by Wilson Harp
“She is my friend, too, Tal. I would not have them harm her.”
“Then keep watch over her. I place her under your protection.”
“Am I yours that you can assign me this way? A piece of furniture to place behind a locked door?” Siande asked.
“No, you are not even owned by your own father, who is probably tearing the city apart looking for you by now.”
“How much more the king will be looking in every corner for his wayward son?”
Tal laughed.
“Don’t smile, Tal. I still have some work to do,” said Daelcor.
“Of course.”
“The herbs are working?” asked Meleus.
“Indeed. I can barely feel the wound and I don’t feel the needle at all,” said Tal.
“My lord, one of the bandits yet lives,” said Jubaas as he returned to the fire. “Though I doubt he will be with us by morning.”
Daelcor poured more water over Tal’s face.
“What should I do with him?” Jubaas asked.
“Are you done?” Tal asked Daelcor.
“I’ve done as much as I can in this light.”
Tal moved his jaw and twisted his neck.
“I will apply some herbs and bandage it,” Daelcor said.
“My lord? What should I do with the one who lives?”
Tal stood and looked at Jubaas.
“Drag him to the road. Then take the bodies of his companions and pile them on top of him. Pile up brush and wood and burn their bodies like you would diseased livestock. That’s what these men were, depraved and diseased animals.”
“Tal, you can’t burn their bodies. The gods would not approve,” Daelcor said.
“Can anyone tell me the punishment for touching a member of the royal family?”
No one spoke as Tal met each of their eyes. He felt like he stood on the sea, the world rocked gently.
“Since no one remembers, I’ll recite what was repeated to me hundreds of times by the priests and my mother. ‘For the one who lays his hand upon a royal person, they shall be thrown into the fires of Ochtur not as a sacrifice of obedience, but as punishment to burn forever without pardon.’” Tal motioned to his face. “One of them struck me and scarred me for life. I will send his soul to Ochtur for eternity.”
“And the others?” Jubaas asked. “Have they offended you as greatly?”
Tal looked at Siande. She pulled her cloak closer to her body as she met his eyes.
“Yes, they have offended me greatly.”
Tal walked over to Siande and sat at her feet.
“My prince, are you well?”
“I feel wonderful,” he said. “Sit with me.”
“The camp is in disorder, we need to put it back in place.”
“The others can take care of it. Sit and talk with me.”
Siande looked back at Meleus who motioned her to do as she was told.
“Very well, my prince. What should we talk about?”
“I always smile when you are near,” Tal said. “I wonder why.”
Tal fell into her.
“Daelcor, help!” she said. “Is he well?”
Daelcor eased Tal back onto the ground and placed a blanket under his head.
“He’s fine. The shock of battle has worn off and the herb is in full effect. He will sleep until morning.”
Siande covered Tal with a blanket and lay next to him.
Tal woke with a start. He sat up and looked around at a camp site in the cool mists of early morning.
“Where am I?” he whispered.
“Sleeping late,” Siande said. “I was worried when the noise of breakfast did not wake you.”
Tal yawned and then touched his face as he winced in pain.
“The bandits,” he said. “I remember the bandits. Where are the others?”
“They decided we should stay here for the day. Jubaas is hunting for food and Meleus and Daelcor have gone to find more wood for the fire and water for our skins.”
“You should have wakened me. We need to reach the shrine tonight.”
“Meleus is still not well enough to travel and we didn’t know how badly you were hurt.”
Tal touched his cheek again. The bandages were stiff and smelled of herbs and blood. “It hurts, but not so much as I can’t travel.”
“It’s a day. That’s all. One day more or less won’t make our troubles back home any less.”
“I’m not worried about trouble; I just need answers.”
“Answers to what?”
Tal hesitated. If she knew he was going to ask about the battle and about her father, his real danger would come from the woman who slept beside him the last two nights.
“There are some issues which are private and I seek the gods’ advice.”
“You seek the gods when you act so irreverent to them?”
“What do you mean?”
Siande leaned in close and whispered. “You killed the eagle and then you ordered the bodies of the bandits burned. Including one who yet lived.”
Tal shook his head. “I still revere the gods.”
“Did you think of them when you made those decisions? Why would they aid you with answers?”
“The prophet will hear me and will ask the gods on my behalf. I perform the prayers and attend the rituals.”
“But you don’t respect them.”
Tal sighed and looked around the camp. He desperately wanted someone to turn the conversation.
“Ah, Jubaas,” he said as the scout came into view.
“Hail, my lord. We should keep quiet and hidden today.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I just had a conversation with a rider from Mestor. He is looking for a missing girl and said she might be travelling with several men of status.”
“Praset has sent riders,” Tal said.
“I didn’t even know he knew there was a road here. I had never heard of this shrine until you told me you were heading here,” Siande.
“What did the rider say?” Tal asked.
“He was interested in the burned bodies on the road. I told him I had heard from my cousin there had been a plague in this part of the woods and the people here had taken to burning the victims,” Jubaas answered.
“Did he believe it?”
“I think so. Mention of a plague set him to ride hard. He will reach the shrine, inquire about any visitors and leave. I’ll keep watch on the road and let you know when he has gone back toward Mestor.”
“Good. Let me know when he passes. It was well considered to stay in camp for today, otherwise we would have been discovered,” Tal said.
Jubaas dropped two rabbits and a pheasant next to the fire and headed back toward the road.
“I should stay here until you return,” Siande said. “He will have left word at the shrine to look for me.”
“Unlikely. Telling them a woman with dark hair was missing would raise all manner of questions. They’ll just know the messenger was looking for a group which includes a young woman. When we arrive, we’ll simply say the messenger found us, we informed him of our destination, and he rode back to Mestor with the information. Why do you cringe?” Tal asked.
“I hate my hair. It marks me as cursed,” she said.
“Don’t speak such words and don’t let those thoughts enter your mind. I’ve never believed you were cursed. Not what the priests say, nor even Tumat, could persuade me.”
“Will you ask the gods what they say?”
“I will ask them.”
Siande threw herself into Tal’s arm. “I hope you will forgive me for touching you unbidden,” she said.
“You have my leave to touch my person at any time.”
A cough behind him made Tal freeze, he turned to see Meleus and Daelcor with their arms loaded with branches.
“Our apologies, my lord. We thought you might be chilled and brought back some firewood,” Daelcor said. “Would you like for us to return it where we found it and give you
a little privacy.”
Siande slipped from Tal’s arms and stepped toward the smoldering fire.
“Put the wood down and be quiet.” Tal said. “A rider from Mestor heads to the shrine. When he heads back down the mountain, we’ll continue. Until then, we’ll rest in silence and recover our strength.”
“Can we risk a fire?” asked Meleus.
“A small one,” said Tal. “The mists should keep the smoke from rising.”
“Good,” said Daelcor. “I’m hungry.”
The afternoon passed as they rested and ate. They spoke of dreams and hopes, the sort of conversations the young think frivolous, but look back upon with fond remembrance. Finally, Jubaas returned from his watch.
“He’s gone,” he said. He sat at the fire and looked at the picked over carcasses of the rabbits.
“No pheasant left?” he asked.
“Sorry. We were hungry and fresh pheasant is delicious,” said Siande.
Jubaas smiled at her. “It is, isn’t it? I’ll be back.”
“We should have saved him some,” she said. “He did catch it. He should have had the first portion.”
“Tal should have first portion,” said Meleus.
“Why?” asked Tal. “Why is my stomach more important than any of yours?”
“You have the blood of Mestor in your veins.”
“I find that of little use outside of the royal courts. Yesterday my blood was spilled by a man who did not know, and likely did not care, whose blood flowed in me. And today I was fed by a man who likely cares just as little.”
“Don’t say that, Tal,” Daelcor said. “He’s a good man, even if he is a bit sour.”
“No, you mistake me. I find it admirable. He’s honest with me and always give me his good advice. He doesn’t try to flatter me, and determine which way his answer will be received.”
“Have I served you poorly?” Meleus asked.
“No, dear Meleus, you have always served me well and as you should. I need those who serve me, but I need those who don’t hold me in such esteem, too.”
Daelcor stood and sat down by Tal. “Don’t worry, my prince. As long as you find yourself in this company, I think you will never have to worry about too much esteem.”
Tal pushed the priest over and laughed at him. “You never did have the pomposity which is expected of a priest, I’m surprised they let you take the oath.”
“Someone’s here,” Siande said. She moved to stand behind Tal.
They all sighed in relief when Jubaas stepped through the trees with two more pheasants in his hand.
“That was fast,” Meleus said.
“They were near the wood. I was able to take them easy,” he said.
“Eat your fill,” said Tal. “We ate by your hand earlier, and we are pleased and full. I want to be at the shrine tomorrow by noon, so let’s not wait until dark to find our beds.”
Daelcor looked at the pheasants as Jubaas cleaned and roasted them, but he did not grumble about being hungry. The others arranged their blankets and rested as Jubaas made his meal.
Even though the day had been spent with light labor, all fell asleep before the moon had risen. Tal woke once in the night and smiled as he felt Siande stir beside him. His mother would disapprove, as would Praset he was sure, but if he could convince his father to send him as an emissary to another court or on some trade mission to foreign lands, he would be able to take her and not bear the brunt of their scorn.
The morning was wet as rains worked their way up from the plains and into the mountains. The small group made their way up the road, which had become slick and muddy from the intermittent downpours. The silence of a miserable march settled on everyone.
“Will it snow?” Tal asked Jubaas.
“No. It’s cold, but not cold enough for snow. I wish it were, snow would be easier to move through. I’m glad we made it to the ridge before the rains came, it would have been impossible to get up the steep climb.”
“How far to the shrine?”
“Can’t be far, the rider was only gone a few hours. After the noon hour, I’m sure, but I can’t find the sun to know what time it is.”
It was over an hour later when Jubaas pointed at a white stone along the road.
“A marker for travelers,” he said. “We should be close now.”
The shrine was closer than he anticipated. The road turned into the forest and away from the side of the mountain. In just a few minutes, Tal saw a shining spire through the tree tops.
“There it is,” Daelcor said just a minute later. “Finally.”
Tal smiled as they approached the gate. Two rough and wet soldiers sat in front of the gate, their hoods up to keep off the rain and scowls on their faces to keep away visitors.
“Do you have business here?” one of them shouted as they saw the group approach.
Daelcor pulled out his priestly vestment which he had packed away from the rain.
“I’m a priest of Hondre and I seek access to the Shrine of Llystam.”
The guards staggered to their feet and banged on the gate. “Open, we have travelers,” one said.
The gate opened a few feet and the soldiers motioned inside. “The building to your right houses our guests,” the guard said.
Daelcor led the others in and they hurried to the building.
“Come in, come in,” a young man said. “Welcome to the Shirne of Llystam. You are wet and hungry, I will have dry clothes and food brought. What business do you have with us?”
Tal stepped forward and took a bag from his belt. He took out a small object and held it out for the man to see.
“I am Prince Taldirun and I have come in secret to speak to the prophet.”
The man paled at the words. “Of course, my lord. I will send word at once. Anicus is our leader and he will come as soon as able and arrange your meeting.”
“Thank you, and please hurry with our clothes and food.”
“At once, my lord.” The young man turned and ran out into the rain.
In a few minutes, servants arrived with dry clothes and water for the travelers. Anicus arrived several minutes later leading more servants who brought hot food and wine.
“Prince Taldirun, I am honored by your visit. I was told this is a secret visit which is why you have arrived in this manner.”
“Indeed, I need to speak to the prophet and have him asks the gods questions on my behalf.”
“The wound you have, was that from your victorious battle some weeks ago?”
“No, this is a fresh wound taken two days ago from a bandit’s blade.”
“Bandits? On the road?”
“Yes, not a day’s march from here.”
“I apologize, my lord. Our patrols are— “
Tal held up his hand. “A discussion for another time. Right now I wish to eat and rest from my journey. But above all, I need to speak to the prophet.”
“I have arranged for you to meet with him at mid-morning tomorrow, my lord. Do you approve?”
Tal nodded. “I do. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Of course, my lord.”
Anicus motioned to the servants and left Tal and the others to eat and rest.
Chapter 11
Tal stood still and looked around. The trees were just as he remembered, tall and perfect. The amber haze in the distance concealed any landmark which may have guided him. He sat at the base of a tree and waited. He knew no matter where he went, it would all look the same. And the man would appear in his own time.
“You have returned.”
Tal looked at the speaker. “Or I was called here.”
“Not this time. You seek me out today, and as I promised, I answered you.”
“Will you always answer me?”
“Yes, but not always like this.”
“How will I know you, then?”
“What have I taught you? Seek the truth and don’t strive for glory. Do these things and you will hear my voice when you seek answe
rs.”
“I do seek answers. Can you give them to me?”
“Answers to which questions? What happened on the field of battle? Why men are sacrificed in the temple? If Siande is cursed?”
“I seek answers for all of those, but had not thought to ask about the sacrifices.”
“Don’t ask that of the prophet tomorrow. He won’t be able to give you an answer.”
“Can you?”
“Not an answer you would understand.”
“What of the other questions?”
“Taldirun, you have traveled for days, taken an adventure in secret, and have secured an audience with the prophet. And now you seek me out on the eve of your triumph?”
“I should have sought you sooner.”
The man smiled and stroked his beard. “Do you think so? Do you think I will just give all knowledge because you are curious? If you had been as curious with Tumat, you would never have left his feet.”
“Why did you come if you don’t intend to answer me?”
“Because I told you I would answer when you sought me. It is good for you to seek knowledge, it’s something to value.”
“I will speak to the prophet tomorrow. What should I ask him?”
“Do you know the answers you seek already?”
“I fear the truth. I am distraught in what I know is the answer. And I am confused about what to do if it is confirmed.”
The man sighed and shook his head. “The truth is often sad. It grieves me when I see the world as it is and not how I wish it to be. Have courage, though, and seek the truth though you fear it.”
“Will you tell me what will aid me?”
“Heed these words, Taldirun. Be careful around one who communes with the gods. He will see things and know things you do not anticipate. Guard your words carefully, and do not let stray thoughts come out of your mouth. Above all, do not tell him of your dreams or of me.”
“Why not?”
“It will cause you, and him, great grief. He will see the future if you tell him.”
“I will not speak of you or this place.”
The man smiled. “Be brave. Now waken.”
Tal opened his eyes. He heard the sounds of others breathing and closed his eyes again. Meleus and Jubaas stayed in the same room as him, and if they both slept, then he knew it was early. He was able to replay his dream with clarity. These dreams were not like others, ephemeral and temporary, the memories of which need to be grabbed before they dissolve away into fleeting images.