"Get twice as much," repeated Garth. "Can you do that?"
Morro hesitated before answering, "I think that I can. At these prices they should sell me all that they can get their hands on, but how will we transport it?"
"In the wagon that I am going to buy," smiled Garth.
"You can't take a wagon into the desert," frowned Morro. "Not even Occan horses could drag a wagon through those sands."
"Occan horses?" asked Natia.
"Horses bred in the horse countries," explained Morro. "They are the finest animals in all the land. You would understand if you ever saw one."
"You let me worry about the wagon," ordered Garth. "You go and get the supplies ready for pickup. Give him four thousand in gold, Natia."
Natia took a spare pouch out of her pack and filled it with gold pieces from her purse. She handed it to Morro, and the elf sped off to make his deal.
"Why so many supplies?" Tedi asked after the elf had left.
"We cannot afford to run out," explained Garth. "Destroying the Zaran fleet will be like stirring a hornet's nest. They will know exactly who did it, and they will be searching endlessly for us. We may have to hide out in Aranak for a number of months before it is safe to come out again."
"What about horses?" asked Natia. "Having more of them will help us move the men from the Remora much quicker and safer."
"We will get more horses," answered Garth, "but not in Giza. Come and help me pick out a wagon. I also want to get a painted canvas for it, and I don't want to have to spend another night in Giza to arrange for it, so you two can help immensely."
"If we are leaving this afternoon," Tedi said, "we really should find out what happened to Smokey. He took off early this morning, and I haven't seen him since."
"He is a good tracker," grinned Garth. "He will find us. Natia, you are going to be driving the wagon, so make sure that it is to your liking. Your horse and Kalina's will be used to pull it."
"You are up to something," frowned Natia. "I know that look of yours. What are you up to?"
"Something that would make a gypsy proud," grinned Garth.
* * *
The Remora exited the mouth of the Endless River and entered the swampy bays of the Isles of the Lost. Almost immediately the winds picked up, and Haditha lowered her arms and turned away from the bow of the ship. She strode back towards the helm and stood next to Captain Gomery.
"The winds are now strong enough for you to unlash your rudder and raise your sails," she said to the captain.
The captain nodded and called out orders to Chanz who organized the crew to carry out the orders. The Remora drifted in the current as the sailors set out to accomplish their chores.
"I want to thank you for everything you have done for us, Haditha," smiled the captain. "I will admit that I was not pleased when Kalina told me that I would have to turn over my ship to someone else, but I can now see clearly why it was necessary. I almost wish I had been a captain back in the days when you water witches rode the seas. What an age of excitement that must have been."
"It was exciting, Captain Gomery," smiled Haditha. "I so miss those days and the voyages we had. Just the smell of the salt air invigorates me. How will you proceed from here?"
"Well," the captain replied thoughtfully, "Kalina is out searching the seas for any sign of Federation ships. If she finds none, we will turn southeast at the end of Claw Key and proceed towards the Boot."
"And from the Boot?" asked the water witch.
"I suppose we will retrace our route from the Needle," replied the captain. "We will set a northeast course from the Boot to a point offshore the Cliffs of Ranool. How we will ever make it through the Needle though is beyond me."
"You are not concerned about the most dangerous part of the journey?" inquired Haditha.
"I am greatly concerned," replied Captain Gomery, "but I think Kalina has some trick up her sleeve. I am sure that she will reveal it when the time comes."
"You trust her a great deal, don't you?" asked Haditha.
"I trust her with my life," nodded the captain. "Garth and Kalina are heroes in my land. It is a pleasure and an honor to serve them. When they are around, one gets a feeling that nothing is impossible."
"Yet you realize that this journey may be your last?" she asked pointedly.
"I knew that before I volunteered," the captain smiled thinly. "In fact, I have assumed all along that I would never return to Alcea. I think most of those who came with us feel the same."
"Yet they all came," mused Haditha, "and some of them are quite young. What is it that inspires them?"
"I am not sure how much Kalina has explained to you," replied Captain Gomery, "but the Zarans plan to attack Alcea. For two decades we have lived through the Darkness, wars, and famine. Three years ago all of the land was united under King Arik, the Warrior King. He is a young man, but he is wise and generous, and he truly loves his people. For three years he has worked tirelessly to rebuild Alcea from the ashes of war, and his father has gone broke trying to fund jobs for people who have had none. Alcea is just getting back on its feet, and no one wants to see that change. So when we discovered that the Zarans are about to wage war upon us, it is not a question of whether or not people will volunteer to do something about it. It is a question of which volunteers will be honored by being chosen."
"So the people of Alcea have hope," nodded Haditha. "That is what is missing from Zaran life, isn't it?"
"I can't say as I have seen much of Zaran life," replied the captain, "but Alceans do have hope for a better future. They also have people that they admire very much. Garth and Kalina are among them. They are the parents of Queen Tanya."
"Parents of the queen?" Haditha echoed with surprise. "Yet they are willing to throw their lives away?"
"Their lives will not be wasted," the captain stated firmly. "They may indeed die in this land, but they will cripple the Zarans in doing so. You do know that we are on the way to destroy the entire fleet of Zaran ships, don't you?"
"I had heard," nodded the water witch, "but it still seems a waste of two heroes. If you and your men think they are so valuable, wouldn't you be willing to take on the mission without them?"
"We certainly would," the captain answered without hesitation, "but that is not the way of Garth and Kalina. They would never ask anyone to do what they would not do themselves. I think that is part of the reason that so many people admire them. They think of others, not themselves."
"Yet Garth is not among us," Haditha pointed out.
"That is not because he didn't wish to be here," replied the captain. "Kalina has the ability to cover great distances in a short amount of time, but Garth cannot do so. Right now he is in Aerta planning to rescue us after we attack the fleet."
"Does he really believe that any of you can be saved?" asked the water witch.
"As I said before," grinned the captain, "Garth and Kalina have a reputation for doing the impossible. While I am prepared to give my life for Alcea, I surely won't complain if they manage to keep me around just a little bit longer."
"I like your spirit, Captain Gomery," smiled Haditha. "You remind me of a captain I sailed with many years ago. Zara was a much finer land back then. We were the finest explorers the world had ever known."
"I like you, too, Haditha," the captain returned her smile. "Maybe one day when all of this is behind us, you can take my ship out and show me what a water witch can truly do."
"I would enjoy that," Haditha smiled as she remembered fond days of her youth.
"My men are just about ready to raise the sails," the captain said sadly. "We should get you and your mat over the side so you can get back home."
Haditha inhaled deeply and smiled broadly. "I love the smell of the sea," she stated. "If you don't mind, I think I will travel with you for a day or two."
"It would be my pleasure to have you aboard," smiled the captain.
"Good," replied the water witch. "That should give me enough time to tell yo
u that your approach to the Needle will get you killed. When you round the Boot, head due east, not northeast. You must stay over the horizon from the Cliffs of Ranool or they will see you coming and send out warships to sink you. I would be happy to plot out a course for you if you like."
"Let me get the ship underway," replied the captain, "and then I will have the mate take the helm. We can go below and work over my charts."
Chapter 43
The Lure
Two horses pulled the wagon heading north on the Zinbar Trail a day's ride north of Giza. The farmland had given way to forest as the sun began its slide towards the distant Barrier. A lone woman drove the team of horses that hauled the brightly painted wagon. The large lettering on the canvas was not typical of most Zaran wagons, not because merchants didn't advertise their names, but rather because merchants dealing in gems and precious stones seldom advertised their cargo, especially in forests where bandits were known to congregate. Two riders escorted the wagon, and neither of them carried a sword.
"What is Garth up to?" Morro asked softly. "He has been gone a long time."
"One never knows what goes through Garth's mind," chuckled Tedi. "Just when I think I understand what he is up to, he surprises me. How do you like the new bow?"
"It is a perfect fit for me," replied the elf. "I haven't carried one since the day I fled the Elfwoods, but this one feels like it belongs in my hand. I would not have expected a human to choose such a bow."
"Some of Garth's best friends are elves," commented Tedi. "I understand that he has spent a good deal of time with them. When you meet Prince Rigal I think you will understand. Garth is like an adopted son to the king of Glendor."
"I am looking forward to meeting the elves of your party," frowned Morro, "but I am also a bit anxious about it. From what Kalina has told me of elven history, the Dielderal must not be looked upon very favorably by the other elves."
"Prince Rigal was on the journey Garth and Kalina made to the elven Universe," replied Tedi. "I think it is fair to say that he did not view the Dielderal as brothers after that trip, but I think his opinion may have changed since we arrived in Zara. Anyway, I think you will like him."
"They are back," Morro suddenly whispered.
"I hear them," Tedi responded without taking his eyes off the road in front of him. "I count six of them on my side of the road."
"You can count them?" the elf asked in surprise. "I have never met a human whose hearing was that finely tuned."
"I do have delicate hearing," Tedi replied without further explanation about the accident that caused his heightened hearing ability. "How many on your side?"
"About the same," replied Morro. "Should one of us find Garth?"
"No," Tedi replied. "While they may attack us on the road, it is more probable that they will wait for nightfall. It wouldn't do for someone to come along in the middle of the attack. Besides, I have found most bandits to be fairly cowardly. I think they would prefer the odds of attacking us while we sleep."
"They are not necessarily cowards," retorted Morro. "When you live off what you take from others, you have a tendency to make it easy on yourself. I think all thieves know that one day they will make a fatal mistake, but they are not in a hurry to do so. Should we at least inform Natia?"
"No," Tedi replied. "I am sure she has already sensed them, although she probably does not know how many are out there. If we do anything out of the ordinary, they will know that we are wise to them. It is better to just act as if we are unaware of their presence."
"You have a lot of faith in the people you travel with," commented Morro.
"I know them all rather well," Tedi responded. "Natia is a gypsy. She is used to a life of dangerous travel on unfamiliar roads, and she knows how to handle herself."
"She does not even have a bow," frowned Morro.
"She has an ample supply of throwing knives," chuckled Tedi, "and one thing you don't want to do is get between her and the bandits when they attack. You will be hard pressed to keep up with her body count if an attack does come."
Moro raised an eyebrow in disbelief, but he said nothing about his doubts. As he listened to the sounds of the bandits tracking the group, he saw Garth riding towards them on the portion of the road they had yet to travel. Garth smiled and nodded to Natia as he passed the wagon and fell in behind the wagon between Tedi and Morro.
"Have you determined how many are out there?" he asked softly.
"About a dozen," answered Tedi. "They are evenly split on each side of the road. What did you discover up ahead?"
"I found the perfect campsite for this evening," grinned Garth. "It will require a little preparation so you two have a job to do."
"You do know that the bandits will attack us tonight?" asked Morro.
"I am counting on it," chuckled Garth. "Why do you think I had the wagon painted as it is?"
"You are baiting them?" Morro gasped softly.
"Natia wants horses," grinned Garth. "What better way to get them?"
"There are a dozen desperate men out there," retorted Morro. "You make it sound as if it will be easy."
"It won't be easy," Garth replied seriously, "but it won't be as if we aren't expecting them either. And before you start lecturing me about killing these men to take their horses, let me state that if they don't attack us, they will live longer lives, but we both know that they will descend upon us tonight with murderous desires."
"I have no doubts about that," Morro responded. "And I have no compunction about killing anyone who attacks us, but I am concerned that you might underestimate these men. Bandits have plagued these roads for years. They know every trick in the book, and if you think you can fool them into an early grave, you are mistaken. We really do need the horses, but we are risking a great deal to get them."
"That is the thief in you talking," chuckled Tedi. "The bandits would prey on us even if we weren't baiting them, so the risks were already in place when we purchased the supplies in Giza."
Morro frowned with a puzzled expression for a moment and then nodded in agreement. "You are correct," he stated. "I guess I am just amazed that anyone would actually plan to be ambushed."
"It was bound to happen anyway," stated Garth. "Why not plan for it? This way we get to choose the time and place for it."
"Had you planned on a dozen of them?" asked Morro.
"No," Garth shook his head. "I did not know how many we would face, but it really doesn't matter. We have to face however many men come to take our goods. That is one part of the equation that we do not get to choose."
"What is the task we need to do?" asked Tedi.
"Our campsite is a bit off the road," explained Garth. "I will need some time to prepare it, so you two are going to chase the bandits away while Natia and I sneak down a side road."
"Chase them away?" frowned Morro. "How do you mean?"
"I will loudly announce that I heard something in the woods," explained Garth. "I will ask you two to go and check on it. Each of you will head off the road in a different direction. Be in no hurry when you do so. If the bandits think they will be discovered, they will launch the attack immediately, even though they would prefer to wait for us to be sleeping. Turn deliberately off the road and ride slowly into the trees. My bet is that they will quietly scatter and regroup after you have returned to the road."
"That is what I would do," nodded Morro. "How will we find you and Natia?"
"Once you regain the road," Garth continued, "ride slowly on it. Do not rush to catch up to the wagon."
"The bandits may send riders ahead to keep an eye on the wagon," Morro pointed out.
"We will already be off the road," smiled Garth. "Your slowness is merely to give me some time before they discover our campsite. Keep your eyes on the road. I will drop a coin in the dirt where we turned. Take that road and you will find us easily."
"What if they decide to ambush Morro and me while we are separated from the wagon to make attacking you easier?" asked
Tedi.
"Use Button to scare them," grinned Garth. "I am sure that the fairy could come up with something to give you enough time to race to the campsite."
A little blue head poked out of Tedi's pocket. "Who am I scaring?" asked Button.
"Back in the pocket," chuckled Tedi. "We are being watched."
"Alright," Button said as she dropped down into the pocket, "but you didn't answer my question."
"We were talking about a diversion if Morro and I get attacked before camping for the night," explained Tedi. "It would just require an image of something nasty and big. Think about it for a while."
"She won't have much time to think about it," Garth commented softly. "We are coming up on the spot where I need to make the bandits disappear for a bit."
Without a further word, Garth rode forward until he was riding alongside Natia. He quietly explained the plan to her, and she nodded ever so slightly to indicate her understanding of his instructions. Unexpectedly, Garth suddenly shouted to Tedi and Morro. He announced that he heard something in the trees and ordered them to check it out. Both men immediately turned towards the sides of the road and headed into the trees. Natia picked up the pace of the wagon slightly as Garth pulled a coin from his pouch and held it in his hand. The road made a bend just beyond that point, and Natia increased speed even more. Garth rode on ahead and less than half a league later he dropped the coin in the road and pointed which direction he wanted Natia to turn.
The gypsy princess handled the team expertly as she swung the wagon onto a narrow dirt path leading away from the Zinbar Trail. A thousand paces from the road, Natia saw the campsite without anyone needing to tell her to stop. She halted the wagon in a large clearing alongside a brook. An old fire ring attested to the fact that others had camped there before, and four large, bench-like logs surrounded the ring. As Garth had suggested, she parked the wagon near the stream and hurriedly unhitched the horses. Garth dismounted and handed Natia the reins. He then ran to the rear of the wagon and extracted a spool of fine thread and a bunch of tiny bells. He disappeared into the trees before Natia even had the horses secured. A few minutes later, Morro and Tedi arrived in the campsite. Tedi nodded with agreement at Garth's choice of location and dismounted. Morro also dismounted, and Natia took the reins for both horses.
Final Voyage of the Remora Page 53