Arik did not see any horses in Barouk, and consequently, no rails to secure them to. Arik halted the group at the edge of the beach, and they dismounted. Arik tied the reins of the two horses to Chaco's reins and strode down to the beach. He marched out onto the first dock he came to and looked at the boats. Most of them were fairly large boats and were clearly designed to stay out at sea for several days before bringing their catch home.
Arik asked several people where they might secure the use of a boat. After blank stares and more than several chuckles, everybody pointed towards the beach. Arik led the group towards the beach and stopped to stare at the maze of boats. Many of the boats were in various stages of repair. Men were patching holes in the hulls. Others were applying colorful dyes to the wood. Masts were removed from ships and men were rubbing sand along the wood. Many ships had their sails removed, and men were stitching patches into the canvas.
"This looks like a graveyard of ships that are not fit to sail," commented Tedi. "How far offshore is this island?"
"Master Khatama did not say," frowned Wylan. "He just said it was a large island south of here."
The boys continued walking along the beach and looking at boats. Suddenly, a scrawny young man raced up to them.
"You looking for a boat?" grinned the young man.
Arik nodded cautiously and the young man's grin stretched to cover his entire face.
"I am Bin-lu," bowed the young man. "I will arrange a boat trip for you?"
"Yes," nodded Arik. "We want to travel to the Island of Storms."
"Island of Storms?" frowned Bin-lu. "Only a crazy man goes to the Island of Storms. I will take you on a nicer voyage. We will go up the coast to Ongchi."
"We just came from Ongchi," Tedi shook his head. "We want to go to the Island of Storms."
"You cannot go to the Island of Storms," argued Bin-lu. "Nobody goes there. You are crazy to want to go there. No captain will take you."
"Can we get a boat without a captain?" asked Wylan.
"Sailing a boat is not like riding a horse," scowled Bin-lu. "Sailing takes much practice. You take a boat out then we will never see the boat again."
"Arik and I know how to sail a boat," insisted Tedi. "We grew up on the sea."
"We would pay well for the use of a boat," offered Arik as he hefted his gold pouch.
Bin-lu stared at the pouch and then turned and gazed down the beach. His eyes returned to Arik and he smiled.
"I can get you a boat for the gold," smiled Bin-lu. "Follow me."
Bin-lu raced down the beach and the boys followed. He stopped next to an old two-masted scow that had seen better days long before the Collapse.
"This boat is just right for you," smiled Bin-lu. "I need gold and something valuable to let you use it."
"Something valuable?" scowled Tedi. "The gold is worth several of these scows."
Bin-lu frowned and shook his head, "In Barouk nothing is worth more than a boat. Without a boat, there is no food."
"What do you mean by something valuable?" asked Arik.
Bin-lu grinned and pointed at the Sword of Heavens.
"No," Arik stated defiantly. "The sword goes with me."
"You get the sword back when you bring the boat back," Bin-lu quickly added. "Cost of boat is only the gold. The sword is to make sure you bring the boat back."
"Let's keep looking," suggested Tedi. "There must be someone in this city that is more reasonable. I am not sure that scow would even get us to the island."
"There nobody else in Barouk that will even let you use a boat," insisted Bin-lu. "Only Bin-lu shuns the sea. I want to be a mighty warrior. This boat belonged to my father."
"Sorry, Bin-lu." Arik shook his head. "We cannot meet your terms. We will look elsewhere for a boat."
Bin-lu shrugged as Arik and the boys turned and walked away. They spent the rest of the day searching for a boat and could not find anyone who would even discuss it. Tired and depressed, they decided to find an inn and sleep for the night. It took them an hour to discover that Barouk only had three inns and all of them had been taken over by the army. They wandered back to the beach to where they had left their mounts. Several hundred paces up the beach was a small stand of palm trees, and they grabbed the reins and walked there. Wylan built a small fire using dried palm fronds, and they enjoyed a light meal and then stretched out on the ground for the night.
After they were asleep for only a couple of hours, Tedi heard a noise and sat upright. He saw three men sneaking up on the campsite and swiftly woke Arik and Wylan. When all three of them were sitting up, the three men turned and ran away.
"It does not appear too safe to sleep on the beach here," scowled Arik.
"The city streets are not much better," added Tedi. "The Sword of Heavens attracts a lot of attention. Every army patrol we passed has stared at it. I think it is better hidden."
"We won't need to hide it on the boat," countered Arik. "We need to find a boat in the morning and get out of here."
"While Bin-lu may have appeared overly eager," frowned Wylan, "I think he was being honest with us. His scow was the only boat on the beach that didn't have someone working on it."
"I think Wylan is right," added Tedi. "These people use their boats daily. Whatever it is about the Island of Storms, it scares Bin-lu. None of the ships will take us there, and we will not be able to buy the use of a ship for ourselves. We really have little choice if we want to get to the Island of Storms."
"We will discuss it in the morning," decided Arik. "I think we will need to keep one of us awake at all times throughout the night. I will take the first watch."
Chapter 19
Uneasy Alliances
"So what are we going to do?" asked Wylan as he watched the Lanoirian fishermen putting out to sea.
"We have little choice if we wish to get to the Island of Storms," frowned Tedi. "Bin-lu is the only one who can help us."
"I will not give up the Sword of Heavens," Arik replied adamantly. "It is not mine to give, and we are lost without it. The short period of time that Azmet had possession of it seemed like an eternity. Perhaps we should go farther down the coast and try the city of Mamik."
"Do you think Bin-lu would keep the Sword of Heavens?" quizzed Wylan.
"No," replied Arik. "I think Bin-lu is honest enough, but I do not think we can take the chance of losing the Sword of Heavens. The Ancient Prophecy depends upon the sword. Without it we will never find the gems, and Sarac will never be killed."
"I agree with Arik," decided Tedi. "It is not just the value of the Sword of Heavens that matters. It is the function of it. Without it we have no chance of defeating Sarac."
"But we have to get to the Island of Storms," frowned Wylan. "What choice do we have?"
"We can give Bin-lu something else of value," sighed Tedi.
"What else of value do we have?" inquired Wylan. "Surely nothing as valuable as the Sword of Heavens."
"No, Tedi," Arik shook his head. "I know how much that means to you. We will find another way to get to the island."
"He is only going to hold it while we have the boat," responded Tedi. "It is not like I will be losing it forever."
"What are you talking about?" interrupted Wylan.
"Tedi is thinking of giving Bin-lu his necklace," frowned Arik. "It is his only remembrance of his mother."
"It is not my only remembrance," argued Tedi. "I have many memories of her. Besides, I agree with you about not giving up the sword. The necklace is all we have that will satisfy Bin-lu's need for assurances that we will return his boat."
"Are you sure about this?" asked Arik.
"My mind is made up," nodded Tedi. "Let us find Bin-lu before the day is spent. I don't fancy spending a night on the water in a strange place."
Tedi stood up and started down the beach in search of Bin-lu. Arik hurried after him, and Wylan grabbed the reins of the horses and followed. Finding Bin-lu in the masses of fisherman proved to be a daunting task, but Tedi final
ly found the scrawny lad sitting with his back to the old scow.
"I thought you would come back," grinned Bin-lu. "Only a crazy men would want to go to the Island of Storms, and crazy men have no choice over their actions."
"What is so bad about the Island of Storms?" Tedi asked as Arik and Wylan caught up to him.
"The sea is nasty out there," Bin-lu began. "And nobody comes back from that island. It is haunted."
"Then why are you letting us use your boat?" asked Arik. "I mean if you do not expect us to return, you cannot expect to see your boat again."
"Not true," grinned Bin-lu. "I think when you get close to the island, you will turn around and come back. If you don't, then the pretty sword is mine."
"Not the sword," interrupted Tedi as he pulled the necklace from under his tunic. "This necklace is what we shall leave with you."
Bin-lu's eyes widened as he stared at the necklace. He hesitantly reached out his hand and touched the necklace. Bin-lu's face broke in a wide grin.
"Necklace is acceptable," Bin-lu nodded vigorously.
"Tell me more of this island," prompted Arik.
Bin-lu's face clouded over with fear and concern. "Island of Storms is not a friendly place," he began. "Some say there are cannibals living on the island, and wild beasts unlike anywhere else. Many people have tried to go there because they think it is an ancient holy place, but they are never heard from again. Sometimes the wreckage of their boats is found, but never any bodies."
"So there is nobody who has ever seen this island and lived to tell about it?" questioned Wylan.
"Oh, no," responded Bin-lu. "Many have seen the island. I have seen the island, but I have never dared to set foot upon it."
"So we have a deal?" asked Tedi.
"We have deal," grinned Bin-lu. "I will help you load things from the horses to the boat."
"The horses are coming with us," declared Arik.
"No," Bin-lu shook his head. "Horses no good on the island. There is no beach, and to enter the island you must climb a great wall of rock. The mountain comes right down to the sea."
"Well we cannot just leave the horses here on the beach," argued Wylan.
"I will take care of your horses," promised Bin-lu. "My uncle has a farm outside city. He has many horses and a big barn. Horses will be safe."
"Alright," agreed Arik. "How long will it take us to reach the island?"
"With good wind," replied Bin-lu as he watched Arik inspecting the sails, "you will be there by darkness. The problem is the wind changes a lot out there. That is why they call it Island of Storms. There is a strong current running between the island and the Horn of Lanoir. You must avoid that. The current is very dangerous."
"Wylan," called Arik, "go with Bin-lu and take the horses to his uncle's farm. Tedi and I will get this boat ready for the voyage."
Wylan nodded and followed Bin-lu up the beach while Arik and Tedi secured their belongings aboard the scow.
"Are you sure this thing is up to the voyage?" Tedi asked.
"The hull is in good shape," mused Arik. "The sails have not been used in a long time, but I do not see any tears or fraying in them. I think it will be alright for a day's voyage."
"I hope you meant to say two day's voyage," chuckled Tedi. "I am not planning on this being a one-way trip."
"Are you sure about the necklace, Tedi?" Arik asked softly.
"Yes," nodded Tedi. "I thought a lot about it last night when I was on watch. Although I never want to lose it, we will survive without it. The same cannot be said about the Sword of Heavens. Besides, I know that it belonged to your mother and not mine."
Silence fell over the old scow as Arik and Tedi continued to ready the craft for the voyage to the Island of Storms. By the time Wylan and Bin-lu returned, the boat was ready to be dragged to the sea. Tedi took off the necklace and carefully handed it to Bin-lu.
"Guard this well," Tedi said. "It is worth more than gold to me. It was my mother's, and I want it back when we return."
Bin-lu nodded vigorously and bowed slightly. "I shall protect it better than my most prized possession," he said. "May the winds be at your back."
They dragged the scow into the water, and Tedi leaped aboard to unfurl the sails. The rest of the boys waded into the water and pushed the boat further into the sea. Wylan was next to haul himself over the side of the boat while Arik and Bin-lu continued to push the boat. Eventually, Tedi got some wind into the sails and Arik climbed aboard. Bin-lu continued to push until the water rose too high for him to maintain his footing. He stood in the water and waved to the three boys as the wind filled the sails. The scow headed for the open sea.
Bin-lu returned to the beach and pulled the necklace from his pocket. He marveled at the beauty of it and clasped it around his neck. For the next two hours, Bin-lu strode up and down the beach showing off the necklace and relishing the admiration of his friends. Having impressed all of his friends on the beach, Bin-lu strode into the city center. He saw a large crowd and headed towards it.
Bin-lu worked his way into the crowd to see what was attracting everyone. As he got to the front of the crowd, he saw a group of soldiers and a large cart that had a cage built upon it. Four strong horses were attached to the cart, and Bin-lu squinted to see the people inside the cage. The prisoners were unremarkable, and Bin-lu did not see anyone he knew inside the cage. The soldiers often came through Barouk with prisoners on the way to Ongchi and always a crowd gathered to look for friends or relatives. Bin-lu shrugged and turned to leave the crowd when he felt a strong hand grasp his arm. Bin-lu tried to shake his arm free and then looked over his shoulder with a scowl on his face. He immediately cringed when he saw that it was a soldier who had seized him and not someone jockeying for position.
Bin-lu's first thought was to run through the crowd to safety. Although he had done nothing wrong, the soldiers seldom needed an excuse to arrest anyone. Often they grabbed boys off the street to serve in the army, but he had never heard of that happening with a prison wagon before. The prison wagon was used to haul criminals before the Emperor. Bin-lu tried again to shake free from the soldier, and the soldier called for help as he clung tightly to Bin-lu. Soon Bin-lu was dragged from the crowd towards the prisoner wagon.
"I have done nothing," shouted Bin-lu. "I am not a criminal."
An officer approached the two men holding Bin-lu and slapped Bin-lu's face. He grabbed Bin-lu by the hair and yanked his head upward.
"Throw him in the wagon," ordered the officer. "Tie his hands to the bars."
Bin-lu was dragged to the back of the wagon and thrown inside. Before he could even right himself, his arms were seized through the bars and his hands were lashed tightly to the cage. His face still stinging from the slap, Bin-lu tried to figure out what he could have done to be considered a criminal as the wagon started rolling towards the gates of the city.
***
"See that deer?" asked Master Khatama as he pointed into the woods.
"Yes," nodded Niki.
"Call it over here," instructed Boris.
"If I shout it will run away," frowned Niki. "Why should I chase it?"
"Not with your voice," sighed Boris. "Use your mind. Direct your thoughts to the deer and tell it to come to you."
Niki's eyebrows rose as she looked at Master Khatama. At first she thought he was teasing her, but his face was quite serious. She turned her gaze to the deer and tried to figure out how she should call it.
"Close your eyes," instructed Master Khatama. "Do not be distracted by sights. Think only of the deer. Now, within your mind, talk to the deer as if you were standing next to it having a conversation. Urge it to enter the campsite so that you might touch it."
Niki sat with her eyes closed as she struggled to make believe she was talking to the deer. She tried pleading and commanding, but she felt no response from the deer. Frustrated by the lack of response, Niki sighed and opened her eyes. Her mouth fell open, and she emitted a screech as she saw the deer sta
nding before her. The startled deer bounded out of the campsite in a flash.
"That was excellent," congratulated Master Khatama.
"I don't believe it," Niki shook her head. "I was waiting for it to talk back to me. I never imagined that it even heard me."
"Animals have very little communications skills," remarked Boris. "Still it understood what you wanted."
"But then I scared it away," pouted Niki.
"You cannot blame the poor creature for being scared," chuckled Boris. "This confirms my suspicions about your capabilities. We shall work each day on improving your skills."
"How do you know all of these things?" asked Niki. "Talking to animals does not sound like a skill a merchant would have."
"It is a skill that you have," corrected Boris as his face clouded in a frown. "I do not remember where I learned about people with powers such as yours. Perhaps I traveled with one at some time in the past."
"What are you doing with that stick?" Niki asked after a long moment of silence.
"I am making a new staff," answered Boris as he rubbed oil over the long pole. "This is a very fine piece of wood and will make a wonderful staff."
"You already have a staff," Niki said as she watched Boris rubbed the wood with sand.
"Quite true," nodded Boris, "but one never passes up such a fine opportunity. You never can tell when another staff might come in handy."
"Are you making it for me?" asked Niki.
"Are you skilled with a staff?" responded Master Khatama.
"No," frowned Niki. "I have had lessons, but I am not good at it. I am not good at a lot of things."
"So you are normal then," laughed Boris. "People have talents, but nobody is good at everything. Concentrate on what talents you have, and do not dwell on those that you are not suited for."
Abuud: the One-Eyed God Page 23