by Unknown
Mehrle shrugged. “I can’t. I don’t know where Lady Patrice keeps the chest she brought to the warehouse the night you were rescued. Believe me, I’ve looked.”
Nester chuckled. “Yet another secret for us to unravel. I look forward to the challenge.”
Mehrle looked around the chamber. “I don’t know what else you’ll find useful, so think about what you don’t have. We’ll help you carry all of this to the Temple and make sure certain everything is packed away. For now, I think we should make an appearance at the evening meal.”
***
Zeal was exhausted from feeling sad and excited at the same time. This was the eve of his and Tulip’s last waking in Arlanda. Their ship sailed on the morning tide. He pulled on the mate of a new pair of boots, stood, and stamped his feet, letting his toes settle in place before turning to Ladies Izlan and Mirada. “They fit just fine.”
The previous sun, he had learned Kit had gone somewhere with Mother Essmee. They had still been away when he’d visited Master Feneas this past morn. He had thanked Master Feneas again for the gifting of the Book of Flames. After leaving, he couldn’t stop the tears as he thought about never seeing Kit again.
Now in the warehouse where the apprentices had trained for many seasons, he said farewells to both his Trade and Temple elders. The last time everyone had gathered here together was on the night of Liddea’s rescue, although at the time the mentors had been unaware the apprentices were listening in.
He wasn’t the only one being made to try on new clothes. Lady Mirada had purchased new outfits for all of the apprentices; fortunately, she had chosen colors that wouldn’t make them stand out like bright birds when certain Trade skills were practiced in the market. Although in light browns, grays, off whites, every new garment soon would receive an appropriate stain, smudge, or unneeded repair to give it the right look, after Lady Mirada was gone.
Nester placed his hat at a jaunty angle. “Not that I’m not appreciative, but why do we need all this stuff? Zeal and Tulip are going to Havensharth, not the rest of us.”
Mehrle and Liddea both glared at him. Liddea added an eye roll.
Fronc finished pulling on his shirt. “I think you’re the only one who has a problem, Nester.”
Mirada laughed. “Fronc, I promised to reward all of you for services rendered. So live with it.”
Izlan put her arm across Mirada’s shoulders. “Thank you as well for the generous gift you made to the Temple. The cobblers will be kept busy providing footwear for the rest of my wards.”
Slag stepped up to Ice, a package in hand. “Here are the travel documents Captain Baylor requested you provide him. Once you depart Arlanda, how long do you expect before you’ll be back in Havensharth?”
Ice put the papers away without inspecting them. “Thank you. They should put the good captain’s mind at ease. About a moon, give or take a few suns, to arrive there.”
Bell, Kaid, and Master Turk knelt next to Zeal. Bell handed Zeal a small paper wrapped package. Kaid leaned forward and spoke quietly to him.
“Put this away, and open it when you are alone.”
Master Turk added, “This is from the three of us. It is a set of crafted lock picks. Study hard, mind Master Ice and Lady Mirada, and make us proud.”
Bell placed a hand on his arm. “Come back to us when you can, and don’t forget, we know you’ve learned how to write.”
Zeal tucked the gift inside the top of one of his new boots. “Thank you. I’ll do my best.” His three mentors walked over to Tulip. After speaking softly to her, they presented her with an identical offering.
Tulip’s eye met his, and he finger talked. “I got a set too.” Tulip smiled back.
Later that evening, at the Temple, Cook served a special dessert. Due to the kitchen being in the process of repair, food was prepared outside over a fire. Master Martell had mentioned something about Cook serving campaign rations. Zeal rather liked the smoky flavor of the coals in the night’s stew. He laughed when he saw Cook pour a now-familiar amber liquid onto the chopped mixed fresh fruit and ignite it with a tinder twig. The flames had barely burned down before she started passing out servings covered with a hefty dollop of whipped cream.
Mehrle leaned toward him. “What do you want to do tonight?”
Zeal thought briefly then answered, “Stay at the mausoleum.”
Mehrle nodded. “I thought so. We’ll meet up there when able. Bring pillows and blankets.”
Zeal thought it will be nice to have everyone together but hoped no one would say anything that would cause him to start crying.
Dinner completed, Zeal excused himself and retired to his room to wait for the Temple to still. Accompanied by Fronc and Nester, he silently made his way to the mausoleum. The girls caught up to them before they’d reached the structure. Obin opened the door, allowing them to enter. Iris, with babe and kitten in hand, sat on her platform waiting for them. The residents all stood outside their niches, their translucent forms were dressed in the armor, robes, or clothing crafted in the style that had been in favor when each was buried. They began to hail him. Their whispery voices heard by him alone.
“Travel safe.”
“Do not forget me.”
“I’ll miss our talks.”
“Remember to eat your greens.”
“Take good care of Tulip.”
There were more, and he took every greeting to heart, bowing respectfully to each of them. It didn’t matter to him that his fellow apprentices were unable to see or hear the twelve guardians. These spirits had guided him ever since that first sun Iris had spoken to him. They were just as much family to him as were the living. “Thank you for your kindness.”
He turned when he heard Obin behind him. “You have helped protect the Temple, young champion. It is we who offer you our gratitude.”
“Be assured, I shall miss your wisdoms.”
Fronc looked around the chamber. “Zeal, are you talking to those who are gone? You know I don’t like it when you do.”
Iris chuckled. “Be at ease, Fronc. The guardians are giving Zeal their farewell. They will return to their rest in a moment.”
Fronc blushed and found a sudden interest in his shoes. “Yes, Iris.”
The girls made no comment as they gathered around Fronc. Mehrle drew him close. Nester squeezed in next to Fronc and playfully hit him on the arm. Zeal soon joined them. Together, they arranged their pillows and blankets on the floor in front of Iris. In short fashion, a sleep area was created, and they all settled.
Mehrle rolled onto her belly and looked up toward Tulip. “Well, are you both packed?”
Tulip placed herself in the same position. “The important stuff I’ve placed in my pack. The rest is in my travel chest.”
Zeal rolled onto his side, where he could see the others. “I’ve done the same. I’m thankful to Iris for many things, but our packs are definitely one of them.”
Tulip glanced over to Iris. “I agree. Thank you, Iris.”
A grateful chorus was given to Iris, who smiled back and waved her hand at the children. “Use what I have given wisely. Treat the items with respect and care. If you do, then you will be well served, and I’ll be rewarded by your actions.”
Zeal was not sure when he fell asleep. Iris woke them a mark before dawn, so that they could go back to their rooms. As he was returning to the Temple, he stored away the memory of their wonderful last night together.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
THE RISING SUN’S light streaked toward the few clouds in the sky and chased away the night’s lingering darkness. Tulip and Zeal walked alongside the wagon that carried all of their belongings. The weather was too warm to wear the travel cloak Tulip had received as a parting gift from the Raiders. She fingered the wolf crest embroidered on the garment and imagined how life would have been as a member of Izzy’s Raiders.
All too soon, they arrived at the docks, where they were surrounded by their Trade and Temple families, fellow apprentices,
and Master Feneas.
Feneas placed a hand on Ice’s shoulder. “Don’t let as many seasons pass before we see each other again. Keep me updated on Zeal’s progress.”
Ice gave Feneas a gentle but prolonged hug. “I’ll keep in touch. Give my love to Essmee.”
When Ice released him, Feneas turned to Zeal. “Remember what I said at our last visit. Listen to Ice. I am sorry you didn’t have a chance to see Kit before you left, but I promise to pass her your message.”
Zeal wrapped his arms around Feneas’s waist. “Thank you, Master Feneas. I’ll try to do as you ask.”
Feneas smiled and ruffled Zeal’s hair. “An honest answer if I’ve ever heard one. Just do your best.”
Mirada picked up her duffle. “Ice, we need to get aboard. The captain is waiting for us.”
Ice nodded but remained silent.
After one last farewell to their fellow apprentices, Tulip and Zeal, escorted by Lady Izlan and Master Slag, followed Ice up the gangplank and stopped at the plank’s head.
Ice handed the captain a set of documents. “Permission to come aboard.”
Tulip thought Captain Baylor appeared a little sheepish as he perused the papers.
He handed them back to Ice. “Everything appears in order. From their send off, I doubt you are removing these two from Arlanda against their will.” He glanced toward Slag and Izlan. “Sorry we don’t have time for visitors. We need to leave promptly or we’ll miss the morning tide.”
Izlan twirled Zeal and Tulip around to face her. “Take care of each other. Tulip, learn all you can in Havensharth, and come back to us. Zeal, master your ability, and return to us.” She then leaned close and spoke for their ears only. “Iris left a gift for each of you in your packs.” Then, one at a time, Izlan kissed them on the forehead before walking back to the dock.
Surprised, Tulip glanced toward Zeal and quickly finger signed, “She knows about Iris.”
Zeal signed back, “Let’s talk later.”
Slag moved up to them. “Make sure you practice your balance and rope skills. There is nothing like being on a moving ship to add a bit of challenge to one’s workout. But don’t attempt anything that will cause you to fall overboard.” He then knelt and gathered them both to him. “You are family, no matter where you travel. Send word to me if you have a need.” As he released them, he said, “Mirada, please help Ice look after these two.” He gave Tulip and Zeal one last nod before joining the crowd below.
Once on board, Tulip stood at the rail and waved to the assemblage on the dock. There was quite a gathering. She told herself she wasn’t going to cry because they were leaving and fought back the tears each time they threatened to make an appearance. The activity on deck and in the rigging provided a welcome distraction.
Captain Baylor barked commands Tulip didn’t understand. “Lower the foresail. Tighten the jib, and ready the main. Release the aft line, let her fly.”
What was a jib? She had to shift her footing as the White Swan, freed of her moorings, was pulled away from the dock by the wind in her sails. Tulip turned toward Zeal, who stood staring at her, looking lost and forlorn. She reached out and he came to her. Along with his, her tears found release. As they cried together, she felt another arm wrap around her and recognized Mirada’s scent, an herbal smell from her soap. Mirada held them till they recovered.
Zeal looked up. “I told myself I wasn’t going to let that happen.”
Tulip glanced toward him. “I was fine until I saw you start, and then I couldn’t hold back any longer.”
Mirada thumbed the wetness from their faces. “It’s okay to cry. Doing so proves life is worth living. Don’t ever think otherwise.”
Tulip nodded and turned back to look toward the dock. The tide and sails had carried the Swan into the bay a fair distance from the shore. People still waved, but they were no longer recognizable.
Zeal tugged on her sleeve and fingered, “Come.”
Together, they ghosted across the deck, winding through the working crew. Paid no heed by the busy sailors, they climbed the forward mast and settled on the second spar. Tulip anchored one leg with a twist of rope and indicated to Zeal that he should do the same. The ship’s sway was more pronounced in the rigging than it had been on the deck.
Zeal placed his hand on hers. “I miss them all already, you know. Thank you for coming with me to Havensharth.”
Tulip nodded. “You don’t have to thank me. I miss everyone, as well, but would hate to be left out of the adventure we’ll have. You heard the tales about Izlan’s Raiders during Lady Mirada’s visit to the Temple. I want the same experiences and wouldn’t have the opportunity to live them if I stayed in Arlanda. Not that I don’t appreciate what being in the Trade would offer, mind you.”
Zeal was silent for several heartbeats. “Aren’t you scared of the coming adventure?”
She stared out toward the horizon. “Well, maybe a little bit. But you’ll be there for me. I suppose it’s too late to worry about whether we can put our faith in Master Ice and Lady Mirada?”
“The people who care about us the most have placed us in their keeping. So I think we have to give them a chance to prove themselves to us.”
Leaning forward, she rubbed her hand on the taut sail in front of them and felt its vibration. “I plan on asking Lady Mirada to work with me so that I can develop my fighting skills. Do you think Master Ice will begin your training while we travel?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure. We haven’t discussed my training yet. How long do you think it will take us to get to Havensharth?”
Tulip shrugged. “I don’t know. I never thought to ask.”
A crewman swung from above and settled next to them. “Begging my pardon, but the captain requests you return to the Swan’s deck.” He then pointed.
Tulip saw the captain and another crewman in heated discussion with Ice and Mirada. She and Zeal scampered to the deck and approached the adults.
Captain Baylor looked their way. “I don’t care that children are acrobats in training, they don’t belong in my rigging. Even if I disregard the obvious danger to them, there is still the risk that their presence in the rigging presents to my crew.”
Tulip read Ice’s moving fingers. “Stay quiet.”
Ice countered, “Captain, the children are used to working without a net. I’ll see that they conduct themselves in as safe a fashion as possible, and I take full responsibility for them. Please, let me offer compensation to you for allowing them to improve their skills during the voyage.”
Baylor studied Zeal and Tulip for several heartbeats. “So be it, Master Ice. We’ll discuss the subject of compensation later. But there will be eyes kept on them. If I feel that they are a hazard to this ship or themselves, then they will be restricted to the deck.”
Mirada turned toward Tulip. “Thanks to the captain are in order, and then it’s time I showed you both to our cabins.”
Zeal echoed Tulip’s quick show of appreciation, and then, staying close to Mirada, they hurried away before the captain could change his mind.
Mirada led them toward the back of the ship. “Zeal, you’ll be bunking with Ice. I will show you to your cabin first and then the one Tulip and I will share. Your things have already been put in place.”
Tulip waited for Mirada to chastise them for their climbing the mast and was surprised when nothing more was said.
Mirada guided them through a door to a short hall that ended in stairs leading downward. Midway down the hall were two doors across from each other. She pointed to the one on the left. “Zeal, you and Ice are there.” She turned to the right. “Tulip and I are here. Make yourselves comfortable in either place. One of us will come get you in a bit. I need to return and make sure Ice has everything arranged with the captain.”
Tulip took Zeal’s hand, opened the door to the quarters she was to share with Mirada, and pulled him in. The well-lit, windowless chamber had two bunks on the outer wall, one above the other. Against the aft wall w
as a table with two chairs. Travel trunks sat beside the table under a shelf. Enough room remained for her and Mirada to move around without bumping into each other. The vessel creaked, causing her periodically to make subtle shifts in balance. There were many smells. Some she knew, like the odor of pitch, but others were unfamiliar. Tulip hoped she wouldn’t suffer from seasickness. Otherwise, the covered bucket next to the door might have to be put to more than one use.
She released Zeal’s hand and hurried over to her pack, which was sitting on the table. “Zeal, since we are alone, shall we find out what Iris left for us?”
He watched her open her pack. “It surprised me to hear Lady Izlan speak of Iris.”
She shrugged. “Since Lady Izlan is the Matriarch of the Temple, it makes sense that she would be aware of Iris. We never should have assumed we were the only ones to know Iris’s secret.” She pulled a small pouch out of her pack. “Ah, this is new. Wonder what’s inside.”
Zeal laughed and responded teasingly, “I don’t know, but maybe you should open the bag and take a look, if you want us to find out.”
Tulip untied the knot and carefully emptied the pouch’s contents into her hand. A golden amulet fastened on a chain, also crafted from gold, rested on her palm. It had been stamped with the image of a sun with an iris at its center.
Zeal said, “That’s the symbol of the Temple of the Ladies of Life. Turn it over. See if there is something on the other side.”
Tulip flipped the medallion. It was embossed with a sword.
Zeal ran his finger over the surface. “You should put it on but wear it inside your clothing. I think we should be discreet and treat it like we do our Fangs.”
Tulip giggled. “Discreet. Where did you hear that word?”
Zeal assumed a serious pose. “Why? I learned the term from Master Feneas.”
Tulip placed the chain around her neck, taking care to tuck it next to her skin under both her work shirt and tunic. Surprisingly, the amulet felt warm to touch, instead of having the metallic chill she expected. “Let’s go see what you got.”