by Bob Nailor
Jewyl watched the fine white dust settle down through the cracks. It tickled her nose.
"It could be Chaos," Jopab offered with a simple shrug of his shoulders. "She offers much to understand. Blessed Hagontha."
"Curses on your chaos," the guard yelled and tramped to the doorway. "When you see your goddess, thank her for your life."
The guard trudged out the door and mounted his steed. "We return," he said to his men, yanked the reins of the horse to the right and headed off in the direction they had come earlier in the day.
One lingering guard made some small, almost negligible gestures and Jopab barely bowed his head and blinked his eyes in acknowledgment. Jewyl smiled realizing her small peep hole had allowed her to catch the covert conversation between the two. She rubbed her eyes and stifled a cough.
Jopab placed his arms across the door opening to bar anyone from going out into the night. "The guard is still not satisfied. This place will be watched until I depart. Suggestions?"
"Let us out of here," Jewyl said, and again elbowed Chardo. "You're being just a tad too friendly."
"Funny," Percho said. "That's what I told him when we were in here earlier."
"Out," Jopab said. "They can't see inside the house so we have some safety there. Just be sure to stay away from the window."
"Do you think he has guards all around?" Percho asked. He pulled a chunk of meat from the plate.
"You can bet your last copper piece on that," Jopab said. "It is mandatory that you three get out of here with all the haste possible." He paced the floor, nibbling on his index finger nail.
"I can get us beyond the guards," Chardo said. "That's the easy part."
"Grouping us," Jopab said. "Now that's the hard part. That guard expects me to be alone when I leave here."
"We team up beyond the watchers," Percho quipped and smiled hopefully.
"The guard has us," Jewyl said. "Could you hike the road and we shadow you in the woods?"
"The trees only continue a short distance," the old woman said and shook her head.
"We split up," Jopab said. "For safety and sensibility. We'll meet at the temple."
"Wise decision," Jewyl said. "They're looking for three men and one woman. When we get to Opula, we split up. Percho and I will remain together. Chardo will be on his own." She smiled at her long-time friend. "When we arrive at Zornal, we will once again regroup and further discuss our plans."
"Why can't Percho and I be together?" Chardo whined.
"Simple," Jewyl said. "A single woman entering the city will be scrutinized as to her reason for being there. Two men can be considered thieves or trouble. A couple can easily slip in without even a raised eyebrow. Also, a single man of your immeasurable talents should astound them if they question the purpose of your visit."
"I like that," Chardo said, and clapped his hands together. "Talents I have, indeed."
Percho frowned.
"Is there a problem?" Jopab asked and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"My parents," he replied. "Will they be safe? Mersayn? What of her?"
"When I leave tomorrow, all will return to normal," Jopab said. "Mersayn will stay here with your parents until our return."
"I guess we should start to sneak out of here," Chardo said. He shook the hand of Percho's father, startling him. "A very nice home you have here, sir." He turned to the old woman. "A feast befitting royalty," he said and bowed grandly to her. "Mersayn," he said and lifted the child into the air. "Be extra good for these people or I'll not teach you how to hide properly." He winked at her and a small devilish smile crossed his face. "Promise?"
The girl nodded her head vigorously. "Oh yes, Uncle Chardo." She hugged him.
Jewyl's eyes opened wide. "Uncle?" she whispered in disbelief. "When did you become Uncle Chardo?"
"We've more important things at hand," Jopab said. "Now, get out of here. Wait. Let me go out and walk toward the ocean. Perhaps Mersayn would join me?"
"Ocean?" Mersayn asked. "Me go with you." She smiled at the man and grabbed his hand.
"I think that we'll join you for a small walk," Percho's father said. "With all of us out of the house, the guards will be wanting to keep track of us and their attention will be elsewhere."
"Of course," Jewyl said. "A distraction which should make our escape very easy." She grabbed Jopab's head with her hands, leaned up and plopped a heavy kiss on him. "Thanks."
Jopab stood quietly, lightly stroking his cheek — a puzzled look on his face.
"Get a move on," Jewyl said. "The quicker you're out of here, the quicker we're on the road. Remember, we still have our original agenda." She swatted Jopab on the backside to get him moving.
"Are you okay?" Chardo asked, and scowled at Jewyl.
"Of course," Jewyl replied and smiled at the group. "What's your worry?"
"Mersayn?" Jopab called. "Let's all go to the beach. Perhaps there are some crabs we can collect."
"Crabs?" Mersayn questioned as Jopab ushered her out the front door.
"There should be plenty," Tenja said. "Come, old man," she called to her husband. "We've not done anything this rebellious in over forty years." She smiled broadly at the group. "I feel so young right now." Nodding her head, she hastened out the door, pulling her husband behind while he flailed a farewell to the remaining three.
"Exactly what was all that about?" Chardo demanded. He placed his hands on his hip, struck a stance and glared at Jewyl. "You kiss Jopab... like that?"
"I'm fine," she replied. "In fact, I feel better than I've felt the last few days." She pirouetted twice to the table. "You're cute," Jewyl said to Percho. "Too bad. It might have been fun."
"Why are you doing this?" Percho asked, his face crimson with a blush.
"Jewyl!" Chardo yelled.
"You want a threesome?" Jewyl asked, placing a finger to her lips and smiling innocently at the two men. "It could be fun." She batted her eyes.
"Shades of Hagontha," Chardo said. "She's gotten into something. Or rather, something has gotten into her. Are there any bites? Spirit bites?"
Chardo reached over and pulled Jewyl closer. He examined her arm for anything might explain her actions. Jewyl's other hand rubbed Chardo's chest then traced a path downward to his belt. He attempted to back away but stopped at the wall.
"Ah, Jewyl," Chardo said. "You are so going to be upset when you realize what you're doing."
"Oh I know what I'm doing," she giggled and turned to look at Percho. "Oh, my, Percho," she said, while her hands groped for Chardo behind her. Chardo squirmed in an attempt to avoid her searching hands. "Now, I see what you found so interesting in my friend. She stepped toward the cleric with her right hand outstretched to fondle him, her left hand still massaging Chardo's groin. "Let's see what Chardo found in you, okay?"
Percho stood still, his eyes wide at the prospect of what was about to happen.
"Shy?" Jewyl jibbed. "Trust me," she said and pushed the cloth of his tunic inward. "You won't be for long."
"Jewyl," Chardo yelled. "You're like a wanton whore." He hesitated. "Wanton?" He grabbed Jewyl again and pulled her close to look at her face.
"Yes," Jewyl sighed and slid her body against his, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.
"No," he said and pushed her away. "Look at her," he said to Percho. "Do you see the white powder on her face? Look closely, it's very faint."
Chardo held her face in a lock with his hands. Jewyl moaned and quivered in his grasp.
Percho inched closer yet maintained a safe distance from the promiscuous woman. He gingerly touched her cheek and squeezed the dust between his finger and thumb. He nodded.
"I thought so," Chardo said. "Wanton dust. Damned wizards. That's the only place the guard could have gotten it. That dust turns any woman into a sex hungry fiend."
Chardo leaned in closer. "But why?"
Jewyl reached out and grabbed Percho. "I thought so," Jewyl tittered. "Both of you want me. Who
will it be?"
Percho pulled away, prying her hand loose. "I don't think so," he said between deep breaths. "That stuff is pretty powerful." He slowed his breathing.
"I'd only heard of it in backrooms and things like that," Chardo said and grabbed both of Jewyl's arms and held her in a lock in front of him. "I didn't really think the stuff existed."
"Is there an antidote for it?" Percho asked. "We've got to get going."
"At the present time, I'm not sticking my butt in front of her and I don't think we should leave the two of you together or she'll probably rape you. So much for our escape."
"Perhaps we should call Jopab back?" Percho asked.
Jewyl slumped in his arms.
"Good, seems there is a side-effect. This should make it a bit easier for us, and no," Chardo replied. "Don't bother Jopab. I don't think he wants it to be like this. We can handle this. Get me some water. This is going to be interesting."
Percho grabbed the pitcher and handed it to Chardo. Sliding his one hand up to grab Jewyl's chin, he forced her to lean her head back.
"Just what are you going to do?" Percho asked.
"I'm going to dilute the drug," Chardo replied. "Or at least attempt to rinse it from her system."
"She breathed that dust in," Percho said.
"That's correct," Chardo said. "I just hope I don't drown her when the water goes down her nose. Now help me hold her tight. She's going to fight the minute she wakes."
He gently poured the water on her upturned face, forcing it to flow over her face which she tossed back and forth vehemently. Her hair got wet, as well as most of their clothing.
"You are spawns of Rorc," Jewyl spat. "Let go of me." She reached for her sword.
"Seems to be working," Percho said. "She sounds more like herself. Damn! Take her sword away before she uses it on us."
"Of course I'm myself," Jewyl said. "Who else could I be?" She squirmed in his arms.
"One of the horniest sluts on the streets of Bashiwa," Chardo said, laughing. "Good to see you back."
"I should gut the both of you," Jewyl said pulling at her wet blouse. She held still then pushed her long hair back behind her shoulders. "What possessed you to do this?"
"Possessed," Percho said. "Good word."
"Yes, excellent choice of words," Chardo said letting her free. "What is the last thing you remember?"
"I don't," Jewyl said. "It's all muddy. We were under this house and now I'm standing here dripping wet wanting to know why I shouldn't run my blade through the two of you."
"And that is well, I believe," Chardo said. "You were mauling us, groping and fondling like the best whore in the house. Poor Percho," he patted Percho on the shoulder, "hasn't blushed this much in a long time, especially when you grabbed him."
"I what?" Jewyl yelled.
"It's over," Chardo said. "The guard was setting us up for a fall and he failed. Jopab and the rest are down on the beach distracting the guards. We should make our escape. How do you feel?"
"Like a drowned animal," Jewyl replied. "Why water?"
"It was the only thing I could think of I thought might dilute the dust," Chardo said.
"I guess I should thank you," Jewyl said. "Both of you."
She reached up and grabbed Chardo around his neck to pull his head closer to hers. She gave him a peck on the cheek.
"That's the Jewyl I know," Chardo said.
"Thanks, friend," she said then turned to Percho.
"Please," Percho said, "I think you've thanked me enough already."
"Okay, boys," Jewyl said. "We're out of here. Follow me."
Percho cocked his head questioning.
"Hmm?" she said. "I guess I should follow the person who knows where we're going. Percho, if you please?"
He smiled. "Follow me," he said, fell to the floor and crawled out the doorway into the darkness.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Zornal
Jopab presented a great performance for his departure, hugging, kissing, and waving intermittently as he headed for Opula. Jewyl shook her head at his antics, noticing Percho.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"In the rush, I never got a chance to say goodbye to my parents," he said. His voice choked a couple of times.
"How thoughtless of us," Jewyl said and noted Percho's welling eyes. "None of us said farewell to your parents. They willingly put their lives at stake for us."
"What?" Chardo asked. "Get down! The guard is already on the move to follow Jopab."
"Are they all accounted for?" Percho whispered and wiped his eyes.
Jewyl could see Chardo's head bobbing as he counted each of the guards. "All present and accounted for," Chardo hissed back. "Why?"
"I wondered if any had stayed with my parents," Percho said. He fidgeted in his position and scowled with a pensive look on his face.
"What are your thoughts?" Jewyl asked.
"I am sure you would advise against what I am thinking," Percho said. "Still, they are my parents, and I fear for their lives."
""You are a wise son, Percho." Jewyl nodded agreement to his plan. "When the guards finally pass us, go back to your parents. Will you join us in the city?"
"As soon as I know they're safe, I will head for Zornal." Percho said with a smile, then frowned. "Of course, that means you will be alone with Chardo when you arrive at Opula." He paused. "I will meet you at the Searay Inn."
"Be sure to thank them for me." She paused. "Let Mersayn know I will return soon."
"Where's he going?" Chardo asked. The guards had passed them and Percho was quickly sneaking back to his parent’s hut.
"To check the safety of his parents and to say his farewells," Jewyl said.
Chardo massaged is chin in thought. "Perhaps I should go with him," he said. "Also, I can help get him to the city faster."
"Sounds fair," Jewyl said. "Don't the two of you dally since you must be inside the gates before sundown. Do you understand?"
"Gates aren't the only way into that city," Chardo said. He smiled at Jewyl. "After all, I was a thief long before I teamed up with you."
"Be careful," she whispered to the departing figure. "I'd miss you, dear friend."
# # #
Jewyl watched the guards gather from the woods and arrange themselves into a neat group. In the distance she could see the tallest spires of Zornal. She waited and was relieved to see all of them leave in the direction of the city. She waited in the shadows of the trees, and watched as Jopab slowed in his stride and finally stopped.
"They've left," Jopab said loudly.
Jewyl yanked the blue jerkin and tan breeches from the pouch she carried. She stood up and waved them so Jopab could locate her. "Here," she said.
He ran to her, grabbed the garments and then swung her into the air before embracing her with a kiss.
"Exactly what is that?" she said pulling back from him. She slowly pulled her hand across her lips in an act of revulsion.
"Last night, you–" Jopab started. His eyes were wide and questioning.
"Last night was last night," Jewyl said. "I was drugged. Forget whatever it is you remember, and get changed. We need to get to Zornal."
"There is nothing here you haven't seen before," Jopab said defiantly, pulling the priest's tunic over his head. He turned so she could see his backside only and slipped into the breeches and jerkin.
"Where's Percho and Chardo?" he asked.
"I saw them earlier but didn’t see them enter Zornal," Jewyl said and then scanned the horizon where the guards had disappeared. "It matters not, we will meet them at the Red Stone Inn."
"Probably a wise move," Jopab said. "Are you ready to finish this trek to Zornal?"
# # #
"So, this is the city?" Jewyl said stoically staring up the huge walls. "It is here that we will kill the Holy Father, head priest to Hagontha?"
"It is so written," Jopab said.
"Halt," the heavy guard said and lumbered toward them. "What is your purpose
?"
"We have journeyed here to visit the shrine," Jopab said. "Is there a problem?"
The guard surveyed them. "Where are you from?" The voice was gritty and the man was definitely winded from the few steps he'd taken.
"We come from beyond Lisbeth Harbor," Jopab said. "We are mere farmers on a journey to praise Hagontha."
"Why not visit the temple at Lizzy?" the guard asked. "It is practically the same."
"My husband talks too much," Jewyl said. "And says very little. We have come to see the Holy Father. They told us at Lisbeth Harbor he would be in attendance here. We seek knowledge of our son who was lost at sea."
The guard stood there nodding his head, yet there was a hesitancy.
"Son?" he asked. "Look at you. A son to be lost at sea? How old was this seaman son of yours?"
"He wasn't a seaman," Jewyl said, sniffed, and wiped a mock tear from her eye. "He was a mere babe, playing at the ocean's edge while we worked our nets."
"There, there," Jopab said and lovingly comforted Jewyl in an embrace.
"A wave," Jewyl said, her voice cracking. "Little Johab was there, then he wasn't. I ran into the waters trying to find him." Jewyl pushed her face into Jopab's chest and covered her face. Her body moved in the sobs of fake crying, trying not to laugh aloud.
"I see," the guard said profoundly. An awkward moment of silence ensued before he swung an arm toward the gate. "Enter," he said. "Hagontha's blessing on you."
Jewyl patted Jopab's hand and together they proceeded through the large gate of the north wall. Jewyl was sure she had seen Percho pass through while they were delayed by the guard. She smiled knowing that the plan had worked, not exactly as planned, but it had worked. She causally glanced about trying to see Chardo. She shrugged. He'd turn up as planned at the Red Stone Inn.
"Would this lovely couple like to buy a jeweled necklace," a hooded and shabbily dressed vendor hawked to them.
"No," Jopab said and cast a distained look at the man before he waved him away. "Probably stolen, no less."