The General shook his head. “I believe it was the penalty from Emissary Gowan for failing to deliver the Queen. If you waltz with demons, then you better learn the steps of the dance!”
*
Gulden and Mia cantered out of Celestina. Mia wore the white uniform of the sky born. The golden griffin on her chest plate glinted in the sun and her white cape fluttered in the breeze. Gulden wore his ceremonial dress, resplendent in a dark blue uniform, the white prancing lion inlaid with gold braid. His head bore the silver helmet with tassels of white horse hair dangling to one side. Once through the gates, they paused and swung the horses round.
Mia turned back to the shimmering city. She could see the Elders observing from the watchtower.
As the units of the Windstrom Army passed the watchtower, they walked slowly to enable them to perform the tradition of the march past. Massed bands of pipes and drums set the tempo and the men and women turned to their right, raised their swords and saluted by raising their clenched fist of their right hand to their left breast.
The Elders acknowledged each regiment’s salute as they passed. The ensigns marched with the colours between the soldiers’ ranks.
When they passed the Elders, the ensign would lower the colours. Only raising them again when they received the order ‘eyes front’.
As was the custom, each unit displayed the colours of regimental flags and the insignia. It ensured the troops were familiar with them. It meant the men were quickly able to identify their unit on the battlefields and respond to rallying orders. A regiment’s colours embodied its courage, history, and the memory of its fallen men and women. The loss of the colour to an enemy was considered the greatest disgrace and so consequently, the regimental colours were revered by officers and soldiers alike.
After the infantry came the cavalry in a sitting trot resplendent in their gold plumes and white uniforms. Two drum horses led the columns as they slowly rode past the city and once again salutes were given to the Elders, who returned the gesture to the colours as they passed by. Next, the archers in red jackets and white plumes and finally, the engineers.
Despite the solemnness of the occasion, crowds had spilled from Celestina and lined the roads from the city. Cries of hope and victory could be heard. Soldiers would sometimes break ranks, mothers hugging their soldier sons and daughters. Children running to their mothers and fathers in the regiments. Wives and husbands saying goodbyes; lovers sharing a parting kiss.
Long after the last of the soldiers had passed, the Elders remained standing and watched them disappear into the distance. Perhaps a sombre moment as they contemplated what horrors Windstrom’s young men and women would face in the coming months and how many may return.
*
Crusty poked his head down below the deck, “Milady. A squall is coming through. It will be a little hair-raising. I suggest you and your men stay below decks. If you do come up make sure you lash yourself to something. We don’t want to be known as the ship that sent the Queen of Ampheus overboard and down to Davy Jones’ Locker.
“Also, perhaps don’t come out if there’s lightning, especially not waving a sword around. We don’t want to be known as the ship where the Queen of Ampheus was burnt to a crisp by a lightning bolt, and umm, just one more thing.
“The crew will be stowing away as much as they can, though there is always the chance that things may start crashing around if the boat is lurching about. So, keep your head down, we don’t want to be known as the ship on which the Queen of Ampheus was knocked out by a flying saucepan or indeed a soup tureen!”
“Anything else?” asked Her Majesty.
“No that’s it,” said Crusty, and paused. “Well apologies if I may seem a little forward milady, but perhaps avoid using the ‘head’. It is not a matter of life and death though it is a little dicey when there is a squall,” and with that, Crusty smiled, touched his forehead and disappeared back on deck.
The squall hit like a force of nature, knocking The Black Boar sideways on impact. As the boat righted itself the wind became more constant and more powerful as it whistled across the decks of the ship. The sea was choppier, and white foam from the breaking waves was blown in streaks across the ocean. The captain stood at the tiller steering the boat. Spray from the tips whipped past him drenching him, seawater pouring from his beard and clothes.
The men in the rigging struggled to bring down the sails to steady the ship. The crew was also rowing hard to punch into and over the waves. At times the oars would disappear into the green seawater only to appear again as the boat crested the wave and plunged down into the trough on the other side. The storm grew in intensity, the waves in size like water stallions; their hooves churned the crests as they folded into the sea.
The surface of the ocean was almost entirely white. The visibility broken by the spray and the pitching of the ship in the ocean, as green water broke over the bow soaking the decks with freezing seawater.
At one point the tender shook loose. The pirates threw themselves to steady it as it slid from side to side, crashing into the railings. The men staggered in the water up to their waists as the ship plunged into the waves. They would be tossed into the air as they crested the wave, then come down with a crashing thud.
They grappled with the boat, trying to lash it back down as the water chilled them and numbed their fingers.
Captain Blade struggled to hold onto the tiller, which was battered from side to side by the sea. But as he held course and steered the ship into the huge waves, he laughed and cursed.
“Do you think you can sink Captain Blade, Neptune? I don’t think so. I have survived worse than this. Call this a storm I’ve seen bigger waves in my bathwater. Come on what else have you got?”
Lightning hit the top of a wave that was looming over the ship. There were forks of fire reaching down into the water for dozens of feet. It was like looking at a brilliantly glowing mountain of emerald and turquoise that crashed down on the boat setting the decks fizzing with light.
The captain cackled, “Ha, you think I am scared by that Poseidon? You missed, my grandmother could have hit the ship, and she’s blind in one eye!”
The ship plunged into another wave and the prow disappeared under the green seawater. It was like colliding with a wall. The hull shuddered from the impact and the boat was slowed almost to a standstill. The ship began to groan along her whole length as she shed water and when it suddenly seemed that the ocean would swallow her, the ship lurched back up again and speared into the sky.
“You won’t have us tonight Njord; tonight we will take all that you can throw at us because we are more than worthy. Our cause is too great to concern ourselves with the trifling matters of the sea gods.” With that he broke into song:
“A pirate life will set you free!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!
I’ll weigh the anchor and set my sails!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!
There’s thirty fathom down below boys!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!
The winds a blow and waves a breakin’!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!
We’ll plunder gold and dance a jig!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!
The gale’s got a grip on this fine ship!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!
A slug of whisky to warm the cockles!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!
I’ll ride a whale down to the depths!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!
I’ll take a mermaid for my wife!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is
the place for me!
I’ll keep my sea legs, yes I will!
The sea’s the place for me mates, the sea is the place for me!”
While the Captain was on deck sticking it to the gods of the ocean, the crew was making the most of it down below.
Those in the galley wrapped their arms around their plates and clutched their mugs, cuddling their food as it slopped on their crockery. Those carrying their dinner staggered from side to side as they adjusted their balance to the pitching of the boat.
Every now and again as the ship hit a particularly hefty wave, anyone standing could be tossed forward or aft. Sliding up and down the galley, flailing their arms until they could get their feet under themselves again.
“So much for sea legs!” chuckled Rolden. “I thought once you have been on the water long enough, your body gets used to the constant movement. I thought it was when you get on land after being at sea for so long, that then you walk funny. Are we sure these guys are real pirates, surely they would be a little more sure-footed?”
The Queen tutted at him. “Rolden, just you be careful. You know the crew already joke about you?” He looked at her questioningly. “When will we see dinner next? Five minutes after the knight has eaten it!” she chuckled to herself.
Crusty careered down the galley and just managed to grab the end of the table and sat down next to them.
“Hey Crusty I have a question,” said Rolden. “Why is it that most pirates say they have ‘sea legs’ when by the looks of them most only have one? Shouldn’t it be ‘sea leg’?”
“Aye, a landlubber with a sense of humour. Wonders will never cease!”
“Captain’s enjoying himself,” said the Queen.
“Aye,” said Crusty. “He likes a light breeze so he does.
“By the way, did the captain ever tell you how he lost his leg, arm and eye?”
“Actually no,” said Rolden leaning towards Crusty.
“Well,” said Crusty, “it’s not how you’d imagine. He lost his leg to a shark. Bit it clean off.”
“He lost his hand fighting renegades on the Southern Seas. Replaced it with a hook.”
“So how did he lose his eye?” asked Rolden.
“He got an eyelash in his eye,” said Crusty.
Rolden frowned, “He lost his eye because of an eyelash?”
“Why yes,” said Crusty. “It was his first day with the hook,” Crusty hollered and slapped the table.
They all turned as all the doors on the toilets started slamming against the wooden hull in unison. Rolden winced at the smell.
“You can always go up on deck,” said Crusty. “Just remember to tie yourself on if you’re leaning over the side.”
A couple of rats scampered across the floor of the galley. “That’s a positive sign,” said the Queen. “The rats are still on board.”
“They are running towards the aft hatch, and I think one was carrying a mouldy biscuit!” said Rolden. A moment later a gang of cockroaches skedaddled in the same direction.
“Either the rats have the cockroaches’ biscuit and were running away or the word has got out the boat is in trouble,” said Crusty.
“They were tough looking cockroaches!” commented Rolden. “I still don’t think all is lost.”
At which moment the ship lurched to port. All the plates and cutlery spilled from the cupboards and were strewn all over the floor.
A very wet and bedraggled captain stuck his head down the galley. “I think she’s starting to ease a little.”
He banged the roof of the galley with his fist, “Aaiiyyaaii, she’s still got some fight in her yet. Hopefully she will survive long enough to be able to stick it to those Gamurans!”
*
Emissary Gowan turned to his captain. “Was that really necessary? There is a mission to fulfil, speed is of the essence. Isn’t it unwise to wander off course simply to ram another ship?”
“To be sure!” said the captain, “but there’s no harm in keeping your eye in.”
“That’s the one remaining eye you have that you are talking about?”
“Aye that’ll be right,” said the captain. “And after all the only good pirate is a dead pirate, so best to send them down to Davy Jones’ Locker.”
Emissary Gowan shook his head. “Is there not a pirate code that states that all pirates have to act a certain respectful way to each other?”
“Ahhhh ship by ship there’s a code, but between ships none of it,” said the captain.
“In fact, it’s every man, woman and parrot for themselves. The less pirates, the more booty for the rest of us.”
*
The guide ushered Aron and Leo towards the cave and with a simple farewell and a wave, turned and headed back down the path. Leo and Aron continued their last few steps and as they approached, an old man with a white beard stepped out of the cave, his arms stretched in welcome, and he embraced the two travellers.
“Welcome, welcome,” he smiled. “The Prince and the boy. We have been waiting for you. You are most welcome. Perhaps we may sit for a while and watch the sun yawn, stretch and start its journey across the sky for one more day.
“This is my favourite part of the day. A rebirth, a renewal of life itself, the energy and warmth of the sun are the very essence of the circle of life. It feeds us, heals us, and lifts our spirits.
“No wonder generations before us took to worshiping the sun. If it ever failed to dawn, then dusk would set on life that is so vibrant around us.
“Now, now, where are my manners? Always losing myself in thought. Manners, manners. Manners maketh a man you know! Let me brew a drink for you and perhaps a simple repast. You must need some sustenance after your trip. Rest here; watch the glint of the sun’s rays dance between the clouds. Take off those coats and be invigorated by nature’s warmth and let it help the feeling ease its way back to your fingers and toes.”
With that he eased himself up and shuffled back into the cave. The Prince turned to Leo, “It’s easy to sense that our mission has been fulfilled, that now we have met Saturnus we can step down and allow him to carry the torch of hope going forward. But don’t be fooled, we have ended one leg of our journey yet our return to Dryw Henge will be every bit as hazardous, and likely more dangerous than the path that led us here!”
The druid returned with a hot drink and a bowl of warm beans.
“What is this? I’ve not drunk it before,” asked Aron surprised by the flavour.
The druid smiled, “It’s brewed from the leaves of the bushes that grow in abundance on the foothills of the mountain. It is native to here, and you won’t find it anywhere else in the realms. It tastes a little more flavourful than that awful nettle business everyone drinks.”
The Prince nodded, “This would be very popular in court.”
“We add a splash of milk as well to make it a little smoother. We have a goat if you’d like a squirt now.” Aron considered it but was not quite ready to jump to milk straight from udder quite yet, and politely declined.
“How do you forage for your food?” asked Leo.
The druid nodded, “Good question, while living here aids contemplation and meditation, not much grows here as you can imagine. The monks from the monastery bring us supplies every week. Not much, simple fare. A few beans, grains, salted meats, eggs and cheeses.”
“And a goat for milk,” added Leo.
“Are you sure you don’t want any milk?” Asked the old man and Aron shook his head once again.
“We do not want for much, and do not ask for more than the bare necessities of our needs. The real sustenance we receive here is of the mind and spirit.”
“You say we?” said the Prince.
“Yes,” said a voice, and they turned to spot a boy standing behind them. His face covered by a hooded cloak.
“The druid an
d an apprentice from the monastery below. We learn and explore our spiritual connections to the earth and its cultures around us together. The monks spread the word of our teachings to the world beyond. They have been a gateway for pilgrims for hundreds of years to help them understand their connection to the land, and its flow through time. Hopefully they will learn to respect the world we live in and wonder at its beauty and show consideration for the people, animals and plants that we share it with.”
He sighed, “For many they take all these things for granted. In small steps, word-by-word, gesture-by-gesture, the monks serve to remind us of the importance that all things should exist in harmony. We are inspired by nature and through our connection there is no limit to the potential benefits that it brings. I fear it is a message that people fail to heed.”
“Most of our traditions are oral and not written down. The monks have ensured the survival of these tales through stories, rituals, songs and art. Perhaps more effective than reams of scrolls that just gather dust,” said the boy.
The old man continued, “As the druids took their inspiration from nature. This is reflected across the Four Realms and the landscapes that forged them.
“In Aquamura it’s the proud nobility of the cliffs and the mystery of the seas that break onto its shores that inspired the druids.
“In Terramis it’s the rolling hills, the meadows and the fauna and flora in the forests.
“In Windstrom it’s the clouds and winds that roll over the mountains from the north and draw pure white sculptures in the sky.
“In Gamura it’s the power and passion of the volcanoes surrounding its lands.
“It is also why the cultures, traditions, and bearing of their peoples differ so. The land, the weather, it seeps into the peoples skin, their habits and their spirits.”
The old man paused, and Prince Aron took the moment to speak, “You are aware of what is happening in the realms. Gorath seeks the totems once again and his army has marched from Gamura.”
Dryw Henge Page 5