The Bellringer

by William Timothy Murray

  "So if it be he, it is an unexpected turn," Ashlord was saying. "Not at all what many thought would come to pass. For he is ignorant of the world and knows little of what is before him. He has had little in the way of education, and, though he does not know the languages of the West, he speaks from time to time in the First Tongue."

  "How can that be? He is Sylphaen, not of the Firstborn. And, anyway, the First Tongue is all but forgotten."

  "It is a mystery to me," Ashlord replied, tamping out his pipe. "Sheila is certain it was the First Tongue that he spoke, though she would not say what it was that he said to her. She said she had never heard that language before, yet understood every word he said."

  "Then truly he is the Hidden One. For who else may speak the First Tongue who was not here at the making of the world?"

  "We cannot yet be sure. And there is another who fits more readily what was expected. Sylphmar though he may be."

  "Aye, but he is in service to Duinnor, and is not Elifaen," Thurdun replied. "It hardly seems likely that he would be the one, for he has sworn his loyalty."

  "That is true. But he, too, is of the proper lineage, according to prophecy, and so must be considered."

  "Has the young one been Scathed?"

  "No."

  "I see."

  Robby knew they were talking about himself and someone else, but it was all riddles, and it irritated him to be treated so. It seemed to him that they could talk all they wanted, and it would not make him any more of anything.

  "I am just me," he thought to himself. "All this other stuff is just...stuff!"

  He walked away as quietly as he had approached, skirting the center of the encampment and making for the water's edge. Along it he ambled, taking care where he stepped, picking up a stone and skipping it lightly across the placid surface. A sentry posted by the quay saw him and waved. Robby waved back and approached, stepping up onto the stone landing.

  "Good morning."

  "Good morning, Robby Ribbon of Passdale."

  "When will the boats arrive, do you think?"

  "I cannot say," replied the sentry, relaxing a little. "But I imagine before day is too far along."

  Robby looked eastward and saw the bare hint of dawn.

  "Ah." Robby nodded and shoved his hands into his pockets. "I think I'll stroll out there."

  The sentry nodded as he passed, and Robby walked along the grassy top of the broad quay. It was wide enough for three wagons abreast, with easy space between, and jutted out about fifty yards into the lake. On either side, at regular intervals, steps led down into the water, and there were iron rings, too, for docking boats. As he neared the end of the quay, he saw that the odd stone columns were actually carved statues of two arms outstretched, as if reaching out from the water, and each hand held a cup from which the flames rolled. They were over twice Robby's height and provided a great deal of light on the end of the quay and upon the surrounding waters. He was nearly at the very end when he noticed a figure, close by the left arm, wrapped in a hooded cloak. Hearing a sound, he stopped and listened more carefully. The person was singing softly. He thought it might be a lullaby, the same, even, as that sung to him as a sick child by the two ladies, the ones he now knew had been Elifaen. Indeed, it was a lullaby, and if Robby had known the language, he would have heard these words:

  Wide does the sky stretch beyond sight

  Long does the river run to the sea

  Slow pass the days and slower the night

  Soft does the dove sing to me.

  Gray are the clouds the sun to hide

  As raindrop turns to snowflake

  Bare are the trees on the hillside

  And cold blows the wind on the lake.

  Serith Ellyn stopped singing, gazing out across the water. A puff of wind tossed the flames above, and Robby heard the gentle lapping of the water against stones.

  "You are troubled, too," she said without turning. Robby stepped up beside her. "Like me, you are lost in change, not knowing what may come of things."

  "Yes."

  "You know what you must do, but not what you should do."

  "Yes."

  "They are the same," she said, turning to him. "When you do what you must, it is as it should be, and leads to the next and the next. This age is coming to an end at last, as all things must, and you are caught between the ending and the beginning of things, born of one but living into another. Why should the Bellringer of Tulith Attis be so different? Does fate ignore the unknown person in favor only of kings and queens and the mighty?"

  "I'm not sure I believe in fate," he said, not meaning to be argumentative but realizing too late that it probably sounded that way.

  "Fate. Destiny. Chance. Doom. They are but different seasons of the same year," she replied. "Call it what you will. You cannot escape it, no more than you can escape your skin."

  "Everyone talks to me and about me, but no one will speak plainly," Robby grumbled.

  "We speak as plainly as we can," Serith Ellyn replied sympathetically. "It is for you to hear or not to hear. Listen first from your heart, then let your head guide you."

  Robby nodded, but he was not sure that he really understood.

  "We Elifaen are afraid of change," she explained. "Perhaps we have seen too much of it. All who live long in this world sense the passing away of things. The forest shrinks before the axe and the plough, and meadows are covered with cobblestone and building-brick. White waters of anxious rivers turn dark and slow and wind more peacefully to the sea. Even the sun seems not so high or so bright as in the days of our youth, and the snow not so fresh or clean, only colder. We attach ourselves to these things, as they to us, and, even as our attachments grow more tenuous with each passing year, we cling the harder to them. Yet so, too, are the works of our hands, as the earth strives to take back what is hers. Proud houses fall into decline and great cities pass into ruin. The stories of those things are lost to forgotten languages and moth-eaten scrolls. Vine and root grapple with the rune carved in stone, and rust carries away, fleck by fleck, the great gates of iron."

  The breeze reversed itself, picked up, and blew at them from across the lake, taking the Queen's hood from her head and tossing her hair. She pulled her cloak about her and turned toward the encampment.

  "I must prepare to depart," she said, walking away without looking back.

  The wind eased, and Robby watched her recede into the darkness of the shore. Looking back out across the water, he resolved to be idle no longer. If there was, in fact, something he was supposed to do, or something important to be involved in, he would not go blindly into it, unprepared and ignorant.

  "I've wasted enough time. If there's time left," he said to himself, "I will get ready for whatever may come!"

  As he made this pact with himself, he saw, far out on the water, light gray shapes, like several birds hovering strangely just over the lake's surface, motionless between water and air. He realized, with a little thrill, that they were the billowing sails of the distant boats that were coming to take away Queen Serith Ellyn and her people. Looking ashore, he saw that the camp was stirring and fires were being relit for breakfast. Water lapped up against the stone just beneath him, and he sat down, dangling his legs over the side, and fished around in his jacket for his pipe and firesticks. After lighting his leaf, Robby leaned against the right-hand statue and closed his eyes. The tug of the breeze and the lapping of the water almost lulled him back to sleep. Maybe he did doze off for a bit, for when he opened his eyes the night sky was giving over to the coming sun, and purple-pink wisps of thin, high clouds lined the eastern sky. The sails were much closer, now, and Robby could see the darker hulls of the craft although they still seemed motionless. As the first rays of morning swept across the lake, the sails became brilliant pink for a moment, then quickly changed to gold and then bright white. Robby could see eight boats, coming steadily on, each with two triangular sails, one up a mast and another smaller one just before the mast. The closer
they came, the faster they seem to move, even though the breeze seemed to lessen. At the bow of the lead boat stood a man with one hand on the forestay and another on his hip, his long brown hair flying about his face. Judging by the man, he estimated that each boat was about ten or twelve yards long and about a fourth as wide. Robby tapped out his cold pipe, put it away, then stood. Several others had come out onto the quay, including Ashlord and Thurdun. The man in the boat waved, and as soon as Robby and the others waved back, he realized who it was.

  "Ullin!" he cried. "Is that Ullin?"

  "Yes, it is," answered Ashlord. "I thought it would surprise you."

  "I'll say! So this is the task he was to carry out?"

  "Only one of many," Ashlord said. "He had others, too, but this fit in nicely."

  "Do you know Ullin?" Robby asked Thurdun.

  "We have never actually met. I know him by his reputation and through his reports to Collandoth. He fought along our southern border against Dragonkind raiders with a contingent from Duinnor some years ago and made a name for himself. When he came to the White Palace, I was not there. For your information, Robby Ribbon, Commander Tallin is of the House of Fairoak, one of the most ancient and honorable of all. It is no wonder that little is spoken of it by your mother, for that House has had misfortune after tragedy. It is too bad that there are not more like Ullin Saheed, though. Ashlord tells me that he is your cousin, by your mother's brother. That makes you of the House of Fairoak, too. Even more so, since Ullin Saheed's mother was not Elifaen, and yours is."

  "Hullo!" cried out Ullin at that moment, still a very long stone's throw away. "Is that some kin of mine come to meet me?"

  "Hullo, Ullin!" Robby called, waving back. "Oh, I wish he had been here last night!"

  "Me, too," Thurdun said.

  "Aye," added Ashlord. "But he comes as soon as he is able and would have been here sooner but for some delay, I imagine."

  "Whose boats are these?" Robby asked.

  "They belong to the Lakemen who serve Prince Danoss, the Earl of Connassa," Thurdun said. "His principality borders the northeastern shores of this lake, and he keeps boats to transfer goods and guests from place to place as well as to patrol the lake. He was kind enough to allow their use for our transport to his castle at Formouth."

  "I have heard of him," Robby said. "I thought he was a Sea King."

  "You think of his great-grandfather," Ashlord said. "King Thalamir, of the House of Beech, was the last of the Sea Kings, and was the last Sovereign King of Glareth. He was forced to abdicate kingship by Duinnor, but his descendants have been the Ruling Princesses and Princes of Glareth ever since. His grandson, Ruling Prince Carbane, now rules Glareth, and Prince Carbane's son, Prince Danoss, governs the old Eastlands realm from Formouth and the Province of Connassa. Ruling Prince Carbane has granted Queen Serith Ellyn refuge as a welcomed guest and arranges their journey from here through his son. The House of Fairlinden and the House of Beech are distantly related. Though separated by great distance, they have always maintained close ties."

  "The House of Beech aided my sister when it was her time to take the throne of Vanara," Thurdun added. "Our Houses and our Realms have been closely allied ever since."

  "I see," Robby said, but he did not actually understand at all. The boats were maneuvering past the quay and looping around on the breeze, lowering their foresails and preparing to make their approach to dock. Already, Ullin's boat was luffing its main to slow its approach. Ullin still stood at the bow, now holding a coil of rope. With a graceful sweep of his arm, he tossed it to Robby. It uncurled through the air and Robby grabbed it as it passed his head. Thurdun then gripped the rope behind Robby, for security, as Ullin, with the help of another man, dropped the mainsail and furled it quickly, neatly stowing it and its boom by folding it upright against the mast. At their signal, Robby and Thurdun gave a tug and the boat slid gently toward them. Almost as soon as it came alongside, they had it lined and docked, and Ullin hopped onto the steps and bounded up to Robby.

  "Hello, cousin!" he said, giving Robby a handshake and a hug. "This is a happy surprise! I see you've fallen in with Ashlord since I last saw you. I take it the errand you ran for me went well, then?"

  "Well," Robby said, glancing at Ashlord. "I guess it turned out well enough. Here, let me introduce you to—"

  "Lord Thurdun, of the House of Fairlinden," Ullin said, bowing. "I am Ullin Saheed Tallin, of the House of Fairoak, at your service."

  "You do me honor, Commander," Thurdun said shaking Ullin's hand. "And it is I who must be at your service, for all the work you have done on behalf of the Queen and our people."

  "I do what it is that I can do," Ullin bowed again. "Collandoth! How are you?"

  Robby watched as the two shook hands and hugged and exchanged greetings. From the way they spoke and acted, he saw they were old friends, though Ullin was ever respectful of the other. Yet, Ashlord was most casual and told Ullin how happy he was to see him at last.

  "After all these many months of letters and notes," he said, "it is good to see you in person. And well, I hope?"

  "Yes, quite well."

  "What is the state of the boats?" Thurdun asked.

  "They are all fine craft," Ullin said. "Fast and stable. Each can hold ten quite comfortably and many more, if needed. If the wind fails, there are oars stowed, too, though I doubt they will be needed. We have provisions already aboard. Enough for fifty for two and a half days. Each boat is crewed by three, all fine men and boys, experienced and lake-wise. Departure can be as soon as they have eaten and the boats have been loaded."

  "Very well, then," Thurdun said. He waved to one of his captains and gave a few orders. Soon there were many soldiers on the quay, lending a hand with the other boats and making the acquaintance of the Connassan Lakemen. Thurdun led Ullin ashore and to the tents and wagons. Standing in front of one of the tents was the Queen, and Robby was surprised to see Ullin kneel and kiss her hand.

  "It has been many years, Commander," she said. "Since I last saw you in the Court of Vanara. At that time, I expressed my gratitude to you and your men for your defense of my realm. Now I thank you once more for your aid and your devotion to our friendship."

  "I do what it is that I can do, Your Majesty," Ullin repeated, rising. "It is a sorry day that Vanara cannot protect her Queen."

  "I do not leave Vanara out of fear for my safety," she returned. "I know that many of my people will never consider leaving when their Queen still resides there. They would stay to the harm of their families. I have not given up my people, nor have I forsaken my pact with them. I lead them away, if they are to be led, to give the enemy less blood and fewer slaves. It is the children of Vanara, mostly, that we fear for, and those unfit to fight. War is coming. Soon it will be too late for them to leave, and I would not have their loyalty to me delay them. If they do choose to leave our home, I would have them find good welcome in Glareth Realm. To make the way for them, should that be necessary, is why I come."

  "Yes, Queen," Ullin nodded. "I well understand these things. Perhaps I may assist your return to Vanara someday soon."

  "I hope you shall."

  Soon they were having breakfast, Ullin and the boatmen, along with all of the company of Vanara as well as the troupe of minstrels who had not yet departed. The narrow tables of the night before were set up in a long line, and Robby sat beside Ullin, who sat beside the Queen, at one end. Across from Ullin on the Queen's other hand sat Ashlord. She seemed quite taken by Ullin and listened as intently as any to the account he gave of his journey from Duinnor through Passdale and thence to Glareth. Standing behind Serith Ellyn, Thurdun had only a cup of hot coffee, which he quickly finished and then excused himself. A little later, when Robby looked around for him, he saw Thurdun organizing the movement of the company's goods onto the quay in preparation for loading.

  "Ullin," Ashlord said, "I have already spoken with Thurdun about this, and I wonder if you think you are needed by the Queen or her party from
here on."

  "It was my intention to see them safely across the lake."

  "I know," Ashlord said. "But would you consider returning with me and Robby to Passdale today? There is some urgency to my request."

  Ullin looked at Robby then at the Queen.

  "I believe you have done all and more than could be asked of you," she said. "Do not feel obliged to continue with us from here."

  "Well," he said, "then I suppose, if I am needed elsewhere..."

  "You are," Ashlord said. "And I hate to press you on it, but I think we should depart as soon as we may."

  It was quickly decided that Ashlord would have one of the horses so the three could ride back to Passdale. Ullin went to the boats to make his farewells to the boatmen, and Robby followed him to the quay, struck by how respectfully they treated Ullin. Most stopped long enough to reach up to shake his hand, or touch his arm, and many hugged him and bade him well, speaking in the odd Glareth accent unfamiliar to Robby. Meanwhile, the tents were struck and loaded onto the boats, and the wagons were hitched by the minstrels and driven away, singing as they went "Fare thee well, Faere of Dale. Fare thee well, Faere of Hill. Fare thee, fare thee, fare thee well!"

  As well, a little barge was prepared for Celefar, and Thurdun led the obedient buckmarl onto it. After a few coaxing words, Celefar knelt down and folded his legs beneath him, as the barge's lines were affixed to the sailboat for towing. Robby watched all this with interest, and followed Ullin as he made his farewells to the remaining few Lakemen he had not already spoken to.

  When Ullin and Robby stepped from the quay, they found Ashlord, Thurdun, Gaiyelneth, and Queen Serith Ellyn awaiting them with the horses.

  "I wish you to have this, Ullin Saheed," the Queen said, taking from her thumb a ring and offering it to Ullin. It was silver, set with a brilliant sapphire surrounded by crusted rubies in the shape of a small leaf. "It is a token of the friendship between you and your House and the House of Fairlinden of Vanara. It will be a true sign to our allies of your honor and valor in our cause."