They reached their rooms in record time. Ariana sat down and waited for the storm to break. Jarod paced muttering to himself. Cerynus looked ready to throttle her. Rua was the only calm one.
“Well?” demanded Cerynus.
“I was mad. So I decided to go see the town. I’m sorry.”
“You could have been hurt.” Jarod turned to face her. “Rhysin’s soldiers could have found you. You know what happened to Rua.”
”Rhysin’s men are looking for us. Rua found out there’s a reward being offered.” Cerynus said.
Ariana went ashen. She sank down onto a stool. “I wasn’t thinking. I was just mad and I needed to get out for a while.”
“Well she’s back safe now. No use crying, after the dice are thrown. Did anyone see you my dear?” Rua asked
“Well I went to the market. This man named Alcydar was showing me around.” She stopped.
“Alcydar, that old reprobate, is he still around?” Rua said, “Did he spare your purse?”
“No.” Ariana said. Jarod cursed. Rua nodded resigned.
Cerynus sighed. “Ariana, you should have more sense.”
“I know him of old, absolutely no scruples. Once he knows there’s a reward for you, we’re lost. But he owes me a few favors. Let me go and collect.” Rua said.
“We need to leave tonight.” Cerynus said.
“I’ll go find us a boat.” Rua said, “I know some people. Ser Cerynus they aren’t looking for you yet. You should see if you could trade the horses. Ser Jarod you and Ariana stay here. We’ll be back as soon as possible.”
“Good idea, Ariana try to stay inside. Jarod keep her here.”
They left. Ariana was alone with Jarod. The silence stretched out. Finally she looked up. He was looking out the window.
“I’m sorry.” She said. “I really messed up didn’t I?”
“Yes.” He said shortly. He looked over at her, his face gentled. “I’m sorry I was harsh. But I kept seeing you hurt or ravaged or dead. I couldn’t bear it.”
“I understand. I wasn’t thinking. I was just mad at you two, it won’t happen again.” Ariana said.
“I’ll try not to get so angry again. Peace?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He smiled at her. “So what did you buy before you lost all your pence?”
She smiled back. “This is for Rua,” She pulled out a calfskin bound sheaf of parchments. “So she can write down her songs. Jarod nodded. “This is for Cerynus,” His gift was a leather pouch with many pockets perfect for dried herbs and small bottles. She stopped. Jarod looked at her quizzically.
“Nothing else?” He asked.
“Well there is this.” Shyly she held out a leather belt, inlaid with the shapes of entwined dragons.
“It’s beautiful. I’ll put it on right now.” Jarod said. He took off his old worn belt and proudly put the new one on. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He held out his arms and she hugged him. He gripped her tight. He kissed the top of her head and murmured something.
“What?” she asked.
“Nothing. Just don’t worry me like that again. I couldn’t stand it.”
“I really am sorry.”
“I know.”
She sighed and settled closer to Jarod. He didn’t pull away. She closed her eyes. “This is good, just being together.” He held her tighter. He was about to answer when she felt him stiffen.
“What is it?” she asked. He was looking out the window with what she called his hunter’s look.
“Shh.” She looked outside. A small troop of Rhysin’s men walked down the street. They were knocking at each door, questioning people.
“Oh my God.” Ariana said. “What’ll we do?”
“Gather your things and go down the backstairs to the stables. Stay with the horses. I’ll meet you there.”
“But what about Cerynus and Rua?”
“They will care for themselves. Hurry now.”
Ariana rushed into her room and stuffed everything into her bundle, tied it shut and threw it over her shoulder. She picked up Rua’s neatly packed rucksack and scanned the room. Quickly she crept down the back stairway and slipped into the stall with Firebrand. She covered herself with some straw. Firebrand came over and nosed at her. She petted the velvet nose hoping he would say quiet. He stood in front of her filling the doorway. She pulled the straw around her waiting.
Chapter Nine
She crouched hidden under the fragrant straw. Where was Jarod? Had he been captured? What about Cerynus and Rua? She shivered in her cloak, clutching the Heartstone and trying not to think of what had happened to Rua. The Heartstone was quiet in her hands. No danger yet. Her frustration grew. But maybe she could do something. Cerynus had said they were linked from her healing him. He had said not to use the magic within Amathwyr’s walls but this was an emergency. They had to be warned.
She focused on the Heartstone and pictured Cerynus’ face. She felt a tenuous connection growing stronger as he recognized her and opened his mind to the call.
“What is it?” He asked.
“Danger, the troops are close to the inn.”
“Where are you?”
“In the stable.”
“Bide there. I’m coming.”
The connection terminated. Ariana felt the smallest pulse of pain behind her eyes. She ignored it and reached out to Rua. This time it was harder because Rua had no magic. But Ariana sent an impression of urgency and danger. She fell back into the straw sweating from the effort. Her head pounded and nausea threatened. Firebrand looked back at her and swished his tail.
Suddenly she heard movement outside the stable door. She stiffened and crouched down with her dagger in hand. Footsteps came quietly down the row of stalls and stopped in front of Firebrand’s stall. There was the stealthy drawing of the bolt and the thud as two packs were thrown to the floor.
“Ariana?” Jarod whispered crouched low beside Firebrand.
“Jarod, Thank God.” She clutched him for a moment. “What’s going on?”
“We have to leave now.”
“But where are we going?”
“I don’t know.”
“What about Rua and Cerynus? We can’t leave without them.”
“We must.”
“No.”
“We have no choice.”
The door opened. Jarod turned and pushing Ariana behind him drew his sword. Cerynus and Rua hurried in breathless from running.
“So?” Cerynus demanded
“Rhysin’s men are coming. I saw them at the end of the street.”
“I spied them. They’re getting closer,” Rua said. Her face was drawn. Cerynus glanced at her and patted her hand. Ariana could feel panic rising.
“What do we do? They’ll catch us.”
“No they won’t.” Rua said. “Follow me. We have to leave the horses.”
“No. Firebrand comes with me.”
“We don’t have time for arguments.” Cerynus said. “You made a vow nephew, let the horse stay, He’ll be well treated.”
“I’ll see to it myself.” Rua said.
“But you’re coming with us.” Ariana interrupted in alarm.
“No my dearest; I can be of more service here, confusing your trail and helping the resistance.” Rua answered.
“But Rua...” began Ariana her mind in turmoil.
“Hush, say your farewells and let us go.” Rua said with a gentle look at Jarod. Jarod was standing by Firebrand, absently twirling the stallion’s forelock as he minutely adjusted the bridle’s headstall. Ariana walked up to Starfall, put her arms around her soft warm neck and hugged her. She felt so safe here against the warm fur, partially hidden under the mane. Tears pricked her eyes. Pulling back she planted a kiss on the velvet soft muzzle, and straightened the tousled forelock. She looked intently into the brown eyes beneath long lashes. A great wave of hay scented breath wafted over her. Starfall snorted into her cupped hands. She tu
rned away quickly before she burst into tears.
Jarod was standing in the stall with Firebrand, hand resting on his withers, face hidden in the red curve of the stallion’s neck. With a final pat, he turned away. Firebrand pawed at the floor knowing something was wrong. The stallion squealed ears pinned back. Firebrand’s haunches bunched, ready to kick or rear. Jarod hurried back to him and whispered in Firebrand’s ear. The stallion calmed but snorted, ears flicking nervously, knowing this time was different. Jarod turned away and joined the others outside in the yard. Ariana went over to him and out her hand on his arm.
“I raised him from a foal. He has known no other hand on the reins no other weight on his back.” He paused and looked blindly at the walls of the Inn.
“He was promised to me by my father, on my naming day when I was fourteen seasons old. I became a man that day. I received my sword, my name and my horse, a weanling colt with long dancing legs and a great heart. I raised him, trained him, and three years later we rode out on our first raid.”
Ariana said nothing. There was nothing to say. Firebrand was Jarod’s last link to his father and happier times. “I wish it could be different,” she said gently.
“We need to hurry. Follow me.” Rua said.
Rua started out across the yard to a small door hidden by ivy. They slipped through the door into a cramped alley behind the Inn. It was narrow and dark. No horse could have gotten through here. The walls were closing in around them. It was gray and wet here. No sunlight penetrated the gloom between the buildings. The alley was filthy and Ariana had no idea what she was stepping in. She pulled her cloak close around her face, to filter out the stench. Rua stopped and lifted her hand. They gathered around her.
“Let me do the talking.” She said knocking at a small door. Ariana hadn’t seen it. The door creaked open. A pale face peered out at them. She was almost painfully thin and pale with huge dark eyes and lank black hair.
“Ya?”
“I’ve come for Melior.”
“Da, someone here forenenst ya.” She yelled before turning back into the depths of the building. Rua slipped in after her and the others followed. The room was sparse and dirty. At one end a rusting cook stove emitted feeble heat. Opposite the stove a straw pallet contained three sleeping children ranging from a year to three years. The girl had vanished. A large man with a mane of red hair and a bushy beard came into the room wiping dirty hands on his leggings.
“Ya?”
“Ser Melior, I am the bard Rua. My friends are in need of passage west.”
“Honored I’m sure. Not many vessels goin west tho. That’ll cost.” He said. His voice was rough and deep more suited to the sea than inside. “When do ye need the sailing?”
“Tonight.”
“Tha’s tricky.”
“We’ll pay.” Rua said. “We can trade you three horses for part of the fee. The rest in coin.”
“What good are horses to me? I’m a man of the waves.”
“You can sell them for honest coin.”
“You’d have me bankrupt.”
“I’d have passage, but not robbery.” Rua returned.
“I’ll see what I can do.” Melian spat and held out his hand. Rua copied the gesture and gestured for the others to sit. Melian grunted and left the room.
A few minutes later there was a noise in the hallway and a young man walked into the room. He was dressed in the colors of the city guard. He stopped short in surprise. Ariana leapt to her feet. Jarod put his hand to his sword and Cerynus braced himself.
Rua remained calm and still. “Cein, I wasn’t expecting you here.”
“Oh Lady Rua,” Cein said turning bright red. He recovered himself, “And why should I not visit my father?”
“In that case I’m glad to see you.” Rua said.
“What are you doing here? You know Rhysin’s men search for you?”
“That’s why we’re here.”
“I see.” Cein said. He sighed. “I should just arrest you. It would be so much simpler.”
Ariana tensed. Why was Rua so calm? Beside her Jarod sat ready to leap into action. Cerynus on the other hand had calmed.
“But you won’t” said Rua confidently.
“No.”
“So how long have you been in the brotherhood?” Rua asked.
“Since my naming day.” Cein said proudly.
Jarod relaxed. Ariana looked at him. Realization dawned. Cein was on their side. Rua was still talking to Cein. “What are our chances of getting a boat out of here tonight?”
“If you can find a willing captain, they look good. The bastard’s forces are still combing the city for you. They won’t close the ports and search the boats yet. But you had best leave now and not wait for nightfall.”
“Thank you for the counsel.” Rua smiled warmly at the young guard. He blushed. “My pleasure, Lady,” He said with a worshipping look.
Ariana caught Cerynus’ eye. He looked down at the cuff of his tunic and studied the embroidered stags. Jarod nudged her in the ribs. She smirked over at him. Melian entered.
“The Riverblossom is underway within the hour. She will take you.”
“Thank you, Ser Melian.” Rua said, rising and opening her purse. They went into another room and Ariana could hear the clank of coins. Shortly Rua came back the business concluded. Melian followed her dressed in a cloak.
“Thanks for your courtesy, Ser Cein.” Rua kissed his cheek. Speechless he raised one hand to his cheek nodding to the travelers. They left slipping out the same door and stepping into the alley. They hurried down the gloomy back street.
Ariana smelled it before she saw it. The tang of tar, creosote and fish wafted through the now lightening mist. She also heard the waves lapping against the wooden sides of the boats as the river flowed west. They reached the shipyard and passed many ships, all of them elegant and swift.
At the far end of the shipyard they found her. She was canary yellow with a tiny blue cabin and a bright yellow and blue striped sail. The name Riverblossom was painted in swirling curlicues on her side. She was tiny, barely large enough to hold the crew and travelers. They put their gear into a pile on the wharf. The crew immediately began stowing it aboard the ship. Melian stood talking to the captain, a dour bearded man glaring impatiently at them.
Ariana turned to Rua. “What am I going to do without you?” Her voice quivered.
“Hush child, there is little I can do out there in the wilderness anyway. I am better here in the city where I can foil Rhysin with every breath I take. We each have our task.” Rua said.
“I’ll miss you.” Ariana said.
“I shall miss you too, dearest child.” The bard gripped her tight. When they separated tears filled her eyes.
“Stay safe, darling girl. I expect to hear the entire tale.”
“I promise.” Ariana’s throat was tight.
“Now go. Rivers wait for no one.” Rua said briskly, but with a little quaver in her voice. Ariana ran over to her bundles and found the yellow silk. Rua hugged Cerynus and Jarod, speaking briefly to each of them.
“This is for you, Rua.” Ariana thrust the silk into Rua’s hands. “When you wear it think of me.”
“Always my dearest, Thank you.” They hugged again. Ariana clung for a moment to the bard’s frail frame then turned away face averted.
Jarod and Cerynus were waiting. Ariana hurried over to them. It was time. They skirted the puddles in the warped slick boards of the dock. The next leg of their journey was ahead, embodied by the vessel bobbing against the pier. Jarod climbed aboard and held out his hand to help her. It was a long step from the dock to the ship moving in the current and she wasn’t sure about her sea legs. She’d never been in a boat like this before. She looked down at the oily water between the pier and the deck and shivered. She hoped she wouldn’t get seasick. The Riverblossom felt very frail and at the mercy of the river as she stepped onto it. She held Jarod’s hand tightly as she put her foot on the railing and swung o
nto the deck.
They stood together watching as the crew slipped the ropes free of the piling. The ship slowly pushed away from the pier. Ariana looked up to see Rua receding into the distance. Rua raised a hand in farewell and waved the yellow silk. “Goodbye my dears, Be safe.” The travelers waved back until Rua was out of sight. The crew raised the sail and the boat sped down the river.
“Well that’s it; our last glimpse of civilization. I hope Rua will be alright.” Ariana sighed.
“She will fare well.” Jarod reassured her.
The captain walked over. “Will ye be pleased to go below?”
“Certainly sir.” Jarod said courteously. They followed the captain down the small stairway to the tiny cabins. “This be fer the Lady,” The captain grunted gesturing to the left. “This be yours.” He pointed across the tiny hall. He pointed down the tiny hall. “That way be the galley, the crew and the cargo hold. Stay inside. There be patrols on the river.”
“We have to stay inside all the time?”
“I’ll let you up when it be safe lady.” The captain sighed. “Good journey to ye.” He left muttering about passengers and bad luck. Cerynus and Jarod went into their cabin and she went into hers. It was tiny, with a small bunk covered in a tattered yellow blanket. But there was a porthole so she could at least see the shore. She opened the porthole to get some air, sat down on the bed and looked out at the scenery.
The city had disappeared around the first bend in the river. Both current and wind drew them inexorably west. The landscape here was different, flat grassland with small rolling hills verged on the river. Tall grasses dotted with wild flowers crept up to the very edge of the water.
Periodically Ariana glimpsed animal trails through the brambles that hedged the riverbank. Clumps of willows, their long thin tendrils sweeping into the current dotted the banks. Little pools of stagnant water formed from the tyranny of trees and grasses made marshy lands holding bulrushes and waterfowl, quacking, bobbing and unconcerned by the boat’s passing. It was restful watching the shore slide by; she could relax for a few minutes. The fresh morning breeze, the sunshine reflecting off the water and the slight flapping of the sails was like a lullaby.
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