by Barb Hendee
Along both side walls, ledges grew from the hull, but the room contained little else, except for its occupant.
A woman in a plain canvas tunic and breeches, her feet bare, sat on one ledge. Her hair was pleated tightly across her skull in neat curling rows, further exposing skin paler than most an'Croans'. She sat with her back flush against the hull.
"Easaille… you do not sing to your ship?" he asked, and settled beside her.
"It slumbers for a while," she answered, "and its dreams run deep in the ocean."
"I must ask again for a private moment here," he said, "but I will try not to disturb the ship's rest."
A ship's hkoeda rarely left anyone alone in a heart-room, and his frequent requests were a severe imposition. But Easaille stretched her arms and rolled her shoulders with a smile.
"More secret talks with some other ship's hkoeda," she teased in a soft voice, and leaned her face toward him in mock jealousy. "Or is it some female hkomas you court so covertly?"
"I am too old for such things," Hkuan'duv answered. "And why would I seek such company elsewhere… if I come here?"
Easaille rolled her eyes at his faltering attempt to return her flirtation. She patted his leg and left quietly.
Alone, he stood up and lightly placed his bare hands against the great arch of the root-tail's base. He slid his fingers over its smooth, vibrating surface, and wondered what it would be like to be hkoeda… to slumber in the depths and in the dreams of a Pairvanean.
Avranvard's voice disrupted his thoughts. Are you there?
Resentment, rather than relief or anticipation, welled in Hkuan'duv. "Report."
My hkomas is troubled. Tomorrow, we make an unscheduled stop, and he is angry that he was not previously informed.
Hkuan'duv frowned. "Who requested this?"
Sgailsheilleache… but he will not explain why, only that it is necessary.
Hkuan'duv puzzled over this unexpected change. "Does he plan to go ashore?"
I do not know this either. He will say nothing of his purpose… not even to the hkomas.
Avranvard sounded petulant, and her lack of respect left Hkuan'duv cold toward her difficulties. Why had Most Aged Father entrusted such a juvenile outsider to function as informant?
"Report tomorrow at noon and after the evening meal," Hkuan'duv said.
Without waiting for acknowledgment, he lifted his hands from the root-tail's base.
All these changes meant the hkomas of his ship would need to stop and linger until the other vessel moved on. As he left the heart-room, Easaille came down the aft starboard stairs. He nodded quickly at her coy smile and headed back toward his quarters.
As the ship had slowed and anchored, Chap looked over the starboard rail-wall at a wild shore of gray-tinged sand and beached seaweed with nothing but a thick tree-line behind.
No harbor. Not even a small enclave. And only a rise of high mountains beyond granite foothills broke the skyline.
Chap perched on a storage chest with Wynn behind him and watched the skiff being lowered into the water. He grew more puzzled and unsettled with each passing moment. The day before, Sgaile had announced this unscheduled stop.
"What is he up to?" Wynn asked.
I do not know.
Sgaile, Osha, Leesil, and Magiere came up the stairwell below the aftcastle, seemingly all talking at once. Osha looked openly confused, but Magiere appeared angry.
"What are you hiding?" she demanded. "Leesil's just supposed to go ashore with you, and you won't tell us why?"
Leesil stood behind her, waiting for an answer. He and Magiere had dressed for cold weather with new coats over their hauberks and weapons strapped to their backs. Sgaile shouldered a canvas pack with a coil of rope lashed down its side and his open distress surprised Chap.
"You were not even to come!" Sgaile said to Magiere.
"That's done with, already," she answered, "and not open to debate."
Leesil, caught between the two of them, let out a deep sigh.
"I have told you all that I am permitted to," Sgaile returned. "This voyage was arranged by Brot'an'duive-and Cuirin'nen'a, Leshil's mother. I know little of their intentions, but I swore to Brot'an'duive that I would carry out his instructions."
Chap caught the strain in Sgaile's voice, driven by more than Magiere's bullying, and wondered at Sgaile's reluctance for whatever task was at hand. Letting Magiere, or any human, become involved in the affairs of his people was no new burden for Sgaile.
"It is not something I can speak of," Sgaile added. "And not just because of human presence. Before now, this task has only been for the Anmaglahk. Even Leshil's involvement is unprecedented."
"Yes?" Magiere answered. "All the more reason for me to come along."
"All right," Leesil sighed. "It's settled, so leave it alone."
Sgaile slowly shook his head. "We will travel inland from here."
"How long?" Magiere asked.
"Days."
"Sgaile!" she warned.
He pursed his lips. "Three days in, three days out-considering extra precautions for your presence. The hkomas and crew will wait with the ship."
"Six days," Magiere whispered, turning away.
Chap realized he had witnessed the tail end of an extended argument, and he tried to dip into Sgaile's memory. He caught a flash of a dark place where only a glimmer like lantern light reflected off a strange sheer wall of silver. Then came a brief glimpse of a tan elven hand holding a dull black oblong of stone, perhaps ground smooth by the tides over years. For an instant, Chap thought he saw marks scratched into its surface.
The memories sank from Sgaile's thoughts and beyond Chap's awareness.
Chap's companions were not the only ones who had changed during their time among the an'Croan; Sgaile had been altered as well. The mind of a seasoned anmaglahk should have been nearly blank of rising memories. These brief glimpses showed that Sgaile's self-control was wavering. It was not a good sign.
Wynn closed on Magiere, and Chap looked them both up and down. No one had asked Wynn to pack for this journey.
The little sage had hardened much in two seasons, but not enough. A time might come when she would be left behind for more than six days. Although Chap's foremost concern was watching over Magiere and Leesil, the thought of Wynn left unguarded worried him more and more.
He had tried now and then to goad Wynn playfully, to make her assert herself. That day on the deck he had not anticipated her grabbing his tail and sending them both spinning into a tangle. In retrospect, he should have considered the crew's reaction to a human tussling with a majay-hi. What came of that was his fault-his foolishness-born of concern for Wynn. Still, it was all he could think of to continue her slow climb to greater internal strength.
"If you are going inland," Wynn said bluntly, "then I am going as well."
Sgaile finally noticed the little sage, and Osha's long face clouded over in silence.
"No," Sgaile answered flatly. "It is enough that I relented to Magiere's… request."
Magiere glanced about the ship. "We're not leaving Wynn with this crew."
"Osha will watch over her," Sgaile countered, and turned to his young companion. "Do you accept this purpose?"
Brief shock washed over Osha's face, and he nodded. "Yes, I accept."
"I do not!" Wynn retorted. "Where are you going? And why did you wait until now to tell us any of this?"
Sgaile's jaw muscles tightened as he turned back to Magiere.
"We travel swiftly. Even if I were of a mind for another outsider, the scholar would slow us. She stays… but I give my word she will be safe with Osha."
"Wynn…," Magiere began but trailed off.
Wynn's expression drained, losing even indignation. "You want to travel quickly."
"I want to get back as soon as possible," Magiere corrected. "And move on."
Leesil settled a hand on Wynn's shoulder. "I know this sounds insane, but Sgaile wouldn't ask unless it was important,
and I-"
"You want to know what Brot'an arranged," Wynn finished.
"Brot'an can rot for all I care!" Leesil snapped, and then calmed himself. "But if my mother's involved in this…"
"I understand," Wynn said, looking down at the deck.
Chap sympathized with her, but he had larger issues to worry about- particularly if all this was more of Brot'an's scheming. He tried again to dip into Sgaile's memories.
This time he caught flickering images of Wynn in Crijheaiche and Ghoivne Ajhajhe, asking questions, nosing about… and then perched upon the city's shoreside embankment, scribbling in one of her journals.
Indeed, Sgaile's composure was slipping. He did not want Wynn on this journey, but not for the reason he had given. Once again, Sgaile was caught between his caste's ways and whatever Brot'an'duive had pressed him into-something Sgaile did not want Wynn recording.
I will go with them, Chap projected, stepping in beside her, and tell you everything when we return.
A bit of mischief at such a notion filled Wynn's eyes as she crouched and cupped his face in her hands. She began to say something, but Chap cut her off.
Stay with Osha.
Wynn looked up at the others. "You should get started."
Magiere frowned, as if wondering at Wynn's sudden compliance, and glared down at Chap. It was clear to Chap that she knew exactly what had passed silently between them.
Magiere turned and headed for the rail-wall. "We'll be back as soon as we can."
The hkomas crossed his arms, and Sgaile would not even look at him. Osha stepped in protectively behind Wynn as Chap trotted off behind Magiere.
A young woman with a thick braid and oversized boots gazed at him with anxious eyes. But Chap ignored her and arched up, hooking his forepaws on the rail-wall's top near the rope ladder. There he waited so he might climb onto Leesil's back.
Leesil raised his feathery eyebrows. "No, you stay here."
Chap wrinkled a jowl. Since when was he to be treated like a dog? He was the guardian of his charges, and neither of them had anything to say about it. He barked twice, loudly, for "no."
Magiere stepped through the rail-wall gate, one foot settling on the ladder. "You can't climb down by yourself, and we're not carrying you."
She swung her other leg over and began climbing down. Chap barked a succession of angry yips.
Leesil followed Magiere, and Chap considered biting the back of his breeches. Sgaile looked uncomfortable as he stepped through the rail-wall gate.
"Apologies," he said to Chap. "We will return soon."
Magiere was right about one thing. Chap could not climb down by himself. But it was time he reminded them of their position as his charges. He watched until Magiere settled in the skiff, and then backed a few feet along the deck.
"What are you doing?" Wynn called in alarm.
Chap rushed through the rail-wall gate and leaped out into the air at the last instant. He hit the water just beyond the skiff and sank amid the loud sound of his own splash. The sea was far colder than he had expected.
When he resurfaced, sucking breath through his nose, both Magiere and Leesil were shouting at him. He paddled quickly to the skiff's side. Magiere pursed her lips tight in anger, and reached for him. Leesil just looked worried and both of them hauled him in over the skiff's side.
Chap shook himself hard, spraying seawater everywhere. Both Magiere and Leesil tried to shield their faces, as Sgaile fought to steady the skiff.
"You misbegotten mutt!" Magiere shouted and grabbed for Chap's scruff.
He turned on her, snarling.
Magiere lost her footing and fell back into Leesil, seated in the skiff's prow. The skiff rocked wildly, and both their expressions turned blank with shock.
"What has gotten into you?" Leesil said.
Chap glared back with a low rumble in his throat and then spun to face Sgaile.
"Have you got him?" Wynn called from above.
Chap did not look up, and no one answered Wynn. He remained in place before Sgaile, rumbling a low threat. Elves never interfered with a majay-hi, and Sgaile's behavior had always suggested he knew Chap was much more than even that.
Sgaile slowly raised both hands, palms out. "As you wish," he whispered and reached for the oars.
Chap ceased rumbling and glanced over his shoulder at Leesil and Magiere.
"Fine!" Magiere grumbled, swatting off the droplets of seawater running down her coat.
Chap lifted his muzzle, looking up for Wynn, but instead he spotted the young elven girl with the thick braid. She gripped the rail-wall near the ship's stern, watching as the skiff turned toward the shore. Chap looked past Sgaile, rowing hard, and out over the skiff's prow.
Chattering seagulls circled overhead, and Chap wondered what lay beyond the shore.
Wynn settled on the cabin's floor that night, warming the cold lamp crystal in her hands. Its light increased, glowing brightly between her fingers, and she set it on her bunk ledge. Osha sat cross-legged nearby, arranging their dinner tray of dried apricots, grilled halibut, and elven tea.
The crystal provided their only light. Sea air wafted through the open porthole, and the ship sat steady at anchor. The cabin seemed a cozy and welcome place.
"I am sorry you had to stay behind because of me," she said in Elvish. No one else was present, and Elvish was easier for Osha, even with their differing dialects.
Osha poured two cups of tea. "I am glad to fulfill such a purpose in service to you."
Wynn settled across from Osha, both dressed in their loose elven garments-he in his anmaglahk tunic and pants, more charcoal gray than green in the low light, and she in the dusty yellow and russet of Sgaile's clan. They had never shared a meal in private, and as they ate, Wynn grew curious. For one, how much did Osha know of where Sgaile had taken Leesil and Magiere-and why?
"Do you know where they are going?" she asked.
Osha rocked backward slightly, trying not to meet her eyes.
"Please do not ask such questions," he said, though it sounded like a plea. "Sgailsheilleache has put his faith in me. I cannot fail him."
Wynn sighed and leaned against the bunk's edge, feeling a little guilty for tempting Osha to betray a confidence.
"Why are you here, Osha?" she asked. "Why did Sgaile bring you?"
Then she wanted to cringe. That had not come out right. It sounded as if she thought Osha would have been the last of all possible choices. But he appeared oblivious to her slip. He took a breath and exhaled, as if he had achieved something which brought him long-sought relief.
"He is now my jeoin."
"Your…," Wynn began, puzzling over the title, and finally had to continue in Belaskian. "Your… 'assenter'?"
Osha cocked his head. "It is the word for what he is, my… " He, too, had to turn to Belaskian as well. "I find my teacher!"
He took another long breath before continuing in Elvish.
"It has been hard to find one who was willing enough for me to even ask. But when Sgailsheilleache said I should come to stay with his family, I knew my search was over."
Wynn was careful to smile happily at this. Judging by what she had seen and heard, the lanky young elf was not like the rest of his caste, perhaps not even suited to their calling, and yet he would not give up. But inside, she was not happy at all over this news. Osha had found someone to take him in, and Sgaile would apprentice him.
As an assassin, among other things.
"I am glad for you," Wynn said and reached for her tea, contemplating some other topic. "Tell me of… your family, where you grew up."
Osha blinked. "My family? You wish to hear about my life?"
Her smile was sincere this time. "Has no one ever asked you this before?"
He shook his head. "No."
"Never?" She sat upright in surprise. "Yes, I wish to know about your life."
Osha seemed to gather his thoughts for a long moment.
"I am of the alachben"-he switched briefly
to Belaskian-"the Rock-Hills clan… a place not like Crijheaiche or Ghoivne Ajhajhe. My people live simply, raising goats in the foothills to be shorn for their hair."
"And the hides for our new coats?"
"Yes," he answered, then hesitated. "But my father was not well… a difficulty with his heart." Osha placed a hand over his chest, and his gaze drifted. "Our healers could not mend it, and he died young, only sixty-three years of age. My mother fell into mourning and could not rise again."
"I am sorry," Wynn said. "You must have felt alone."
He looked at her, amber eyes clearing in the cold lamp crystal's light.
"No, I have three siblings, and my brother and sisters took charge of the herds, but I was the youngest by many years. Even Chionntaj, my sister closest to me in age, saw me as one more duty among others."
He dropped his eyes to the untouched meal between them, and Wynn gleaned a small glimpse of Osha's youth. A lonely childhood at best. And it appeared he had been given little to no responsibility, which might account for his lack of self-confidence or practical abilities. She wanted to take his hand.
"Both my parents passed over," she said, wishing to distract him. "I grew up an orphan in the sages' guild in Malourne."
Osha raised his head. "No clan?"
Wynn smiled again. "Not as you think of it, but I was never alone. The sages became my family, and a good one at that, as I was privileged to grow up among them instead of in the orphanage. I attended one of the public schools they established in the king's city, and something new and interesting was always happening on the guild's grounds. Or I would just listen while my elders sank into one of their perpetual debates, which never seemed to be settled. They taught me history and languages. Later, Domin Tilswith, an elder of the Order of Cathologers, took me as his apprentice. I traveled with him to this continent. I have been most fortunate in my life."
But Wynn felt an ache of longing for her days in the guild, for lentil and tomato stew, for the caring company of scholarly comrades.
"This is why you became a… a 'sage' yourself?" Osha asked. "Because you value their way of life?"
She was uncertain how to answer. "Yes, in part. I wanted to learn and explore, to share knowledge and teach others." She tilted her head. "Why did you join the Anmaglahk?"