by J P Nelson
“Sounds good, mate. What did the two shepherds say to each other when they saw the wolves?”
Albri shook his head.
“Let’s get the flock out of here.”
Albri looked out the corners of his eyes, he tried to comprehend what the words implied, “Is that a joke of some kind? I do not see the humor.”
Gordi slapped him on the shoulder and said, “Sokay, com’mon, let’s get with it.”
JéPahn mind-linked Jha’Ley, Mahrufael and U’Lahna, then U’Lahna took perch upon N’Sehlien and flew low against the ice to the west. As she came around to approach the passage top, Jha’Ley gave command to enter at full sail.
Timing would be everything.
The ships saw trolls at the cliff-top on their starboard-side, and U’Lahna confirmed seeing nothing on the other. Tammin was seated just under Clarise’s bowsprit with hands outstretched, causing the congestion of ice to turn to sludge. The ship had no problem plowing through making a wide wake.
The visage of U’Lahna coming in from a distance, twin plumes of swirling ice in the wind, one from each side of the passage, the rays of sunlight reflecting through in rainbow patterns, made for a beauteous sight to behold. And then the simultaneous firing of the Balders, U’Lahna riding a couple hundred feet above letting fly with those ice-lightning bolts, and the rolling waves of water Mahrufael caused was magnificent, as well.
Any who made it home would have stories to tell for a lifetime. For those who believed magic and special abilities were dead, these last few days were … well … they were simply awe inducing.
As Kravieu might have written, rapid was the transit through the passage. The great waves were superb, but the pilots had their hands full. And sailing masters had to be at top of their game, as the air pushed forward by the waves made significant difference in handling the vessels.
Falling ice and snow mingled with tumbling trolls were shunted over the top of Gordi’s shield and port-side, leaving an arch-shaped canopy behind them. As they traversed forward, you could look back and see the canopy falling in as if it were an areal wake of the ship’s passing.
All the way through to the other side the Clarise and Qua’Korr sailed, to emerge free and without harm of this endeavor. U’Lahna landed beside Jha’Ley and said, “Captain, we are through.”
The crew’s cries of victory broke into jubilant singing and could be heard in echo from the iceberg wall. Jha’Ley sailed ever east to get as much distance from the gulf as they could. He was quiet, however, as the men sang and he kept vigilance upon the wheel.
Albri saw Jha’Ley’s somber expression and put his hand on his shoulder. Looking each other eye-to-eye, no words need be spoken.
The elder man said to the younger, “I understand, son. I have no words to consol you with … it happens. But do you to remember this, I am proud of you. Your mother is proud, and so is the rest of our family …” he smiled warmly, “… as is our whole community.”
Jha’Ley nodded, how was he to discuss the matter of Old Uncle? More importantly, should he? Did he even know anything for sure?
Mahrufael had his own tale to spin, but that is best saved for another time.
To Sterine they sailed on a direct course. While sailing, Tammin worked below with carpenters to repair the Clarise’s hull. By the time he was done, she was as sound as if she had been refit at home.
Wages were paid, appreciations given once they reached Sterine. A grand meal was held between old friends and new ones, then Feila made her departure with added company of Gordi and JéPahn. Ju’Balii was quiet, having learned much and was dwelling upon it.
Albri took moments with Gordi and Feila and said, “There are few of us left, from the old days. We must at some juncture come to holiday, talk times and break bread.”
Feila smiled, “It would be a nice thing. Please make greetings to J’Hene.” They embraced as only old friends can, then she kissed him on the cheek.
Albri pointed at Gordi and said, “I am going to belt you, one day, you know this?”
“You’ve been making that promise for years. Be well. If ever you need me …” they clasped forearms, then embraced as Gordi said, “I’m not gonna kiss you though.”
Albri laughed and watched them shoulder packs and walk away.
The original plan was to spend time around Nahjiua, but the expedition was now way overdue. Men with families wanted to go home. In time, they could plan a return. Within hours of Albri’s goodbyes, the Vedoan ships cast off for Grindstaff.
The fact that S’Getti stood at the bow gave rise for question with regard for Ervis. But in a small place news travels fast. Fhascully felt it his proper place to give word of Kravieu’s passing to Kaeya. But he need speak not a word.
The girl was there when the ships tied up, dressed fresh and pretty to greet Etmond Kravieu. As Fhascully stepped down the ramp he looked into her eyes and suddenly she knew. Kaeya did not collapse or fall apart, but slowly her eyes began to water, then the tears came.
The man took her into his arms, awkwardly, but with true compassion as she let her heart loose. She asked, “How?”
“He … he passed in the fire of battle, as a warrior should. I shall tender your care in his place.”
Only a night and a day they tarried, long enough to reload wares traded for by Ervis. Anu now acted in his stead to champion his estate and complete causes and contracts, S’Getti represented the ship proper, as Qua’Korr was a vessel of the Vedoan Merchant Fleet.
It was here that U’Lahna made her farewell. She was proper and polite in her exchanges, but whatever it was she said to Mahrufael, albeit in quiet Elvish, caught the attention of Jha’Ley.
He leaned sideways and whispered to Albri, “Pop, did I miss something somewhere?”
Albri looked to Jha’Ley with a serious expression and replied with, “Jann Raul, how old are you?”
“I am … uh-h-h … thirty-six years old this year, why?”
“I think it is time we had a little talk.”
Jha’Ley was perplexed, “About what?”
Albri put his arm around his son’s shoulder, “Oh-h-h … birds, bees, things like that …”
U’Lahna asked Fhascully, “Have you message for Nicole?”
The man thought a minute, then with no air of arrogance he drew the silver-bladed sword, took a gold coin and tossed it up, then swiped it with the blade. The coin fell into two neat pieces. Casually he picked them both up and sheathed the blade.
Handing one half to U’Lahna he said, “Tell her … when time comes, I will seek her out. If she is still of so mind, I will take her. If she is not so minded,” he shrugged awkwardly, “I will turn and go.”
U’Lahna took perch upon N’Sehlien and floated up. Gliding to Jha’Ley at the Clarise’s rail she said, “Perhaps again we shall meet.”
He smiled, “I look forward to it.”
She glanced to Mahrufael who walked up beside him and smiled, then she turned about and flew toward the woodlands.
Toagun walked up and watched her fly away saying, “I told you she was a kick-ass woman.”
As they left, Tiny came with his roll of blankets and few clothes, “I want to be a sailor.” And so it was the lad joined as a ship’s boy.
Their next stop was Tormandia of Johnstone Isle. There, Klaus extended welcome to Jha’Ley, but understood the need for travel. Putting off return home while the commodore took a multi-day hike would not go over well for morale, and Jha’Ley was loyal to his men.
What was unexpected was Toagun coming up to say, “Ya know, I think I’ll get off here.”
Jha’Ley responded, “I thought you were in a hurry to explore that Rim Road.”
“Well, I am. But my schedule has been put off a couple days, so I figured, why not go hunt some more with Klaus. Then catch a vessel later to the south.”
“Understood. You know, we can use men like you.”
Toagun put both hands up, “Nah, I pulled my hitch. Military life is good, but i
t isn’t for me. I like to pull my weight when I’m ready, call my own shots. You decide to do your own thing, go hunt for that route around the world, you let me know.”
Jha’Ley nodded.
“By-the-way,” Toagun added, “You got that jug handy?”
Jha’Ley laughed.
That part was unexpected, but the next was a complete surprise. Albri and Mahrufael were going with them. Albri told his son, “… at least part way.”
Jha’Ley was elated.
Albri said, “Captain S’Getti told me you still want to go and at least see Torsham’s Vault. Then trace that map across the top of the Touzund Isles.” He raised his eyebrows in concern, “Severn was lost going that way.”
“Yes, pop, but I have the map, remember? Old … Old Uncle says he returned to Vedoa that way, that Greybeard did it twice.”
“When me and your mom sailed with him we did not go that way. We stayed north of here.”
“Still, pop … I believe that map. I think there is a way through clear of ice. Cold as the bottom side of Hades, but clear.”
Albri motioned his finger between he and the elf, “I want to go with you,” he winked, “make sure you do not get lost again.”
“Maybe you want to see the vault again?”
Albri grinned, “That too.”
So it was they headed north. Jha’Ley partly rationalized it to not having the unicorn of the Ubank, but mostly this was his most important goal. If the Kelshinua Map was correct, there was a frigid but clear passage up there, that even the folk of Mittugahr did not believe existed.
Jha’Ley thought, ‘So why did I not tell pop about Old Uncle? Because … at this point it would make no difference, and I do not want to make mom fret … which she would. I will wait for the time I can explain it all.’
Having Albri along, who was experienced with Torsham’s Vault, was a great boon. Having Mahrufael along was nice as well. Jha’Ley did not plan to go in, he just wanted to get a taste, a feel, so he would know what to prepare for later. And he knew there would definitely be a later.
With extreme care they sailed. The weather got harsh, the waves became angry, and Jha’Ley remembered the megladon and stories of the creature which was part of the water. Keeping close watch on the map, Jha’Ley saw something in the sky, an eerie effect with a strange bursting of multi-colored lights in the water.
Up above, the clouds were black and ugly and lightning coursed the sky. Jha’Ley could feel it as he stood at the bow … the air, the current below. He said to Dalton, “I found what I wanted.” A small gathering was around him, “Over there, about seventy miles is where the Kelshinua went down.”
Albri looked at him with amazement, “Are you sure?”
Jha’Ley smiled, “Yes pop, I am sure. I just do not know exactly where. Mister Dalton … set course east, sir, we are going home.”
I would like to tell you tales of the next couple of weeks, but there is little to tell. For Fhascully, he had a grand time; examining birds, dissecting fish … but for me it would just be a sail through bitter wind, choppy water, and lots of the same food.
For the men it was exhilarating. They proved all the maps and theories wrong; there was clear passage north of the Touzund Isles, over what the folk of Mittugahr insist is the home of the gods, and down to Mittugahr itself. It was there they took rest, had a major celebration to unwind from their tense journey, and bid goodbye to Albri and Mahrufael as they disappeared in a flash of indigo light.
It was a day of history in the making. I remember it well. Four distinct things happened that day. The day they came to port proved the northern passage existed, civil war was declared in Vedoa, and I met the tigress in the coliseum, which in turn signified the last day of my reign as Champion of Dahruban.
Chapter 72
THINGS BETWEEN ME and Edgarfield changed after my statue and painting were made. I don’t mean it got better, I mean it got worse. He had been pushing a long time to get me recognition. Now it was there, the whole city-state was talking about me. But I think that was the problem … they were talking about me, not him.
This is all speculation on my part, but from what I understood the man was now in the money, living in plush accommodations, had an entourage, and was well on his way to receiving sanction as a Gladia~Kai Master. Yet his countenance now bore a sour demeanor when he paid me my visits. Jealousy, in my opinion, had become dominant in his thoughts toward me.
Something else had changed as well, the last few visits I noticed something different about his eyes. Then he brought two women to my quarters and all three were lit. I mean there were lights in their eyes that weren’t natural. I could smell the Morning Gory reeking out the pours of their skin; Tera Juice was soaked into their clothing and lingered on their breath.
He spoke to me nearly not at all, he just wanted to see me. But from the look in his eyes I got the feeling if he could get me killed he would, without hesitation. Like I said, this is all speculation, but …
It was in preparation for my second to last match, with a person that is, that we were both in cages outside of the coliseum for citizens to see … a promotional thing.
My slated opponent was fifteen feet from my own. Passers-by hoped to hear us berate each other, and he played his part well. I never indulged in that nonsense; I would just sit against the bars and clean my nails.
This idiot wanted to show how tough he was, and as things may be a little kitten happened to walk into his cage. This jiuk got up, hauled off and kicked the little fellow so hard it flew through his bars and into mine. By all rights the kitty should have died, but in an instant I was up and scooped it in my hands. Channeling energy from So’Yeth, I *Healed* the kitten without thinking.
When I killed the man four days later, it was one of the few kills I really enjoyed, and I was slow and cruel. He screamed a long time, but that was later. Right then, the surprised kitty licked my face and I imparted calm thoughts its way. As I sat it down and it ran to find its momma, at least I presume that’s where it ran, I noticed Edgarfield noticing me.
As I look back, it’s the only thing I can figure that led to me being matched with that big tiger that day. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read the first tome of this story, as I suggested in the beginning. A few weeks later I was put up against the tiger, we were run out of Dahruban, and Edgarfield hung himself by a tree.
It was the year 5143 ED; for the first time in the many thousand year history of Shudoquar, a man with absolutely no elvin blood was put into power. That is relevant because it was originally settled and governed by elves. Not only was a human now in power, the man was also an Eayahnite. The next years should be very interesting.
Also in that year, the small country of Sian, on the west coast of Tio’Pashon in what is called the Elbow Country, was founded.
Keoghnariu was enjoying its thirty-second year as a country.
Yank and Thad Freighting Company now had a dozen wagons going and considered the top freighters of eastern Sahrjiuns and into the Jutte Horn.
As of the summer solstice, anyone in Gevard found with written works of any kind were publically flogged, then burned, by joint mandate of King Chazon and his Eayahn Archbishop, Rh’Tosh.
In the Jutte Range of the Sahrjiun Mountains, ponshiu hair ropes from the town of Rooster were gaining fame for unequalled strength.
The barbarians of the Genoal Plains, south of Shudoquar, were in all-out war with each other. The word was a man with demon blood, or a god-child, depending on the tale-teller, named Ih’Qyohsei, was out to unite them all, by force if necessary, and march east to conquer the world.
And as I have said, Vedoa engaged in civil war.
Now, I’m not going to elaborate on the Vedoan Civil War for a lot of reasons.
For one, because I’m only interested in scribing things most people don’t know, or what is considered to be obscure information. Their war is so well documented … well … it is really well documented. My retelling it would
just be redundantly redundant.
For two, if I limited myself only to Jha’Ley and the Clarise’s crew, it would take another whole tome. And as much as I like him and they, nothing lends to getting any closer in our ultimate tale.
For three, since by now me and they are all gone the way of dust, I think it is safe to say, without hurting the feelings of friends, mates and associated parties … I don’t really give a damn about Vedoa.
I will, however, touch on a juicy tidbit which is not in any official records, but reliable sources agree to be true … and I found to be interesting, just because I like this kind of thing.
The commodore had firmly decided to complete the voyage, turn in his reports, and salute into retirement from the Vedoan Navy. The storms were heavy as they left Mittugahr, so they took their time sailing. They took port in Lychiwal before their final leg into Vedoa.
Within hours of securing lines, Jha’Ley received a note to meet from old friend G’Tabb. It was of a surety written by his hand, and it emphasized urgency of military importance, but under discretion. It was delivered by a Marine who Dessi recognized, dressed in civilian cloths, and was standing by with a cab for six.
Discussions were made and countermeasures determined. Then Jha’Ley, S’Getti, Dessi, Seedle, Fhascully and Caroll all changed out of uniform and took a five mile ride through the mud and steadily pouring rain. They came to a drover’s cottage with an inviting light and steady stream of smoke from the chimney.
G’Tabb himself answered the door, albeit with caution, “It has been a long time, commodore. Come in from the rain. Allow me to introduce my friend, Bannock.”
As the travelers came in, at the flame-filled hearth, stirring stew, a lean bodied man stood and faced Jha’Ley, “It is my pleasure, I have heard much about you from G’Tabb.”
Jha’Ley and Bannock studied each other very closely, then the commodore congenially replied, “The pleasure is mine, a friend of Mister G’Tabb’s is a friend of mine.”
The conversation was a long one, several hours actually. So I will boil it down.