"I would be happy to sell whatever horses you don't need when we get to Waxhaw," offered Sidney. "I am sure that you will be able to use the extra gold in your travels."
"We are not in Waxhaw yet," warned Edmond. "We still have a bit of road to go, and there are more bandit groups out there."
"It may not be as bad as you think," replied Garth. "If the bandits are working for the Federation as you believe, they will learn about the massacre fairly soon. I suspect that they will leave this particular caravan alone. Why risk annihilation when what they are really trying to do is sow anarchy?"
"True," nodded Sidney. "They would accomplish more by attacking those who cannot put up much of a fight. We will get more of a benefit from this attack than we first thought."
"I hadn't thought about that," mused Edmond, "but your reasoning is sound. I am going to grab a few hours sleep so I will be fresh when we leave camp in the morning."
Edmond slipped out the door, and the Knights of Alcea started to follow, but Sidney caught their attention before they reached the door.
"I have been doing some thinking about your current identities," the merchant said as he waved for the others to sit down. "I think Garth and Tedi could easily pass themselves off as caravan warriors. You both know enough about how the caravans operate, and I could provide you with papers showing that you have worked with me for years."
"That could bring trouble for you down the road," warned Garth. "There is a strong possibility that we will raise the ire of the Federation sooner or later."
"While that may be true," shrugged Sidney Mercado, "it will not affect me unless they learn that you are from across the sea. If it is merely trouble that you get into, surely a former employer would not be held responsible?"
"Agreed," nodded Garth, "but it is still a great risk to you. Gerry figured out who we were. Others may also determine who we are."
"Are you sure that Gerry knew us?" asked Tedi.
"I purposely allowed him to ask one question before he died," answered Garth. "I figured that any attempt to squeeze information out of him would be fruitless, but allowing him a question had the potential to be revealing. It was indeed very revealing. He asked if I was a member of Mikal's force."
"That shows that the Federation has the word out about us," frowned Kalina. "We do need better stories than the ones we have been using."
"That is exactly my point," interjected Sidney. "I also think that Kalina and Natia could pose as workers from my estate in Ur. Natia is certainly qualified to run my stables, even though her gender might raise a few eyebrows in the Federation. Perhaps Kalina could be the person who handles my books?"
"I could fake that role," nodded Kalina, "but none of your people in Ur have ever heard of us. A simple check up there would expose our lies."
"I can take care of that," grinned the merchant. "I only retain three people at the estate when I am not in residence for long periods of time. They are valued employees, and they will say whatever they are told to say. Their loyalty to me is unquestionable."
"That still does not address the risk to you and Edmond," countered Garth. "Sooner or later, someone will determine who we really are."
"I am willing to take that risk," declared Sidney. "Both Edmond and I believe that the Federation must be destroyed before it destroys all of us. I cannot take the fight to them as you and your group can, but I can help in other ways. This is one such way."
"Alright," accepted Garth, "we will follow your plan with one caveat. When we are finally uncovered, you need a way to disassociate yourself from us."
"Should that happen, I will disavow you as imposters," grinned Sidney. "If I am positive that your true identity has been proven, I will say that you have stolen the identity of my workers, but let us hope it never comes to that."
"Agreed," nodded Garth.
"It does make some sense that two of your caravan warriors would notice female workers at your estate," interjected Natia. "It sounds like the perfect deception as long as you can describe enough about your estate to make us familiar with it."
"I can fill in those details for you, Natia," stated Kalina.
The other Knights of Alcea looked questioningly at Kalina, but Sidney merely blushed and decided to move the conversation onward.
"I will draw up the papers that you will need before we get to Waxhaw," declared the merchant. "For the rest of your duration with this caravan, start talking about how you used to work on some of my northern routes. Just leave the men with the impression that you are not new to my service, only new to this route. Edmond and I will help spread that word. In fact, it will help explain the trust that I have shown towards you."
* * *
Vinafor was the second largest country in Zara. Only the Empire of Barouk was larger. The banks of the Lombardi River were terraced with vineyards for leagues upstream of the capital city, and Vinafor wines were a major export of the country. Beyond the vineyards, the West Woods ran for two hundred leagues until the forest gave way to the Barrier and Ramaldi Pass.
The capital city, Waxhaw, was the largest city west of the Barrier. It was a sprawling city with many buildings built outside its old walls, and it was the terminus for two of the major roads in Vinafor. The Calusa road ran southeast to Karamin, and the Lombardi Road ran northeast to the Barrier and eventually Sebastian Pass. The third major road was the Ramaldi Road. It ran from Ramaldi Pass to intersect with the Lombardi Road about one hundred and fifty leagues upstream from Waxhaw. As travel through the West Woods was not appropriate for merchants and caravans, almost all of the goods heading to Karamin had to first pass through Waxhaw, making the city the hub of trade for western Zara.
As the Mercado caravan approached Waxhaw, Garth saw dozens of wagons sitting alongside the road. As merchants do not make any money unless their caravans are moving, the sight puzzled the Knight of Alcea. He rode forward and came alongside Edmond.
"Why are all the wagons sitting idle?" Garth asked.
"I am not sure," frowned Edmond, "but I suspect that none of them wish to dare a trip into Karamin. I was concerned when we never passed another caravan on the road from Calusa. That is most unusual. Ride with me, and we will find out."
Edmond and Garth pulled away from the caravan and headed towards the idle wagons. Seeing a familiar face, Edmond rode up to a weathered old man, and Garth followed.
"Hail Elizer," Edmond greeted the old man. "Why are your wagons not on the road?"
"Greetings Edmond," the old man responded. "Haven't you heard? Karamin has joined the Federation."
"I suspected that it would," replied Edmond, "but even the Federation allows trade."
"Aye, it does," nodded Elizer, "but the Federation troops have not arrived yet, and no one is willing to risk their wagons without some protection. I heard that King Vlador has disbanded the Karamin army. He has no gold to pay their wages."
"So Federation troops are coming west of the Barrier?" asked Edmond. "That is unheard of."
"That is the truth of it," nodded Elizer. "Queen Romani is not pleased. The Federation troops have to pass through Vinafor to get to Karamin, and she objects to their passage. I understand that she sent troops to the Ramaldi Pass to confront the Federation."
"She is going to wage war on the Federation?" gasped Edmond.
"Nay," Elizer shook his head. "At least I don't think that is her plan. She just objects to foreign troops on the roads of Vinafor. Can you imagine legions of Federation troops marching through Waxhaw? The people would riot. It might even bring down the government."
"As if the Federation would mind that," scoffed Edmond.
"Queen Romani has to be careful," stated Elizer. "She has no heir, and the Federation would like an excuse for war, but what else can she do? She can't let their armies march through the city."
"And that leaves the caravans with no place to go," nodded Edmond. "With Ramaldi Pass closed and Karamin in anarchy, it is either shipments to Ur or through the Sebastian Pass."
/> "Anyone with a load for Ur has already departed," declared Elizer, "and Sebastian Pass is so far out of the way that everyone is waiting until this conflict is resolved. Your wagons will be out here beside mine by this time tomorrow."
"Perhaps," frowned Edmond, "but Sidney won't take kindly to sitting idle."
Chapter 21
Waxhaw
Waxhaw was a beautiful city with wide avenues and numerous parks. Many of the citizens were dressed in colorful clothes, yet the drab garb of the average workman was also abundant. Vinafor soldiers were dressed in gray with two violet stripes around each wrist and a single vertical stripe on each leg. The soldiers patrolled the city, but not in an onerous way. They patrolled singly and casually with a cheerful demeanor and frequent nods to passersby. As the Mercado caravan entered the city, Edmond sent some of the wagons off in different directions with a couple of warriors attached to each to help with the unloading. The bulk of the wagons went to a large warehouse owned by Sidney. Garth surveyed the building and nodded in approval. It reminded him of the warehouses that Oscar Dalek had created in Targa when he began his shipping company.
"I take it that you approve," asked Sidney Mercado.
"I do," replied Garth. "It certainly is large enough to store a considerable amount of goods."
"Waxhaw has become the center of my shipping operations," explained the merchant. "While Ur is my home, its location limits the trading opportunities, so I work out of Waxhaw most of the time."
"Will a war with the Federation hurt your business?" asked Kalina.
"I do not think there will be a war," replied Sidney. "The Vinafor army is no match for the Federation, and Queen Romani is a peaceful monarch in any event. I am sure the tales of confrontation are overblown."
"How can you be sure?" questioned Garth.
"Simple," chuckled the merchant. "I will ask the queen herself."
"You know the queen personally?" asked Natia.
"I have had dinner at the Royal Palace on many an occasion," Sidney replied. "Would you care to meet her?"
Garth frowned in consideration of the opportunity, but Natia immediately expressed her desire to meet the queen.
"Then it shall be so," smiled Sidney. "Let me host your group tonight at one of the finest inns in Waxhaw. I always stay at the Waxhaw Wheel House when I am in the city. It is right across the plaza from the Royal Palace. After we get settled in, I will request an audience for tomorrow, and you can accompany me as my guests."
"Is it proper for your employees to accompany you on such royal visits?" asked Garth.
"Queen Romani is a rare monarch," answered Sidney. "She loves her people dearly, and she considers me one of them, despite my northern heritage. If I have employees that I think highly of, she will welcome them. Come, let's get settled and cleaned up."
The walk to the Waxhaw Wheel House was a pleasant one. People greeted Sidney by name and seemed genuinely friendly towards him. More than a few soldiers nodded and smiled at the merchant, and Sidney greeted some of them by name. It was a very idyllic setting compared to the chaos of Calusa, and the Knights of Alcea enjoyed the walk. The Waxhaw Wheel House was a huge inn with multiple entrances along the wide plaza, but it appeared small in comparison to the Royal Palace, which sat directly across the plaza. Dozens of tables sat outside the inn, and patrons lounged at them with glasses of wine and plates of food. Servants in stark white uniforms moved among the tables waiting on the customers, and everyone had a smile on their face.
Sidney led the group up a small flight of steps and through one of the doors. Inside was a massive common room with a tiled floor and windows by each table with bright lanterns between each window. It was a very bright and cheerful room. At one end of the room was a long counter, and three white-clad servants stood behind it. Sidney led the way across the floor to the counter and conversed with one of the servants in a tone of familiarity. He smiled as he turned around and handed room keys to Garth and Tedi.
"There will be a private bath in each room," the merchant grinned. "Goodness knows you must be ready for one by now. If you have no objections, we will dine outside in two hours?"
"That will be perfect," smiled Kalina.
Sidney let the way up a wide curved staircase to the second floor and pointed out the rooms. The three rooms were all adjacent, and Sidney waited for each couple to enter their room before he entered his own. Garth and Kalina entered their room and stared in appreciation. A large sitting room was lavishly appointed with a tile floor and colorful tapestries on the walls. The far wall held two windows and a door leading to a private balcony. Kalina crossed the room and gazed out.
"We overlook the plaza," Kalina said with broad smile. "This room must have cost a fortune."
There were two doors leading off the main room, and Garth immediately checked one of them.
"We have a study," he remarked with a shake of his head.
"The other room must be the bedroom," Kalina said with delight as she crossed the room and opened the other door.
A large bed sat against the wall, and it was raised off the floor. A colorful quilt covered the bed. Kalina admired the bedroom while Garth opened another door that led off the bedroom.
"And our private bath," he announced. "Our quarters are more spacious than many people's homes. Perhaps we should be inviting others in to share it."
"Not a chance," Kalina scowled humorously. "Pull the cord to summon a servant. I want a bath right now."
Garth pulled the cord and retreated to the sitting room. He answered the door and admitted the servant before stepping out onto the balcony. There was a small table and four chairs on the balcony, and he sat down to watch the citizens in the plaza while Kalina bathed. After a while, his eyes focused on the Royal Palace across the plaza. Several soldiers stood guard outside the palace, and several more marched a path that encompassed the entire width of the grounds. People continually flowed in and out of the palace, and they were all finely attired. When he wondered what Kalina and he would wear to meet the queen, a dark frown fell across his face. They had not brought anything fine enough to meet with royalty.
While he was dwelling on the problem, he saw a familiar figure emerge from the inn below him. Sidney Mercado was dressed as fine as any of the citizens Garth had seen enter the palace. The merchant strolled across the plaza and was approaching the entrance to the Royal Palace, when a soldier leaving the palace stopped him. The soldier's uniform had gold stripes surrounding the violet ones, and Garth took the man for a high officer. The man, while older than most soldiers, was solidly built with a bushy mustache and a balding head. Sidney appeared delighted to see the man at first, but after a few minutes Garth could tell by the merchant's posture that Sidney did not care for what he was hearing. Both men became animated in their conversation as if the talk was becoming heated, but it eventually subsided. The two appeared ready to part company when a third figure appeared and joined them.
Garth inhaled deeply as he watched a tall man approach the merchant and the officer. The man's dark, black skin and bald head glistened in the afternoon sun. Garth watched as introductions were made and then Sidney abruptly turned and walked away. As the merchant returned across the plaza to the Waxhaw Wheel House, Garth continued to focus on the other two men. The officer eventually led the tall black man into the Royal Palace, and Garth rose and entered the sitting room.
"Ah, there you are," smiled Kalina. "It is your turn to bathe."
"And I feel as if I especially need to bathe," frowned Garth. "K'san is alive and living in Waxhaw."
"You saw one of them?" gasped Kalina.
"Entering the Royal Palace," nodded Garth. "In fact, he was just introduced to Sidney. Let me clean up so we can meet with Sidney. I have a feeling that bad news awaits us when we dine with the merchant."
Garth did not dally in the bath, but the two hours had almost expired when he and Kalina gathered Tedi and Natia and headed down the stairs to meet with Sidney. The merchant was already se
ated at an outdoor table, and a white-clad servant directed the Knights of Alcea to his table.
"I trust you are refreshed?" the merchant smiled thinly.
"The luxuries of this inn are far beyond what we are accustomed to," smiled Kalina. "Were you able to see the queen?"
"I was not," frowned Sidney, "and that disturbs me. I was told that Queen Romani is ill and is not accepting visitors of any kind."
"Is the queen a sickly woman?" asked Garth.
"Goodness no," Sidney replied earnestly. "She is my age, and I have never known her to be sick a day in her life. She is always so full of life, and I do think that if she ever were sick, she would hide it and continue with her duties. That is the type of monarch that she is."
"I did perchance see you in front of the Royal Palace," offered Garth. "I was enjoying the balcony provided with our room. Who was the officer that you spoke with?"
"That was General Daramoor," answered Sidney. "He is the highest ranking officer in the Vinafor army. He is the one who told me of the queen's illness."
"Is he an honest man?" asked Garth.
"He has always struck me as a professional soldier," replied the merchant. "Courteous and cordial yet firm and dedicated to Vinafor. I have never known him to lie. Why do you ask?"
"I have heard it mentioned that the queen has no heir," mused Garth. "Would he be in a position to rule Vinafor if the queen were to die?"
Sidney frowned at Garth in silence for a moment before answering. "I suppose that could be possible, but he would not be the leading contender for the throne. Queen Romani has a personal advisor who has been with her for years. He knows the workings of the crown intimately and would be favored by many of the leading citizens. There is also the First Minister who has a good following and is well respected. I think General Daramoor would be more appropriately listed among the throngs of other ministers who would like a chance at leading the nation. Even if the First Minister and the queen's personal advisor were dead, there is not much of a chance of his ascending to the throne without a lot of help."
Final Voyage of the Remora Page 26