Burden of Stones

by James Dale

  Only a few hours out of port, Alnordel continued, the lookout atop the crow's nest on the Laughing Dragon spotted the fleet of approaching Norgarthan warships. How they learned the location of the Felnors was never uncovered, but King Urgiss must have sent every ship that remained afloat after their attack on Norgarth to seek retribution against the Brotherhood. By the time he and Dorad and Kaiddra had decided it was hopeless to fight or return and try to warn Brimcohn, they had already counted seventy ships, half of them their largest dreadnoughts. The Laughing Dragon fled toward open sea with half a dozen Norgarthans in pursuit.

  It was a long, harrowing chase, Kaiddra informed him. Three weeks the Norgarthans hounded their trail. With supplies running low, it was put to a vote among the crew of the Laughing Dragon, and everyone chose to turn and fight, desiring to die in one last, glorious battle than to succumb to starvation and thirst. Even as the ship prepared to turn and confront the six warships, a terrible storm arose suddenly out of the west and battered them with unmerciful fury for the two days.

  When it finally passed, Dorad resumed, there was no sign of the Norgarthans and the Laughing Dragon was within sight of a remote island. No one realized until they made landfall and were quickly surrounded by a fierce contingent of three hundred guardsmen and a score of Lords they had grounded upon Lordsisle. Thinking quickly, Dorad requested asylum for everyone aboard ship, surrendering themselves to the mercy of the Staffclave. They were disarmed, given parole, and over the next year, they were slowly integrated into the daily life of Lord's Hall. Several of the pirates had become members of the Staffclave's guard force, more had taken various jobs among the diverse services of the keep, and three had actually been accepted as novice students of the Staffclave. Kaiddra had fallen in love with the Master of Studies, Lord Dhoran and along with Dorad and Alnordel, had eventually become trusted advisors to the Lords on many various matters. Young Heath, when not eating like a horse and growing like a weed, was quickly becoming a fine swordsman, and even finer young scholar.

  "We've all become quite respectable," Kaiddra smiled in finish. "Dhoran is a fine man and loves me despite my former... occupation. I would never have thought in a thousand years I'd be saying this, but I will soon be the wife of a Lord and could not be happier at the prospect of a life in Lord's Halls. Keeping an eye on Heath is all the excitement I crave."

  "I've got to meet this man," Jack smiled. "Queen of the Seas happy to be a dutiful wife and foster mother? He must have used magic on you!"

  "He did. It's called love," she replied, blushing crimson.

  "When's the wedding?" asked Jack. "I am invited, right?"

  "I...I don't know now," Kaiddra sighed. "With a war against the dark-King coming. Everything will be uncertain until...until it is finished."

  "Nonsense Kaiddra," Braedan replied. "If I can find time to marry with all my traipsing around, you don't have an excuse."

  "I suppose not," Kaiddra smiled.

  "Then it's settled," Jack nodded. "After I go fetch Deathbane, we get Dhoran to finally make a respectable woman out of Kaiddra de’Caerl. Then we go start a fight, save the world, and live happily ever after. Agreed? You will all be coming back with me, won't you?" he asked.

  "I can't speak for everyone," Dorad replied. "But I shall. Annawyn will need me. I may have been a rouge, but I know something of war. You'll not be going off to Agash Thugar again without me Jack."

  "I will accompany you as well," Alnordel nodded. "If Lady Ara’fael will allow me?"

  "I'll talk to her. She likes me," Jack replied.

  Tarsus snorted so hard with laughter, he almost choked on his wine.

  "It'll be just like old times,” Jack grinned, slapping the Amarian on his back. “Except from now on you will all be heroes instead of outlaws."

  "I like the sound of that," Dorad nodded.

  "One last toast," Kaiddra said, refilling their glasses. "To Prince Jack, and to...new beginnings. For all of us."

  "Here, here!" Tarsus said, finally recovered enough to speak.

  They downed their glasses and Braedan hurled his into the empty hollow of a hall's fireplace. "Since I'm now good and drunk, I'm going to take my bath and catch a few hours’ sleep. Damn I'm glad I've found you all again," he said, giving the three a friendly embrace, and Kaiddra a kiss on the cheek. "Everything is going to be fine now. I just know it will."

  "You are drunk, Jack," Dorad smiled. "Because together, we've found nothing but trouble."

  "It all changes tomorrow, brother," Jack promised. "See you all bright and early."

  After exchanging once last hug with his three friends, Jack followed Harold from the Great Hall. The young Adept led him through the quietness of Lord's Hall, to a room far up in the keep. After drawing him a bath and heating the water until it steamed with a simple warming spell, Harry bid him good night and promised to awaken him at first light.

  The next morning, he returned with the first rays of the sun just beginning to peek over the eastern horizon, carrying a tray of bread and cheese and a pitcher of fresh drawn water and clothes borrowed from Dorad folded over his arm.

  "I'll find you a pair of boots while you eat," the young Adept informed him, setting the tray on a nearby bed-stand.

  "Thanks Harry," Braedan yawned. "Is everyone else up and about?"

  "For almost an hour," he grinned. "We rise early on Lordsisle."

  "Then I guess I'd better get a move on," Jack sighed, reluctantly climbing out of his soft bed.

  "I'll come back for you in about a quarter an hour," Harry bowed.

  Braedan dressed in Dorad's borrowed clothes, then wolfed down his breakfast, finishing just as the young Adept returned with a pair of soft, brown leather riding boots.

  "Complements of Lord Faendil," he smiled.

  "They fit perfectly," Jack remarked happily, slipping on the comfortable boots.

  "Lord Faendil has the Sight," Harry shrugged. "I guess the size your feet proved little challenge."

  "I guess not," Jack grinned. "I wouldn't mind meeting this Faendil when he has the time."

  "The Lord will be accompanying us this morning on our journey to the coast," Harry informed him. "He already has the sent word to have a barge ready to carry your party and enough horses for everyone down river."

  "So how many of us are going?" asked Jack. "Does he know?"

  "Let's see," Harry thought, "You and me, Prince Arrinor and Princess Ailicia. Lady Kaiddra, Prince Dorad, Councilor Alnordel, Lady Ara’fael and General Gamrin, High Lord Perigaen, Lords Dhoran and Faendil, Tarsus, Prince Kirstaen, Captains d’Kenna and Vanar and your Golden Lions."

  "That's very close to how many Val'anna followed Sky to Lord's Hall," Jack estimated.

  "I will bet it is the exact number," Harry shrugged.

  "I think you'd better take me to meet Lord Faendil," Jack suggested. "If he knows so bloody much, I think I'll keeping him close at hand."

  "He waits for us below," the young Adept informed him. "As do the rest." True to Harry's word, everyone he'd named was waiting beside a mount just outside the entrance of Lord's Hall.

  "These are fine Val'anna you found for us," Arrinor grinned when Braedan appeared. "Half of them are excellent Mindspeakers already. Ammon'h has already been asking about you. And about the apples you promised him," he grinned.

  "They have already been fed and watered," replied a young man, stepping up to offer Braedan his hand. "Their apples will be waiting for them when we return."

  "Have...have we met?" asked Jack, examining him closely. He looked strangely familiar but he couldn't quite place where he'd seen him before.

  "Perhaps this will jog your memory Prince Bra'Adan," the man smiled. Suddenly, his playful, hazel eyes turned completely white and he seemed to shrink in appearance and aged right before his eyes. "I promised we would meet again, my son," he said, regarding him blindly.

  "You...you're the blind Priest of Yh’Adan!" Jack whispered. "From the Shark's Tooth!"

  "At your service,"
the blind man bowed. When he straightened again, his eyes had returned to their former hazel.

  "Allow me to introduce Lord Faendil Toman," High Lord Perigaen said, coming to their side. "Faendil is the first Lord in over two hundred years to possess the Sight. We have studied Aarcus’ prophecies for generation, but it was Lord Feandil who foresaw how they might be…accomplished? He envisioned your arrival at the Temple of the Door and that our…adversary would seek to waylay you.”

  “The Ailsantain is a vast, uninhabited forest,” Faendail nodded. “Why Aarcus had the Whesguard kings build it there is known only to him and the Creator. You would likely never have survived unaided. So I sent you a means of…”

  “You sent the Seawolf?” asked Jack.

  “I did,” Faendil sighed. “It took me many months on Brimcohm to find a captain who was…suitable for my aims. I had hoped to avoid the regrettable deaths that took place but…our adversary is growing stronger. It worked out though, yes? Events transpired which led you to Norgarth at just the moment when you could fulfill another prophecy. With the Lady Arthol safely out of harm’s way, a whole host of Aarcus’ prophecies were fulfilled.”

  “It is the Staffclave's thinking he will be invaluable to you in the coming months," the High Lord concluded.

  “So you know everything I must do to…get this business settled?” Braedan asked. “You can wake me up tomorrow and say…’Oh, don’t wear those boots,’ and help me avoid some catastrophe?”

  "Regrettably, is not how my sight works,” Lord Faendil replied. “I foresee…possibilities, Prince Bra'Adan. Some more possible than others? As I said, not all come to fruition. And some things are hidden from me. I did not foresee Leviathan’s attack on your ship. Or your timely rescue by an Aerfal'Miera. Tell me, do you love Annawyn of Doridan?" Faendil asked suddenly.

  "I love her more than life itself," Jack replied instantly. “Her safety is perhaps the only reason I stand before you now. If you can see…surely your visions have shown you how little I care for some crown or to rule? All I do, I do for Anna.”

  "Thank Yh," the Lord sighed.

  "Why?" Jack insisted.

  "Because if she did not hold such a place in your heart," Faendil replied quietly. "Sadly, I was going to have to...kill your Aerfal'Miera friend when I met her. To save you and Aralon. I was not looking forward to that grim vision."

  "You will not harm Elua," Jack said, suddenly very angry.

  "She is safe. As are you," the Lord assured him quickly. “With your heart given so completely to your Horsemaiden you are protected from…Elua and her magic and, another vision will come to pass."

  "And what would that be?"

  "A union," Faendil whispered, leaning close so only he could hear. "Between an Ailfar Mindspeaker and an Aerfal'Miera princess."

  "You mean…"

  "Quietly," the lord smiled, crossing his lips with a finger. "It must happen of its own accord. The young An'Mera must decide his own feelings."

  "We can help out though, right?" asked Jack, relieved that Faendil had seen someone else for Elua's seductive...charms. “I mean, you sent the Seawolf to fetch me?”

  "A little help shouldn’t upset the natural balance," Faendil admitted. “But just a little.”

  "What are you two whispering about?" Arrinor inquired curiously, joining them.

  "Lord Faendil has the Sight," Jack said, thinking quickly. "He said you will be a great help to me today winning Elau’s trust."

  "I will certainly do what I can," the Ailfar agreed eagerly.

  "Good," Faendil smiled. "Another Mindspeaker will provide a great boon to several of my visions. Shall we go Jack Bra'Adan? I'm anxious to meet your Aerfal'Miera friend."

  "As am I," Arrinor added.

  "Then let's be off," Braedan nodded, giving the Lord a conspiratorial wink.

  "My Lord," Kirk Vanar said, walking over to Jack as he mounted Sky. "I asked Lord Miranel to show me on a map of the island the route you took from the coast. If we bank the barge here," he said, pointing to a gap in the jungle several miles downstream from where he crossed the river yesterday, "our trip will be shorter by three or four hours I should guess."

  "I was wondering how we were going to get they by nightfall," Jack nodded. "Okay, that's where we'll disembark. Good thinking Kirk."

  "Just happy to be serving a living, breathing Heir again," Vanar grinned.

  "And if you even think about swimming today," Erlwin warned Braedan as the company got under way, "Cyran is going to help me tie you up in a sack."

  "No more swimming with sea monsters," Jack promised. "Scouts honor. Once is enough for me."

  "Okay," Erlwin nodded, satisfied. "Just so we understand each other. Because next time you pull a stunt like that, we are all retiring. I don't care if King Theros locks us all up in Cilidar prison.

  "He should be docile enough without a sword on his hip." Arrgenn grinned.

  "None of you guys have one I can borrow, do you?" Braedan inquired.

  "The only sword you'll be touching anytime soon lies in those mountains," Kirk informed him, pointing back to the peaks behind Lord's Hall.

  "But I feel naked," Jack sighed.

  "Feeling naked is better than being tied up in a sack," Cyran grinned. "Or would you like to compare?"

  "Okay, okay," he relented.

  "They sure don't treat you like you're the Heir of Ljmarn," Dorad observed with amusement.

  "Respect for nobility has gone to hell since you left Dorshev," Jack said with an exaggerated sigh.

  "Tell me Captain Vanar," Dorad inquired, "do you treat my sister the same way?"

  "Annawyn?" Kirk laughed. "Gods no! We wouldn't dare! Besides, everyone loves Queen Anna. All she has to do is smile and we all trip over each other trying to please her. My lord Prince included."

  "That's Anna," Dorad grinned.

  "Don't let them mislead you," Jack grinned. "I've got your sister wrapped around my little finger."

  "You wouldn't mind me passing that along to the queen, would you?" Kirk asked innocently.

  "I'd rather you didn't," Jack muttered.

  "I didn't think so," the captain grinned triumphantly.

  With such idle banter, the company made their way down to the village docks. With gentle words and much cajoling, Jack and Arrinor herded Sky and the other Val'anna aboard the barge and they set off down river.

  "Ally!" Jack remembered suddenly as the docks receded from sight. "Did you bring something for Elua to wear?"

  "Some nice silks. Her skin will likely be too sensitive for anything else." she nodded. "I even altered the bust of the blouse a bit. From the way you blushed last night when comparing us," Ailicia smiled, "I hope I let it out enough."

  "I sure it will be fine," he replied, feeling his ears growing red.

  About an hour before noon, the barge captain grounded his vessel at the place were Kirk showed him on the map. Having sailed up and down the river most of his adult life, the capable river man assured Braedan it was exactly where they wanted to be. Sky and his Val'anna disembarked without more than a word of encouragement from Arrinor, and the company was soon off again.

  They reached the coast two hours later, turned west along the sandy beach, and about ten miles further along, Braedan spotted his socks where he'd discarded them three days earlier.

  "We're here," he announced, dismounting. "I don't know how long this is going to take. Might as well make yourselves comfortable. Where's your gown Ailicia?"

  "I have it here," the Ailfar princess replied, sliding gracefully to the sand. "I brought a blanket for her to dry herself as well."

  "You're a dear," he smiled, kissing her cheek. Braedan sat down and began removing his boots and socks.

  "What do you think you're doing?" Kirk asked.

  "Going for a swim," Jack grinned. "How else am I supposed attract a mermaid? With a worm and hook?"

  "Get the sack ready," Kirk called back to the Lions. "Just in case," he smiled.

  Now dressed
only in his small clothes, Braedan waded out into the surf. When the warm water reached his chest, he pushed his thoughts out into the waves. "Elua!" he called. "I'm back! Just as I promised!"

  After several minutes with no sign of the Aerfal'Miera woman, he began to think she'd decided he wasn't coming and had returned to her people.

  "Do you need any...ummm, help?" Arrinor called from the shore.

  "I...I don't know," Jack replied, but at that instant, several gray dorsal fins broke the surface of the water only yards away.

  "Sharks!" someone shouted with alarm.

  "They're dolphins!" Braedan waved reassuringly as a smiling, pointed face appeared out of the sea next to him.

  "Greetings Cu'ath'dathu," the Dau'tua squeaked happily.

  "Elder Mika," Jack grinned, recognizing the scared marine mammal. "Where's Elua?"

  "She is near," Mika replied with playful chirps. "Very... close."

  Braedan yelped in surprise when felt a light touch on his bare thigh, then a pale, blonde vision rose up out of the sea and circled his waist with her slender arms.

  "I thought you had forgotten me!" Elua cried, showering his neck and face with salty kisses.

  "Then you don't have a very high opinion of our friendship," Jack replied, quickly taking her face between his hands to slow her kisses. They weren't far enough from shore his Lions could not see and Kirk had already threatened him once this morning. If word got back to Annawyn...well, it was best not to even think about that. "Stop Elua," he ordered the mermaid gently. "We...we have company."

  "Do you not want a kiss?" she pouted.

  "Thank you, but no." he sighed.

  "But you have been away for so long," Elua replied. "I want another."

  "Elua..."

  "I want another kiss," the mermaid smiled. "I do not mind if it is in front of our company.

  "Elua, no." Jack insisted. "No more kisses."

  "I though you said we were friends? Elua smiled, tracing her fingers lightly along Jack's arms.

  "I am your friend," Jack assured her. "But Annawyn is my mate. She wouldn't approve of me behaving this way."