by Allan Joyal
"Will this be expensive to obtain?" I asked. "That is a large number of animals."
Donrin shrugged. "East of here in the spring, you'll probably find a few farmers and villages willing to part with a few animals for a small price. Many villages find they don't have enough feed stored up, and the animals don't have enough meat on them after the winter. Some of the animals won't survive the journey though."
I nodded. "Would we need to grow grass during the summer to store for the winter?" I asked.
Lewrin laughed. "You don't act like farmers, but then you ask the right questions. That's the last cask Vincanto and I brought, it's another small one, but its full of seeds for growing a solid grass hay. My animals don't thrive during the winter, but I haven't lost one in six years."
"Do you recommend any draft animals?" Steve asked.
"If you want to move fast, you'll need mules," Vincanto said. "The problem there is that they're sterile so once you arrive at your destination they'd be fairly useless unless you plan on returning across the plains to trade. From what I hear you might be better off trying to sail around the continent."
"Are there any ports?" I asked. "I thought this half of the continent was surrounded by mountains."
"The north is," Relway said. "The west has a few passes, and there are cities on the coast. One is at the end of this river. The river that Linktrum stands on also ends at the sea and is the site of a sizable trading community. The biggest one is at the end of the Elfwall river, the river you will cross before heading into the wilderness. There is a huge city at its mouth, far to the south of here. If they discover you, they will definitely trade."
"Why haven't they tried to repopulate the lands?" Al asked. "I mean, if the old empire was once there, I'd think there was a lot of good farmland and rich ore deposits just waiting to be exploited."
"Always looking to exploit something," Esme said her French accent suddenly thick. "That's so American of him."
The coeds all laughed as the farmers faces became pictures of confusion. Relway waited for the laughter to die out and then shook his head. "It's not quite that simple. There are stories that the land was once rich, but travel from the city to the East would mean passing through lands claimed by the Elves, and they don't like visitors. You would have to sail many days before you would reach a part of the coastline where you could land. And the elves have ships of their own. There have been a few battles fought on the seas when human ships strayed too close to the lands the Elves claim.""
"We plan on heading to Saraloncto," I said with a nod. "We were told if we crossed the river there, the elves would allow passage."
"Yes," Relway said. "Saraloncto is north of the edge of the forest."
"How far are we from there?" Heather asked. "We need to plan the journey."
Relway frowned. "I've heard it takes nearly a season to travel there from here. But that is when the roads are clear. Right now it might take longer."
"Ron," Heather said. "That will be a major problem. We need to find our new home in time to build shelter for the winter. If we don't leave Saraloncto until its already summer, we might run out of time before snows arrive."
I looked at Relway. "She's right. How bad will the remaining storms be? Will we have more three day blizzards?"
Relway shrugged. "It will stay cold until the season turns. The storms will be spread out more and rarely last more than half a day. Some still bring a considerable snowfall."
I nodded and then turned to the farmers. "Sorry, we are still considering our options for travel."
Both farmers shrugged. Vincanto leaned forward. "Actually, I can understand your feelings. The wizards can be uncomfortable neighbors. I know of others who have traveled in the winter. If you take the right fork after you cross the river, it takes you south along the river for two days and then turns east. There are many small groves you can use for shelter. Firewood can be hard to obtain though."
"You told me you never traveled in the winter," Vansalto yelled. "You said that I could not go to Laraknoll for their midwinter celebration because travel was too dangerous."
Vincanto just shook his head. "If you travel by yourself, it is far too dangerous. There are predators out there. They will stalk a single human, but only the bravest will attack a group. It was going to be you, or you and that useless simpering coward Bolifred. I needed to know you'd be safe."
Lewrin sighed. "Vincanto and I were going to take everyone this year. We were hoping the wizards would clear the Bandit Woods first. There's a new bandit camp close enough to the road to be a danger to any small party."
Donrin smiled at that.
Relway shook his head and then turned to me. "It sounds like you want some woodworking tools. I don't have much, but there are a few items I can offer. A few years ago I received a shipment for a man who was going to log the Bandit Wood. He never came to collect his order. There are two large saws, three smaller saws, and a barrel full of wood knives. Would you like to add that? You still have plenty left over from what you've traded with me."
"Steve?" I asked. "You were the one who wanted to work at carpentry."
"It's a lot more weight," he worried. "The sleds will be full, as will every pack we have. But you're right, we should accept."
I nodded. The two farmers stood up. Vincanto offered his hand to me. As I took it he nodded to the corner where the teens had waited. I could see three packs sitting there. "Mostly skins of our cider and ale," he told me. "My wife also insisted that we give you a kit for sewing, and Lewrin's wife added some herbs and a few recipes. Um… do you know how to read?"
"I can," Hencktor said. "And Kariy was taught, but I'm not sure how much reading she's done recently. We thank you for the generosity."
Vincanto shrugged as Relway and Valsanto headed to the door. I could see Shaylin tugging on her brother's sleeve; she whispered something to him as Vincanto continued. "You have been more generous than you know. Even with all we have traded today, we still owe you, but your friend is right. Taking too much will not help. I do wish you fortune on your journey."
Vincanto followed his son out the door. Lewrin nodded to his children. Shaylin dashed ahead, but I could see Donrin put a hand on his father's shoulder as they exited the lodge. I followed them closely, preparing to close the door.
"No!" I heard Lewrin growl. "That is unacceptable."
"But father," Donrin pleaded, "you know she can't stay here. Cerlonin has already threatened the family. You saw them. They treated the women as equals."
"But we would never see her," Lewrin moaned. "And do you want to tell your mother what happened?"
"That Shaylin found an opportunity to be free?" Donrin asked. "Father, she can't stay. And these people are good people. They won't condemn her. Please, I want my sister to be happy."
Lewrin sighed. I sensed that he had turned. "Shaylin? Do you truly think they are right for you?"
"I sensed them, Father," Shaylin said quietly. "They spoke the truth. Father, they hid nothing. It's what I want."
"They plan to travel far from here," Lewrin reminded his daughter.
"And I'll be far from the wizards," Shaylin said. "You've seen what they do to women with magic. I had two choices, become one of their possessed concubines or hide myself away as a sorceress. Now I might be able to create a new choice. Please, I ask for so little."
"How will you study?" Lewrin said. I could hear the defeat in his voice. Whatever Shaylin was asking for he was going to give."
"None of them can sense the magic, but they are intelligent people. I'm sure they will assist me as they can. I suspect the healer they have will prove to be quite adept at making potions once she's shown how," Shaylin said confidently.
"I'll ask," her father said.
I closed the door carefully, trying to make sure Lewrin did not realize I had just eavesdropped. Right as I got it closed, there came a loud knock on the door. I pulled it back open to see Lewrin standing there with his daughter at his right shoulder.
>
Lewrin seemed nervous. He glanced around and then slipped inside, beckoning his daughter to follow him. They stopped just inside the door.
"Can we talk privately?" Lewrin asked.
I glanced around for a moment. Lydia stepped forward. "Ron, we do have the side rooms that we don't use. But we don't have candles to light them."
Shaylin put her hand on her father's shoulder and whispered something to him. He seemed confused, but then nodded. "We can use one of those," he said. "Lead the way."
I led the way to the first closed room. I was almost to the door when Shaylin burst into a run and dashed ahead of me. She entered the room and then held the door open while her father and I entered.
Once we were inside, Shaylin closed the door, plunging the room into darkness. I turned to where I thought her father was standing and was about to speak when a brilliant light burst forth, temporarily blinding me.
"Shaylin!" her father hissed. "A warning would have been nice."
"We don't have time," Shaylin hissed back. "The wizards will detect my magic if I keep the spell going. Please, ask the question."
My vision had started to clear, but dark spots danced in my vision as I blinked my eyes a few times. Lewrin had a hand over his face shielding his eyes. Behind him, I could see Shaylin holding one hand up at eye level, the light emanated from a clear crystal sitting on the open palm of her hand.
"Magic?" I asked.
Lewrin sighed. "My daughter has the magic. The wizards will refuse to teach her. Too many members of the current council believe that women are unclean. At best they will use rituals to drain her magic."
"And I'd end up like Aunt Laricia," Shaylin spat. "Ten years ago they performed the ritual on her. You said yourself that she hasn't laughed or smiled since that day. Her hair and eyes are colorless and dull. I cannot live like that."
Lewrin nodded and then turned to me. "My daughter says you are honest and would protect her."
"All of us would," I admitted. "But she's young."
"I've seen twelve winters!" Shaylin replied. "I can herd for you while we journey."
"We can't teach you," I countered.
Lewrin nodded. "We have some books. They are illegal, but Shaylin can learn from them. Donrin went to get them and her clothing."
"One moment," I said. I walked over to the door and opened it a crack. "Heather, Lydia, could you come in here please?"
The duo approached the door. I held it mostly closed until both arrived and then stepped back enough for both to slip inside. "What?" Lydia asked before gasping.
Heather was a bit less surprised. "Magic? Ron, is she asking to come with us?"
"Yes," I said. "But if we do that, she needs to be protected. I figured Lydia can concentrate on helping her with protection. You can also help there, but she's going to need someone to help her with magic lessons."
"I know nothing of magic," Heather said.
Shaylin giggled. "I need someone to talk to and who can help keep me testing my limits and using my powers. But if you can read, you might be able to help me there."
I shrugged. "None of us have tried reading. The magic that brought us here allows us to understand and speak the language of this land. It will be interesting to see if it also allows us to read. You might find yourself helping us learn."
Shaylin giggled and then started to lower her hand. "Can I stop the spell? The wizards might notice the magic."
"Pull the door open Heather," I said. "We'll need some light."
Heather pulled the door open as Shaylin closed her hand over the crystal. The glow from her hand was extinguished. My eyes protested the loss of light, and I blinked several times before I could make out the shadows of the others in the room.
"Lewrin," I said. "We can take your daughter, but I cannot promise she will ever see you again. Is this truly what you want?"
"No!" Lewrin said with a sob. "But Shaylin is right. We might hold the wizards off for two more years, before they take her and start grooming her for their vile ritual. My sister was a vibrant woman when she was growing up. Now all the joy and life have been sucked from her. I can't allow that to happen to Shaylin, but sending her to relatives would only get the whole family in trouble."
"The wizards have a long reach," Shaylin said with a snort. "And since they are the law, you can't argue with them."
"How quickly will the wizards notice?" I asked. "If they do, what will they do to us?"
"We have no more than seven days," Shaylin said softly. "The wizards require any girl with magic to report to the academy on certain days. The next one is seven days from now."
I nodded and turned one more time to Lewrin. I held out my hand and looked him in the eye. "We will protect her. I promise you we will do all we can to ensure her happiness."
Lewrin nodded and took my hand. "May you find a home for everyone," he said. He released me and turned to his daughter, who threw herself at him and put her arms around his neck.
"I'll always love you, Daddy," she promised.
Lewrin returned the hug and then gently pushed his daughter away. "Listen to Ron and the others," he admonished his daughter. "And if you can, send us a message. Your mother will want to know you are safe."
Shaylin nodded again. I took a moment to look more closely at the girl. Like many of the women I had seen on Jord, she was wearing an off-white blouse over a tan skirt. The skirt was long and flowing, reaching below her ankles and billowing out when she took a step. Unlike the more adult women, she had no corset and covered the blouse with a vest that laced in the front. Her long brown hair fell in a wave down her back. Two braids that started at her temples and then dropped down her back behind her ears were the only adornment in her hair.
Lewrin had quietly left the room. I could see tears glistening in his eyes as he crept away from his daughter. Heather and Lydia both swooped in immediately, hugging the girl as her father left.
Shaylin appeared to be well in hand. I ceased worrying about that and considered the other things we had learned. It was clear that our departure from the lodge was now going to be much earlier than we had hoped. I stepped out of the room, looking for Steve as I entered the main room.
Chapter 10: Speedy Preparations
"What's happening?" Steve asked the moment I caught his eye. "Why did Lewrin return? Where is his daughter?"
"It turns out his daughter can perform magic," I replied. "And as we already noticed, the wizards don't appear to care for women with power. Shaylin will be joining us."
"She is?" Victoria asked. "Ron, she's just a child."
"I know," I admitted. "But the wizards don't care about that. She and Lewrin made it clear that her future was very dark unless she leaves the city. And sending her to live with relatives isn't an option. I guess the wizards have a long reach."
"So what do we do?" Al asked.
I sighed and gazed around the room. These people had been showing a lot of faith in me. This time we had a goal everyone knew about, it was time to get going.
"Steve, Hencktor, the farmers left us all the casks and tools. We need to get them loaded on the sleds. Try to balance the loads."
"Make sure the shovels and brooms are on top," Victoria said. "We might need them to clear campsites."
I nodded. "Kariy, work with Al and prepare the stores of food for travel. Use backpacks. Natalie, I need you to gather up the clothing and get it ready. Have Aine help you."
"On it," Natalie said. She scrambled over to the piles of furs the messenger demons had delivered and started to sort them.
"We'll need extra protection from the cold," Esme reminded Natalie.
"Jennifer, Esme," I said. "I'm not sure how much firewood we'll find. Can you look at filling two or three packs with some of the wood from the pile? Also find out what cooking tools we can pack right away. Make sure they go on top of a sled so we can retrieve them quickly."
"What about putting wood on the sleds?" Jennifer asked.
"Only if we have space af
ter we load all the seed casks and tools," I said. "We also will probably have to pack a good deal of food on the sleds. The demons have delivered quite a bit."
Jennifer nodded. I was going to go and check on Lydia, when there was a knock on the door.
I opened the door to find three wizards standing on the doorstep. Cerlonin and Sespa had stormy looks on their faces as they stalked into the lodge without a word. Werlyn followed them. There were new worry lines on the face of the kindly wizard. He looked around the room as he joined the others.
"This is a surprise," I said carefully. "Is there a way we can assist you?"
Sespa was looking around the room and scowling. "We provide multiple chambers," he said. "Why are you all sleeping in this room?"
"We find that this room is the warmest," I said.
Sespa sniffed and glared at me. "Logical. Not what I'd expect from a wandering vagrant."
Cerlonin put a hand on the other wizard's arm. "Sespa, we don't need to antagonize them. They have honored their agreement."
"We do appreciate all you've done for us," I said honestly. "You could have just thrown us out."
Werlyn snorted. "We have some honor," he said, looking at Cerlonin.
The head of the wizard's council ignored Werlyn and walked up to me. "We require more mithril if you are going to stay."
"I already gave you eight nuggets," I reminded him. "Are you telling me that this lodge and the food and wood you have supplied are worth almost a nugget a day? I was given to believe that the mithril was far more valuable than that."
Cerlonin scowled. "You still have access to this place for the winter. We just need additional payment now. There are those on the council who are … displeased with the way certain events have unfolded."