Meanwhile, the other members of Robby's company did, indeed, cause a stir. By the time the four of them reached town, Ibin was trailing far behind in a swarm of giggling, laughing, and screaming-with-delight children, squealing happily at the giant, for none were any higher than his knee. Unfortunately for the schoolmistress, Ibin passed by just as she was trying to round up her students after a period of outside play, and she now ran after them, pulling them away and off of Ibin. She had a difficult time of it, for anyone could see that she was not naturally disposed to being stern. And, in spite of her alarm at the giant, she found Ibin's charm and his own obvious happiness infectious and disarming. At last, she rounded up all of the children, and Ibin trotted up to the others.
He arrived back with his companions just as the next stir erupted from the crowd that milled around the square listening to and sometimes jeering at the Elders at their meeting. The four had not put aside their arms, and though they smiled and bowed as they made their way to the circle of Elders, they were met with more consternation than Robby had encountered the night before. The tall pair of Ashlord and Ibin—one severe in appearance and posture with his walking stick and robes, his long black hair and beard and his piercing gaze, the other obviously as gentle as a lamb with his ridiculous grin and his mandolin slung across his back—seemed a study of opposites and aroused the people's curiosity. Billy, also grinning at the little ones, who were closer to his height than any of his companions, offset some of the Nowherean's fear with his amiable nature and his mischievous eyes.
But it was Sheila who attracted most of their attention and evoked a hushed tone as she passed. Dressed in her usual buckskins and waist jacket over her bodice, with her bow and quiver over her shoulder, her shortsword on her hip, and dagger in her boot, she appeared to them wildly exotic and beautiful. They bowed especially low and murmured "Good lady," as she passed.
"Might this be her?" some whispered. "Or has she sent her sister to come in her stead?" For they all knew the story of the lady, dressed as a warrior, who put the last curse upon them and who said she would return when the accounting was made.
The Elders all stood and faced them. Herbert had been speaking, and now he addressed them.
"These are four of the five we brought from the Toll Road," he explained to his fellow council members. "The older man is the one called Collandoth, Ashlord by Men."
"Older man, indeed!" Ashlord snorted.
"The small one is called Bilaylin, of the House of Bosk. And with him, the giant, Ibin. The lady is known as Sheila, I am told."
The Elders bowed, and their bows were returned by the travelers.
"Do you wish to address us?" Herbert asked Sheila. But Ashlord answered.
"Only to express our thanks to you, Herbert, and to Eldwin," Ashlord said, "and all the rest of you who brought us into safety before the Damar came upon us. We also thank you on behalf of the other two of our company who are now busy working in your caves. Our thanks to you all!"
Ashlord bowed again and his companions did likewise.
"Yer most welcome," Herbert bowed proudly.
Another Elder stood and said, "We welcome you in peace. The Damar we waylaid would have faced our ire whether you were on the Road or not. We have decided that Herbert and Eldwin acted bravely and prudently to bring you here, and we will not gainsay their actions."
"We do not mean to disrupt your meeting," Ashlord replied, "and yet I wonder if my companions and I may observe your discussions? Afterwards, perhaps I may share with you the happenings of the world, insofar as I know and may sum them up, and particularly news of those lands nearby to your own."
The Elders looked at one another, shrugging and nodding and talking until at last one of them said, "It is agreed that you may stay. And, after we have concluded the business before us, we would very much like to hear your news."
Another Elder now stood, and she said, "We now take up the question of the Great Treasure. First, whether to open the gate barring the treasure from inspection. Second, whether to permit the visitor to examine and reckon a value of its contents. Let us first hear from Elder Sweedmiller and Elder Finniar, the blacksmiths, about what effort it would require for us to cut the bands that lock the iron gate."
For the next hour or so, they discussed all of the preparations that would be needed to stoke the furnace and forge the required tools and chisels. Many people not on the council had to be called to answer questions about which trees could be cut, which were best, who might do the cutting of the firewood and the hauling and so forth. During this time, the crowd grew larger as more people arrived to see the strangers and to hear the debate. Sheila, in particular, was the object of much staring, and a group of men, little though they were, took it upon themselves to surround her to keep back the push of the crowd. A hushed argument broke out between some of the women with some men who were apparently their husbands, until the husbands reluctantly went away on some errand. Soon they returned bearing the largest chair they could find. They placed it before Sheila and begged her to sit. Eventually, chairs were brought for the other three strangers, but they were less grand and some of the Nowhereans were justifiably concerned at the prodigious creaking that came from underneath Ibin when he sat upon the small seat given to him. Refreshments, too, were brought, some cool juice of wild berries and some bread lathered with sweet honey-butter.
It was mid-afternoon when the Council, by vote, decided to take a recess and immediately afterwards to vote on the question before them. Some of the Elders took this opportunity to introduce themselves to the strangers. And others of the town also gathered around with interest.
Sheila and Ibin were asked if they were the giant and the great lady who sang in the wood, as told to them by some who had watched over their camp. Ibin stammered his yeses while Sheila tried to explain that she was not a great lady of an ancient house, but just a country girl. Her efforts made little change in their enthusiasm or their wonder at her, and several Nowhereans who said they were musicians asked if they might trade songs.
"I see no reason why you two should stay throughout the meeting," Ashlord suggested. "And the good society of music-sharing may go far to allay any fear or mistrust of us."
"There is a grove of trees just yonder," said Eldwyna who was one of those that spoke for the musicians, "where we would not disturb the Council."
So Sheila and Ibin agreed and were shown to the grove, depleting the crowd considerably as many followed along, leaving Billy and Ashlord to stay with the Council. Just as Billy made a move toward Sheila's more comfortable chair, several of the crowd grabbed it up and hauled it, along with Ibin's, toward the departing group. Billy smiled and shrugged and sat back down. It was not long before an Elder went about the circle clapping his hands, and his fellow Elders took their chairs.
"We now decide the question before us. Shall we devote the labor and materials needed to open the iron gate of the Great Treasure? What say ye?"
Eldwin stood and called out, "I say, yes! Do any others say likewise?"
"Yes," said Makewine standing.
"Yes," said Torridge.
"Yes," said Larris.
Brolith and Arldewain, already standing and awaiting their turn, said yes.
"Yes."
"Yes."
After about twenty yes votes, there was a pause.
"Do any others say likewise?" Eldwin called out again. "Herbert, what say ye?"
After a moment, Herbert reluctantly stood, shrugging off the discouraging hand of a fellow Elder who sat next to him.
"I say, yes! Let us be brave! Yes!"
A few more of his group also stood at that time and threw in with Herbert, and others here and there weakly assented. Moments then turned into minutes and no one else stood.
Back at the caves, Robby and Ullin continued their work in an effort to finish before sundown. Having agreed to the values for the various weapons and arms, Robby set Ullin to summing up the books pertaining to them while he completed the
other ledgers and worked out a summary. They spoke very little and made quick work of it so that by the time the sky began to darken outside, Robby had double-checked his sums. Since the two had nothing more to do but wait, they stepped outside, and in the dimming light they sat near the mouth of the cave and lit their pipes. Robby watched the path carefully, but Ullin seemed lost in his own thoughts. Robby noticed it, but said nothing. Ullin wandered back to the Great Treasure room and was there, still, with the same look on his face when Robby came to find him and fetch him to other tasks. Though Ullin had agreed to Robby's plan, he showed little enthusiasm for it. So Robby wondered what troubled Ullin, and at last he asked.
"Eh?" Ullin slowly turned to face Robby.
"You seem very thoughtful," Robby repeated and added, "Is there anything amiss?"
"Oh. No. Nothing, and everything, cousin. I was only thinking of Tallinvale and what the people there now face. Wondering whether our grandfather's plan will matter at all in the end."
Robby looked down at his boots, absently noticing that his feet were as big as Ullin's. He did not know how to reply.
"If Duinnor does not stir itself," Ullin's voice trailed off.
Again, words did not come to Robby, then, abruptly, Ullin spoke again.
"All those years ago, when I left my home in Tallinvale, I wanted to be like my father. Brave, a fine warrior, to know the wide world and see the great cities. To take my place as a Kingsman, as was my duty. But I wanted also vengeance, just as he sought vengeance for his brother. Or so I thought I wanted. It did not take long," he said, looking at his hands and then rubbing them as if wiping away some invisible stain. "It did not take long for me to have my fill of vengeance and of Dragonkind blood. Nor to get my fill of the ways of Duinnor and its failing decadence, its power over Vanara, the home of my kin. But I am sworn to serve and to defend the One With No Name and all the realms under his dominion, until my heir takes my place. That is why I do not marry, Robby, and have never looked for love, though I have longed for it and for the peace that a home and family may bring. I am determined to have no heir, and thus the chain of servitude will be broken when I die, and the House of Tallin will be no more. Our grandfather senses this, I believe. And, though we have never spoken of it, his eyes see the end of days. I think that is why he does what he does, knowing his name will soon be lost, regardless of what he does. Yet, I fear for all the people of that valley, and feel I am in part to blame for the wrath that will soon be visited upon them."
By now, Sir Sun was near to ending his daily walk, and his light angled low against the surrounding hilltops. Beneath them, a somber shadow lay over the land. Billy's figure appeared along the path, blinking now and then between the trees as they watched him approach. He came into the clearing before the caves and walked up to them, and he was not smiling.
"Well, they made the decision," he told them. "They give permission to look at the Treasure, but they won't help open the gates. Don't that beat all!"
Robby sighed and nodded.
"It is as I thought it might be," he said, standing. "But I am somewhat disappointed. Still, I see no reason not to fulfill my promise and to do what I think needs doing."
Ullin nodded.
"What of Ashlord and the others?" Robby asked.
"Well, Ashlord's now givin' 'em the news, though I think they oughta had it afore they made up their minds. Anyways, so he's doin' that, an' Ibin an' Sheila are makin' jolly with their songs an' whatnot."
"Will you carry a message back to the Elders? I'm sorry to turn you around so quickly, but we have to be away from here as soon as our business is done. And we need to finish up soon."
• • •
"And so, that has been the way of things this past age," Ashlord said to the Elders. He now stood, at their invitation, like a tower over them, in the center of their circle. He had been speaking to them for an hour, having sent Billy first to find Ibin and Sheila to tell them the news of the decisions, then to carry the word to Robby and Ullin.
"Vanara in the west grows weaker, losing its land and blood slowly over all this time like a wound that cannot be staunched. To the south, the realms of Altoria and Masurthia guard the southwestern passages, but Tracia in the southeast has been beset with turmoil, and its noble houses have been overthrown. Now the usurpers prepare to march their armies westward against neighboring Masurthia. And to support their conquest they have struck northward to pillage the Eastlands of crop, fodder, and provisions. Glareth, powerful but small, does not yet know of the invasions to the south, but may soon learn. Only Tallinvale remains as a thorn in the flank of Tracia. But Tracia has made an alliance with Damar and so Tallinvale is sure to be attacked from all directions. The treachery of Tracia goes even beyond that, for they have most likely formed an accord with the king of the Dragonlands. My fear is that they will drive together in the south, coming from east and from west, overrunning Altoria and Masurthia. Their forces then united, they will turn north, marching swiftly, avoiding engagement with Vanara if they can, and traveling across the plains to strike Duinnor itself and remove their most powerful opponent first. I think their plan is then to split. While the Dragonkind will catch Vanara in a pincher, bringing more forces up from the south, the Tracians will march against Glareth Realm."
"That Men should form an alliance with Dragonkind!" uttered one Elder.
"Once the thorn of Tallinvale is picked from its side," Ashlord went on, "the eastern vanguard of combined Tracian, Damar, and Dragonkind forces will no doubt sweep away the Galinots just to the north of your lands, seeking to reach the northern passes and cutting Duinnor off from Glareth. Last night was only a taste of what may come. Your lands are surrounded by those occupied by the Damar. Even with your magical way of moving, your tricks and your cunning, you cannot be everywhere at once. It is only a matter of time before the Damar come in force to take these lands. Until then, I think they will continue to assert themselves upon you, testing you and learning how you respond. They may send their hunters into your lands and set other spies upon the hills. Since you pose no armed threat, my guess is that they will wait until spring, summer at the latest, to mount their assault. That is only a guess; they may come sooner. Indeed, they may come at any moment."
Ashlord saw that they were shaken by his grim and disturbing news. They murmured to each other and shook their heads, some exchanging heated words. Billy returned during this clamor, nodded to Ashlord, but made no comment on the disturbance.
"What hope have we?" cried out one of the Elders.
"We do not have arms suitable for our size," said another. "And we have never carried them, anyway."
"Aye! What knowledge do we have of using weapons?"
"There are too few of us, anyway!"
"One matter at a time!" shouted Makewine, holding up his hands in a gesture to restore order. "One matter at a time!"
When things settled a bit, he continued. "Mr. Ashlord, your young friend Robby says he may know how to break the first curse. When may he tell us of it?"
"Yes!" broke in another Elder anxiously. "If that curse is lifted, we may escape these lands!"
"Let him answer!"
But it was Billy who answered, saying, "Robby sends me to say that if ye come up to the caves, then he'll explain it all his own self."
"Then let us go!" said an Elder who stood and snapped his fingers. Immediately there was a cacophony of popping, and all around the circle was a blur of bubbling light as the Elders disappeared. But Eldwin and Makewine and a few others remained and, approaching Billy and Ashlord, offered to take them to the caves so that they would not have to trudge back up the hill.
The clearing in front of the cave was crowded with the Elders when they arrived. Billy and Ashlord made their way through to the mouth of the cave where Robby and Ullin stood, now with Sheila and Ibin also, facing the Nowhereans. Torches were lit against the falling night, and Robby stood silent with his arms crossed in an attitude of thought. Some of the Elders tried to ask
Robby about the curses, but Ullin, stepping in front of them, said firmly, "Robby will speak when you are ready to hear him."
"I tell you now how you may break the first curse laid against you, that spoken by Bailorg the Vile," Robby said loudly and abruptly to the Elders. "Find a grove of strong trees. Using all your skills at woodcutting and woodworking, build there a large platform around the trees, high amongst their topmost branches. Make it sturdy so that the wind may not shake it. Take to that place all of your swine to be raised. When the first litter is born and weaned, the curse of Bailorg may be lifted, for pigs will then grow in trees, and you may then find your borders open to your passing."
Astounded and somewhat humiliated that in all these years they themselves did not think of this solution, the Elders were dumbfounded.
"Is that all there is to it?" asked Herbert.
"It could be. You should try it," Robby replied.
"It will take some time and many laborers," said one Elder, not so much to Robby as to the others. "And winter comes and we are not yet prepared for it."
"There are many things you may not be prepared for," said Ashlord over the hubbub. "You must try, nonetheless, if you value your families and your lives. Otherwise, you will be trapped here when the enemy comes."
"We must get started right away!" Makewine declared.
"Wait!" called out Robby. "I have more to say to you. Come to the Treasure Room and hear my words concerning the value of the Hoard."
Robby turned, and they all followed him through the well-lit Foyer and passageway and into the Treasure Room. This, as Robby surmised, was an uncomfortable place for the Elders, and the shimmering jewels and precious metals beyond the bars seemed to glow and sparkle even more exquisitely in the presence of those whose hands had taken it from Tulith Attis. And, whether from the intensity of the light, or from within their own hearts, it was here that the Nowhereans felt their history most heavily. They spoke not a word, and those who wore hats removed them. Many, including Eldwin and Herbert and the other more stalwart among them, had expressions of grief on their faces.
The Nature of a Curse (Volume 2 of the Year of the Red Door) Page 48
