Nexus Moons: Book One of the Tales of Graal

by Ron Root

  They wound their way through the sparse trees, working their way across the island. The gray-coated grasses and soil never changed, nor did the rankness of the mud pools. Away from the water, fewer beasts were heard, for which he was grateful. Still, his eyes flitted from underbrush to trees, searching for abominations.

  Before long they’d reached the far side of their island. Other islets were visible; so many in fact, that it was hard to tell if the landscape was comprised of islands with water between them, or one land mass with innumerable ponds.

  After scanning the waters, Caitlyn edged her steed into the water. She looked back at them. “Be watchful.”

  Memories of their narrow escape from the lurker flashed through his mind. He dreaded the thought of another such encounter. Judging from Jarek’s expression, he felt much the same. Goodricke edged his horse forward, following Caitlyn as she veered for the next island. Fortunately, the distance between the islets was short.

  He heard splashing! Three heads jerked toward the sound. Although Goodricke saw no hint of a lurker, that didn’t guarantee other dangers didn’t lurk just out of sight. He exchanged a nervous glance with Jarek as Caitlyn urged her horse forward. He prayed the woman knew what she was doing.

  Their horses were rarely more than belly deep in water. Still, it wasn’t until they’d reached the next beach that Goodricke breathed normally again.

  This second island turned out to be one of many. Although they moved from island to island without mishap, Goodricke never relaxed. It was early afternoon when one island offered up a berry patch. Caitlyn dismounted and picked some. “Come, the sméar dubh will renew you. We are fortunate to have found some.” She stuffed a mouthful and smiled. “They are very tasty.”

  They gathered berries and sat, passing their meal in conversation. Caitlyn was very respectful toward Jarek. The mage told her of Lavan’s strange vanishing, and the upcoming Nexus, but all attempts to glean more about A’ryth were deftly avoided.

  Although carefully avoiding the topic of A’ryth, Caitlyn was very open about the Crone and her abominations. This Crone apparently used the arts to change the marsh’s creatures into the beasts Caitlyn called abominations. At least that was the opinion of her Lore Masters. Based on her description, Lore Masters were likely magi by another name. They conjectured that this was the Crone’s hateful way to isolate her Haunt. Abominations abounded there, apparently more dangerous than the ones Jarek and he had already encountered. They emerged mostly after dark.

  After eating their fill, they resumed their journey. It was late afternoon when they finally left the swamps and began a gradual ascent up a mountainside. The gray of the marsh gave way to brown soil and green foliage. Squirrels, songbirds, and other wildlife appeared, as did familiar-looking trees and brush. The gray of the marsh slowly transformed into a normal-looking forest.

  They stopped every so often so Goodricke could check his compass. Caitlyn was keeping them on an unerring path. She and Jarek kept up their dialog. Goodricke let them do the talking, but his eyes seldom left Caitlyn. She had a way of keeping him off guard, treating him warmly one moment, only to become distant in the next. She captivated him.

  At dusk they halted beneath a large bluff. “This looks to be a good place to sleep,” Caitlyn offered, slipping off her mount. Since she hadn’t bothered to scout the area, Goodricke wondered if she’d planned to bring them here all along.

  Once he and Jarek dismounted, Caitlyn uttered something in her strange tongue, and the horses departed. She headed for the woods. “I shall find food.”

  After a while, she returned with two rabbits and a handful of herbs. Goodricke gathered rocks and kindling, formed a spit and built a fire, and watched her create what turned out to be the best meal he’d eaten in recent memory. “Caitlyn, this is delicious.”

  “Thank you, Goodricke Loddvar,” she said, beaming.

  That evening it was her turn to ask questions of the Outlands. Her fascination with their world more than rivaled theirs with hers. She marveled over the idea of growing one’s own food on farms, and of merchants who brought goods for sale and trade. Most astonishing was that a world existed where danger didn’t lurk at every turn.

  Jarek turned in early, but Caitlyn and Goodricke talked well into the night. Gone was any hint of her former aloofness. He couldn’t say why, but their comfortable questions, answers, gibes and jests seemed uncommonly natural. Despite the dangers here, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so tranquil.

  Finally, it was time to turn in. He fished out his tritant. “Before we sleep, I need to take a final reading. The Nexus must be close.”

  Caitlyn grew quiet as he set up his instrument. He took a reading. “Gods!”

  “What is it, Goodricke Loddvar?”

  “We’re within a league of it.” He looked up the hillside. “It must be just over this ridge.”

  She turned her back. “It is good you are so close.” Her body language belied her words however, which were her last of the evening.

  Goodricke crawled into his bed, pondering her sudden mood changes. He wondered which Caitlyn would awaken on the morrow, the one with the calming charm, or the hostile warrior with the deadly thong?

  Jarek lay in his bed, unable to sleep. He twisted his ring. Lavan, can you hear me?

  Yes! I’m here. Say nothing. I’ve done you a grave disservice my friend; Zakarah can see into my mind. He knows we are communicating, and that you plan an encounter at the upcoming Nexus. Tell me nothing of importance and beware his tricks. But not all news is grim. What Zakarah doesn’t realize is that when our minds meld, I see his thoughts, too. I bring you warning. Something formidable disturbs him. It dwells close to the upcoming Nexus. Stay vigilant.

  He comes! I must go.

  Decisions

  Rayna stopped to catch her breath. They were walking the jetty, slogging slowly toward land. Scaling its endless boulders was exhausting, say nothing of precarious. Many stood taller than her, and shallow water filled the gaps between them. They had to time their crossing of them, lest they get swept out to sea by some onrushing wave. What had begun as a joyous journey to find her mother had turned into a tedious disaster.

  Gresham was leading the way, picking the safest route. Hagley walked behind them, ready to assist Sully or her if needed. Gresham navigated the boulders with seeming ease, despite lugging two knapsacks with a sword and crossbow strapped to them. She couldn’t imagine carrying all that weight. She was fortunate to have chosen him as her guide, despite the journey’s dubious beginning. Not only was he strong; he was smart, organized, and… well… very good looking. She found herself staring at him more and more often.

  Their trek seemed to be taking forever, but the beach finally did come into view. A long wade through shallows had them standing on dry sand. She staggered over to where her exhausted companions lay spread-eagled on the ground and plopped down beside them. Their boat was lost. They were stranded; with the chances of finding her mother possibly gone. Worse, she looked a mess. It was all too much. She started to cry.

  “What’s wrong?” Gresham asked.

  “What’s wrong?” she squawked. “What is wrong! The better question is what is right? We’re lost! Where, the gods only know. Half our gear is gone—including my clothing.” She tugged on the rags Mistress Genevieve had forced her to where, “Leaving me nothing but these rags to greet my mother in. Assuming, of course, we even find her. And you ask what’s wrong?” Burying her face in her hands, she started sobbing.

  Gresham laid a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t despair, we’ll figure something out. In fact, I have something for you.” He opened his bag. After foraging through it, he pulled out a bundle wrapped in black cloth. “It’s a bit wet, but I’m sure you’ll find it more to your liking than what you have on. I hope it fits,” he said, handing it to her. “Although not nearly as nice, it reminds me of the outfit you wore when Hagley and I first took you to the university. And thi
s one’s far better suited for the wilderness.”

  Taking the bundle, she opened it. Inside were matching leggings and skirt and blouse, all made of sturdy leather. Although not elegant, they were a vast improvement over what she had on. She looked up, biting her lip, tearing again. “Thank you.”

  “Once they’re dry, how about putting them on?”

  She stood. “They can’t be any wetter than what I have on. I’m putting them on now.”

  She wandered over to a nearby boulder, ducked behind it, and donned her gift. It did little to enhance her shape—something that seemed to be growing in importance to her as of late, but it was a vast improvement over what she’d been wearing. She combed her fingers through her hair in a futile effort to make herself look presentable, picked up her discarded rags, and rejoined the men. “Better?” she asked, slowly spinning in a circle.

  “Wow!” Sully bubbled. “You be a princess again.”

  She laughed, “Only to you, little hero. Only to you.”

  She checked the two men. Hagley was staring wide-eyed. Gresham looked much the same. “That looks really good on you,” Hagley offered. She’d never have guessed she could be this unkempt and still feel flattered, but there was no doubt she did.

  Only three of their bags survived the boat wreck: Hagley’s satchel; the bag holding their food; and the large one Gresham had lugged. “Let’s see what’s still usable,” he said, upending his knapsack. Out tumbled clothing, weapons, and two water bags.

  Hagley did the same. Out came the spell books the magi had given him. “At least I didn’t lose these,” he said, examining them one by one. “Like I did with the university’s wagon and horses,” he added, looking forlorn.

  It was the first time it dawned on Rayna that this sweet man would grieve over having lost his magi’s property. The pirates surely had it by now.

  “Ah, it’s here,” Gresham said, hoisting her mother’s map. “The water didn’t damage it,” he said, assuring her.

  “Let’s study it and revise our plan. Gather round,” he said, coaxing the others over.

  “Food and water are our greatest concerns. Two water bags won’t last long; they’ll need refilling. We only brought food enough to last two people six days. There are four of us now, likely not enough to get us where we want to be, so finding food will be a priority too.”

  Rayna marveled at how easily the man had taken charge. She’d chosen a worthy guide.

  He spread the map out on the sand. He pointed to Tanner Point. “This is where we’d hoped to land.” He slid his finger across the map. “Instead, we’re here.” Twisting around, he looked behind him. “Those cliffs jut way out in the water. Look how violently that surf pummels them. We were lucky to survive them in a boat. Without one, there’s no way we can get to their other side.” He turned back around. “Those cliff walls go straight up, making them too treacherous to try to climb.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, but getting back to Tanner Point isn’t an option. We have ocean behind us, and a lagoon to other side.” He paused, his gaze settling on the beach ahead. “Our only remaining choice is to head up this beach.”

  Rayna’s heart sank. “That means we can’t follow my mother’s map.”

  “In a way, we can.” He ran his hands over the map, flattening it. “Our objective is to get to the far end of this peninsula—or island—or whatever is we’re on, and find this man with a key drawn on his head.” He bounced a finger on its image. “If we walk the side we’re on, we’ll eventually wind up at the same place.”

  Rayna wasn’t convinced. “But we’re supposed to go up the other side.”

  “True. I’m open to any suggestions as to how we might get over there.”

  “I…” she felt her cheeks flush, “don’t have one.”

  “Then this is our plan.”

  He tossed the food bag to Hagley. “Magic-man can carry this. It’s too heavy for Rayna. Let her carry your satchel. Do we really need those books? How about we leave them here?”

  Hagley looked appalled. “These are rare and valuable tomes. There’s no way I’m leaving them behind.”

  “It’s all right,” Rayna offered. “I don’t mind.” Having no idea how heavy they were, she hoped that was true.

  “Sully, how about you be our soldier and carry the weapons?” he said, handing him the crossbow. “We’ll tie them together and strap them to your back.” He grabbed Rayna’s discarded rags. “We’d best wrap that sabre in something before you stab yourself with it.”

  Sully’s face lit up. “Sure!” he said with a little boy’s enthusiasm.

  Rayna studied the boy, wondering what it must be like to have killed someone. So far, it didn’t seem to be bothering him.

  Everyone donned their assigned gear and they set off up the beach. At first, all they encountered was flat sand, and sunny weather, making for an easy walk. But before long it clouded over and started to rain. Worse, they found themselves having to negotiate large boulders and jagged rocks. Her efforts had her sweating like some livestock animal. Her damp hair now clung to her forehead, despite the fact the rain had ceased. Worse, insects were everywhere, the red marks on her arms evidence of their incessant stinging and biting. Sure Gresham would hardly find her present state comely, she walked a good distance behind him. It was best he not see her looking like this. And Hagley’s stupid, pointless books were proving far heavier than she expected. She sorely wanted to dump them out and leave them. But having seen how important they were to him, she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

  Lightning flashed overhead, followed in short order by the loud rumble of thunder. Next came the inevitable downpour, drenching her, head to toe. With her hair stuck to her face, she must look a sight. The good news was the rain had driven the bugs into hiding. That, and the outfit Gresham bought her was thick enough to keep her warm.

  Her feet ached. She was sure they were blistering. Maybe Gresham’s soldier training had readied him for something this strenuous, but nothing had prepared her. He’d periodically turn around and check on his brood, often giving her odd looks. Was he disappointed in her? Was she letting him down, making him sorry he’d offered to guide her? She had to be a fright to behold. Yudelle would have found some way to still look fetching under similar circumstances, but it was beyond her. And she needed to control her temper, lest she disappoint him further. Sighing, she kept on trudging.

  The storm passed. Clouds parted, giving way to a warming sun, making the going less treacherous. Still, she kept slipping farther and farther behind. Even plump Hagley was well ahead of her. She no longer cared. Too exhausted to take another step, she leaned against a boulder, slid to the ground, and closed her eyes. It felt so good to rest.

  Something tickled her, waking her. She looked. A huge spider was crawling up her arm. Screaming, she jumped to her feet, frantically slapping it away. Gods, she’d fallen asleep. For how long? She looked around. No one was in sight. She was alone in the wilderness. Heart racing, she ran to catch up.

  This was Gresham’s fault she thought, wiping away her tears. A good guide would have found a way to get her to Tanner Point, not strand her alone in the middle of nowhere.

  Gresham turned, checking on the others. Sully wasn’t far behind, and Hagley’s head had just popped up from behind a rock quite a way back. He couldn’t see Rayna, but she was usually not far behind Hagley. She was likely just out of sight. The two of them had been stopping more and more often. He knew he ought to wait for them to catch up, but dusk was falling and he’d yet to find a suitable place to spend the night. Knowing they were all too weary to go on much farther, he decided to scout ahead on his own.

  He stopped when he stumbled onto a stream trickling down from above, only the third they’d seen all day. It produced enough water to nurture a small clump of trees and bracken near the swamp’s edge. The area around was sandy, with enough flat spots for sleeping. A cave was visible a short way up the hill, likely the source of the creek. Deciding
the odds of finding anything more suitable were slim, he dropped his pack and sat waiting for the others to catch up.

  Sully was first to arrive, and Hagley shortly thereafter. “How far behind is Rayna?” he asked as Hagley dropped his pack.

  “I don’t know,” he said, sinking to the sand. “I haven’t seen her for quite some time.”

  “What!? How long?”

  Hagley exhaled. “I don’t know… a while.”

  “You two stay here while I go find her.”

  He’d hardly left camp when he spotted her. She looked ready to drop. He hoped the strain of this trip wouldn’t dull her excitement at getting to meet her mother. He admired her for undertaking such an arduous trip. Very few highborn women would do such a thing. She had a goal and was willing to do what was necessary to achieve it. The same was true of Hagley and his quest to earn his robes. He envied their commitment. His own life lacked such purpose. Perhaps mastering the arts would fill that void. He hoped so.

  “Here, let me carry that satchel,” he offered as he caught up to her.

  “Here!” she spat, tossing it to the ground. Giving him a withering look, she stomped past him without another word.

  Whoa! This wasn’t good. He rushed to catch up, “Wait,” he said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

  Jaw clenched, she pushed it away, walking even faster. Deciding it best not to press the issue—whatever it was, he kept quiet.

  He followed her, listening to the seagulls squawk overhead. He looked up. Curiously, neither they nor the other seabirds ever ventured out over the lagoon. It seemed dead—it’s only life being an occasional grotesque fish. Grotesque or not, they were still a source of food. Catching one would stretch out their sparse food supply.

  Rayna’s mood got no better when they finally reached the others. She stormed past Sully and Hagley without uttering a word, and sat by herself, brooding; obviously in no mood to discuss what was bothering her. Perhaps a fish dinner might thaw her outlook. To that end, he broke off a nearby cat tail. Although not sturdy, it was sufficiently pointy to do the trick.