by Don P. Bick
Chapter 14
Twil rowed to the opposite side of the river, quietly gliding into shore and tying up the boat. After a quick check around the immediate area he cut some brush and covered as much of the boat as possible. It was dark enough to be fairly well hidden from anyone who was not making a close inspection of the river bank. He didn't believe the Guardians would be wandering around the woods at night looking for them. Grabbing his empty pack he quietly moved upriver toward town.
Twil passed several homes snuggled among the trees in the dense woods as he hurried into the riverfront community. He didn't encounter any problems. Once he neared the outskirts of the dock area he cautiously continued to work his way in closer. There was still a lot of activity going on along the waterfront, but he saw nothing that looked out of the ordinary.
As quickly as possible he slipped out from behind the heavy brush and into the activity on the wharf nearest the woods. His first assignment was to try and book passage on one of the ships bound for RockView.
After inquiring which ships were on their way to RockView, he discovered there were only two. Neither was leaving until the day after next. They would have no choice but to wait an extra day. One of the ships was a Neptunian trading ship, while the other was a private merchant ship from OceanBay. The Neptunian ship was the only real possibility. A private merchant ship was just too risky for them to chance.
Twil walked down the dock a short way to where the Neptunian ship was docked. As he got closer he saw two men standing up against a building watching the vessel, he thought they had more than just a casual interest in the ship. After stopping and surveying the two men, in a few minutes he decided they definitely were watching and waiting for someone to come to that ship. Although it could be someone else they were expecting and watching for, Twil wasn't going to take any chances. He decided he would take care of booking their passage later.
A short way into the streets, not too far from the main market area, Twil spied a store where he would be able to get the much needed provisions Gena had requested. He entered the store and bought their supplies. Loaded with what they needed, he decided to head for the mayor's house. Shortly after leaving the store, a noise caused him to drop his pack and quickly draw his sword. A few feet away a Plutonian appeared to pick up the body of a young woman from Jupiter. Foam was still running down the cheek of the dead women as she and the Plutonian disappeared with a loud crackle and pop. Disease, thought Twil, as he put his sword back in its scabbard. He didn't want to hang around an area that may be disease ridden. He was becoming very jumpy the longer he was in town. Fighting the urge to run, he picked up his pack and made an extra effort to remain calm, and then continued walking down the street.
He didn't figure the mayor would still be at work at this late hour so he went about trying to locate where he lived. While asking directions to the mayor's residence, Twil found out the mayor wasn't a he after all. He was a she, a Neptunian she. It didn’t take long before he discovered that the mayor lived on the other side of town. He swiftly began working his way through the streets to her house before it became too late in the evening.
Twil crossed town without difficulty, grateful for the throngs of people everywhere in the streets. He was surprised to see the mayor lived in a modest home on the outskirts of town, rather than a large country home that seemed so popular to most people of high standing.
Twil approached the house carefully, and sure enough, just as he suspected there was a man standing across the street watching the front of the home. There was a large fence around the property, but surprisingly no one was watching the back. The fence posed no obstacle for Twil. He was over it in seconds and quietly moving across the grounds toward the back of the house. He didn't really like the idea of entering the mayor's home without her knowledge, surprising her like he was about too, but he had little choice.
He left his full pack in some bushes and quietly entered an open downstairs window. He knelt in the dark for a few minutes listening to the sounds from within the house. It sounded as though the mayor was fixing dinner. She must have company, thought Twil, she was talking to someone.
Twil opened the door to the room he was in so he could hear her better. He was able to hear her speaking softly, but couldn't make out the exact words. The house wasn't all that large; however, he had entered at the opposite end from the main living area which was where the mayor was located. He began working his way down the hallway as quickly and quietly as he was able. Farther down the hall he ducked inside a doorway on his right. It was a storage closet. He was able to hear much better from this position. The mayor wasn't talking to anyone after all. She was singing softly to herself.
Twil wasn't sure if he would be able to keep the woman from screaming when he walked out of the closet and revealed his presence. He really had no choice but to take the chance or leave. He stepped out into the room where the mayor was just sitting down to dinner. She immediately saw him. Without so much as batting an eyelash, she proceeded to ask him who he was and what he was doing in her home. Twil was more than impressed with the calmness and control this lady displayed, especially in such a surprise situation. Most people would have reacted strongly to the presence of an unannounced stranger stepping into their dining room.
Twil, being careful not to step in front of any windows that faced the front of the house, proceeded to tell the mayor who he was and that someone was watching her home. He explained the events of the day, but left out where they were headed or where they were presently camped. He was able to cover everything without constantly staring at the tantalizing array of food laid out on the table before him. His hunger apparently didn't go unnoticed by the mayor.
The mayor listened closely while intently studying Twil's face. Apparently she believed him because when he finished she nodded in understanding. She got up and closed the window coverings which she said she did every night, adding it would look suspicious if she didn't close them. She then asked if he would join her for dinner. He gratefully accepted.
After his third plateful of fish and a vegetable similar to potatoes, all covered with tart gravy, Twil decided he had eaten enough. It wasn't that he wanted to stop; it was because he had no more room to put anything. It had been quite a few days since his last good home cooked meal. The mayor observed in quiet amusement as he assuaged his hunger pains.
They talked a while longer, the mayor indicating she had no personal knowledge of any movement or happenings regarding the Guardians of the Bridge, however, she did have a note in her office from the Ruler of the Waters she was to deliver to them in the event she was contacted. Apparently she and the Ruler had known each other for quite some time, stating their friendship went back many years. She indicated it would look unusual for her to go to the office at this hour, something she rarely did, and would it be possible for him to return the next night to her house and retrieve the message. It wouldn't be safe for him to come to the office during the day, anyway. With her house being watched it was most likely the office was being watched, as well. She would leave the same window open for him and have a little something ready for him to eat. She smiled, thinking about all he eaten for dinner for being so small.
Twil said they wouldn't be leaving for a while yet and that he would return the next night. He was still a little reluctant to say much about their plans. Since she was good friends with the Ruler she was probably no threat, but just in case, he felt it was better to play it safe. Complete trust was something they couldn't afford to indulge in at this point.
As Twil was leaving, the mayor handed him a loaf of freshly baked bread to take to his companions. He thanked her and said he would see her tomorrow night.
Twil climbed out the same window he had entered, retrieved his pack, then crossed the back grounds and scurried over the fence. After a minute kneeling in the shadows, he saw no one had come to watch the back of the house. He hurried down toward the dock to take care of the last thing on his list, which was to gain pas
sage for them on a ship to RockView.
The same two men were still standing and watching the ship Twil wanted to book passage on. All the way from the mayor's house he had hoped they were gone so he wouldn't have to go through with his only remaining alternative. He slid off into the woods in the direction he had come and hid his pack full of provisions, along with the bread the mayor had given him beneath a thickly leafed bush. Stripping off his shirt and boots he slid into the cool water and started swimming toward the pier where the Neptunian ship was docked. These people were beginning to irritate him, thought Twil, as he worked his way closer and closer to the hull of the vessel.
When he reached the ship he slowly swam toward the rope which hung down from the bow holding the anchor. The ship was docked stern first due to the ease of unloading and loading to that particular dock. The anchor hung almost to the water line and Twil had no trouble reaching up and grasping its end. Fortunately, the dangling anchor hung in the shadows. Climbing the rope was easy and in seconds he was at the top. He was sure no one had been able to see him.
Reaching the top deck he peeked over the railing. Seeing no one, he scrambled over the side and hid behind some crates that were stacked along that part of the deck. The ship was similar in design to that of Captain Nepturos, the one that had carried them to OceanBay. So Twil had a good idea where and which cabin would likely be the one the captain occupied.
The ship seemed deserted as he made his way along the deck. Perhaps the captain was on shore with the majority of the crew. If so, he would have to wait till he returned, assuming he did return that same night. When he reached the cabin he thought would probably be the correct one, a light was shining through the space under the door. For the second time that night he was concerned about the reception he would receive, since again he was barging in unannounced.
He knocked on the door then stepped back into the shadows. A man opened the door and looked around, he was obviously Neptunian. When he saw no one at the door he quickly drew his sword.
"Who's there?" he asked, looking from side to side, trying to peer into the darkness.
Twil stepped out of the shadows.
The response on the face of the seaman was nothing like the calm acceptance of the mayor. First there was surprise, and then Twil thought he saw anger. Before things got out of hand, Twil calmly announced who he was and why he was there. The captain hesitated a moment, looked around then motioned for Twil to come into the cabin.
They talked for several minutes and Twil found the captain very congenial, once he got over his initial shock of having an unsuspected visitor at his door. He also absolutely refused any payment for taking them to RockView. The captain felt it was his duty to help them. The Ruler had asked all the Neptunian people to do whatever they could to help, and in any capacity they were able. The captain said he would have to make special arrangements to carry the foursome to RockView. He asked Twil to return the following night, the night before sailing, for the details on what he was able to put together for them. He wanted the arrangements kept as quiet as possible. Twil said he would be there the next night and then left the captain’s cabin.
With nothing more to accomplish in town, Twil climbed back down the rope and swam down river to where he left his pack. He hurried through the woods to the boat and out across the river.
Gena had dosed off a short time earlier but startled awake when she heard a slight commotion. Bran came into camp with Twil at his side. She could only see their silhouettes against the background of the night sky.
They all came wide awake as Twil spent the next hour or so relating the events of his trip into town. He gave them the homemade bread the mayor had given him. It was the freshest food they had eaten in several days. They rehashed the possibilities and risks of Twil returning to town the following night. Two places and two people already knew he would be returning. They agreed there appeared to be no other alternative but for Twil to accept the risk. They would have to trust the mayor and Neptunian captain. Twil said he would stay alert and be careful. He added that he could take care of himself. They hated the idea of having to spend another entire day camped out before they could continue on to their next stop. They had no choice but to wait until the ship was scheduled to depart for RockView.
By the time they were finished discussing everything dawn was breaking. They were all exhausted from the toll of the prior day's events. Bran took the watch while the others went to get some sleep.
The day proved long and uneventful. They rested and tried to relax, tended to their gear and provisions, and kept a watchful eye out for any unexpected visitors. They saw and heard no one other than one ship that had passed by headed down the river.
As night approached Twil made ready to leave. This time he wouldn't be gone as long as before, since he only had to make two quick stops, plus pick up a couple of additional items Gena had requested.
Twil followed the same route to the dock as he did the previous evening. From his vantage point in the darkness he could see the same two men waiting and watching the Neptunian ship. It looked like he would have to swim again tonight. But first he would go to the mayor’s house.
The streets were pretty active as he made his way across town to where the mayor lived. A man was standing out in front of the house like the day before; however, it wasn't the same man. Again no one seemed to be watching the back of the house. Twil sat in the deep shadows on the back grounds of the property for nearly an hour, watching the lighted windows for any signs of deception. He saw nothing suspicious so climbed through the open window.
The mayor was waiting for him with a large dinner already prepared. Twil again stuffed himself. The mayor gave him the sealed note and another loaf of bread for the others. She wished him well when he left.
As he hopped over the wall he noticed too late there was a man who had taken up a position at the rear of the property. The man was standing near a bush deep in the shadows. Once he saw Twil he pulled his bow and notched an arrow. The man was quick to react; however, he was nowhere near as quick as the speedy little man from Mercury.
Twil was around the corner of the wall before the man could draw back the bow. He gave chase but when he came around the fence there was no sign of Twil anywhere. He ran a short distance in the direction he guessed Twil had taken, and then gave up in frustration when he didn’t see anyone.
Twil returned to the spot where he left his pack after stopping and getting the items Gena had requested, and then prepared for the swim out to the ship. Again, he wished there was another way to board but there wasn’t any other options.
Twil swam out to the ship as before and climbed the anchor rope. This time the captain was expecting him. They talked for a short while then Twil climbed back down the rope and let himself into the water. He retrieved his pack and hurried back to the boat.
It started to rain before he had paddled half way across the river. He had a couple of anxious moments when the rain began to come down increasing heavier, making it difficult to find his way through the added darkness caused by the falling water. There was no way he would be able to survive rain like the one near Val by himself. Luckily the downpour slackened slightly and he was able to make it back to camp without any serious incident.
Once back with the others, Twil relayed the information to them regarding his evening and gave the note from the Ruler of the Waters to Camran, who opened the seal and unfolded the letter. He read it out loud to his friends and companions in the light of the small fire they had started to ward off the evening chill. They felt confident that no one would be out in the dark looking for them, especially when the skies were threatening heavy rain at any moment.
"I have sent notices to all settlements on Lotus Isle regarding your mission. I find no problem with this since the leader of The Guardians obviously knows what you are attempting to do. In addition I have notified all Neptunians to assist you whenever possible, especially the captains of all ships. Some tension has been noticed among
some of the Neptunian people here on the Isle. I am a little worried that this increase in tension may be the first signs of disease. This disease is one of my major concerns at the present time. Several people have already died from its curse. In case you haven't been made aware, foaming at the mouth is the only symptom we have so far been able to recognize of this strange illness. I wish you luck and success in your quest." the letter was signed by the Ruler of the Waters.
They only had a brief time remaining until daylight. The ship would be leaving before daybreak. They broke camp and loaded all their provisions and belongings onto the boat. Out the small inlet they went, then turned and headed downriver toward the sea, away from the town of Statmer.
They rowed a couple of miles to a large rock that stuck up out of the water; on the same side of the river where they had made camp during the previous two nights. Here they anchored the boat and sat watching upriver. They didn't have to wait long before the ship was spotted coming toward them. These arrangements had privately been made between Twil and the Neptunian captain the previous night.
Dawn was beginning to break as the ship slowed to where the four sat waiting. A rope ladder was hanging over the side of the ship as it pulled alongside the boat. The four companions scrambled up the ladder and over the side railing. It all went smoothly and according to plan. The captain greeted them and then went back to his duties.
They stood alongside the railing watching the small boat they had lived in these past days. It slowly become smaller and smaller in the distance as they sailed out of the river and into the sea, setting a course toward RockView, their next destination. As Camran stood looking over the water he felt overwhelmed by the immense burden of the task placed before him. What they had been through so far was perhaps the easiest part of the quest. If the worst was yet in front of them, would they ever accomplish their mission? He fervently hoped that the goodness of their cause would be strong enough to see them through the difficulties that certainly must lie ahead of them in the days and weeks to come.