Sacred Water, Book 2, The Time Before

by Charles Kaluza

Chapter 13

  Those of the Forest arrived at the palace soon after darkness had become complete. They were escorted directly to the banquet hall and greeted by King Jason. Heather had Jeremy present the hide of the large flightless bird to the King. The joy in his eyes was obvious as he replied, "To see such a creature as the myths of old have described, what joy. I would you tell me all about the creature after we have dined."

  Heather next had Betty escort the most shy Larby forward, holding the sword of the mighty fish he had caught. Larby was proficient with his crutches but his shyness required Betty's help in moving forward. He held out the sword to King Jason without ever lifting his head. King Jason gently accepted the gift and asked, "Who would this stranger be and what sort of gift has he brought me?"

  Betty spoke up saying, "Larby is one of the fishing people who live at the end of the earth. He has given you the sword from the monstrous fish he caught for us."

  "A fish with a sword? Oh what a wondrous world we live in. I must hear more, but first let us eat."

  By Jason's standards it was a simple meal but to those who had become accustomed to shipboard food it was a feast. The peppery spice of the Southern Kingdom was evident in almost all the dishes. Ale and wine flowed freely. When it came time for the stories, Jeremy assumed his natural place as the storyteller. Heather was fidgeting and Daniel asked in a low whisper, "What is the matter, my love?"

  Heather responded, "I wish I would have instructed Jeremy to avoid discussing the other ships."

  Daniel reassured her, "He is the storyteller, you will have to trust him to tell the story without giving out any secrets."

  Daniel found himself truly relaxing in the safety of the palace, with the comfort of some ale and his bride at his side, listing to his friend tell their story. As always, seeing the story through Jeremy's eyes was a new perspective. At times he laughed so hard, tears formed in his eyes. When the story progressed to the amputation of Larby's leg, Daniel began to appreciate a little of the stress others experienced when involved with his healing. The stench in the cave was just part of the disease to him, but listening to Jeremy it was the most obnoxious thing in the world. Jeremy's description of burying the amputated leg made everyone else shudder whereas he had hardly considered it.

  Daniel felt Heather tense up again when the story came around to their departure from the island. Jeremy wove the story without ever mentioning the other two ships. When Heather relaxed he poured her a little more ale saying, "Time to relax. Tomorrow you can plan with Jason."

  Heather squeezed his hand and actually seemed to relax, at least partially. When Jeremy's story began to describe the great fish Larby had caught, he had Larby stand and pretend to be catching a fish. Maybe it was the ale, but Larby seemed to understand the story and played out his part with great gusto. When the tale of the great fish was completed, everyone roared their approval and Larby gave a small bow, his shyness having made the story all that much better.

  The evening was not yet late but both Heather and Daniel were yawning. Jason was sensitive to their fatigue and said, "I as King hereby decree that our newlyweds be excused from these proceedings so they can hopefully get some sleep."

  Heather blushed at the attention and when Daniel stood and took a small bow, they received a round of applause. Taking Heather by the hand, he led the way back to the room they had used after their wedding feast. As he was opening the door Heather said, "I should remember this room with joy but it seems dominated by the Red Ambassador."

  Pushing the door fully open, Daniel scooped Heather up in his arms and carried her into the room. He used his foot to close the door behind them and said, "You, Heather of the Northern Kingdom, are my bride and for tonight we leave the fighting behind us and the planning for tomorrow."

  "And you Daniel of Issip are my husband for whom I can now let my hair down. I would always be in your arms."

  The lamp by the bed was not even turned up, and soon the light of dawn was coming through the window. Heather got up quietly and completed her morning ritual, listening to the breathing of sleep coming from her Daniel. Her childhood stories of falling in love as a young maiden did not compare with the joy she felt being with her Daniel. How did this healer from the Forest make her feel so complete? Was it a special gift from the God of the Sacred Water? She found herself humming and then the memory of losing him while returning from the tavern entered her consciousness. Her humming stopped and the anxiety within her began to build. Those of the Red Ambassador would put an end to this joy.

  She sat by the window and the morning light and finished preparing for the day. Her thoughts were now of the danger they faced. Those of the Red Ambassador were the greatest danger their peoples had faced. They posed a danger from the sea and also from across the ice field. If she were planning the invasion, it would involve a dual-pronged attack with little separation in time to prevent a consolidation of the forces of resistance. The time was still too early for Jason. The morning light and Daniel's breathing combined to produce a state of calmness. Things seemed more obvious. If those of the Red Ambassador were forcing Larby's people to store up food, an attack by sea was obvious. To prevent those of the Northern Kingdom from coming to aid those of the South, a second attack would be required. Protecting the known and the secret passage separating the two kingdoms would be relatively easy. An attack over land made the most sense.

  The stranger Daniel had found frozen in the crevasse proved they knew how to cross the ice field. If an army could be moved across the ice field, they would sweep through the lands of those of the Forest and attack the Northern Kingdom from their least protected side. They would gain control of the sacred water and even a small force coming from the east would pose a threat to the Northern Kingdom. Heather's vision of the threat was becoming complete. Now she needed a plan to counter the threat. Daniel's stirring brought her back to the present.

  Daniel looked at the daylight and said, "I have slept in. It could have been the ale." His face broke into a smile as he added, "Or the joy of being with you."

  After having broken the fast with others in the kitchen they met up with Jason in his chambers. For the first hour or so, Jason plied Daniel with questions about the flora and fauna of the world they had explored. When Arthur joined them, the talk quickly turned to the threat from those of the Red Ambassador. It was Heather's turn to answer questions and explain the details of the risk she foresaw. The description of how badly Larby's people were treated made Jason cringe. Arthur saw it as a military tactic and was more interested in the amount of salted fish Larby's people were to supply.

  Jason asked, "You have had time to ponder these things; what do you foresee?"

  Heather replied, "A devastating attack on your kingdom from twnty ships with their advanced armament. Simultaneously, an invasion of the Forest from the ice field, with capture of the sacred water; followed by an attack on the eastern border of the Northern Kingdom."

  Silence settled onto the room and only after several minutes did Arthur respond, "A logical scenario which would prevent any of our peoples from helping others. You see control of the sacred water as the reason for the invasion?"

  Daniel spoke up saying, "Those of the Red Ambassador certainly know of our dependence on the sacred water and it would seem that the ship we have used was made purposely for transporting the sacred water."

  Jason asked, "Do those of the Red Ambassador seek subjugation or elimination of our peoples?"

  A heavy silence was broken only when Heather responded, "They are the same."

  Arthur asked, "Your plans for a defense?"

  Heather said, "Those of the Forest are creating a trail to the headlands of the protected anchorage which was two days sailing to the south. By using relay stations and their signaling mirrors they will provide a day of warning. We must support them with supplies and relief crews. You must create defensive armament along the river."

  Jason asked
, "Will those of the Forest fight?"

  Daniel responded, "Those of the Forest will do as they always have and will resist indirectly. There may be some remaining who will join with us under Heather of the Northern Kingdom but it will not be many."

  Arthur said, "The passage of the sea between here and the Northern Kingdom will need to be made more secure."

  Heather's vow of secrecy regarding the second passage caused her to hesitate before she replied, "There are two passages of the sea; both are known to those of the Red Ambassador."

  Arthur's intensity increased even further but Jason was lost in thought for a moment before saying, "The ancient writings mention another passage to the west. Is this the one you speak of?"

  Jason's knowledge of the second passage relieved Heather of the guilt she had for breaking her vow and she replied, "It is a much more treacherous passage and will be easily defended."

  Arthur wanted to know how she had come of the knowledge but Heather deferred the tale to another time. When asked about her immediate plans she responded, "I would send messengers to my father and travel directly to the Forest." After a pause she added, "I would expect spies of the Red Ambassador are still plentiful and I would leave as quickly as possible."

  Jason asked, "You would travel in the winter?"

  "I see no choice. Preparations need to be made and I have yet much to learn for proper planning. I would ask hospitality for Larby and Betty, for he is of a warm climate and not suited for winter travel."

  Jason said, "The stranger from the end of the world is most welcome, I would think we have much to learn from him. Will your Betty be willing to separate from you?"

  "It would be best and she has developed a strong bond with Larby. He trusts her and if we would learn from him we need this trust. I will speak with her about it."

  Arthur asked, "When would you travel?"

  "At morning light on the day following."

  Jason said, "I would you stay for the joy of your companionship. Can preparations be made so quickly?"

  Heather said, "If we can have access to your store rooms we will be ready."

  "Whatever we have is yours."

  “The ship of the Red Ambassador needs a speedy repair so to carry the message to my father."

  Arthur spoke up saying, "Our crews are already at the ship. We will do our best."

  The meeting went on through the midday meal. Heather and Daniel finally excused themselves to prepare for their departure. Heather left Daniel to work with those of the Forest in preparing for the journey while she sought out Betty. She and Larby were in the kitchen area. Heather sat with them at the small table and enjoyed a cup of tea. The subject of interest was finally brought up when Betty asked where they would be going next. Heather said, "I need to journey to the Forest. For you I have a different journey which is essential to protect our peoples."

  Betty's face was a wild mixture of emotions as she digested what Heather had said. She asked, "I not go with you?"

  Heather most gently said, "I would you stay here with Larby. He may hold the key to understanding our enemy and must be protected. We travel in the winter and he is of a warm nature, I'm afraid he may not survive the cold."

  "How long you be gone?"

  "I don't know, probably until the snow melts in the mountains. When the ship is repaired you may return to our home and your baby but you must take Larby with you. I am trusting you to watch over him as you have watched over me."

  Betty looked back and forth between Heather and Larby and tears were rolling down her cheeks. Larby moved his chair next to hers and held her hands. Heather had to blink back her own tears and just waited. It was several minutes before Betty said, "I do it."

  Heather got up to leave and gave Betty a big hug and could no longer restrain her own tears. She took Larby's hand and placed it between Betty's and gave them both a smile mixed with her tears, then left them.

  Daniel and Jeremy were discussing equipment and supplies when Heather returned. The tears had not yet dried completely and when she saw Daniels look of concern she said, "I have told Betty she must stay with Larby. I will miss her."

  Before Daniel could comfort her she said, "How is the planning coming?"

  Jeremy spoke up saying, "They have not much equipment for winter travel. It is enough for a dozen people only."

  Heather said, "I would a party of three be prepared to take Elrod to my father and the rest accompany us to the Forest. Those remaining will need to join us again when Spring is upon the land. Until then I would they stay with Betty and Larby."

  Daniel asked, "Could not the guard whose wife's name is Martha, simply return with the ship?"

  Heather responded, "The message is too important to trust one route. If Elrod is willing, will some of those from the Forest also be willing?"

  Jeremy said, "Not a problem."

  Heather said, "I will speak first to Elrod and then I need to speak with Captain John."

  Heather found Elrod and explained her request. He replied, "Princess, I am pledged by my wife to help guard you. For the sake of our people I will do as you ask."

  Heather was amazed with the short response but gave him no time to elaborate saying, "Here is the letter for my father. Tell him all that has gone on, especially the danger from those of the Red Ambassador. I would no one else would learn of these things."

  Elrod was about to speak but Heather interrupted him by giving him a kiss on the cheek for all he had done and for the hardship she was asking of him. His face broke into a huge smile and he spoke not.

  Heather left to find Captain John. When she arrived at the gate, several of the Forest were waiting for her. They arrived at the ship to find Captain John talking with the shipwright. Heather waited for a pause in the conversation to say, "A few words with you Captain John."

  Captain John walked with her to the bow of the ship which was free of workmen. Heather told him of her planned journey and her wish for the ship to return to the Northern Kingdom and report to her father. Captain John objected, "You should not journey in the winter, the danger is too great."

  "I do what I must. Those of the Forest will care for me. We face a great danger and I place my trust in you to inform my father and prepare for the battle I fear is coming."

  The look on Heather's face told Captain John there was no arguing with her. He replied, "I will do as you ask. It will be at least two weeks before we're ready to sail."

  "Make our ship sound, for I'm afraid she will have much to do. Plan also how we can secure both passages from the ships of the Red Ambassador."

  Captain John smiled and said, "Our secret passage is no longer a secret. It was a good bargain and I was well-paid while it lasted. Seems that part of my life is over now."

  Heather said, "Our peoples owe you a great debt for what you have done and even more for what we will ask of you in the future." Heather glanced at the sun and said, "I must prepare. Fair skies and following seas to you Captain John."

  "Aye, and may the God of the Sacred Water watch over you on your journey. Until we meet again, Princess."

  Those of the Forest who had accompanied her joined again for the short trip back to the palace. They arrived as the sun disappeared behind the mountains to the southwest. Her room was almost filled with winter gear and clothes. Daniel greeted her saying, "Now it is your turn to try on clothes. These winter garments are probably too large, but if you wish to leave in the morning they will have to do."

  Heather found herself dressed in furs from top to bottom. The boots required several pairs of socks before they provided significant support. When she was fully dressed she looked at herself in the mirror and could not help laughing saying, "I look like the bear Jeremy changed you into."

  "But a very pretty bear."

  Heather gave Daniel a smile which made him melt inside. She asked, "How am I to walk in all of these clothes?"

  Daniel replied, "We must prepare for the wors
t conditions. Most of the time lighter clothing will be adequate. When we reach deep snow we'll have to use sleds with snowshoes or skis."

  Heather looked at herself again in the mirror and began taking off the heavy clothes saying, "I will do as you say, for I have never traveled in the winter."

  The evening festivities went on longer than planned and Heather's group left a little later than morning light. The smaller group, headed towards her father's kingdom, and Heather's group traveled together for several days. As they climbed into the mountain pass separating the kingdoms, winter bore down on them in full force. A winter gale kept them in camp for two days. Those of the Forest spent time making sleds and reworking snowshoes. By the time the weather broke, several new feet of snow were added to the existing snowpack. Heather had difficulty with the snowshoes and was able to travel much easier using the skis.

  On the tenth day they had a celebration during the evening meal. In the morning they would divide into two groups, with Elrod and the smaller group descending the pass to the Northern Kingdom. Heather and the larger group would continue ascending the mountains into the Forest. Spirits were high and when the sky was clear the vista was almost overwhelming in its beauty. Heather found she did not mind the winter travel; they were well prepared and made steady if somewhat slow progress. Despite the fatigue of travel, Daniel’s spirits seemed to rise as they neared his homeland. When they came to small villages, the people opened their homes to them and their graciousness almost overwhelmed Heather. They had little but were willing to share all.

  Daniel did some healing whenever they stopped, but for the most part they traveled hard. On the last day they traveled into the night knowing a warm hearth awaited them. They arrived at Daniel's small home well past the evening mealtime. The fire was burning and the doorway cleared of snow. Heather asked, "How did they know we would arrive tonight?"

  Jeremy laughed saying, "It has something to do with your Daniel. The townsfolk always seem to know when he's coming and have prepared his home for his arrival. I think they're afraid he'll get cold and not be able to heal them."

  The bantering continued for short while and then Jeremy announced, "Food and ale are awaiting in the tavern. We will meet you there."

  Daniel opened the door saying, "I would again carry you across the threshold but maybe we should wait for warmer weather."

  Heather asked, "You prefer carrying me when I look not so bear-like?"

  "I would carry you anytime, but with the snow there's not room."

  Before he could continue, Heather gave him a kiss and moved through the doorway. Her first impression of the space was it was just like her Daniel: simple but very comfortable. The fireplace was made of smaller stones than the walls but otherwise seemed to grow directly from the building itself. The main room had large wood beams supporting the roof and two smaller rooms led off to the side. One was obviously the bedroom, and the other Daniel's room for healing.

  Daniel helped her remove the heavy clothing. Heather immediately wrapped her arms around Daniel saying, "I feel at home here."

  Daniel returned her hug and said nothing. He would be happy sharing this simple life but knew it was not to be at least for awhile. They enjoyed each other's company as Daniel explained how the house was organized. The growling of his stomach reminded them both that the time for the evening meal was long gone. They donned their winter capes and proceeded to the tavern. It seemed everyone in the whole village was inside the tavern, but room was made for them at the table with Jeremy. Bowls of mutton stew and fresh bread were set before them along with mugs of ale. The commotion continued around them as they enjoyed their meal.

  There were no sooner finished when Jeremy spoke up saying, "I think it is time for Daniel to introduce his bride."

  A cheer went up which seemed to raise the roof a little. Daniel stood, taking Heather's hand to help her up onto the table. He joined her standing on the table, and said, "To my family and friends of Issip I present my wife, Heather of the Northern Kingdom."

  A chant began, "We want a kiss! We want a kiss!"

  Daniel obliged them and another cheer went up. Daniel helped Heather down from the table and someone asked, "I would hear the story of the wedding kiss."

  Daniel responded, "It is part of the story I do not remember. I'll let Jeremy tell the tale."

  Storytelling began in earnest. The attention was now diverted to Jeremy, allowing Daniel and Heather to relax. It seemed the night was getting quite late and still people stayed. There was much to hear and Jeremy was full of energy. Heather was fading and having trouble staying focused. Daniel finally interrupted Jeremy long enough to bid everyone goodnight. The cold night air was accompanied by a brilliant winter sky full of stars and walking home seemed almost enchanted. Daniel stoked the fire as Heather prepared for bed. Crawling under the quilt with her Daniel in their own home gave Heather a sense of satisfaction she had never before felt.

  Morning came and Heather rose to complete her morning ritual. She added some wood to the coals and the fire soon caught. After her ritual was complete she tried to cook the morning meal to share the breaking of the fast with her husband. Quietly opening cupboards, she found the cooking pot and a container of crushed oats. She knew the oats were simmered in water but realized she knew not how. She sat and looked at the pot, trying to decipher its mysteries. Tears began running down her cheeks as she realized how unprepared she was for the role of wife.

  Daniel found her several minutes later, still crying. He asked what the problem was but her tears only increased. All he could do was hold her and let her cry. They sat thus for some time before Heather finally said, "I know not how to cook. How can I your wife be?"

  Daniel had the good sense not to laugh and replied, "I married you not for your ability to cook but for my love of you. If you would learn to cook I will teach you."

  "I would learn."

  Explaining how he estimates the ratio of water to oats, Daniel started to put the water in the pot but Heather interrupted saying, "It would be best if I tried." She used a goblet to measure out the water for each of them and put it in the pot.

  Daniel said, "Perhaps we should double the recipe because I would expect Jeremy to show up soon."

  On schedule there was a knock on the door with Jeremy saying, "Is anyone up yet?"

  Opening the door, Daniel was greeted by his friend who was carrying a loaf of fresh bread. He handed Daniel the bread saying, "The baker's daughter sent this along to help us break fast together."

  "The tall one with the reddish hair?"

  When Jeremy nodded in the affirmative Daniel continued, "She has always liked you. You two would look good together."

  Jeremy laughed saying, "Just not too often."

  Heather looked up from her measuring and said, "Jeremy of Issip, someday you will have to settle down."

  "Someday, but not today. What are we having for the morning meal?"

  "If I've got the measuring right, we will be having crushed oats with a little maple syrup. Some milk would be nice."

  Jeremy opened the door and brought in a small bucket of milk saying, "Looks like that has been taken care of. Fresh milk, fresh bread and cooked oats, sounds good to me."

  Heather asked, "How do you pay for the food?"

  "I've taken care of just about everyone in the village, most of the time they don't pay me, just bring me things. Seems to work out okay."

  Heather looked thoughtful and asked, "If you don't collect money how do you pay taxes?"

  "We don't have taxes here."

  "How does your government raise money to do things that need to be done?"

  Jeremy and Daniel looked each other before Daniel said, "I don't know. Maybe people just donate money when it is needed."

  The morning meal was no sooner finished when people began to show up for healing. Jeremy excused himself to make the rounds of his friends. Heather worked to clean up while Daniel c
ared for his patients. The really wasn't that much to clean but Heather savored every item and wondered how it related to her Daniel. A patient late in the morning brought in more fresh bread and some soup. Heather heated the soup and shared with Daniel the first quiet meal together in a long time. They talked of nothing in particular and mostly just enjoyed each other's company. More patients arrived in the early afternoon and Heather busied herself learning what she could of their new home while tending the fire.

  The last of the patients had no sooner departed when Jeremy again showed up saying, "They're serving pork pie with dumplings at the tavern, let's go."

  Off they went and the evening was again filled with storytelling. It was not so late of a night when they returned to their small house. The weather had worsened and it was snowing hard, but the house was still fairly warm. Their bed seemed luscious with the warm quilts to protect them from the night’s chill. Heather was uncertain how long they had slept when a knocking woke them. Daniel turned up the light and opened the door to a young man from the next village. Heather could not make out everything they were saying but enough to know that the visitor's wife was in trouble with birth.

  Daniel began dressing for winter travel as he explained to Heather the problem. Her concern was for both the mother and her Daniel and she asked, "Must you travel in such weather?"

  Daniel replied, "I must. It is a short way to their village. I would hope to be home by midday."

  With a simple kiss, Daniel left Heather to herself. For some time the worry kept her awake but sleep returned. She awoke to a morning whose light was dimmed by the heavy snow. The wind still howled and the cottage was cold. Building up the fire, Heather worked hard to not let her worries get the upper hand. After she completed her morning ritual, breakfast was cooked. Eating alone of the food she had cooked in their own house was a new experience, but her worrying overrode the joy of the moment. Cleaning seemed to help control her worrying and so she again cleaned everything of the dust that had not yet built up from her last cleaning.

  It was midday when she heard someone approaching and opened the door expecting Daniel. The sight of Jeremy greeted her and the disappointment on her face must have been obvious because Jeremy said, "Sorry I'm not Daniel, but I did bring lunch."

  "Jeremy, I do worry and Daniel said he would be back by midday."

  Jeremy laughed and said, "When it comes to healing your Daniel does not have a good sense of time. After lunch I will check on him."

  Holding the door for Jeremy to enter, Heather said, "I would not ask you to travel in such weather."

  Jeremy replied, "Seems it is my lot in life to look after Daniel. It is just a short way to the other village; besides, the weather seems to be letting up a bit."

  After lunch Jeremy brought in some more wood and disappeared into the swirling snow. The storm seemed unchanged to Heather except for maybe some reduction in the sound of the wind. Now she was worried about both Daniel and Jeremy. Darkness was overtaking the grayness of the day when again she heard people approaching. Opening the door this time she was greeted by her Daniel and Jeremy. Despite being covered in snow they were laughing. Heather ushered them inside and helped hang their outer clothing up before asking, "How is the mother and baby?"

  Daniel’s mood turned somber and he explained, "The mother will recover but weakness will be a problem for a while. I was not able to save the baby."

  Not knowing what to say, Heather let the silence voice her concern. Jeremy stepped in and changed the mood by saying, "They're serving mutton stew tonight at the tavern, I think I'll go eat before they run out."

  Daniel asked, "Before they run out of ale or stew?"

  Laughing Jeremy replied, "Either would be a problem but a shortage of ale would seem the more serious. Of course, if the weather keeps the serving girls from showing up and the old man ends up serving, it won't matter."

  Daniel replied, "I need to rest up a bit and then will try to join you."

  After Daniel had settled into his chair and taken the cup of tea, Heather said, "I'm sorry about the baby."

  The sadness was obvious on Daniel's face as he replied, "I wish I could heal everyone but it just doesn't work that way. I asked my grandpa how he coped with his patients dying and I'm just beginning to understand what he meant."

  "What did he say when you asked?"

  "He said that it wasn't possible to cope, you just had to go on with your work."

  Heather's thoughts went back to the man dying in her arms during her first attack and realized the truth in his grandpa's statement. They sat together in front of the fire enjoying the quiet comfort of each other. It was the growling in Daniel's stomach that ended the moment; it was time to eat. They bundled up and went to join Jeremy at the tavern.