by J. R. Wagner
“The pools connect. All four of them join. There is a large cave where the pools converge. Fascinating,” he said, not for the first time this day. “At the far end of this cave is another tunnel where I dare not dwell, as the current is strong there, and I fear I'll not return. Now bring my gear and let us continue, we've much to discuss, much to explore, and little light in which to accomplish either.”
The pair continued their journey along the stream. When they reached the top pool, both were relieved to see the elevation flatten and the vegetation thin enough to walk astride the stream rather than through it. Having been submerged up to their knees for so long, their feet were becoming waterlogged.
“Tertiri zé Manukto poikelo,” said James. A warm breeze swirled around the men, drying their clothes and hair.
“I wonder how the others are fairing,” said Luno. “Did you notice there wasn't one sign of life in the water?” Luno asked, rapidly changing topics.
Used to Luno's ever-shifting attention, James, whose every thought was on how the others were fairing, replied, “I did notice. Rather strange.”
“Indeed. Neither plant nor animal dwell in such a rich source of fresh water. Well, this land continually perplexes and vexes, that's for sure. Lets keep moving then, shall we?”
“Tell me,” James said, trying his luck. “Do you know what it is that drives Kilani to seek this transporting powder with such fervor?”
Luno stopped and turned to face James. His face had changed from that of an excited child to an old man, weary and concerned.
“Her desire to leave this place is strong. Stronger perhaps than any other's. Even your own.”
“She's made that clear on numerous occasions. My question is what drives her to return? What compels her to this pursuit with such obsession?”
“Each of us comes from a life much different than the one we live here. For some of us, this place, despite all the hardships, is a chance to start over, a new beginning. For others it is a prison in which they do not belong. For those wrongfully exiled, they were torn from all they had known and loved and banished to a place from which there is but a fleeting hope of escape. And for those who truly deserve banishment because they've committed the most terrible crimes, this land finds quite terrible ends for them. Kilani left much behind. All of it dear to her.”
“What did she leave behind?” James asked.
Luno's expression turned even more weary as he thought about James's question.
“I was hoping you had the answer to that,” he said, dismally.
James was shocked. He'd thought for sure she would confide in Luno. He looked at Luno and saw a beaten man for the first time since they'd met on the Harbor Town pier so long ago.
“It is clear by your expression that she did not,” Luno said. “Much remains a mystery with that one. She keeps her own council. We are close, she and I, but ‘close' is relative with her. I don't know if she'll ever let anyone get truly close. And I fear one day, her obsession will be her undoing.”
James couldn't help but think of the black castle as Luno finished his sentence. He pushed it out of his mind as they continued upstream. The sun reached its apex and began its slow descent to the horizon. Luno was unusually silent for the next several hours. The stream meandered uphill through the jungle, then out into a grassy field where it narrowed to a creek not much wider than James's foot. The field stretched across a large plateau that then rolled back downhill to the jungle below. On the northern side of the field, several miles from where they stood, a steep hill rose off the plateau. The grass on the hill tapered to rock toward the top. A small, sickly-looking tree adorned the otherwise barren peak.
“I believe there lies the highest point of the island,” said Luno, pointing to the hill. The gully in which the stream traveled wound its way through the grassy field toward the hill where Luno suspected its source would be found.
“To the peak,” Luno shouted, taking off at a run. James, relieved that Luno's mood had improved, happily followed. The field stretched farther than it appeared, taking the pair the better part of an hour at full speed to reach the base of the hill. The stream trickled from another pool at the base of the hill. Above it the water spilled down the steep stone face into the pool. Luno paused only for a moment before skirting the base and ascending the eastern and more easily traveled side.
When they reached the top, it wasn't the view that captured their attention but the small tree. It did indeed stand only a hair shorter than James, and its leaves were small and rather malnourished in appearance. The root system was what drew the gazes of the men. From below, the tree looked as if it sat on top of the rocky peak. From their vantage point, James and Luno could see that the roots created an arched canopy as they stretched across a crater that descended well below the base of the hill. Hundreds of birds (the first creatures they'd seen on the Severed Heart) flew between the roots where their nests were tucked away.
The birds, James noticed, did not once fly out the hole above the level of the ground. Luno sniffed loudly. Then it dawned on James that he too smelled something familiar. Smoke.
Both James and Luno scanned the distance searching for the source. The hilltop view gave them a clear line of sight of the entire island. James's gaze was fixed on the direction from which they'd traveled. He thought possibly William had started a fire and the smoke had blown their direction. Luno, however, began searching the ground until he discovered something and bent over.
“Here,” he said.
James moved to his side. The dirt was disturbed. Most of the hilltop was hard-packed dirt, but here it was loose.
“Smell it?” Luno asked. “I can feel the heat as well.”
James put his hand over the spot. He could feel heat rising from the ground.
“Tertiri zé Manukto inari,” he said. The dirt swirled and began piling itself neatly off to the side. As it did, it revealed a small hole in the ground. Bit by bit, the dirt lifted from the hole and into the pile. Beneath the dirt were the remnants of a small fire. Charred wood and hot coals that were still smoldering immediately ignited as the air hit them.
“Somebody was here. They saw us approaching and covered the fire. They're not far. Perhaps they fled to the jungle or down into there,” he said, pointing to the root-filled crater.
Both men cautiously approached the rim of the deep crater and searched for signs of the person who'd started the fire. The birds flew about, paying no notice to the onlookers.
“Have you ever heard of one of the other exiles making it to any of the satellite islands?” James asked.
“Never,” Luno replied.
Satisfied nobody was hiding among the birds and roots, both men scanned the surrounding area. James turned to the south and realized he could see clear across to the main island. In its center stood Mt. Misery. James recalled his trip to the top with Kilani. It felt like a lifetime had passed since they'd been there.
“I think it's time we made our way back to camp,” said Luno. “The hour is getting late and before long, darkness will invite creatures best left in the company of themselves.”
James nodded while scanning the tree line where the grassy field surrounding the hill met the jungle for any sign of this person. Luno had already started down the hill, and James moved quickly to catch up, realizing what Luno had discovered as he came to his side.
“No tracks,” he said.
“Aye,” Luno replied. “Either this person was a master at traveling without leaving a trace or we're missing something. Either way, I believe we will be returning to this place before our time on the Severed Heart has ended.”
The pair reached the base of the hill and drank from the stream where it fell into the pool. Luno stood for a moment gazing deep into the pool, then up the cliff face to the small tree at the top.
“I wonder,” he said.
“What is it?” James asked.
“What if, when this person saw us coming, they covered their fire and simply jumped
into the pool? And what if this pool has an underground connection to the others, which he used as a means of escape?”
“That's an awfully long way to travel underwater,” said James.
“Indeed,” said Luno. “Nevertheless, be on your guard when we reach the pools.”
The men continued along the stream back the way they came. Luno still insisted on walking, which frustrated James for two reasons. First, it meant reaching camp before dark was questionable, and second, he wanted to see Kilani as soon as possible.
“Tell me, James, what exactly did you learn about the plant that can be made into transporting powder when you were in that cave?”
“Very little, actually. I made some inferences based on the information I was provided.”
James could tell Luno knew something, and he wondered why he had waited so long to bring it up.
“I understand your desire. I do. I believe if we had gone along with your decision to immediately head for the southern islands all of our lives would have been in danger. You realized this and planted a seed in her head without taking into consideration the impact your so-called inferences would have on her,” Luno said, finally delving into the subject James truly desired to discuss.
“Despite what you think, my assumptions are based on fact.”
“She holds you in very high regard. She trusts you. That isn't an easy thing for her, and it appears as though you took advantage of that trust.”
“Is it any more reckless than risking our lives without the slightest hesitation?”
“Every day in The Never we risk our lives,” Luno replied.
“It was your idea to come here if I recall correctly,” said James.
“Aye, it was. A false hope is better than a certain death.”
“Then we both played a part.”
“Very well. I'm not the one you need to convince that this wasn't meant to be a fruitless trip from the beginning.”
They continued through the flatter part of the jungle. Luno had planted a seed of doubt in James's mind, and James didn't like it. He had gained a lifetime of knowledge in seconds, yet his ability to think through the ramifications of his decisions hadn't changed in the slightest, he thought. He could potentially be hurting the one he cared about most in this place. Especially if Luno told her what he wanted her to hear rather than the truth. Before James could ponder any more on the topic, Luno interrupted. “James, what do you think would happen if I had touched that stone?”
His tone had completely changed; the friendly, perpetually inquisitive Luno had returned.
“Why did you tell us not to touch the stone on the first widow?” James asked.
“When my hand drew near, I felt a dark energy. I drew away.”
“As I approached the stone in the cave, I too felt an energy. It called to me, drawing me closer until I no longer had control over myself. At that point I had little choice but to make contact. Whether the energy was dark or otherwise I know not. I don't believe the knowledge I received was intended for good or evil. As I said before, it felt more like an awakening than a sharing of information. As if it were there all the time. It was just knowledge and only the wielder of that knowledge can determine its purpose. So to answer your question, I don't know what would happen if you touched the stone. I do see that you are as drawn to it as Kilani is drawn to her means of escape.”
“I do admit I am drawn to such a source of knowledge. You were chosen by the guardians to be gifted passage over the water, so my mind tells me only you could have received that power. But, indeed, my desire for it is strong and I daresay worth the risk. As I said earlier though, with every step we take in this cursed place we risk life and limb.
“Perhaps we shall return to the widows one day so I may attempt to gain this knowledge as you have. Alas, there are other tasks that take priority. First of which is making it back to camp before nightfall.”
They arrived at the first pool shortly after the end of their conversation. Both men cautiously approached the edge, looking for any sign of disturbance. They saw no tracks or water displaced upon the dry rocks. The lower pools were likewise undisturbed.
The sun hung low when they finally reached camp. James was relieved to see Kilani and Roger had made it back before them. From a distance, it looked as if Roger were retelling an exciting story. His hands were moving about as he spoke to William. Kilani stood beside Roger, turning immediately when she caught sight of the men making their way down the beach. She smiled and hurried to meet them. James couldn't help but smile. He looked over at Luno, who was also smiling.
They gathered around the fire William had made and ate Gail fruit (aptly named after Gail Bisset, who discovered them shortly before being consumed by a croc monster) until they had their fill.
As the others finished up, James walked around the perimeter of the encampment and cast several protective incantations, which would prevent most things from crossing or at the very least, alert the group if the perimeter were broken. James remembered casting similar incantations with his mother nearly every time they relocated. He wondered how she was faring in his absence. James had been all she had thought about after his father died. His heart ached for her, to know that she was all right. He returned to the group disheartened.
The moon had risen in the sky, giving the night its typical twilight glow rather than the darkness that had come in the presence of the blood-red moon of the previous night. Luno had considered returning the group to the Queen Mary to sleep but because they had encountered so little hostile wildlife and James was able to cast his protective incantations, he'd decided the group would bed down on solid ground.
“Now,” Luno said, “let us begin our formal debriefing. Roger and Kilani, please share with us your discoveries.”
Kilani nodded at Roger, who stood and began his recounting of their adventure.
“Made it t'the northernmos' point o' the island, findin' nothin'. Terrain along t'coast were difficult a'best an' damn nigh impassable a'worse. Decided t'head inland t'avoid the sheer cliffs along the western side. That' when't happened upon a village.”
“Village?” Luno asked excitedly, jumping to his feet. “Were there people there? What did they say?”
“Afraid not, Cap'n. She looked t'be abandoned though ‘twas still en good repair. Built by a real craftsman. Looked completely out o' place setting there en a grassy field. Whoever lived there mus' a' been ‘ere fer quite a while.”
“Blimey,” said Luno. “How many buildings?”
“Five in all. Three houses, the pub, an' a church.”
“Fascinating. You inspected them all?”
“Aye. Every one. Dust inside look as eff they been left fer 'bout a year is my guess,” Roger said. Kilani nodded in agreement.
“My god. All this time I'd thought nobody could cross the water. Did you see a vessel of any kind nearby?”
“No sign o' any. No tracks o' evidence o' anyone ‘cept fer those buildings. Whoever they be, Cap'n, ere long gone.”
“Perhaps not as long as you think,” Luno replied, looking at James.
“You discovered something as well?” Kilani asked.
“Aye. We followed the stream to its source at the base of a hill, which is probably slightly southeast of the village, based on your description. Frankly, I'm surprised we couldn't see it from the top of the hill. We could see clear across to South Harbor from there. Anyway, we came across a fire pit on the top of the hill. The coals were still warm.”
“Ten summon' eez ere,” William said.
“Perhaps they relocated for some reason,” suggested Roger. “Though I cannot reckon why one would abandon such fine quarters.”
“Speaking of the stream,” said Luno, “if we continue to stay here, I suggest we relocate to the eastern side tomorrow. The water is drinkable, and we shouldn't rely on James every time one of us gets thirsty.”
“And what should we do about the people?” Kilani asked.
“We can't find them becau
se they don't want to be found. If that changes during our stay here so be it. I don't believe we should go out of our way to search for them. We're here for a purpose, and that hasn't changed. We still need to keep to our deadline. Unless Roger or Kilani have discovered the plant we seek,” said Luno, looking at each of them questioningly.
“No, we haven't. I've found several species that don't, to my knowledge, grow on the other islands we've visited, but none pass the first test,” Kilani said.
“It's settled then. William, do you think you can relocate camp by the stream in a day's time?”
“Twice wit my eyes closed, Capitan,” he replied.
“Very good. At dawn we will continue our search. I think the pairings have worked out well and should remain the same tomorrow. Any objections?”
James wanted to object. He wanted to get Kilani alone and explain before Luno planted the seeds of dissent in her mind. He would not go against Luno's orders despite his instincts and so remained silent.
“I shall take first watch. Kilani, second. Then William, Roger, and James. Now rest while you can.”
The second day of searching was far less eventful than the first. James was grateful that Luno had decided to run this day rather than keep the same slow pace as yesterday. They followed the coastline as they had originally intended, making it all the way to the southwesternmost point just after midday. They saw no sign of the island's occupants, who Luno was sure were there somewhere. They ran a parallel course just north of the coast, making even faster time on the return trip.
Roger and Kilani had again come across grueling terrain along the northern coast. Despite being further inland, they didn't arrive back at camp until just before the last rays of daylight fell behind the trees. Exhausted and famished, they reported finding nothing out of the ordinary. They did mention they'd caught sight of the hill.
William had reported seeing unusual tracks crossing over the stream not far from where he'd set up camp, but he had not been disturbed while relocating. That night was as uneventful as the last save a disturbance in the jungle while Roger was on watch. Strange sounds, like those of some small creature being attacked and eaten, broke the silence of the night. Before Roger could alert anyone, whatever was happening had ended and the silence resumed.