Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  “So it would seem.”

  “Where did she go with Clift?”

  “My guess would be to prepare to go off after them.”

  Shade snarled and roared in impotent rage before diving into his shadow and climbing the canyon wall to follow the stream as fast as his pain filled body would allow. Anyone that cruel needed to become prey and turn out as nothing more than his scat. He then disappeared from sight.

  Lily reached Wilo’s estate to find him and ten ready warriors on horseback standing outside with an white orb in his grasp. He gestured to the bags by his feet. “You needn’t explain. I saw and heard everything after you found Alex’s fiends with my item, I can see anything happening anywhere at the moment... I’ve had your things packed and have sent two messengers, one to inform Calosh of the situation and another to my swiftest craft to begin preparations to depart. The fastest route to the Royal City is by boat. These men will accompany you. I’m repaying a debt to an old friend so don’t bother with thanks. Go now!”

  “Wait, if you saw us with your item, can you find Alex or in the very least locate…”

  “I’m sorry,” Wilo interrupted. “but my item can only allow me to find and listen to people who I’ve met or an object I’ve seen. Believe me, I’ve tried to find Alex, but cannot locate him for some reason…” His abilities block certain skills. Lily thought. “Furthermore I do not know the two men you spoke of or how they plan on transporting Alex out of these lands, but the swiftest route would be by boat as I said. Wind created by the canyon is great for expediting travel. I believe they have over eight hours distance from us. Hopefully my cutter will help shorten the distance and the captain aboard is a wealthy trader and knows many routes north of here. His credibility will get you wherever you need to.”

  “Thank you, I’ll not forget this.” Lily dismounted Clift and grabbed their four bags that had been already prepared for another journey. While she grabbed them two men promptly saddled Clift who didn’t protest. She quickly and easily maneuvered the packs to her left hand and remounted the patient stallion and as she kicked Clift’s sides gently to sprint towards the docks, the ten waiting warriors hurriedly followed without word.

  Not even ten minutes passed as they reached a sleek merchant’s vessel that simply exuded speed over beauty. It’s narrow sides and large sail had been designed for such a purpose. It looked like a sword capable of cutting through the water at great speeds. The sky began to brighten as they boarded the boat and only Clift found his way up, two of the dock workers left, taking the other steeds away. Seconds after all came aboard they dropped the sails and Lily quickly told the captain where she left her other comrades and he knew they were needed to come as well. Five minutes after sailing she saw the three forms waiting at the end of a dock and stopped just long enough to come aboard.

  She didn’t expect to see Shade for she fully understood the draw Alex gave and knowing he had been taken and by who made her anxious and full of rage she hadn’t known truly existed. They all wanted to get to his side at any cost. Lily hated being raped and the cruel memories still frightened her, but losing Alex made her vow that if she ever finds Peile only one will walk away. Most likely he’d succeed, but she’d leave him crippled for the rest of his miserable days.

  “Lily, I asked a question.” Niranene nudged Lily a little harder than necessary as they passed the last home of Jugo and sped up the river as fast as the ship would allow.

  Lily shook her head and opened her throbbing jaw, realizing how long they’ve been clinched from the pain they gave. “Forgive me, but what did you ask?”

  Niranene sighed and placed a delicate hand over Lily’s as a form of comfort. “I asked how could Peile take Alex without causing an uproar?”

  Just hearing the name makes her rage rekindle, but she cooled her tone. “Peile’s item is a protective helmet capable of harnessing every aspect of air and is the strongest of its kind. He can create multiple tornados, violent thunderstorms, wind strong enough to topple cities, but he can also suck the air out of an area. He can create a vacuum, somewhat like the general back at Central City did when we laid siege, but my former master’s is far more powerful and subtle. I believe the reason why Alex couldn’t make noise is due to a vacuum surrounding them. And as you well know, Alex’s skills simply amplify his body’s natural ability, but he is still just a man who needs to breathe. Peile most likely lowered the oxygen around Alex, Ava and Shade till they couldn’t remain conscious anymore and couldn’t escape because of a whirlwind. It would also keep my husband from using Dominance if speech is needed. That is how Peile fights and to worsen matters his item doesn’t have a weakness like others. That’s why he’s Runkamon’s favorite tool. And to keep Alex under control he’ll simply keep the air he breathes as low as possible to keep him asleep, but not so much as to cause brain damage from lax of air.”

  “What about this second person who stood nearby.”

  “That is what worries me. Probably another pupil, but someone capable of repelling Alex’s attack for even Peile’s skills would have a difficult time stopping Alex’s initial lunge. Most likely a defensive type Kings Guard. Peile despises items lower than the fifth level. The size of the print gives me reason to believe the second person is grown and has been transferred from a different master and that only happens if the original master has been killed or stripped of title.

  “Ah! This is so frustrating!” She yelled into the wind and shouted a few curses to her former master that dropped the jaw of every sailor. Never before had they heard such profanity and they were known for it.

  “Relax Lily.” Marlin approached and laid a hand over her rigid shoulder. “Tiring yourself out will only make matters worse. What I must ask is if we can trust the letter?”

  Sometimes she wished she could roar like a Beran to vent her anger, but she simply took deep breaths through her nose before settling her eyes on Marlin. “What do you mean?”

  He pulled the letter from a pocket as evidence. “The kidnappers said they were ordered to capture Alex and take him to the capital of Ra’van. Can they be lying? For all we know we could be going in the wrong direction or this letter is false and Alex’s corpse is all that needs to be delivered?”

  “Marlin, how could you say such a thing?” Niranene asked in disbelief.

  “My Love, he has made many enemies here in these lands. We all have…” He amended for them all. “I need to ask.”

  “Why?”

  He waved the letter again. “Because this feels like a trap and has been written to anger Lily in particular. This Peile wants her to follow.”

  “Well he’s got my full attention.” She said coolly. “And as to your questions, I believe Alex is alive. My old master might be an evil and cruel individual, but he doesn’t have reason to lie. He doesn’t need to fear anyone for none can stand against him. He is in full control and that is why he gets away with anything he wants. It’s one of the reasons I and so many other little girls were so easily defiled by him. He is a true soldier, but a tyrant who only listens to Runkamon.”

  “Then there is still a chance. I’ll go tell the captain that this isn’t a fruitless venture.” With that he spun around and headed back towards the helm and waiting captain.

  Through the day the canyon walls shrunk in height and grandeur and the overwhelming arid and desert type landscape changed into a lively place where trees grew more abundant than cacti. The northward wind promised speed, but not once had they seen a sign from fleeing ships. They came across fishermen several times, but even with a few silvers to get information they only learned of several fast moving boats traveling on the Byro River.

  A sudden howl caught everyone’s attention in the failing light. Lily made her way to the starboard side to feel a rush of excitement when she spotted Shade standing in full view at the bank of the river. Her pleasure fell as she saw how he appeared still enraged and overwhelmed all at the same time. Heeding Lily’s orders to get closer to the bank the captain spu
n the helm and altered course towards the waiting Shadow Fang, hoping it wasn’t a trap, but he’d never seen a beast of such size simply wait for them to get close.

  Lily remained surprised at how quick his species is for they’ve sailed all day and made much progress yet Shade looked to have been waiting for some time.

  Right when they were about to drop anchor and let out the ramp Shade suddenly put on a burst of speed and jumped cleanly over the water and landed directly on the deck, nearly scaring everyone aboard. Then they watched as an exhausted Ava flew down from a leafy tree and land between the hollow spot between Shade’s massive shoulders, fluffed herself and settled comfortably on her breast.

  “Shade, what happened?”

  His large golden eyes blinked down at her as his pointed ears flicked, then looked away and barked until Krum approached and handed her the tablet and writing tool. She quickly rephrased the question on the board. ‘Have you found anything? Tell us what you know.’

  She turned it around and he read it, looked around for something to paw on but bared his teeth at the lack of dirt and instead spoke to Krum again. The Orggian snatched the board back to begin writing ‘He says it’s useless to force this boat to its maximum speed.’ And Lily read aloud from over his shell and hairy shoulder. “Keep sailing, but we’ll never be able to catch the ship that has taken my Furion. Ava spotted them just after the sun hung high overhead, but she said just as she tried getting closer the wind suddenly increased and the boat began moving faster than she could fly and I can run. I know it was that person we fought. Now that they know we’re following we’re not going to be able to catch them.”

  Shade then dropped with a groan to the deck and put his head on his paws. Nearly instantly he fell asleep from exhaustion and pain. Ava already beat him and didn’t rouse as he dropped.

  Lily looked at everyone to explain what she deduced from Shade’s report. “I now know without a doubt Alex has been taken by General Peile and is using his item to manipulate the wind to speed his boat up the Byro river faster than any sailboat can ever achieve. He knows we’ll never be able to catch him, especially since outrunning both a Fury and Shadow Fang lord. I’m loathed to say this, but slow the ship for we cannot hope to catch our prey if either Ava or Shade couldn’t manage. We need to travel with more mind than blind speed. Captain, please do as you see fit for it looks as if the Royal City is our destination.”

  Solemnly the captain nodded. “Aye Aye, Princess Lily. We’ll get you there and Wilo gave enough stock to make it that far at the latest. Fear not, I have no love for Runkamon and even less for this Peile and if Prince Alex can live long enough to resist the royal’s corruption, my crew and I will do whatever it takes to get you and your companions to the Royal City as fast and as safely as my old girl can go.” He then began shouting orders and the deckhands began preparing to sail at a safer speed throughout the night.

  Heartbreak resurfaced as Lily knelt beside Shade and began to gain some comfort by petting his exceptionally soft fur and Ava’s silky feathers. The three of them had the strongest feelings towards Alex and together she felt less alone, but sorely missed Crest’s gentle disposition. Understanding the need for quiet after a loved one being forcibly taken Marlin went to help the sailors and everyone gave plenty of room for the three. Right now they needed to be alone and got it.

  Eight days of swift sailing calmed and focused priorities and gave enough time to allow Shade and Ava to fully recover from the earlier confrontation with the despicable kidnappers. Tension grew less dangerous now that they came to accept the reality and could plan without rushing headfirst into a trap. Ava took it the hardest, Lily realized, for she spent every available hour in the air in the fruitless attempt to find her Furion. Being a excellent watcher with the strongest eyesight that failed when it was most needed made her look defeated every time she returned to the ship without any news. Shade too found it difficult to simply sail, but every once in a rare while he’d catch the faint scent of Alex and knew it wasn’t his imagination.

  The crew might work for Wilo as a trading vessel who relied on speed when certain, time sensitive items needed to be shipped, but they all seemed nearly as adamant as The Pack to rescue Alex from certain misfortune.

  Twice they had to dock and get supplies, but the captain expected a confrontation from Lily. He patiently waited for her dangerous expression and ranting to calm before he explained that the crew would gain information while also appearing to simply be on another trading expedition. Each time they docked Shade scouted the area to find that Alex hadn’t been transferred and remained constantly on the ship as a prisoner. Afterwards he’d go out and hunt since the ship couldn’t feed him properly and he couldn’t eat with others without his brother to keep company. The prey became an outlet for the pent up frustration.

  Strong southern winds continued to propel the ship around a mild bend in the long river, as fate seemed to be helping the voyage. Absently she wondered if they went right would the Baku Ocean look like the one she crossed to reach the Waget isles. Winter’s grip still held control of the lands, but not enough to hinder their movements. Cool mist splashed Lily’s face as she came in the habit of standing at the very front of the ship, silently wishing to see the tail end of a Royal Guard cutter. Her broken heart hadn’t mended, nor had her desire to decapitate Peile, but she stood calm and poised after completing her morning exercise and stretching that Alex taught her. It seemed to help. Now and then they’d see mountains covered in snow and higher regions also remained cold enough for snow to remain, but around the river it remained just warm enough to keep the iced water at bay.

  Up in the crow’s nest a sailor shouted “Port Ahead! Looks Like We’ve Reached Tantene!”

  Lily gripped the hilts of both swords casually, comforted by their closeness and ready ability to aid her in dangerous situations. She turned around to help prepare docking procedures to find Shade blocking her path with a wondering expression. She pulled out a board she had for communications with Crest to explain they were approaching a major port within Ra’van and he quietly submerged himself within his shadow, as is the routine when coming close to human settlements. Ava remained nowhere in sight in the mid afternoon day.

  More and more boats appeared in the Byro River’s waters, making the approach to Tantene’s trading port tricky. Lily’s eyes blazed as she saw ten Royal Guard boats docked and hundreds of the Water and Land Guard moving all around like angry ants. Three were fast transports while several were battleships of similar design like those they commandeered on Point Lake. Lily watched out for signs of trickery and danger now that they are deep within enemy territory and couldn’t even attempt to hope for rescue should the unfortunate occur.

  The captain docked and ordered the sailors to begin offloading all merchandise destined for this city. Lily knew she couldn’t afford to leave the boat for she might be recognized by a former mindless comrade. Niranene and Krum kept her company below deck while Clift and Marlin took an opportunity to go out for a ride. They all knew what Shade and Ava were doing. The captain came down and explained he needed to get off the ship and see if anyone needs to send goods in the direction they intend to travel.

  By the time night fell Shade returned from a successful hunting of a large boar and explained that he did find Alex’s scent, but it had been dragged to anther dock and the strength indicated they were already three days behind at the most. He had to have been transferred to another ship already prepared to leave while the one they’ve used needed to catch a break. The news didn’t sit well for anyone for they had hoped they caught up, not fall so far behind. Over the course of a few days had turned only a handful of hours into days of distance, with the enemy taking control of the precarious situation.

  Several anxious hours later many feet came aboard and the sailors began pulling on cargo, but not enough to slow them any more than necessary. The captain shouted orders and began procedures to disembark again. Shade slipped out only when they were clear
of prying eyes. Not long after Ava returned and shook her head after being asked the obvious question ‘Have you found him?’

  Just when all seemed quiet and peaceful one of the crew drew attention to himself as he spoke loudly to the captain. Lily put the final peel of her orange skin on the plate in the ship’s mess and popped the last tangy slice in her mouth while going up on deck to find out about the disturbance.

  Her eyes easily found the voice surrounded by three other crewmembers, the captain and Marlin. “I’m telling you, I’m not being paranoid!”

  “Say’s you!” one of the men joked and nearly found a fist in his face before the captain reached out and caught the loud man’s wrist. “Settle down or in the brig you’ll go!” The captain vowed to both.

  “What’s the problem?” Lily wondered. During the short time she’s shared with everyone they knew very quickly to answer her for not only was she taller and a warrior she could easily disarm and disable each one of them without batting an eye.

  The older man said “Princess Lily, maybe you’ll hear me out. Earlier, while I had a drink at the docks a few of the men were asking more questions than I, some that had me sweating. They were wondering if” He took a step forward and she heard a jungle of coin beneath his breast and inside the dirty tunic. “there was a ship coming this way with all haste. I believe that those who we chase has informed others of our reason to follow!”

  Lily’s eyes narrowed as she heard the familiar catch in his throat of a deceiver who would sell his own mother for the right price. Most men she knew were like this and what she heard a moment ago made her suspicious.

  Faster than the blink of an eye she drew her curved, crescent short sword and placed its point an inch from his scruffy throat. He gasped while the others stepped back from her sudden movement. “Wha…”