“Ahh,” Liselle responded with a conspiratorial nod. “I’ve been in those caverns and it would be impossible for anyone to rescue her.”
“Most definitely,” Hulda agreed, leaning back again. The companions leaned back as well.
“You said she was in a Rojuun city?” Sir Danth asked. “How many cities are there?”
Hulda shrugged. “I don’t know. None of the Rojuun has ever said and no human has explored their caverns to my knowledge.”
Liselle leaned forward this time, followed by the others. “Where do you think they’re keeping the princess?” she asked in a hushed tone.
“Well, I don’t know where the princess would be,” the innkeeper said quietly. “Most of the rumors come out of Alluu, deep in Rojuun territory. It’s the primary city for humans to stay and live while in the caverns. She might be held there, but I couldn’t say for certain.” Hulda sat back and took another drink.
“I’ve heard of Alluu before, but just by name. What can you tell me of it?” Tathan asked.
The waitress brought them more drink. Hulda waved off payment from the companions. She was enjoying the conversation and they had tipped her well in the past. “From what they say, it’s an amazing city. The cave it’s in is enormous, housing tens of thousands of Rojuun and humans.” Hulda motioned with her arms expressively. “Travelers and merchants who have been there talk about Rojuun artists in the streets performing music, painting, or just being weird.”
“Just being weird?” Liselle asked.
“That’s what they say. Sometimes they stand on a stage, moving about in odd ways and call it art. Most humans call it being weird,” Hulda said with a laugh. “The buildings are all painted and surrounded by magnificent parks. You’ve seen the parks and gardens in the Rojuun District near the mountains,” she said gesturing in the general direction. The companions nodded. “The ones in Alluu are said to put those to shame. They say it’s worth seeing at some point in a person’s life.”
“Do you plan on going to visit?” Vevin asked, entranced by the story.
“Me? No. That’s too much of a journey and I have an inn to run.” Hilda set her empty mug on the table and stood, swaying a bit. “I’d better take care of the night’s business and get some sleep. Rest well and may tomorrow bring you new fortune.”
They stood with her. “Sleep well, Hulda. Thank you for the drinks and company,” Tathan said. The innkeeper turned and walked to the back room, swaying slightly.
They sat back down. “That gave us a few clues didn’t it?” Liselle asked hopefully.
He nodded. “It did. I don’t want to travel all the way to Alluu just on one person’s guess though,” Tathan said thoughtfully. “I’m going to ask around tomorrow to see if I can find anything else out.”
“I’ll ask around some too,” Sir Danth said. “I’ve become friendly with a few merchants and might be able to pick up a little information.”
“Good idea,” Tathan agreed. He turned to Liselle. “Perhaps you and Vevin could go shopping for some of that jewelry Hulda was talking about. While you’re there you could ask questions,” he suggested.
Liselle smiled widely. “Yes! I’d love to look at jewelry. That’s a wonderful idea, Tathan. I can use a little bit of the money you gave me to buy something, can’t I?”
“Of course,” he replied. In addition to the gems the Mother Tree had given them, Jarrrn Garrrn had paid them well for battling the sstejj and Tathan had made it a point to split most of it after coming back to Puujan. Some of it he kept for traveling expenses like room and board, but that still left plenty. “The money is yours to do with as you please. Try to spend it wisely and not pay too much for things though,” he cautioned her.
“I’ll do my best, Cousin.” The look on Liselle’s face was one of worry. “I’ve never bought anything before, so I don’t know how much is too much.”
“Vevin, do you know how to shop wisely?” Tathan asked.
“Oh yes! I haven’t been shopping much, but I love it and always get good deals,” he said with a toothsome grin. “People don’t argue when I smile at them.”
“Gee. I wonder why,” Sir Danth said dryly.
“Then it’s agreed,” Tathan declared, rising from his stool. “Let’s get some rest and relax tonight.” Vevin and Liselle followed him up to the rooms while Sir Danth sat in the common room for the night.
Chapter 10
Liselle awoke to see Vevin looking at the dawn light through the open window, his feet shuffling side to side in his sunrise dance. She could tell by the curve of his cheek that he was smiling. He turned to her when she sat up to stretch the kinks out. The bed was comfortable, but she was sore from so much travel.
“Hello, darling.” Vevin came to the bed, sliding behind her to work the knots out of her shoulders.
“Mmm, I’ll give you a year to stop that,” she said, leaning forward with eyes closed in pleasure.
When Vevin stopped immediately, Liselle came to the conclusion that a year flew insanely fast these days. Vevin replied, “I’ll try to massage for a year, but I don’t know if I have that much stamina, and I might get hungry.”
Liselle giggled. “It’s just an expression, dearest. I like it when you rub my shoulders and I wish it could last a year.” She turned back to smile at him, letting him know she was happy.
“Oh, I see now,” he responded with a nod, still looking unsure. He began rubbing again. “It looks like it’ll be hot again today. Hulda had your travel clothes and the robe washed again for you.”
Fresh morning air drifted inside their cool room, bringing the sounds of the waking city. Liselle closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “Mmm. Oh good. I was wanting to wear the robe today. My shoulders feel much better. Thank you,” she said with a smile toward him. He smiled back and grabbed her robe from the bench where it lay folded.
Liselle put it on as she stepped out of bed. After another stretch, they headed downstairs.
The smell of breakfast was divine as usual and Liselle felt her mouth water. Sir Danth was nowhere to be seen, but Tathan was at their favorite table, smiling and waving them over. As they sat, Tathan told them, “Breakfast should be out in a moment. I told her to bring yours out too, figuring you’d be down soon.”
Liselle returned the smile. It looked as though he had taken a bath and his clothes had been cleaned. “You look refreshed.”
He nodded. “I am. A sound below my window woke me up early this morning. It was just a couple of drunks stumbling home after a long night, but I decided to take a bath instead of going back to sleep.” The waitress who brought their food smiled at Tathan a bit longer than the others. It looked as though she had recently taken a bath as well.
They ate mostly in silence, each contemplating what they were going to do for the day. When done, Tathan stood up, said his goodbyes and headed out.
Her cousin seemed so sure of himself all the time. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle or overcome. Liselle sometimes worried that she would drag the rest of the group down. Tathan was good at everything and made good decisions. She wondered if he knew how much Sir Danth and Vevin looked to him for leadership or how much she admired him for all he had done for her.
Vevin and Liselle ate a little slower, but finished before long. “Shall we go, darling?” Liselle asked.
“Oh yes! Let’s.” He stood up, holding his hand out. She took it with a smile and they walked out the door and onto the street.
The midsummer day was already warm. The sun beat down upon the wings of the city, which provided a bit of shade here and there. Liselle listened to the sounds of people calling out and moving around the cobblestone streets. It was all so alien to her.
So far, Liselle had only been out of the inn a couple of times. The last time they were in Puujan, she was still recovering and had only come out one day for a short while before tiring. All the negative effects from her ordeal in the caverns were now gone and she had a spring in her step.
Vevin s
miled happily at her enthusiasm. They traveled hand in hand to the market plaza, giving each other silly grins the entire way. Tathan would have been disgusted at the sight.
Vevin bought her a treat from one of the vendors on a street leading to the market plaza. It made her fingers sticky and she licked them off as they passed the stalls. The air was filled with scents of baked goods intermingled with incense and perfumes. There were amazing colors from clothes and tapestries sold by various merchants. People moved back and forth, many in Rojuun robes that appeared to be a favorite, while others were in the garb of their native lands. Klizania and Iynath were the two types of clothing most recognizable to Liselle, although there were others.
The street vendors were noisy, but not pushy. People moved from booth to booth, buying items befitting their needs and desires. It was an adventure for Liselle. She had spent much of her childhood dreaming about visiting the world’s cities and here she was in one, surrounded by people.
They came across a couple of jewelry vendors who didn’t have anything she really liked. The disappointed look on one vendor’s face made her feel guilty, but Vevin guided her on. The other vendor was busy with a customer and looked to be making a sale, so Liselle didn’t feel so bad.
They reached another stall where exquisite gold and silver jewelry set with various gemstones was laid out on tables. An armed, private guard was at the corner of the tent watching everyone who came nearby. He glanced at Vevin, but didn’t pay much attention. Most people didn’t even notice the dragon. While he had purple hair, skin and clothes along with liquid silver eyes and sharp teeth, he also projected a constant aura that caused people to look past him. Only a few strong-minded people ever observed his presence and they noticed very little about him.
A dark skinned woman in her early thirties got up from her workbench and came to the table Liselle was browsing. She wore sturdy clothes of a smith and her hands were calloused from years of working with precious metals and gems. “Good day to you, Milady,” she said in a melodic voice that betrayed her work-like appearance. “I believe you’ll find my work exceptional if not quite as exceptional and magical as the ring you already wear.”
Liselle looked at the ring on her hand. There was quite likely no ring as magical in the world. Resurrection magic was so rare that none of her companions could think of any other item or person that could cast it. She also had a valuable necklace gained for services in the Rojuun caverns, but wasn’t wearing it. Tathan had explained that it would make her a target for thieves. Vevin kept it for her in that magical place where he kept his other physical possessions.
“It was a gift,” Liselle replied casually. “I like your work. Did you do all this?” she asked, gesturing toward the three tables that had items lain out. On the innermost table were a few platinum pieces with inset emeralds and rubies, the rarest of gems.
“I did. My father taught me when I was a child,” she admitted, wiping a bit of sweat off her forehead with an arm. “Our city was besieged by war and he arranged for my escape. A long journey later, I ended up here where there’s a large supply of precious metals and gems for me to select from.”
It was an amazing amount of information to give out all at once. “Is your father well?” Liselle asked with concern.
The woman shrugged. “I don’t know. The city fell shortly after I escaped. My father might’ve died, or they may have let him live. Jewelsmiths are rare and highly prized throughout the world. I hope for the best, though I have no way of knowing.” She smiled. “Thank you for asking.”
“But of course!” Liselle replied. “Thank you for sharing your story. I’m Liselle.” She held out her hand in friendship. “Might I know your name?”
The jewelsmith took her hand and shook it firmly. “I’m Tiala, Milady. Thank you for asking,” she said with a slight bow. “I have no country mates here in Puujan and few friends. It’s nice to speak with a person, though I hope it not too bold of me to approach you, Milady.”
“Bold? Not at all, Tiala,” Liselle replied with a confused smile. “It’s nice to meet someone friendly. Were you teleported to Puujan from somewhere?” she asked while going back to looking at the jewelry on the table.
“No, I traveled the Cavern Road to get here,” Tiala answered with a shake of her head. “It was fascinating to see all the different cities, the Rainbow Caverns and . . . all of it!.” There was awe in her voice and a look of amazement as she remembered the journey.
“What are the Rainbow Caverns?” Vevin asked. “I haven’t heard of them.”
“Oh they’re absolutely amazing, Milord.” It was the first time Tiala had spoken to Vevin, perhaps even the first time she noticed him. “There are five high waterfalls falling from the ceiling into pools and a few more coming from the walls as well. They create a mist illuminated by the glow of plants and animals. Everywhere a person turns, there are a thousand colorful rainbows just out of reach.”
“Oh, we must go see them, dearest! It sounds truly fascinating,” Vevin told Liselle eagerly. He was bouncing up and down in place. “Everything we’ve heard about the Cavern Road sounds so interesting. I truly think we should take the journey.”
“Yes, yes. We’ll make the journey.” Liselle was also interested in seeing the Rainbow Caverns and got the distinct impression Vevin’s enthusiasm was sincere. “I’m just worried about such dark places and whatever scary creatures might be down there.”
Tiala spoke to her concerns. “They’re not dark or dangerous, Milady. There are light globes along the entire length of the road in addition to the plants and animals, which give off light. The Rojuun have warded the road to prevent any of the more violent creatures of the caverns from disturbing travelers.” She straightened a few pieces of jewelry while talking. It seemed they had to be placed just right, an attention to detail one would expect in a jeweler.
“That sounds like a lot of work,” Liselle replied, feigning awe. It reminded her of the wards protecting the Ancient Road she and Tathan had traveled on through the Willden. “I must say that I’m truly intrigued by it though. I was told the city of Alluu was a good place for humans to experience Rojuun artistry and living.”
“Alluu is extraordinary, but overwhelming at the same time,” Talia said, gesturing broadly. “There’s just so much happening there. It can be hard to separate sounds and colors from each other. It’s definitely worth visiting though, just like the winged city.” She gestured at the wings protruding from the buildings surrounding the plaza.
“I was stunned the first time I saw those. They just seemed so unusual,” Liselle remarked. “Vevin wonders what it would be like to see the city from the sky,” she said with a smile and a hand on her lover’s chest.
“Oh yes, I definitely want to see it from the sky.” Vevin nodded eagerly. “I want to see the Rainbow Caverns and Alluu as well!” He was hopping from foot to foot and swaying energetically. It was a restrained version of the excited dance. Tiala was beginning to look more closely at him as though trying to see through a shroud.
Liselle spoke to distract her attention. “How far is it to Alluu? And how far to the other side of the mountains?” she asked Tiala. “I hear they’re vast. Some people say they never end.” That was an exaggeration, but the woman seemed to be responding to such things.
“Alluu is two or three weeks under the mountains, depending on how fast you travel. There are smaller caves with inns to stay at along the way. The Rojuun don’t approve of anybody sleeping on the road or in neighboring caverns, so be certain you can afford the journey.”
“Is it expensive then?” Liselle asked.
“It costs about a gold uun per night at the inns. That’s more than traveling costs in most places throughout the world, but gold is easier to come by in Rojuun territory and the accommodations are better quality.” Talia smiled as she talked, enjoying the company and the conversation.
“Where are the Rainbow Caverns?” Vevin interjected, still hopping about.
“About ha
lfway from here to Alluu,” Talia answered, looking at him again. Her smile became a puzzled frown as she subconsciously tried to pierce his illusion. “To get all the way underneath the mountains from the Iynath Empire took me eight weeks, but I traveled slowly and spent some time in the cities.”
“Eight weeks!” Liselle exclaimed loudly. Talia turned back to her just as she had hoped. “That’s a long time, dearest. However, I believe we’ll make the journey anyway. It truly does sound fascinating.” Liselle turned back to the jewelsmith and leaned in, whispering, “Have you heard about the kidnapped princess who’s said to be in the caverns?”
Talia scanned the area for listeners. Finding none, she nodded and replied, “I have heard, Milady. It’s all over the city and I think there might be some truth to it.”
“Really? Why would the Rojuun kidnap a princess? They seem so nice,” Liselle said, portraying shock.
“I don’t think they kidnapped her. That doesn’t make sense, but the caverns would be a good place to hide her,” Talia responded.
“Oh, you mean they left her all alone in the caverns?” Liselle said, feigning naiveté. “That seems cruel if you ask me.”
Talia shook her head. “No, no. Not in the caverns. They probably have her in one of the cities. Possibly even Alluu.”
“Wouldn’t she be seen if Alluu is as busy as you say?” Liselle wrinkled her nose in thought, leading the jewelsmith’s conversation in a direction that might bring answers. It was difficult to play dense, but fun at the same time.
“Well they wouldn’t keep her in the streets of the city,” Talia answered with a frown. “There’s a secure, guarded stronghold there where the elder council of Alluu lives and works. Perhaps they’d keep her there,” she finished with a low whisper, once again looking around to make certain she wasn’t overheard.
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