Sacred Water, Book 2, The Time Before

by Charles Kaluza

Chapter 21

  Their remaining time in Issip passed all too quickly, and Heather, Daniel and the others were soon on their way to the Northern Kingdom. The weather cooperated and they made good time. After several days they reached the bridge where Jeremy had diverted the guards by pretending to be a bear. Even though the telling again of the story brought delight, Heather was aware once more of the danger Daniel faced in her homeland. She spoke not, but the quietness of her demeanor was obvious to Daniel.

  He said, "I promise to stay with you and those of the Forest, so please worry not about me. The planning with your father must be your concern."

  Heather replied with a warm smile and love in her eyes, saying, "We must be conscious of the danger but I do look forward to returning in peace to Issip. I am sure my father will make the right decision, but not without the objection of many of his advisers. I will do my best to persuade them."

  They traveled on without bothering to send advanced notice to the palace. They arrived at the gate late in the afternoon. When asked to identify themselves, Heather spoke up saying, "Notify the King that his daughter Heather of Issip has returned and would meet with him."

  There was an obvious flurry of activity and within a few minutes trumpets were sounded and the gate opened. They were escorted to the palace by a squadron of the royal guard. The officer in charge informed Heather that they had been on standby alert awaiting her arrival. He went on to explain the tension within the kingdom and the news that the Southern Kingdom had been invaded. Heather mostly listened and provided little information about the battle on the ice field. As they proceeded to the palace, Heather spoke to Elrod and asked him to separate from the company and contact Capt. Cook. She said, "I would meet with him before the evening meal on the morrow. I will send word as to the meeting place."

  There were more trumpet sounds as they entered the palace proper. They proceeded directly to the royal quarters and were met there by her father and his Queen. The formalities were forgotten as Heather and her father shared a warm embrace. Order was somewhat restored when the King turned to Daniel and extended his left hand, which Daniel took with both of his. The King had tears in his eyes as he welcomed them and began giving orders for their hospitality. Heather intruded not on his planning and simply joined with Daniel in the royal chambers. When her father began lamenting the fact he had not made proper preparations for a feast, Heather told him, "Now is not the time for feasting. I would enjoy your company and hear of your health and the health of the kingdom. Planning can wait for the morrow."

  Her father had many questions, most to do with her health and well-being, and Heather reassured him that she was doing well. She avoided speaking of the battle and of the hard times, and he asked her not. For this evening at least, they would be family. The evening meal was soon ready and those who had traveled from the Forest joined the royal family for the partaking of the meal. The King began the meal by thanking the God of the Sacred Water for the safety of his daughter and Daniel. It was a simple meal by royal standards but for those who had become accustomed to the travel rations of the Forest, it was a feast. It was not until time for the stories to begin that the King noticed Jeremy was not present. Betty could not help giggling when he asked of the well-being of Jeremy.

  Daniel explained, "Jeremy has been detained in the Forest because of a personal matter. Seems Jeremy thought he and his new wife deserved more than two days together before he left again."

  "Your Jeremy has married?"

  Daniel told the story with somewhat less flair then Jeremy would have, but it was a good story nonetheless. When he had finished the Queen spoke up saying, "Another wedding I have missed. We must celebrate properly as soon as this problem with those of the Red Ambassador is finished." There was a raising of glasses to toast Jeremy and Edna. The stories went on but soon Heather's fatigue began to show and she and Daniel excused themselves.

  Before the breaking of the fast, Daniel was summoned to the King's chamber. He asked Daniel, "My daughter seemed very tired, is she truly well?"

  Daniel paused before replying, "Sir, your daughter has accomplished much but such accomplishment does extract a price. There has been much hardship, and other than the fatigue she has held up well. I sense no illness in her but I share your concern that she pushes herself too hard."

  "I suppose that having her father tell her to slow down would be of no benefit, but I may try anyway. She needs to let others carry the load." He then asked, "Would you be willing to evaluate my wife? I would value your opinion regarding her pregnancy."

  Daniel responded, "If she is taking the sacred water she should be fine. I would be happy to examine her, but it would be best if I could do it without antagonizing the royal physicians."

  The King laughed a full-hearted laugh and said, "It would seem that you are learning the diplomatic skills that I have been unable to teach my daughter. I will leave it to you to find a way to accomplish your evaluation. Now let us join the others for the breaking of the fast, for I expect it will be a long day."

  When Daniel joined Heather and the others in the dining hall, Heather asked what he and her father had talked about. When Daniel responded, "Not much," Heather became even more interested, but it was not the proper time so she allowed the subject to drop. As soon as the meal was over, Heather left with her father to meet with his advisers and spent the day reviewing what had occurred on the great ice field. Daniel was left with the Queen and Betty, who was busy fussing over her baby who was now walking. They made small talk until Betty asked if he would examine her son.

  Daniel very gently examined the young boy, who was apparently growing normally. As the exam turned more into a play session, Daniel asked the Queen, "Would you be willing to let Betty's boy feel your baby?"

  The Queen readily agreed and laid-back against the pillows on her couch so that her pregnant abdomen was easy for the boy to reach. Daniel took the boys hands and placed them against the abdomen telling the boy, "If you hold your hands very still you will feel the baby move." He was unsure if the boy understood but he did hold his hands very quietly and Daniel could feel over the top of them the movement of the baby quite easily. It was an active baby. Daniel moved the boy's hands slightly to assure himself that the head was pointed down and repeated the word, "baby" many times to the boy. Finally the boy looked up and said, "baba."

  Everybody smiled and the Queen said, "I think we may be raising another healer."

  Betty spoke up saying, "Maybe but me think he be a sailor."

  The Queen look was serious as she replied, "Betty, somehow you know things and you may be right. I have missed you but am so glad you have traveled with Heather because she has needed you. Hopefully you can now stay with us and raise your son here in the palace."

  Before replying, Betty picked up her son and held him tightly. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she said, "The Princess still need me. I have to go away again and leave my baby here." She looked up at the Queen and with a tremble in her voice asked, "You take care of him, please?"

  The Queen's tears were added to Betty's as she replied, "I will, but are you sure you must travel again?"

  Betty said, "We leave soon and it will be scary."

  The Queen looked at Daniel for confirmation and he just nodded his head in the affirmative. She asked, "Why can't others do this now. You all have done enough."

  Daniel responded not while he considered and finally said, "The God of the Sacred Water has made Heather who she is. This we cannot change. I would that peace magically returned to our lands, but it would appear that only sacrifice will bring that peace. I and others of the Forest will travel with Heather and trust our lives with her planning because she is a warrior." He said no more.

  Daniel was relieved when the conversation was brought to an end when an aide requested the Queen's presence for some official function. She took a few minutes to dry her tears and compose herself before leaving with the a
ide. Daniel mostly watched Betty play with her child until the time for the midday meal.

  Heather was obviously not pleased with the way things had progressed but said little. When the meal was completed, she asked Daniel to do two things. She wanted Betty to have an excuse to enter the council chamber and observe the advisers. She also wanted Daniel to have a message relayed to Capt. Cook to meet them outside the guard station just before time of the evening meal. Daniel thought for moment and replied, "The second request should serve as a reason to use Betty as a messenger." He asked, "Do you trust not the advisers?"

  Heather would not answer but simply said, "I would have Betty's opinion of them."

  Daniel had a message sent to Elrod who later appeared at the royal quarters. Daniel relayed Heather's request and without questioning Elrod left to seek out Capt. Cook. It was halfway to the evening mealtime before he returned, affirming the meeting. Daniel then asked Betty to tell Heather that the meeting was arranged saying, "You are to tell Heather that the meeting is as she requested but do not interrupt the council. Heather would have you observe and try to hear those in the room. Give her the message when she asks and then return to your baby."

  Betty did as she was told and had to work hard to control her nervousness when she entered the council chamber. Everyone ignored her and continued arguing. She was at first too nervous to hear anyone, but gradually an image of those in the room formed. When Heather finally waved to her she walked over and whispered in her ear that the meeting was as she had requested. Heather then excused her and returned to the argument before the council.

  Daniel was happily playing with Betty's baby when she returned. Betty sat next to him on the floor in a quiet voice said, "I tried to hear them but some I did not like."

  Daniel asked, "Which did you not like?"

  "Mostly I didn't like the one with the tall red hat. The one in the green robe wasn't very nice either."

  They mostly played with the baby for another hour or so until Heather arrived. She was not in good humor and said little as she and Daniel headed out to the guard station accompanied by several of those from the Forest. When they arrived they found Capt. Cook visiting with Elrod. Heather said, "Come walk with us."

  When they were out of hearing she told Capt. Cook, "I fear those of the Red have influence here. Our supplies will arrive in two days’ time. I would the supplies be loaded without knowledge of them getting out. In three days’ time I would depart."

  Capt. Cook responded, "I know little of politics but the word down at the docks is that there is discord in the palace. If you could have the supplies delivered to the dock used by the free traders, the loading would be less visible. The ship will be ready to sail in three days."

  Elrod spoke up saying, "I will direct those of the Forest to the dock you described. Some knowledge will most certainly leak out."

  Heather responded, "All we can do is our best and pray that the God of the Sacred Water blesses us." She then added, "The mission will have some danger."

  Capt. Cook could not help smiling as he responded, "Princess, just knowing you is a danger in of itself. My crew and I are committed to our oath and will be ready."

  Heather thanked him with a simple smile and they returned to the guard station. As they were walking back to the royal chambers, Heather asked Daniel if Betty had heard any of those in the council. Daniel replied, "She did not like the one with the tall red hat or the one with the green robe."

  Heather said nothing but did nod her head in agreement. She then returned to her earlier question about what Daniel and her father had spoken about. Daniel told her of her father's request to discreetly examine his wife's pregnancy. Heather then wanted to know what he found. Daniel replied, "It was not a real exam but I found nothing abnormal." Daniel did not bring up the discussion about Heather's fatigue.

  The evening meal started out somewhat quiet because of Heather's mood, but gradually she relaxed and the evening progressed well. When her stepmother brought up the issue of them leaving soon, Heather responded by saying only, “We shall see,” and then changing the subject. The stories now included some of the events that occurred on the ice field. Those of the Northern Kingdom were used to snow and ice but the bleakness of the landscape described was beyond their comprehension. They seemed more interested in the descriptions of the island where they had found Larby. Daniel was more than happy to describe in detail the nature of the things he had found. Heather's yawning, however, was a signal for the evening to end.

  Only in the security of their own bed did they discuss Heather's concerns regarding the discord she found in the council. Daniel asked not why she kept their departure secret but instead listened to her complaints about her father's advisers. He had little to offer other than reminding Heather that only the God of the Sacred Water knew what would be and they could only do their best. Heather finally relaxed in the comfort of her Daniel's arms, and slept.

  The next two days just added to Heather's frustration and she seemed to relax only when she learned that those of the Forest had arrived and were safely aboard the Red Ambassador’s ship. It was not until the breaking of the fast on their day of departure that her father learned of their mission. They arrived in the dining hall dressed for travel. The King lamented that they could not possibly be leaving already, but Heather said only, "It is time. I have tried to explain the urgency to your advisors but they listen not. I now pray to the God of the Sacred Water for your strength to do what is right despite your advisors."

  Heather's departure brought tears to her father's eyes and all those of the royal household but she held her head erect and would hear not of changing her plans. She said only that her mission was to aid those of the Southern Kingdom in any way possible. Those of the Forest and others joined her as they proceeded out the gates of the palace. All were dressed for travel and carrying heavy packs. Jeremy did not show up until they were almost to the ship. He had been obviously traveling hard and Daniel gave him significant grief for being almost late. Jeremy protested that he had been busy but had made it on time. All around them had a good laugh at Jeremy's expense, and then he was welcomed warmly by all.

  Many eyes watched their departure and boarding and Heather knew that some were not friendly. It was not until they were safely aboard the ship and cast off that she began to relax. Her army consisted of less than 100 but they carried aboard Daniel's powder, which she hoped would be enough to turn the tide of battle. Elrod had again assumed the responsibility of getting those of the Forest prepared for the sea. Larby was at once at home and began working with the crew. Spring was ended and the journey down the river should have been pleasant, but Heather's thoughts kept returning to the frustrations she experienced with her father's advisors. Daniel stood by her side in the bow of the boat and said nothing for a long time. Finally he asked, "Why are the Kingdom’s advisors in discord?"

  Heather explained, "The trading guild advisor refused to acknowledge the risk and pushed hard to send a delegation to sue for peace with those of the Red. Others tended to agree, mostly because of personal fear I think, but others for reasons I could not comprehend. They would understand not that compromise with those of the Red was not possible, despite my explaining the plight of those left behind."

  Daniel asked, "You feel those of the Red may have influence over some of the advisors?"

  "Yes, but no proof. I would trust Betty's opinion and the one with the tall red hat was indeed the trading guild advisor. Those of my father's kingdom know not of the spirits of the Forest and would not have been able to understand."

  "What do we do now?"

  Heather responded, "We enjoy each other while we can, for the hard times are almost upon us again. We will pray to the God of the Sacred Water that my father has the strength to make the right decision and lead his army back to the Southern Kingdom in a counterattack. If those of the Red are allowed to establish a foothold in the Southern Kin
gdom, they will subjugate our peoples and deprive us of the sacred water and our lives."

  They made good time down the river and by nightfall they were approaching the bar and the open ocean. Heather was enjoying the scent of the salt air and knew before Capt. Cook said anything that the bar would be a bit rough. She accepted Elrod's ginger tea, but as the pitching and rolling increased, she began to develop the sickness of the sea. She moved topside and was soon at the rail feeding the fish. Daniel and Betty were at her side, and after the nausea subsided, Betty helped her back to the cabin to lie down. After she had settled Heather into the bed she said, "Your baby not like the sea yet."

  Heather began to protest but then realized that she did not remember having her womanly cycle for the past few months. She tried to rationalize that it was just because of the stress, but in her heart she knew Betty was right. No wonder she had been so tired. She subconsciously rubbed her belly but could feel no baby – just a little fullness.

  Betty said, "You be okay. Baby will get used to the sea."

  Heather asked, "What is Daniel going to think?"

  "He like babies. He played with mine nice."

  "But we have a battle to fight and I need to do my part. Maybe we should tell him not of the baby."

  "He your husband. I think best to tell."

  Their conversation was interrupted when Daniel entered the cabin saying, "Capt. John says things will settle down now." Both Betty and Heather were looking at him in a most unusual way and he sat on the edge of the bed before asking, "Is something wrong?"

  Heather assured him that nothing was wrong and Betty got up quietly and left the cabin. He sat there holding Heather's hand, which she gently placed on her lower abdomen and said nothing. Finally he realized what Heather was saying without speaking.

  He asked, "You are with child?"

  "Betty says I am and I suspect she is correct."

  Daniel for a moment became a healer and carefully palpated Heather's womb which was indeed mildly enlarged to about a two or three month pregnancy. He said, "No wonder you have been fatigued."

  Their talk was initially the joyful talk of expectant parents, but then Daniel recalled his dream of Heather leading the charge. The joy drained from his face and Heather knew his thoughts had returned to the hard times. Daniel asked, "What of the coming battle?"

  Heather responded, "I will need to do my part."

  "But what of our baby?"

  Heather could not hold back the tears as she replied, "It is because of the baby that I must do my part. Don't you see? There is no future if those of the Red win."

  Daniel was quiet with a faraway look. He finally responded, "I know what you speak is true, but my heart allows me not to hear you. I fear greatly for you and now also for our baby. I would there be another way."

  Heather spoke not but simply held Daniel's hand. After many minutes Daniel said, "It would be best for you to rest. I need time to think." He gave his bride a very gentle kiss and covered her with the sleeping robes. He then went topside and sat near the bow of the boat watching the waves and noticing not the chill of the ocean air.

  Some time later Jeremy approached saying, "Betty told me to come find you. Is something not right?"

  Without looking up at Jeremy, Daniel replied, "Everything is not right. When we were on our voyage south I had a dream or vision of Heather leading the charge against those of the Red. Now I learn she is pregnant with our child. My worry has magnified itself greatly and I know not how to deal with it."

  Jeremy sat next to Daniel and said, "Not even the biggest bear in the Forest dares to challenge the she-lion of the mountain when she is with her kits. I think it is maybe those of the Red that have the most to fear."

  Daniel was slow to speak but finally replied, "What you say is probably true, yet the worry weighs upon me greatly. I know not if the worry about Heather and our baby is worse, or the thought of life without her. I am not sure that my will to live is strong enough to survive, if I were to lose her."

  They sat silently for some time before Jeremy said, "It was not until we almost lost Edna that I recognized my love of her. I have faith that the God of the Sacred Water will watch over you and Heather."

  Daniel stood and thanked Jeremy for his friendship and left to check on Heather. She was asleep and Daniel quietly joined her under the sleeping robes. Sleep came not easily, but eventually the movement of the boat overcame his anxiety and he slept. During the night he dreamt of his grandfather who was busy doing the work of a healer and said nothing. It was only as the dream was ending that his grandfather looked directly at him and said, "It will be as the God of the Sacred Water deems it. It is our job to do our best and worry not."

  As he and Heather were breaking the fast together Daniel said, "I had a visit from my grandfather last night. He brought comfort to me. I think I can control my worry now. I ask only that you exert yourself no more than necessary and take no chance unnecessarily."

  Heather gently nodded her head and said, "This I can promise and will listen to your advice, for I wish no harm come to our baby." Heather then changed the subject and asked, "Is it possible to test your cannon while we are at sea?"

  "If we started with a very small charge it should be safe enough. Do you think we may encounter those of the Red while at sea?"

  Heather responded, "Probably not at sea, but I fear they may be patrolling outside of the passages. My father's armies have fortified the passages themselves and I think they will be safe enough. The ships of those of the Red have some sort of catapult on board that would endanger us if we were discovered. Your cannon could be important."

  Capt. John was concerned about the possible danger of fire and would not allow the testing until he had water on board and the pumps ready for any possible fire. The cannon was then brought up from the hold, with some difficulty because of its massive weight. Capt. John directed the crew to secure it with so many lines that it appeared that the cannon was encased in a giant spider web. Only after he was satisfied that the cannon could not come loose did he allow Daniel to proceed.

  Daniel used just a handful of powder followed by the linen patch that was used to pack the powder firmly at the bottom of the cannon. He then placed one copper ball in the cannon and dribbled a small amount of powder into the small hole at the bottom of the cannon. When everyone had stepped back away from the cannon, he touched the powder with the torch and it almost instantly caused an explosion within the cannon. The cannon belched forth a mighty cloud of white smoke which initially hid the trajectory of the cannonball. Only the lookout on the mast had a clear view. They calculated the distance and realized it was several arrow shots in length from the boat to the point the ball struck the water.

  Capt. John was suitably impressed by the test and suggested the more difficult challenge of hitting a floating target some distance away. After much discussion, they decided to toss a barrel overboard and sail back around to come again abeam of the barrel. Daniel prepared the cannon again, using only a small amount of powder as Capt. John repositioned the ship. The barrel was about three arrow shots away from the boat when Daniel fired the cannon again. He had loaded it with four smaller copper balls. The wind was enough to partially blow the smoke away and Daniel could see that he had overshot the target.

  Capt. John repositioned the ship while Daniel again prepared the cannon. This time, Daniel pointed somewhat lower and when he ignited the powder the four small copper balls went shooting out in the cloud of white smoke. This time all four balls fell reasonably close to the barrel, but none struck it. Capt. John was satisfied but Daniel wanted more practice. They circled around one more time and exploded the cannon again. This time one of the four balls actually struck the barrel and a cheer went up from everyone on board.

  Daniel would have continued his practice but Heather was anxious to proceed. They had decided to use the formerly secret passage in the hope of reducing contact with
those of the Red. As they approached the passage, the new military post was evident in the Narrows. They dropped anchor and sent one of their boats to report their status to the military base. While waiting for the report Heather studied the cliffs above the installation and asked Jeremy, "Could those of the Forest scale those cliffs to attack from above?"

  Jeremy studied the cliffs himself for a while before replying, "I would need to see them up closer but they appear manageable with ropes."

  "With those of the Red be able to scale the cliffs?"

  Jeremy replied, "Their skill in climbing seems not great at least as we witnessed at the ice cliff. I know not if they have some who would be expert."

  Heather said, "I worry not about this anymore. There is enough to worry about."

  They shared the evening meal with the base commander who informed them that their lookouts had spotted what appeared to be a ship of the Red patrolling outside of the passage. There had been no attempt at testing their defenses. He felt confident in his ability to control the passage because only daytime navigation was possible. He had no other news of the war.

  In the morning they weighed anchor and began moving into the Narrows. The siren song began and increased until they finally exited the Narrows. As the passage opened up, the lookout spotted a ship on the horizon. A call to arms was issued by Capt. John and they prepared to try to out-run the ship of the Red. With full sails, their ship began to gain speed. It was soon spotted by those aboard the ship of the Red, which changed course to intercept them. It would be a close race with the wind only slightly favoring Capt. John. Heather held counsel with those of the Forest and had many prepare to ascend the mast and rigging with their arrows. Daniel began preparing his cannon and Heather practiced with her sword.

  For almost an hour they raced outward and at first it appeared they would outrun those of the Red. Capt. John kept sighting with his small scope, measuring the angle between the ships. Finally he announced, "We cannot win this race. Prepare for battle."

  Daniel carefully packed a medium charge into his cannon and filled it with four of the copper balls. When the ships had closed to within three arrow lengths, those of the Red began preparing their catapult. Before they could fire the catapult, Daniel lit the powder charge in his cannon. The explosion and smoke obscured his vision but the lookout announced that one of the balls had indeed struck the ship. The site of the smoke and the sound of the explosion was enough to give those of the Red pause. Daniel repacked his cannon, adding slightly more powder and again used the four copper balls. He looked up at Capt. John, who nodded his head, and again Daniel set fire to the powder in the cannon. The explosion again filled the air with white smoke. This time, two of the balls struck the ship and the lookout cried out, "You have struck their mast and it appears broken!"

  The distance between the boats now started to increase. Heather debated continuing the attack but decided the risk of doing so would endanger their mission. She ordered Capt. John to proceed onward, leaving behind the damaged ship. While others were celebrating their victory, Daniel was examining his cannon. The larger charge had seemed to cause a slight bulge despite the many layers of wire which had been wrapped around the copper tube. When Capt. John congratulated him he replied, "It seems that two handfuls of powder is all that can be used. I have slightly damaged the tube by using three handfuls. This would be a much more effective weapon made of the iron those of the Southern Kingdom produce."

  The evening meal was a mini celebration of their victory. And it was only after as Heather left to relieve Capt. John of the watch that the planning continued. Capt. John asked if she had decided on a landing point and Heather responded, "We need to get Daniel's powder to the Southern Kingdom safely. It would seem the two best choices would either be the Smuggler’s Cove or a landing south of the river with a much longer overland journey." She then asked, "What would be your advice?"

  Capt. John said, "Smuggler’s Cove may be risky if those of the Red are patrolling. The anchorage just south of the river mouth would be a reasonable site of landing, with only a bit longer of overland travel. The cove two days south may be the safest, assuming no other ships are there."

  Heather was trying to calculate the travel time of the various landing sites and finally had Jeremy sent for. Jeremy quickly estimated the time saying, "I assume we will enter along the western wall. Smuggler’s Cove would be less than three days’ travel but would require a river crossing. The anchorage just south of the river mouth would be about four days’ travel, with the first day being the most difficult because of the high hills along the coast. It would be at least a week of travel with water concerns from the cove with the cliffs." He then added, "I don't suppose sailing right up the river would be a good plan."

  Capt. John interjected, "It might be possible to sail up the river if we assumed those of the Red were confident enough to not have posted defenses."

  Heather said, "I would not take such a chance, despite my feeling of urgency. I also like not traveling up the southern shore of the river for there is little cover. It would seem that exploring Smuggler’s Cove and landing there, if possible, would be the most expedient route. If the area is patrolled then continuing on for the two days of travel to the cove with the cliffs would be our alternate choice. We have experience in traveling undetected from Smuggler’s Cove."

  Capt. John concurred with the plan and left to get some rest while Heather assumed the watch. She was again more comfortable with the motion of the sea and, except for first thing in the morning, was tolerating it well. It was a gentle early summer day with light winds and the evening was quite pleasant. Daniel joined her for the watch and together they enjoyed the travel of the sun over the horizon and the sky filled with color. As darkness set in the stars showed themselves, and soon the entire sky was filled with points of light. It was not until the end of her watch that the moon began to rise in the East. When Capt. John returned to assume the watch he said only that it was their turn to rest.

  It was on the second night, when the moon was almost full, that they spotted the hill marking the entrance to Smuggler’s Cove. Capt. John kept the ship offshore and one of the boats was lowered with four of the Sea to row and two from the Forest to scout. Those of the Sea beached the boat only long enough to unload those of the Forest and then they pulled back offshore to wait. The scouts moved quickly and quietly inland. They found no sign of recent activity and completed to circles of the area. On their return to the beach, they signaled for the boat by calling as an owl. The response was the sound of oars squeaking in the oarlocks with gentle splashing sounds as the oars entered the water.

  When the report was given back at the ship, activity increased. Capt. John brought the ship as near the shore as he could and they began unloading the supplies. They had but a few hours of darkness left and it was a race to complete the task. The cannon and brass balls with a keg of powder were left with Capt. John. Heather instructed him, "I would you patrol south of the river and if any supply ships from those of the Red attempt to enter into the river, that they be stopped." She added, "We will signal you that it is safe to return with two separate signal fires on the hill to the south of the river. If we light three signal fires, we wish for you to return to Smuggler’s Cove."

  Capt. John agreed and said, "Princess, I expect whatever you are planning is far more dangerous and important that I can imagine, so I pray to the God of the Sacred Water for your success and safety. We will do as you ask and respond to the signal fires."

  Heather then joined the others on the shore and began quickly moving inland. Their packs were heavy and they traveled not far until shelter was found. Sentries were posted and scouts sent ahead; others were instructed to get some sleep. They found no sign of those of the Red but still traveled only at night. Despite Heather's sense of urgency, they traveled slower than planned because of their heavy packs. After four nights of travel they fina
lly arrived opposite the city of the Southern Kingdom. Heather took time during the daytime rest to ascend a hilltop overlooking the city and river. Over fifty ships of those of the Red were amassed in an anchorage just upriver from the main harbor. They were obviously out of reach from the catapults of the city walls.

  Heather spent much time observing the defenses of those of the Red. Daniel was more intrigued by the alignment of the ships in the current. They were in three alternating rows, which obviously had made anchoring easier. He asked Heather, "Do the ships always stay in such a pattern?"

  Heather thought for a moment before replying, "They are above the effect of the tide so their position will change little." She asked, "Why do you ask?"

  Daniel looked at Jeremy and said, "When we were boys we would practice floating pinecones down the creek trying to hit a target. The ships reminded me of the game and maybe we could do the same thing."

  Heather was nodding her head as she said, "Except now we would be using your powder instead of pinecones. If it would work it would be a significant blow to the enemy."

  Jeremy spoke up saying, "Why don't you stay here and rest. I will cross the river upstream and release a series of branches. You can track how they drift and then we can come up with a plan."

  Heather said, "A good plan. Jeremy of Issip you be careful and be seen not. It may be best if you take some others with you to act as lookouts."

  It was midday before Daniel spotted Jeremy and a few others of the Forest along the river edge upstream from the boats. Jeremy flashed his signal mirror but Daniel responded not for fear of revealing their presence. From their vantage point they could see Jeremy gradually wade out into the river and release branches. The first branches all floated up against the shore before reaching the boats. Only after Jeremy and the others moved closer to the boats along a small curve in the river did the branches they released begin to float amongst the ships. The current was slow and it took to the count of 200 before the first ship was reached. Daniel used his sketchpad to draw the river and the position of release. Heather became anxious that those of the Red would notice the activity, but no response was raised.

  Daniel and Heather met up with the others back at the camp in the shelter of a few trees. They shared travel rations as they conferred. Jeremy studied Daniel's drawings and agreed with the point to release their floating weapons. Now the problem was to create a waterproof container for the powder and the candle. Much discussion ensued and it was finally decided to make small baskets out of dried reeds to hold the powder. Small hollow logs would be used as boats, with rocks tied to the bottom to ensure their stability. Heather suggested that if they tied two or three of their devices together with light line, they would more likely become tangled in the anchor lines and float against the ships before detonating.

  They broke camp as darkness fell and moved the five miles upstream to the fjord Jeremy had used. Once shelter was found on the southern side of the river, they set up camp. The rest period was begun and it was midmorning before they began constructing their devices. While some weaved the tight baskets from dried reeds, others scoured the edge of the river for hollow logs and branches from the many cottonwood trees. Daniel filled each basket with two handfuls of his powder then carefully created the powder wick that would ignite when the candle burned down. Jeremy spent his time attaching rocks to the bottom of the logs so they would drift upright and keep the powder dry. Heather figured that if they could separate their devices about ten paces, they would float reasonably parallel down the river.

  The work was not finished until nightfall and after the evening meal of travel rations, Heather again called a rest period. About midnight, everyone was awakened and prepared for travel. A few were sent back across the river to act as observers on the high hill, others were sent forward as scouts. Daniel and Jeremy took a dozen others of the Forest with them to launch their devices. Heather told them, "Wait until just before the breaking of dawn and then light your devices. It would be best to release them quickly and then retreat to safe ground. We will proceed to the west gate and meet you at the camping site where we first met Arthur." With that, Heather and her remaining force shouldered their heavy packs and moved out into the night.