Chapter 14
The weather improved significantly over the next three days. The sun was now high enough in the southern sky to hold forth the promise of Spring. Daniel’s work kept him busy, but Heather was starting to feel confined as much by her lack of responsibility as anything else. She used the time to plan but just did not have enough information to formulate a complete plan. No one was surprised when the messenger arrived requesting their presence and that of the young priest at the Forest Council. The evening meal at the tavern was a celebration of their being home, and a goodbye until they could return again.
At first light the four of them set out. The cold was still deep enough for the snow to squeak when they walked on it. With Heather and the young priest on their skis and Jeremy and Daniel with their snowshoes pulling sleds, they made steady progress. The weather held and four days later they arrived at the Forest Council site. Room was made for them in the small village, which was already overflowing with others attending the Council. Jeremy decided not to attend the meeting and left the three of them to enter the Council headquarters without him after the morning meal.
The meeting started almost immediately without any formal call to order. Daniel was asked to introduce Heather and the young priest. The chair of the Council summarized briefly the events of the recent war and then asked Heather for a report. Saying, "Heather of the Northern Kingdom, your service to the people of the Forest and all of our peoples has been noted in this Council. We ask you now for a report on your recent voyage of exploration and thoughts of the future."
Heather stood before this group of strangers and at first was unsure how to start. The memory of the attack on her father by the Red Ambassador came surging into her mind and she started her story at that point. Having never been comfortable with public speaking, she was unaware of how forceful her story was. Her thoughts and planning just kept coming out and for the next two hours she dominated the Council with only occasional questions to interrupt her flow of thoughts. When she finished explaining how she felt those of the Red Ambassador would attack from both the frontier and the sea, she just stopped talking.
Heather's report was greeted by silence and for a moment she feared she had offended everyone in the Council. Looking at Daniel, she was greeted by a nod of approval and then the chair spoke up saying, "A most frightening report well given. I open the Council for discussion."
Questions began in earnest, only some of which Heather could answer. When the old priest and archivist stood, everyone else became quiet. He said in his scratchy voice, "I would hear more of this fishermen from the end of the world and of his language."
Heather was not sure what else to say and looked questioningly at Daniel. The young priest responded by rising to his feet and saying, "I will try and remember." He then began speaking in the tongue of the stranger.
Heather and Daniel were amazed because their young priest sounded just as the stranger had. For many minutes everyone was hypnotized by the sounds of the stranger from the end of the world. When he was finished the old priest said, "You remember well my son. The tongue you speak is very ancient and probably the mother of our speech. It is as the ancient scrolls describe."
When the chair asked him to explain, the old priest said, "A single reference describes a people more ancient than ourselves who were forced from their lands because of an invasion. The scroll is damaged and I have not been able to decipher the remainder."
The young priest timidly spoke up asking, "Is this the scroll that also speaks of the cave of knowledge in the ice?"
The old priest became excited and his voice sounded young as he asked, "You know of this scroll, is your copy intact?"
Young priest explained, "It is a copy which I studied at the palace of the Southern Kingdom. I know not if it is authentic."
The old priest said, "You remember well and I would explore your memory to reproduce this scroll, if you're willing."
Heather spoke up saying, "If we are to survive we must know our enemy better. I would have this knowledge you speak of. Where is this cave of knowledge?"
The old priest responded saying, "I have studied this issue for many years and remain uncertain if it really exists. The description would place it somewhere on the northeast portion of the ice field. The cave is in a mountain rising above the ice which looks like the head of a fish."
Heather asked, "Can those of the Forest search out this cave of knowledge before the summer sun could allow an invasion across the ice field?"
One who wore the garb of the hunters’ guild but who was no longer young, rose and said, "I have studied the reports of last summer's crossing. It would be possible if the God of the Sacred Water would grant us a break in the weather and if the traders’ guild could establish staging points with supplies."
"An arduous task but we traders would be willing. The camp at the old copper mining area has already been reestablished as a supply point. From there we could establish a series of supply caches up to the ice field vertical wall. The reports from the traders who crossed the ice field last summer would seem to make it beyond our capability to establish caches on the field itself."
The chair asked Heather, "What would you learn in this cave of knowledge which would help you know our enemy better?"
Heather was slow to answer as she tried to answer to herself first. She replied, "The history of our people’s first days is unclear to me but it seems likely we were refugees of a previous war. If that war were fought against those of the Red Ambassador, I would know why we lost. Without this knowledge our planning remains incomplete and we would risk losing again." She added, "I would see this ice field myself to properly plan a defense."
The older hunter asked, "You would plan a battle on the ice field?"
Heather responded, "Rather a means of slowing their progress and maybe forcing them to take the route of the gorge. I would rather an army not be allowed to enter the Forest."
The discussion became one of supporting the winter expedition. Darkness had fallen when the vote was finally taken to support the winter expedition. A few spoke out against, but most in support. The chair closed the Council until morning and those attending dispersed. For three days more the Council met and planned. Some of the agenda items were purely local but most dealt with the coming hard times. For Heather, it seemed a little inefficient to have so many involved in making decisions but she could understand how the support of a decision reached was more complete. It was a different system from what she had grown up with, but one that obviously worked.
The final item before closing was Daniel’s powder. The chair requested Daniel oversee the production of another batch of the powder. Daniel rose and said, "The power of the powder will almost certainly be needed in the coming hard times. If my bride is to travel to the ice field I would travel with her."
A member of the miners’ guild stood and said, "I would move that the responsibility of producing this explosive powder be transferred to the miners’ guild."
Other guilds spoke up stating their desire to assume responsibility for the production and gave reasons which all seemed valid. The discussion seemed to be destined for endless debate when the chair asked the old priest for advice. The old man was somewhat slow to respond rising slowly to his feet. He said, "Such power as this knowledge represents will be difficult to contain. Those with such knowledge will face the same danger Daniel faced with his kidnapping. The choice of another healer who would have no vested interest would seem logical. A member of the church priesthood would be another consideration but only as a secondary choice."
The discussion seemed to go in several directions at once but the chair restored some semblance of order by saying, "The chair will assume the responsibility for appointing an apprentice to Daniel who is either a healer or of the priesthood." He continued, "Is there other business to come before the Council?"
Several voices could be heard but nobody was making any specific motions and t
he chair said, "This Council is now closed."
Nobody seemed in a hurry to leave and with everyone talking at the same time, the noise level made talking difficult. Daniel and Heather were making their way through the doorway when the old priest caught up with them. Once outside where quiet was again soothing to their ears, the old priest said, "I would have you walk with me."
Heather looked at Daniel who nodded and she responded, "It would be an honor."
The old priest led the way at a surprisingly quick pace. He spoke of little until they were out to the village and then said, "The memory of the young priest who accompanies you is good. I would you take him with you as you explore the ice field. If you find the cave of knowledge, trust him to remember." They were nearing the small monastery near the village and he continued, "Your assessment of the coming hard times rings true to me and your help in preserving our Forest is a tribute to the goodness of all our peoples. I give you my blessings and pray to the God of the Sacred Water for your success."
They walked on a little further in silence until the gate of the monastery was reached. As the old priest opened the gate, he asked one more thing, "I would have your young priest study with me when these hard times are finished. I am old and feeble and we need one such as he to carry on as archivist."
Heather thought of objecting to his self-description but instead said, "If it is possible we will arrange for his studies with you. I thank you for your blessing and ask the God of the Sacred Water to continue bestowing upon you good health, for your knowledge is essential to all of our peoples."
The old priest nodded in appreciation and said, "Travel safely and plan well for I'm afraid we of the Forest are depending on your skills for our survival."
The old priest turned and entered into the monastery and his world of scrolls and prayer. Heather and Daniel watched the old man move inside and then turned back towards the village. They had walked most of the way back to the village before Daniel broke the silence by saying, "Well my love, it would seem our life as simple villagers has already come to an end. I must admit I enjoyed sharing my village life with you but the God of the Sacred Water would seem to have other plans for us."
Heather squeezed his hand and said nothing until they were outside the tavern. In a quiet voice she said, "I would the God of the Sacred Water allow us to spend our lives together, wherever that may be. My fear of the hard times is held in check by my love for you and the strength that love gives me."
Further conversation was made impossible when the door was opened and Jeremy saw them. It was a boisterous evening of storytelling with some music and dancing. The night was late before they retired and Jeremy awakened them before dawn, ready to travel. The weather was not so cooperative as they ascended into the higher country. Some days they made only a few miles, but at least they made some progress every day. They arrived at the mining camp at midday and were greeted by several of the traders’ guild. Long low tents had been erected for storage of supplies. The weather was still fairly severe and the snow needed to be removed regularly from the tent tops.
They settled into the small cabin and shared a meal with the traders. Daniel and Jeremy resumed their routine of preparation and grinding of the powder. On the third day a new group of traders arrived and with them was another healer somewhat older than Daniel. He was from a village on the far side of the Forest nearer the Northern Kingdom. He and Daniel knew not each other but their talk of healing and alchemy seemed to go on forever. Heather and Jeremy continue to work hard preparing the ingredients for the powder but it seemed Daniel spent most of his time now teaching. For Heather the experience of monotonous hard labor was entirely new and not enjoyable. Having Daniel's free time taken up by his fellow healer just added to her frustration.
The monotony of hard work continued for several more days and just about the time Heather knew she wasn't going to be able to take it, a group of hunters showed up. Many were with her in the Southern Kingdom and it was a joyous time of preparation for travel. The traders had been coming and going establishing their supply caches, and several were traveling with them to stock supplies at the base of the ice field. Others showed up to continue the work on the powder. How their organizational structure worked remained a mystery to Heather, but it did work. On the third day after the hunters arrived, they set out before dawn on their journey.
Their small cabin was filled with people eating and dressing. The testosterone in the air of the small cabin seemed almost overwhelming to Heather. When they moved outdoors the cold early-morning air tingled her nose and she pulled the scarf somewhat tighter around her face. They were finally moving. Heather carried her day pack and traveled on skis while most traveled with heavy packs and snowshoes while pulling sleds with additional supplies. Despite traveling relatively light on a trail packed by those ahead of her, Heather was breathing hard. Daniel sat by her during a break and asked how she was doing. Heather replied, "I am traveling light, yet the breathing is difficult."
Daniel responded, "It is the thinness of the air. I had hoped the working at the mine would have prepared you for this high country."
Heather laughed saying, "You mean you had me working so hard for my own good?"
"I know you are not used to the altitude. The best way to adapt is to work hard. I wanted you not to toil so hard but your body needed to adjust. It is a difficult journey we are set upon."
"I would not be a burden to those of the Forest. The hard work of turning your grinding wheel most certainly has strengthened my legs but my breathing yet seems difficult."
"You will adapt, but you must make sure you are taking in enough fluids. Breathe through your nose as much as you can for it seems to limit the amount of moisture you lose. I will have Jeremy slow his pace if you wish."
Heather thought of the heavy packs and sleds everyone else was burdened with and said, "I will keep up. Our journey is just begun and I aim to see it completed."
The weather held with only occasional snow showers, but game remained very scarce. They had traveled for over two weeks when Heather realized the terrain had changed and she had not seen a tree all day. The landscape was just a sheet of undulating white, with the gray clouds of the sky above. The snow was much more hard packed from the winds and traveling was actually easier. They stopped just as dark was setting in and as they set up camp Jeremy said, "Double stake and rope your tents tonight, I'm not sure of the weather."
Daniel and Heather shared their simple meal with their companions and crawled into their tent. Sleep came quickly because of their fatigue but the winds soon changed that. The howling was enough to awaken the dead and the flapping of the canvas almost shook their bones. Heather lay awake listening to the storm accompanied by Daniel's gentle snoring. How he could sleep in the storm was unfathomable to her but the regular breathing of his sleep was reassuring. She gradually drifted back to sleep. Morning came with only a dense grayness to replace the darkness of night. The wind had not let up and their tent sagged under the weight of the snow.
Heather completed the morning ritual while Daniel still slept. Soon voices muffled by the heavy snow could be heard around the camp. Daniel finally awoke and said, "Seems we're having a bit of a storm. Did you hear the wind howling last night?"
"Yes my love. I don't expect we will be traveling today."
Daniel got dressed and said, "Let me go check with Jeremy. I suppose we will be eating our travel rations in the tent today."
Daniel exited the tent, allowing only a small amount of snow to blow inside. The outside was a swirl of white. He took a piece of cord and tied one end to their tent stake, and holding it, headed towards Jeremy's tent. He walked off confidently, letting the cord out as he went. He came to the end of his cord line and no tent and no Jeremy. He retraced his steps by following the cord back and set off again in the direction of Jeremy's tent. This time he called out and finally stumbled upon the tent almost buried in snow. H
e tied the cord loosely to Jeremy's tent stake and entered the tent. His outer clothes were already covered in snow.
Jeremy said, "Not sure why anyone would venture out on a day like today."
"Heather wanted to know what the planning was."
"Not much choice, we'll have to wait to the storm out. I will check on everyone in a bit to make sure everything is secure. I declare a day of rest."
They visited for a short while and then Daniel said, "I had better return to my bride or she will be worrying."
Jeremy laughed and said, "With good reason. I heard you walk right by the tent but you did not even respond when I called out to you."
"Pretty hard to hear anything out there; glad I used the cord so I can find my way back. Seems you taught me that trick when we were kids."
"Hope you tied a good knot or otherwise we will be searching for you in the snow drifts."
"One thing my surgical training taught me was to tie knots so I should be OK. A day of rest will be nice." Daniel left Jeremy's tent and followed his cord back to Heather. He scraped much of the snow off the tent before reentering. He was now thoroughly covered with snow, despite his attempts to leave it outside. Heather had crawled back under the sleeping robes but poked her head up enough to help brush him off. They shared their travel rations and discussed the storm. Gradually the conversation turned towards the future. Daniel, by his nature and his upbringing in the Forest, did not tolerate worrying excessively about the future. It would be what it would be, all they could do was their best.
Daniel changed the course of the conversation by asking, "Did the life of a simple village wife satisfy you?"
There was Heather's turn to be hesitant she replied, "Being with you was a dream but worrying about your patients and your travel to see them was hard. I also seemed without purpose when you were not there."
Daniel was long in responding and Heather worried she had insulted him. Finally Daniel responded saying, "Healing takes a toll not just on the healer but also on those who love him or her. I would the burden was not so, but it is what it is. I feel the God of the Sacred Water most certainly has a purpose for you; we just don't know what it will be."
Heather squeezed Daniel's hand and said nothing. They spent the remainder of the day and night listening to the storm, resting and enjoying their love. Morning came with only a small decrease in the wind but it was enough for Jeremy to get everyone moving. Traveling in the heavy snow was even slower. They were now roped together because visibility was a matter of a few feet in their swelling world of white. Jeremy led the party, hunched over his compass, breaking trail. After a few hours even his endurance was waning and another of the hunters took over the lead. They continued their slow rotation and made several miles despite the weather. Camp was called early that day and the tents were pitched close together with double stakes and ropes. For three more days they repeated the cycle of travel in the swirling whiteness.
Finally the weather broke and the morning dawned with some color to the east, promising light skies. Jeremy sent scouts ahead to try and locate the supply cache. The rest continued east across the seemingly endless barren lands. By midday the scouts had returned carrying heavy loads of supplies which were redistributed amongst their packs. They made good progress that day. As they made camp Jeremy said, "I would expect the cold will settle in for a while. Travel will be easier but frostbite will become a problem. Make sure your feet are dry."
The temperature that night plummeted and Heather found herself a little chilled despite Daniel’s warmth and the heavy sleeping robes. Her morning ritual was brief and morning rations consisted of those foodstuffs they had placed under the sleeping robes to keep them from freezing. The harshness of the land was evident now in the clear air. The emptiness seemed to extend forever. The sun was still fairly low in the morning sky when Jeremy called a halt. He had everyone place their leather straps over their eyes. Daniel explained to Heather the need to prevent the snow blindness. Knowing the reason only partially lessened the discomfort of having her vision limited so much. At each break Daniel made everyone inspect their companions for signs of frostbite. The cold was so bitter that Heather found her eyelids would freeze together and she would have to use her bare hand to thaw them out but then her hand would chill. Moving was the only way to stay warm.
Heather had lost track of time but it had to have been at least a week since she had seen a tree. The numbing cold and the stark whiteness seemed to dull her thinking and she was planning not. She just existed, moving forward on her skis and resting when told to do so. Even Daniel’s presence was not enough to bring her fully alive. It was only when the flat horizon was finally broken by the sight of a mountain that Heather regained some liveliness. Scouts moved ahead to mark a trail to the pass and look for the supply cache.
It was late the next day when they arrived at the foot of the pass and Heather began looking at the ice cliff not as a challenge to ascend but rather as a defense structure. She was planning again. Daniel notice the difference and said, "Seeing the mountain close seems to have raised your spirits."
"I now have a purpose, I can plan a defense based on this cliff of ice. It'll be hard for an army to descend this cliff with archers positioned below. They will need protection from the arrows from above but a small force could hold off a much greater force here."
Daniel looked at Heather in puzzlement and asked, "You would do battle here in the barren lands?"
Heather nodded her head as she thought and said, "We need to keep the enemy is far from the Forest as we can. These horrible lands will make it difficult for us to supply and operate but even more difficult for our enemy. If we cannot keep them from crossing the ice field we will fight them here."
Daniel was quiet for some time before replying, "I would the battle would never come but if it is as you say I will be at your side." He asked, "Could the powder be used to create a snow slide?
"Daniel of Issip, you are learning to plan well and have conceived an excellent plan. If timed properly, a snow slide would trap even a large army at the base of this cliff. We will need to explore the ice field above for a way of creating such a slide."
The evening meal was shared with a little extra enthusiasm because the traders had included a small supply of a berry pie in the cache they had hidden. Fatigue prevented much celebration and Jeremy advised them they would be starting early. It was well before dawn when Jeremy had them up and breaking down their camp. The cold had moderated somewhat but this seemed to make Jeremy edgy. When Heather asked of his concern he replied, "I'm afraid the warmer weather portends more snow. We need to reach the top of the ice field before the snow sets in. It will be hard enough traveling, we don't need another snowstorm."
Two of the hunters ascended the glacial ice face and lowered ropes. With Heather now in the lead, the rest of the troop moved upwards with Jeremy guiding Heather's movements. Despite the ropes from above, the going was hard and Heather had to concentrate on her pace to limit her breathing. By the time she reached the top she was sweating. As she recovered her breath she loosened her clothing trying to allow the excess moisture to escape to prevent the chill later. While resting she looked out over the barren lands but could see nothing but the whiteness forever.
Jeremy resumed the lead and set a fairly hard pace moving them up the slope of the glacier. The distance was not so great but because of the elevation it took them the rest of the day to reach the top of the ice field. To Heather, the only difference from the barren lands was the only occasional crevice, otherwise it was still a featureless world of white. During a rest period Daniel told her, "When we first crossed this ice field the blueness of the crevice was overwhelming to me, probably because it matched your eyes in color."
Heather squeezed his hand replying, "It is good there is some beauty in these lands. I could not have imagined such harshness in our world. It is good I have you, otherwise my spirit would be
lost in this emptiness."
Their travel slowed even further as the weather turned against them. When the weather allowed, Jeremy sent scouts ahead, searching for the mountain that was to look like the head of a fish. They were traveling much more northerly than they had on the previous journey. The snow bridges were frozen hard which tended to allow for easy travel over the crevices, most of the time. At times they needed to create rope bridges to cross the open expanses. For the most part Heather sank back into her existence mode and had long since lost any measure of time. The featureless whiteness seemed to oppress her spirit and Daniel worried for her.
When the mountains of the eastern edge finally became visible, Heather seemed a little more alive. Heather seemed to regain her spirit, when a scout reported spotting a mountain two days north, which resembled a fish's head. The scouts worked hard to consolidate their information and the cave of the old priest was found. Everyone now traveled with enthusiasm, for their goal was in sight.
Sacred Water, Book 2, The Time Before Page 16
