by Garry Spoor
Kile shook herself off before sitting down beside the yarrow. She was feeling a little wobbly. It had been a whole day since she had legs. Fortunately, the weather was warm, warmer than it should be for spring, so there was no chance of her freezing to death. Picking up the ring, she turned it over in her hand and examined it, before slipping it onto her finger. Of all the things she could have saved, why was this so important? She had no answer, at least none she wanted to give voice to. There would be time to consider such foolishness, she told herself as she quickly scanned her new surroundings.
“We’ve got to find clothes and we’ve got to find food,”
-Food,- the yarrow exclaimed and his nose shot in the air.
Kile stumbled to her feet. “What is it? What do you smell?”
-Food,- he answered, and this time she could smell it too.
Picking up the yarrow, she headed deeper into the woods. It was surprising how vulnerable she was without clothing on. It didn’t seem to bother her as an albatross.
Keeping to the shadows, she reached the end of the forest, which was also the start of a farm. A short wooden fence separated her from fields of freshly planted vegetables. Kile carefully approached the edge of the garden and sniffed for the scent of any vir who might be in the area. Only when she was sure there was no one around, did she jump the fence. Never did she think she would be stealing from a farmer’s field, but approaching the main house and asking for help would only raise questions she didn’t have answers for.
Sadly, this was not the harvest season, so there wasn’t much to choose from. Based on the extent of growth, she figured it must be the early part of summer. There were advantages to growing up on a farm. She searched through the rows of vegetables, looking for anything that might be edible. Carrots were her best chance, she thought as she pulled up a few. She didn’t need many, five or six would be more than enough, and the farmer wouldn’t miss them.
She was about to climb back over the fence with her ill-gotten goods when she spotted something more valuable. In a field of corn, there stood a lopsided scarecrow. Kile tossed her carrots over the fence and carefully following the outer edge of the farm, made her way toward it. He wasn’t much different from the ones Leon and she created back on the Veller farm, with his burlap head full of straw and old clothes.
“Good evening, old man Gally-bagger,” she said, addressing the strawman. “I hope you don’t mind, but I need to borrow your clothes.”
Stripping the scarecrow down to its wooden skeleton, she left only his straw-filled head to stand guard over the field. Everything else she took with her. There wasn’t much. A pair of baggy pants with a length of rope for a belt and a tattered old shirt that was missing a few buttons. There was also a straw hat that had seen better days, but she didn’t see the point of taking it; she looked bad enough as it was. Alas, old man Gally-bagger didn’t wear any shoes since he didn’t get around much, so she was still barefoot. Climbing back over the fence, she reclaimed her carrots and headed into the forest.
~~~***~~~
After having nothing to eat all day, and hardtack three days in a row before that, the carrots were like a feast. She had two in her pocket and was munching on the third when she finally reached Salthaven. Needless to say, she was getting a few looks.
Her priority now was twofold. First, she had to find the Heart, and second, she had to rescue Grim. Unfortunately, getting the mountain pony wouldn’t be easy. There were stable fees that were due, and she was sure the proprietor wasn’t going to accept carrots. So, the stables were off-limits for now, which meant her first destination would be the docks. She was sure Captain Dotol would still be with the ship, and if not the captain, there was always Custard.
Kile followed the road down toward the ocean, where the smell of the dead fish filled the air. The place was bustling now, far busier than it was during her departure. There were now seven or eight large cargo vessels being loaded and unloaded as the docks were filled with barrels, boxes, and crates. Maneuvering around the obstacles and trying not to get run over, she got her first good look at the Charlotte. From what she could see, they finished most of the repairs, save for replacing the mizzen mast. A tall, slender figure was standing on the aft deck shouting orders at his men. There was no mistaking Captain Dotol. He would be able to provide her with the answers she needed, and maybe a few coins to get her horse out of the livery.
“By the sevens, Kile?”
Kile turned around to see Erin rushing toward her. “Oh, hi. I’m glad I ran into you. I was—”
Before she could finish her sentence, Erin grabbed her by the arm and yanked her up the hill toward the warehouses.
“Hey, that’s my wing you got there,” Kile exclaimed, prying Erin’s fingers loose. “What’s the matter with you?”
Erin stepped back and stared at her for a while before she started shaking her head again in disbelief. “It’s really you, isn’t it? I mean it has to be you, but it can’t be.”
“Erin, calm down. It’s me. I need to talk to Captain Dotol, he—”
“You can’t.”
“Why can’t I?”
“Kile, you’re dead, or at least Captain Dotol thinks you are. Hell, we drank to your memory and everything.”
“Yeah, but I… wait, you actually drank to my memory?” She grinned.
That was sweet of them. To think, her death earned a drink at the local pub.
“Yes, Kile. When the Charlotte returned nearly a month ago, you were reported among the dead. They said you were killed by Valgar back on the island and they couldn’t reclaim your body.”
“Oh, that. A bit of a misunderstanding, I’m afraid.”
“A misunderstanding? Kile, you cannot talk to Captain Dotol.”
“But why?”
“Because he thinks you’re dead.”
“Yeah, you said that already, but when I talk to him, he’ll know I’m not.”
“It doesn’t work that way. Sailors are a superstitious lot. If you even get close to that ship, they’ll likely think you’re a spirit, and… quite frankly, the way you look right now, not a benevolent one.”
Kile looked at her suspiciously. “Are you kidding me?”
“I’m afraid not. Dotol’s been a sailor all his life. He believes in the song of the sea, and when the sea claims someone, they don’t let them go. Not without a reason, and in most of the stories, that reason is revenge.”
“Why would I seek revenge on Captain Dotol?”
“Because he blames himself for your death. He thinks it’s his fault because he let you on the ship in the first place.”
“But If I talk to him, tell him it wasn’t his fault—”
“It won’t matter, assuming he’ll even listen to you, and right now, you’re probably better off dead.”
“Why?”
Erin quickly looked around the docks before pulling Kile farther back into the shadows.
“Not here,” she told her.
“Fine, I won’t go anywhere near the Charlotte, okay?”
“I think it would be for the best.”
“This is ridiculous.” Kile shook her head. “Then maybe you can tell me where the others are.”
“The rest of the company? They spent a few days at the Seagull’s Rest before heading back to Azintar. That was over two weeks ago.”
“Two weeks? What day is it?”
“We’ve just passed Juno.”
“I was afraid of that. Carrots don’t lie.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I was hoping to get them before they left. Now it doesn’t look as if I’ll find them before they reach Azintar. Oh… never mind. I have to get Grim out of the stables. I have to get to Azintar, but I’m afraid… I’m a little short of funds at the moment.”
Erin reached into her pocket and handed Kile a key.
“Wait for me at the Gull, room 206,” she said. “And it’s best if you’re not seen.”
Before she could get Erin to clarify he
r statement, the Hunter was gone. Kile looked down at her tattered outfit. Surely Erin was ashamed to be seen with her.
“Come on, Vesper. I guess we’re not going to see the captain after all.”
Making her way up the hill, toward the Seagull’s Rest, Kile couldn’t help but think about what Erin told her during their brief conversation. Although it was nice to hear they had a drink in her honor, she couldn’t figure out why it would be better if she remained dead. Did it have something to do with Darfin? It was obvious the Alva wasn’t working alone since it was Master Boraro who killed her in the end. But if the whole expedition was one big conspiracy she wasn’t a part of, and she was never meant to leave the island, why would Boraro lie about the circumstances concerning her death? The only reason would be not everybody was in on it. That, at least, was comforting. It’s nice to know not everybody wants you dead.
~~~***~~~
It wasn’t difficult sneaking into the Seagull’s Rest. Kile had broken into Windfoil once, now there was a challenging. The inn, not so much. She knew walking through the front door, dressed like a scarecrow, wouldn’t go unnoticed, so she tried the service entrance. Sure enough, it was unlocked and unguarded. Yet it wasn’t like the Gull catered to anybody of importance. Mostly it was filled with ship captains, first mates, and the odd tourist. Using the back stairs to reach the second floor, she searched the hall for Erin’s room. The only person she met along the way was a drunken sailor who was stumbling around the halls and bumping into walls. Even if he had seen her, he probably wouldn’t have known her or remembered her if he did. She waited until he passed before unlocking the door to 206.
The room was similar to the room she had when she stayed at the Gull. The only difference was the view. Her room overlooked the ocean, while Erin’s overlooked an old well in the courtyard. There was also no evidence of anyone staying in the room, save for a saddle that was occupying the only chair and a backpack sitting in the far corner. The rest of the room looked untouched, but Erin was a seasoned Hunter. She wouldn’t have anything that wasn’t essential. All she needed was in her backpack. Everything Kile owned was in her pack, as well, which was… where exactly? She’d left it on the ship when she went to the island. Was it still there, or did Daniel take it with him? Save for a few odd souvenirs, which, for some reason, didn’t seem important anymore, all that was in it were her clothes.
Tossing the empty medical bag on the table, Kile headed to the lavatory. She found a pitcher of cold water and a bowl sitting on a stand in front of a mirror. There was also a full-sized tub in the corner that looked inviting. Too bad it was dry. It had been a long time since she had the luxury of soaking herself in a bathtub. Pouring some of the water into the bowl, she washed face and hands and stared at herself in the mirror. Wow, did she look terrible. Erin was right. If she had gone back to the ship, they definitely would have mistaken her for something unnatural. At least she didn’t have the beak of an albatross or the green hair of a Brussels sprout. Looking around the lavatory, Kile found Erin’s brush and worked out the tangles in her hair. It wasn’t much, but she was starting to feel a little more normal.
Back in the main room, she found Vesper curled up on Erin’s pillow.
“Move over, you,” she said, falling down on the bed beside him.
It’d been a long time since she had the luxury of a real bed.
~~~***~~~
“Don’t tell me you came all this way only to drop dead in my room,” Erin said, closing the door behind her.
Kile opened her eyes to see the Lady Hunter set a few bags down on the table.
“Sorry, I must have fallen asleep,” she said, yawning herself awake. “What time is it?”
“It’s a little before noon,” Erin said. She tossed Kile one of the bags. “Here, put this on.”
“What is it?”
“Something I picked up. It should fit.”
“You brought me clothes?”
“If you’re planning on going back to Azintar, you can’t go dressed like that.”
Kile hesitated before opening the bag. The last time she accepted clothing from someone, she found herself wearing silk and lace. Fortunately Erin’s taste was a little more sensible.
“This is perfect, thanks.”
“Well, yeah, I had my eye set on a ball gown, but I didn’t think it would be practical for riding.”
“Very funny,” Kile said, gathering the clothing together and heading to the lavatory.
“So, does that mean Grim is still in the stables?”
“No other place will have him since nobody wants him. I’m glad you made it back, otherwise I wouldn’t know what to do with him.”
“I’m pretty sure he’d have gotten tired of waiting and would have gone home on his own.” Kile laughed. “He’s not terribly patient.”
Then again, like her, Grim didn’t have a home. Where would he have gone, had she not come back? For that matter, how did he know she was coming back? Could it be that Grim was an Orceen?
Kile stepped out of the lavatory. She had exchanged her Galley-bagger outfit for a pair of dark brown leather breeches and a white cotton top. Modesty would have prevented her from picking the outfit out herself, but she did like it now that she was wearing it.
“So, what do you think?” she asked.
Erin looked up from the packages. “Well, you look more civilized.”
“Is that food?” Kile asked excitedly when she saw Erin produce a loaf of bread from one of the bags.
“I stopped in the kitchen on the way up. I hope you’re hungry.”
“Are you kidding? I’m so hungry I could eat a tree.”
“A tree?”
“Hey, I’m vegetarian. What did you want me to say?” Kile asked as she curled up on the table and grabbed a loaf of bread. She didn’t have to call Vesper over. The yarrow was right there beside her, trying to get his mouth around an apple. She cut it up for him.
“So, what happened on the island?” Erin asked.
Kile shrugged. “What did you hear?”
“Well, I know you recovered the Heart of Nilak if that’s what you mean, but Kile, you died, at least that’s what Garret said.”
“Oh, yes, Master Boraro. What exactly did he tell you?”
“He said you and the Alva, Darfin, left camp together. He hinted there might have been something more between you guys. When it got late, and you didn’t return, he went looking for you. That’s when he found you… or… what was left of you. He said there were Valgar everywhere and, from his description, they had done a pretty good number on the two of you.”
Kile laughed. “Really. Me and Darfin? I think Alex should get Boraro to write some of his stories.”
“So, there was… nothing?”
“Of course not. Please. Darfin tried to kill me.”
“What? Why?”
“Because I figured it out. I learned something in the temple. The Heart of Nilak can’t restore the wastelands because it created them in the first place, and the Alva knew it.”
“What are you saying?”
“I think the Alva have been playing Roland from the beginning. I have no doubt they could have recovered the Heart without our help, but they wanted us to have it. If Roland releases what’s in the Heart, there’s no telling what will happen.”
“I don’t know, Kile. The king isn’t naive. You don’t honestly think he trusts the Alva, do you?”
“No, I don’t, which is why we’re still here, and the world hasn’t been turned into one large desert. Rol… I mean the king, already said he didn’t trust the Alva, but I don’t think he knows everything about the Heart, either. He might think he’s playing them while being played himself, and that’s not the worst of it.”
“What do you mean?”
“It wasn’t Darfin who killed me, although he tried. It was Master Boraro.”
“Garret? Are you sure?”
Kile slowly looked over at Erin. “He ran me through with a sword and threw me off a c
liff. If that doesn’t mean I want you dead, I don’t know what does.”
“But why Garret?”
“I think the Sons of Terrabin have something to do with this. That’s why I have to get to Azintar and why I have to speak with both Roland and Master Latherby.”
“Guild Master Latherby? Kile, nobody’s seen Latherby in ages, not since the takeover of the Guild.”
“I saw him a few days before we left. He was in Azintar. I have to find him again. I have to tell him about the Heart. He might know how I can stop it.”
“Latherby? Look, Kile, he’s a good man and all, but… I’m not sure he’ll be able to help you. He’s not all that knowledgeable when it comes to such things, or… anything.”
“Except that he’s an eight-hundred-year-old Alva, who has been fooling everyone.”
Erin stared at Kile in disbelief.
“Mathew Latherby? An Alva? You’re joking.”
“Yeah, I had a hard time believing it when he told me, and it gets even stranger, but that’s for him to tell you, not me. I have to get to Azintar, which means I have to get Grim out of the stables.”
“I paid the stables fees,” Erin assured her. “You can get Grim anytime you want. In fact, Mr. Collins said, the sooner the better. I don’t think he wants him around anymore.”
“Great, then I have to get going,” Kile said, jumping down from the table. She loaded some food into one of the bags.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Erin asked.
Kile looked around and shrugged. She didn’t have much to forget. All she needed was the food for the trip and Vesper. Erin could keep the Gally-bagger’s clothes.
“I don’t think so.”
“You’re going to need something on your feet first.”
Kile looked down at her bare feet. Funny how she didn’t even notice. It seemed quite natural.
“Oh, yeah, I forgot about that.”
Reaching under the bed, Erin pulled out a pair of old boots. “Here, take these.” She tossed them to Kile. “They should fit you.”
“Thanks. I’ll pay you back when I can.”