll let you finish,’ Daniel said, raising his hands in appeasement.

  ‘I’ve never had problems, but I’ve got no idea what to say to Gabriela. I just get near her and …’

  Grinning, Daniel said, ‘Just say “hello”, anything, talk.’ He added solemnly, ‘This could be your only chance.’

  Jaime looked up sharply, then slowly nodded.

  Daniel sighed and walked over to where Gabriela sat. Bending down he whispered to her, casting a mischievous look at Jaime’s stunned face, before sauntering away to the stern.

  Gabriela smiled at Jaime as she walked toward him. Hesitant, he returned her smile. His mouth was suddenly dry and his mind raced over what to talk about. ‘Are you having a nice time?’ hardly seemed appropriate.

  Gabriela was alone on this barge. Her elderly parents had elected to stay behind, as had many others who were old or infirm. This was the time to take chances. She had nothing to lose. Too long she had watched him flirt with the girls of the village and listened to their tales of late night assignations. Sometimes she caught him looking at her, but he never seemed to want to pursue her. Sitting near him, she took a deep breath.

  ‘Jaime, do you find me at all attractive?’

  Jaime, beet red and nearly choking, stammered, ‘Of course.’ He’d never stammered in his life. His palms grew sweaty.

  Her blonde hair was tied back in a loose ponytail. The brisk wind whipped stray strands of hair about her fair face, surrounding it with a slight golden aura. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold air. The combined effect made her eyes seem a more intense shade of blue.

  ‘So why don’t you talk to me?’

  ‘I do talk to you!’ he replied defensively. ‘I am talking to you.’

  ‘I suppose it’s the wrong word. Jaime, I’ve seen you with other girls and trust me, those girls do talk.’ He blanched. ‘Why is it that you’ve got no problem with them?’

  ‘You’re not like those girls.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Self-consciously she glanced down at herself, then raised an eyebrow.

  He followed her gaze, his eyes lingering on her curves, and gulped nervously. ‘I mean … you don’t act like them. You’re different.’ Damn, he thought, this is not going well.

  ‘How? You mean if I’d acted more like a coquette, you would have pursued me?’

  ‘Well … um … er … You know I never really pursued those other girls … They flirted with me …’ Flirt didn’t quite cover it. ‘I never really had to actually talk that much.’

  Gabriela’s eyes widened. He wasn’t sure if she was angry, but then she suddenly laughed.

  ‘They were never serious.’ He wanted to say ‘uncomplicated’, but decided that was not going to help. ‘They knew that too.’

  Her eyes narrowed. ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Oh yes, definitely. No promises were made.’ He felt he was on solid ground now. ‘They were harmless dalliances. They’re all married now.’

  ‘You’ve no idea, have you? I know you broke hearts. Those girls moved on because you never asked them to marry you.’ He looked stunned. ‘Not all girls risk their reputations for just a little fun.’

  ‘To be fair, some had already risked their reputations before I came along.’

  She gave him an arch look. ‘You’ve never had to actually court a girl, have you? Well now you do. I’m not going to fall at your feet like the others.’

  Jaime watched in dismay as she left.

  Daniel’s gut tightened as he watched this exchange. She was beautiful, all the more so because she seemed utterly unaware of it. He wanted to look away, but was transfixed.

  Isaura joined Daniel at the stern, leaning against the railing with a faint smile at the edge of her lips. ‘You know, Dan, you really are the brighter one. For all your brother’s good looks, he really is as dumb as a stump sometimes.’

  He merely grunted, trying to quell the small spark of joy at seeing the pair part and the stunned look on his brother’s face.

  Isaura patted his arm and gave him a rare hug. ‘It will get better,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry, but I’ve got to save your dumb brother from himself.’

  Daniel roused himself, grateful for her insight, returning her hug fiercely before she left him.

  Jaime was just where Gabriela had left him, looking lost.

  Isaura sat down beside him, giving his knee a gentle squeeze. ‘You worry too much, you know that?’

  Jaime, completely taken aback, stared at her as if she was a lunatic.

  ‘You can charm the birds out of the trees when you have a mind to and yet you can’t have a simple conversation with Gabriela without …’

  ‘It wasn’t a simple conversation.’

  ‘Jaime …’

  ‘Bloody … damn it, Isa!’ he said vehemently. ‘When she is around, suddenly I don’t know what I’m doing.’

  ‘Clearly, Jaime. They say love scrambles the brain,’ she said ruefully as he put his head in his hands. ‘Look, here’s my idea.’ He groaned. Tapping her foot impatiently, she asked, ‘Have you got any ideas of your own?’ Jaime shook his head. ‘Right then, listen up. See that storm bank? It’s going to be pretty damn awful. Where’s Gabi’s stuff? Oh yes, all the way over there near the edge of the deck. Not a good spot really; too exposed, too dangerous. Look
at your spot, you’ve got the canopy and that covered cargo as protection. I’d say that’s a much safer spot, wouldn’t you? Go play the hero then and look after her. Everything will work out fine in the end.’

  Jaime’s face lit up as she spoke. ‘Isa, you’re a genius.’ He scrambled to his feet, looking for Gabriela.

  Watching him leave, she muttered affectionately, ‘Dumb as a stump. My kingdom for a good-looking man who has a fully working brain.’ If this absurd plan worked, then they really did deserve each other. Still, Isaura was pleased for Gabriela if it meant she would no longer be alone.

  Jaime approached Gabriela, thanking the gods when the lightning flashed again. ‘Gabi, this storm is going to be rough. I think … that is … would you like to move closer to Dan and me? It should be a bit more sheltered there. That is, we … I can keep you safe. You know, with the storm, and maybe the river might get rough too. You’d be safer with us.’

  Gabriela stared at him, saying nothing. Jaime, scarlet, turned away.

  Quickly she reached out, a soft smile on her face. ‘Yes, Jaime. Yes, I think I’d like that.’

  He nodded, relieved, and smiled tentatively. ‘I would too.’ More lightning lit up the sky, illuminating towering, roiling cloudbanks, but they hadn’t yet heard any thunder. ‘It’s still miles away.’

  ‘Yes, but look at the size of those clouds. Have you ever seen anything like it? What on earth are we going to do when the storm gets here?’

  ‘One thing at a time. Let’s just get your things, then worry about what might happen.’

  * * *

  Nicanor awoke with Lucia and Pio sleeping soundly beside him. He heard a faint movement and noticed Isaura at the tiller. Gently he extricated himself from Lucia. She stirred. ‘All’s well. Go back to sleep.’ She murmured something unintelligible and drifted off again.

  He made his way to Isaura. ‘Isa? Have you slept?’

  She shook her head. ‘I can’t settle. Can’t you feel it? The air is almost alive.’

  ‘Hugo?’

  ‘He complained so much he’s exhausted himself—thank the gods.’

  ‘Thank the gods?’ Nicanor grinned.

  ‘Didn’t I tell you? I’m reforming; turning over a new leaf. I’m prepared to believe in any deity who will see us safe.’

  Nicanor’s sceptical look was her only reply.

  The air was rent with a sizzle, immediately followed by an ear-splitting clap of thunder. They both ducked instinctively. Everyone woke up, cowering beneath their blankets and scrambling for more cover. A torrential downpour commenced, along with a gale force wind that screamed eerily through the trees on the banks. The sail filled and collapsed violently as the wind whipped around buffeting the boat.

  ‘Maybe we should lower the sail?’ Isaura suggested. It took several men to furl the single sail and tie it securely.

  The canopy over the deck billowed wildly with the force of the wind and offered little protection from the driving rain. The children huddled closer to their parents. Flashes of lightning revealed terrified faces. Hail began to pelt down upon them and settle on the deck.

  Nicanor took the tiller from Isaura so she could check on Hugo. He was awake and trying to claw his way along the deck around the side of the cabin in order to reach the shelter of its interior. Forgetting the rope still anchored him to the deck, Hugo let out a snarl as he reached its end.

  Isaura moved toward him. ‘Father, let me help.’ As she reached down to aid him, he batted her away.

  ‘Not you! You are the cause of all this.’ He was still struggling forward, unaware of what was restraining him and growing more intensely agitated with each passing moment.

  ‘Father, enough, stop! I’ll undo the rope so you can get in the cabin.’ His feral eyes cleared momentarily. He looked down and began to untie the rope himself. She reached to help him; he snarled, lashing out viciously and swiping her across the face. His healer’s insignia ring left a savage red gash from her cheekbone to her lip. Stunned, she sprawled backward and watched him crawl into the small cabin to hide from the storm. He had always been a petty, arrogant man, yet he had never been physically violent. Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She berated herself for her foolishness—he would never change and, it seemed, she would never learn.

  Isaura scrambled across the now slippery hailstone covered deck toward Lucia and Pio, who were huddled next to a crate near the canopy’s edge. As she reached them, the canopy swelled upward and broke one of its tethering ropes. The rope swung about, lashing Isaura across her already injured face. She stumbled backward briefly as pain caused tears to stream down her face. Untethered at one corner, the canopy heaved further upward in the gale and threatened to come entirely loose. It was the only shelter on the deck.

  Isaura launched herself forward to try to grab the flailing rope, missed and collapsed as her right leg slipped sideways on the hail. Pain seared through her inner thigh. She could not get back up. Lucia called out, but Isaura couldn’t hear her over the wind. Two men grabbed the loose rope and were securing the canopy as she dragged herself across to Lucia. They locked arms and tucked their heads down, trying to shelter Pio between them. The hail felt like a barrage of stones. Isaura’s wet clothing offered no protection, and her skin stung painfully wherever the hail hit. Abruptly it ceased, only to be replaced by steady driving rain.

  The fierce wind propelled the barge down river with even greater speed. Flashes of lightning revealed the banks were further apart and the trees had thinned. The pitch of the wind altered; it was no longer a high howling, but a deep angry roar as it flattened the tall grass along the sandy banks.

  Nicanor strained to catch a glimpse of the shoreline. He had no idea exactly where they were, or even how long had passed since the storm commenced.

  The sound of the wind changed yet again. The grasses were replaced by tall reeds and bulrushes; it was as if thousands of spears were rattling, defying them passage. With one last onslaught the wind and rain ceased. The clouds began to disperse. The sound of the water lapping gently against the boat, interspersed by the odd whisper of conversation, was the only noise. Everyone held their breath, awed by the unexpected tranquillity and beauty before them. The moon was reflected in the calm waters of a massive lake.

  The villagers grew excited. ‘Where are we?’

  ‘Is it the ocean?’

  ‘No,’ Nicanor said. ‘I think it’s Lake Runala.’

  Standing by the mast, Curro was jubilant as he made to hoist the single sail.

  ‘Curro, wait.’ Nicanor grabbed his arm. ‘Wait until dawn. We need to be sure of the river. We can’t risk entering the fens.’

  * * *

  The sound of the unfurling sail woke Jaime to a pale grey, early morning sky. His legs were wet, cold and cramped, but he really didn’t want to wake Gabriela. She had dozed off leaning against him and now his arm was draped protectively around her. He used his free arm to remove their sodden blanket. Underneath, his cloak was wet, but he noticed with satisfaction that Gabriela’s was only damp. She was not tall and in her sleep had managed to curl closely in against him. Jaime had wanted to hold her for such a long time; he wished that she would just stay right where she was. He winced as he wiggled his toes in an attempt to get some feeling back in his legs.

  Daniel chuckled. ‘The trials one has to endure, eh?’ Lucky bastard. Together they had sheltered Gabriela from the storm, yet somehow she had wound up in Jaime’s arms. I’m an idiot. It was never going to be me. Stop hoping for something that just isn’t going to happen.

  Jaime tentatively placed his hand against Gabriela’s cheek. She stirred and tried to snuggle deeper into his shoulder, fighting to stay asleep, but half her face was numb and her neck was incredibly stiff. She gasped when she realised someone was holding her. She pulled back and saw Jaime smiling down at her.

  ‘Gabi—don’t. It’s so cold.’ He repositioned himself more comfortably. ‘Come.’ He drew her toward him so that she leane
d back against his chest. Jaime wrapped her cloak around her, then enclosed them both inside his own cloak and held her tightly. ‘Better?’ All she could do was nod, bewildered and content.

  Curro took over the tiller from his exhausted brother. ‘Nic, what do you think? The largest gap, directly across?’

  Nicanor simply nodded. ‘The current will tell.’ Three quarters of the way across the lake the water’s pull increased. The barge sailed gracefully through a wide gap between tall bulrushes and downstream as the river snaked its way to the coast. The calm surface of the water suggested a languorous pace, but the river was deceptively fast.

  Minor chaos engulfed the deck as children ran to the front of the boat to lean over the railings, trying to be the first to see the ocean. Shrieks and squeals pierced the air as they were dragged back to more sheltered spots by the gaggle of fussing mothers, leaving Pio exposed, hugging the neck of the horse figurehead. His arms gripped the carved mane as he wriggled further out to peer between its ears.

  ‘Pio!’ Lucia barrelled up to the front of the boat, pushing past the disgruntled children being dragged back. ‘Pio, get off there now!’

  Pio looked back quickly, flinching. ‘I’m going to be the first to the ocean.’

  ‘Now, Pio! You will be the first to drown if you’re not careful.’

  Knowing he was already in trouble, he ignored his mother. How much worse is it going to get? I’ve just got to hang on a bit longer. The wind whipped his hair back. His cheeks were ruddy and his eyes watering. The barge dipped and Pio slipped sideways. Lucia gasped, too horrified to yell. Pio felt as if his stomach had flipped over. He clung tightly to the horse’s carved mane and neck. Frightened, he started to inch backward. Lucia leaned over the bow, reaching out to grab him.

  The barge rounded a bend in the river to a collective gasp. The dull grey light had given way to an early morning glow that illuminated a vista streaked with thin wisps of grey cloud and a horizon filled with the grey-blue ocean.

  Pio looked with wonder at the vast expanse of water before him. ‘Wow! Look Ma. Ma—I did it! I’m the first to the ocean.’