"And what makes you think we would be any good at halting bandits?" asked Garth.
"I have been a merchant all my life, Garth," smiled Sidney. "I have seen many a warrior in my day, and I know one when I see one. When Edmond rose up against you, your face was indifferent, but your body told another story. You were ready for his attack, and you were confident of victory. You didn't even think of calling Tedi for help. Am I wrong?"
Garth chuckled, suddenly taking a liking to the old man. "One is never assured of victory," he said. "Other than that, I would say that you appraise men as well as you do gems."
"You will join us then?" asked Sidney.
Garth glanced back at the other Knights of Alcea before answering. He nodded slowly.
"We have a dog, too," he said to the merchant. "I will feed him from my own rations."
"That won't be necessary," Sidney smiled broadly. "There will be enough scraps to keep him healthy. We leave at dawn. Assemble your people in front of the inn a bit before that."
Garth nodded and returned to his own table. Edmond watched him go and then turned to his father.
"Is this really wise?" he asked. "These men are strangers, and you are bringing them along with us? What in the world are you thinking?"
"I thinking that we will need help on this trip," Sidney answered softly. "Karamin is on the verge of anarchy, Edmond. With the king dead, the army will be paralyzed. Every bandit in the country will be attacking anything that moves. That is why I decided to leave tomorrow instead of next week."
"Understood," Edmond replied, "but my men have never failed you yet. These strangers might just shove a sword in our backs when the fighting is at its heaviest. I think it is a foolish plan. We don't need them."
"I do not believe for a minute that they would attack us," declared Sidney. "Besides, their own women will be in harm's way. They will fight to the death to save their women. Trust me."
"It is your caravan," Edmond shrugged as he rose, "but I will be keeping an eye on them. It is my men that get to die when the fighting begins."
Edmond left the table and walked past the Knights of Alcea. His eyes never strayed from his path as he left the common room and climbed the stairs to his room. Natia watched him pass by with a frown on her face.
"The young one doesn't seem too happy to be having us along," she said.
"Edmond didn't say two words the whole time," replied Garth. "I do not think he cares to have strangers among his men."
"I am not sure that I care much for it, either," declared Tedi. "Wouldn't it be nice for him to have the two of us die? Not only would he claim two women, but I bet he would search your body for the ruby you showed them."
"I don't think you have to worry about his stealing your women," giggled Kalina. "He would be biting off a bit more than he could chew."
"He doesn't know that," retorted Tedi.
"Perhaps we should tell him," chuckled Natia as she winked at Kalina.
"Enough," Garth said sternly but softly. "We will not act like children in public, especially where our new employer can watch us." The women stopped laughing and Garth continued, "There is a lot about this land that we do not know. Traveling with a caravan may be the very place for us to discover the information we need. I doubt a caravan would have hired us if we went looking for one, so I am not going to turn this opportunity down. Tedi, you and I will act as if we are from Giza. Our story will be that we are taking our new brides home to meet our families. Try to play the part as well as you can."
"And where did we come from?" asked Kalina.
Garth frowned at the question. "That is a good question," he eventually said. "We don't know the names of any of the small towns in Karamin. I would suggest that we avoid the question until we can learn more of the geography. Once we reach Waxhaw and separate from the caravan, we can say that you are from Calusa."
"Someone is going to ask," Natia shook her head. "It is just a normal part of conversation. I wonder if they have gypsies in Zara?"
"That is risky," warned Kalina. "Perhaps we should just say that our fathers were hunters along Furnace Creek. We don't have to be from a town."
"And when they ask you where along Furnace Creek?" asked Tedi. "We don't even know the name of a town to say it was near."
"Say that you ran away from home," declared Garth. "Refuse to say where home was because you are afraid that your father will come after you. It might raise an eyebrow or two, but it will be believable. Just be vague and we will get through this."
"The merchant is watching us like a hawk," whispered Tedi. "Perhaps we should go to our rooms."
Garth nodded in agreement, and they all rose and headed up the stairs. The merchant watched them go before rising and heading to the kitchen. The innkeeper saw him enter and walked over to meet him.
"Well?" asked the innkeeper.
"How did they pay you?" Sidney asked the innkeeper.
The innkeeper reached into his pouch and showed the nuggets. The merchant picked one up and examined it carefully. He nodded knowingly and handed the nugget back to the innkeeper.
"Certainly not coin of the realm," stated Sidney. "Did you weigh them?"
"I did," answered the innkeeper. "Each nugget is perfectly weighted as a coin, almost as if someone melted down coins to make them."
"Interesting," mused the merchant. "Very interesting."
Chapter 16
Caravan
The Knights of Alcea gathered in front of the inn well before dawn because Garth wanted as much information about the caravan as possible. The street was already lined with wagons before they arrived. Leaving the others in front of the inn, Garth and Smokey strolled up the street to the lead wagon and then doubled back to the end of the caravan. There were over thirty wagons assembled for the journey to Waxhaw. Many of the drivers were asleep on the seats, and it looked very much like the caravan was unattended at first. Only a careful observer would have noted the archers on the rooftops of the surrounding buildings and the weapons resting within easy reach of each of the drivers. The front wheels of each wagon were also tied to the frame to make it impossible for someone to steal one of them. As Garth and Smokey completed the circuit, a group of men exited an alley and led horses into the street. The men were heavily armed, and Edmond Mercado was leading them. Edmond issued terse orders to his men and then marched towards Garth with another man at his side.
"Are your people ready?" Edmond asked.
"We are," Garth replied as he pointed towards the front of the inn. "Where do you want us?"
"You and Tedi will have to get horses from the stables," Edmond replied. "You will be in Harker's squad for now. He will accompany you to the stables and get you fixed up. Just follow his instructions and you will do fine. The women will ride the wagons. They may take a seat wherever one is available as long as the driver doesn't mind. We do have some drivers who prefer to be alone, and it is best left that way. If they can't find a place, have them see me, and I will get it straightened out."
Edmond didn't wait for a reply. He turned and started off, but he suddenly stopped and turned back.
"They are not outriders, Harker," Edmond said to Harker. "They stay with the wagons."
Harker nodded, and Edmond continued on his way. Harker was a bear of a man with wide shoulders and shaggy, black hair. He had a full beard and thick eyebrows, and his hands were large enough to hold a pitcher of ale rather than a mug. While Harker's eyes were focused on Garth, the Knight of Alcea couldn't help feeling that the man was watching everything around him.
"I'll get Tedi and tell our wives about the wagon seating," Garth volunteered.
Harker nodded silently, his lips not even parting in an attempt at speech. Garth smiled and turned away from the large man. He moved casually to the front of the inn where the others waited expectantly.
"Your guard?" Tedi asked softly as he nodded in Harker's direction.
"Our guard," nodded Garth. "He is to take us to our horses. The women are allow
ed to ride the wagons where a seat is available if the driver is willing. If you can't find one, locate Edmond. He will make sure you get a seat. Be cautious, but learn what you can. We will share with each other tonight."
Kalina stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Garth like a dutiful wife. Natia was quick to follow Kalina's example and then Garth led Tedi away. Garth examined Harker as he walked towards him. As first glance, the big man appeared to be overweight and slow, but Garth reevaluated as he approached him. While seemingly at ease, the caravan warrior was poised to act at the slightest provocation. Harker's eyes moved fluidly as he scanned the wagons and rooftops looking for any sign of trouble, yet he was also keeping track of Garth's approach. As Garth and Tedi came near, Harker turned to greet them.
"This is Tedi," Garth smiled. "Tedi, Harker is going to teach us the ropes."
"I'm no tutor," Harker replied. "I was told you two knew how to fight. If not, you had better learn quickly. Follow me."
Harker led the two Knights of Alcea through the alley to the stables. A dozen warriors were mounting as they arrived, and several of them nodded at Harker. The caravan warrior got Garth and Tedi set up with a minimum of talking and then led them back to the front of the inn.
"Our squad will be at the front of the caravan today," Harker said. "We are not scouts, and you will not get out of the sight of the first driver. You will look to me for instructions before acting, and you will obey my orders as soon as I give them. Are you both proficient with bows?"
"We are," Garth replied.
Harker nodded as if he had expected to hear those words, but didn't truly believe them yet. He glanced at Tedi and frowned.
"Where is your sword?" Harker asked.
"I am much better with a staff," Tedi replied.
"Bah," Harker grunted. "Gerry, get me a spare sword and be quick about it," he called to a mousy man standing with his horse in front of the caravan.
Harker waited silently until Gerry returned with a sheathed sword. He handed the sword to Tedi with a shake of his head.
"You were supposed to come with your own weapons," Harker said. "You take care of that sword, or you will be paying for its replacement. Now mount up. We are getting ready to leave."
Harker mounted and rode back along the train of wagons. Garth turned to watch him go and caught sight of Kalina and Natia. Natia was climbing onto a wagon when Sidney Mercado approached Kalina.
"You must be Garth's wife?" asked the merchant.
"I am," smiled Kalina. "I am called Kalina."
"And I am Sidney Mercado," responded the merchant. "Come with me. I could stand some conversation that is new and different for a while."
Kalina and Natia exchanged worried glances, but Kalina turned back to the merchant with a smile on her face. "I would be honored," she said.
* * *
Karl Gree stepped out of the forest and halted. He gazed at the torrent of water flowing past him and let his eyes follow it upstream. The Knight of Alcea's eyes widened in awe as he stared up at the surge of water streaming down the mountainside. As wide as the mouth of the Boulder River, the stream of water rushed down the slope of the Barrier with a deafening roar.
"Found the Chute, have we?" shouted Max as he stepped out of the forest behind Karl.
Karl turned and watched as the rest of the Rangers and elves filed into the clearing. "We won't be using that pass," he shouted back.
"Not unless someone turns off the water," yelled Clint. "I wouldn't even try that from the other side. It must be a league in length and a fifth of a league in height."
"It is an awesome sight," Karl declared. "I could not imagine anything so grand."
The elves stared silently at the spectacle, but Shawn Cowen caught a glint of something in the turbulent water near the shore. Leaving the others behind, the Ranger made his way to the river. The edge of the river was chaotic and sections of the stream got caught in small whirlpools where the water spun and spun, carving holes into the rock. Shawn approached one of those whirlpools and took off his boots. He waded into the water as the others continued their conversation above.
"We cannot go through that," shouted Prince Rigal. "It may be called a pass, but it is nothing more than a sloping waterfall. We will have to climb the mountains."
"What?" shouted Max.
Prince Rigal started to shout again, but he stopped. He waved the others back into the forest where the noise was not quite as severe.
"I said we will be climbing the mountains with you," the elven prince repeated.
"Aye," nodded Clint. "You have no choice at all. Can your men handle it?"
"We will have to," answered Prince Rigal. "We are well trained in mountain climbing, but these mountains are both higher and starker than the Boulders. I think we all might need help in getting over them."
* * *
Gerry was short for a caravan warrior, but the wiry man's speed, courage, and ruthlessness had made him one of Harker's favorites. The sight of the two men side-by-side was enough to bring a chuckle to a man's lips, but it was a mistake that was never made twice. Both Harker and Gerry had been quick to challenge anyone who found humor in their friendship, and the other warriors became content to evaluate the men on the merit of their considerable skill in fighting off bandits.
"Keeping an eye on the new men are you?" Gerry asked as he pulled in alongside Harker.
"As I always do," Harker replied as he turned briefly and gazed back at the lead wagon a thousand paces behind him. "You know that is why Edmond put them up front with me. He knows that I have a nose for trouble."
"And how is your nose feeling today?" asked Gerry.
"No problems yet," the big man shrugged. "They both ride well, and they keep their eyes moving about. I suspect that they have guarded caravans before."
"So you trust them then?" questioned Gerry.
"I didn't say that now, did I?" groused Harker. "If it's one fault you have, Gerry, it's giving people too much credit for good intentions. All I said is that they are riding well enough."
"Sorry," grinned Gerry. "I guess I just like to see the best in people."
"That's what makes us such a good team," laughed Harker. "I see the worst, and you see the best. It all evens out in the end."
Gerry laughed along with Harker as he stared at the two new men a hundred paces before them. His laugh died and a frown fell over his face.
"Has he got his sword slung to his saddle?" Gerry asked.
"Aye," scowled Harker, "he does. Claims he is better with a staff, but that won't help him none when the bandits hit us."
"You think they will?" asked Gerry.
"Without a doubt," Harker said softly. "Why do you think Sidney up and decided to leave overnight? He has a nose for things like that, and this time I agree with him. So does Edmond. I wouldn't be surprised if more than one band tries to hit us this trip."
"Why this trip?" asked Gerry.
"Karamin is a dying country," answered Harker. "I suppose that the king's death was the last straw for Sidney. He is moving everything out of the country. Seeing as how the bandits always seem to know everything we do, I suspect they will be out in force to grab what they can. They won't get many more chances."
"Merchants aren't going to stop going to Calusa just because the king died," frowned Gerry. "You aren't making any sense."
Harker didn't respond immediately. He turned and glanced about to see if anyone was within earshot before speaking.
"I heard Edmond and Sidney talking yesterday," Harker said softly. "They figure that the Federation will be taking over Karamin real soon."
"The Federation?" gasped Gerry. "How do they know?"
"Beats me," shrugged Harker, "but you know what happens to bandits when the Federation is around. I figure all the bandits will flee to Vinafor in fear for their lives."
"So why is Sidney taking all his goods to Vinafor then?" asked Gerry. "To be closer to the bandits?"
Harker frowned and shook his head.
"I don't know," he admitted. "I'm just telling you what I heard. How I am supposed to know how a merchant thinks?"
"Well, he must know what he is doing," Gerry said. "He didn't get rich making big mistakes. Besides, what do we care? As long I keep getting paid, I'm happy."
"If you live to spend it," said Harker
"I'll spend it," laughed Gerry. "It will take more than a few bandits to slow me down."
Up ahead, Garth turned around and gazed at the line of wagons far behind him. He saw Harker and Gerry laughing before returning his eyes forward.
"The wagons still there?" quipped Tedi.
"Is that gypsy humor?" asked Garth.
"Call it an attempt at conversation," sighed Tedi. "I've done an awful lot of traveling with caravans in the past few years, but never have I ridden with a bunch of total strangers that I can't even talk to."
"You might pay more attention to the task at hand," suggested Garth. "This caravan is being watched."
"Those are our own outriders," stated Tedi. "They are on each side of us."
"I know about the outriders," retorted Garth. "I was not referring to them."
Tedi stiffened slightly and became alert. His eyes scanned both sides of the road, but he could not detect anyone beyond the outriders. "Are you sure?" he asked.
"I am sure," replied Garth. "I cannot see them now, but I saw the glint several times over the last hour. It may be only one rider, but I do not think that people spy on caravans merely as a hobby."
"Would Edmond have riders checking on his outriders?" asked Tedi.
Garth hesitated in thought and then shrugged. "It is possible," he conceded. "I should find a way to ask that question without drawing attention to myself." Garth paused and glanced at Tedi again. "Speaking of drawing attention to yourself, you should hang your sheath properly. I am sure the other riders will be asking questions about it."
"I don't want to be hindered with a sword around my neck when it comes time to fight," replied Tedi.
"I understand," Garth said, "but there is a way around that. Work the stitching almost out on the strap. Leave just enough for the sheath to hang properly, but not enough to stop you from just ripping it off and dropping it when the time comes."
Final Voyage of the Remora Page 20