by B J Hanlon
“You either,” Dorset said as he left.
A bit later, he strapped on his blade and used the quarterstaff as a walking stick as he hiked the bluffs. He kept his eyes to the sea and found himself standing at the northern edge of the cliffs toward the Anderiania Sea with a tree farm at his back.
It was late morning and the black clothes he wore soaked up the sun like a sponge. There was nothing on the horizon so he sat with his feet dangling over the edge and peered out to the north.
He remembered the old elf’s words. “The northland…” he said. “North of what?” What ancient wisdom, what ancient stone. He remembered the vision of the tower on the cliff. The land was barren, the grass, if it was grass was white as if frozen. Then he remembered the first mate’s diary. He spoke of fjords to the north. Was there a connection? The mercenary with the same name as Edin’s father? What treasure could be found in the ancient towers, ancient stone?
Droning hoofbeats began to sound from somewhere to his left. It took a moment for him to realize what they were and that they were approaching. He twisted his head to see men riding carefully toward him, a man with a brilliant blue cape fluttering in the wind behind him was at the head, the rest were brosons.
He drew his blade held the staff horizontal and slid into serpent stance. There were ten plus the leader and were riding fast, billows of dust flew up behind them.
He glanced west and saw the castle a league away as the crow flies. Someone must’ve seen him and told Casitas.
The leader came into view and his suspicions were confirmed. From all of his interactions, Edin thought him a coward hiding behind his fat father. Why was he leading an attack?
The thought flicked out of his mind, it really didn’t matter.
Casitas raised his hand and the horses all pulled back and slowed.
None of the riders reached for a weapon.
“Edin,” Casitas called out. “I thought that was you.” They were probably twenty yards apart, a bad distance for a sword, a good distance for a crossbow. But they were aware of Edin’s talents, he could neutralize a few attacks, but if all came at him, especially with the help of the wan stones, he was dead. Maybe he could dive into the ocean and hope the beast was dead or ignored him. He didn’t think either was probable.
“Casitas.”
A frown grew on his face but he shook it off. “I am here only to talk… we haven’t been able since.”
“You accused me of murdering your father… We both know that’s a lie.”
Casitas shrugged as if it were a misunderstanding. Something in the past and not relevant to the current state of affairs. “Tor has tasked you with watching our flank, I agree with him on that.” The words coming from the man’s mouth were choppy like the waves far below.
“I am looking for enemy ships.”
“Without a looking glass, seated on the northern edge of the island when we know they’ll be coming from the south or west? To me it looks like you were on a break.”
The pompous fool grinned. “Are you a coward? Maybe you don’t understand how dire the situation is, we have just over thirty thousand people on the isles, less than a third are magi. We have maybe six-thousand mundane men who can fight, but they aren’t professional soldiers. We are outnumbered at least ten to one and probably much more.”
“How many men are equal to a magi? Ten? Twenty?”
Casitas shrugged, “sometimes in a fair fight. But they have tricks they used against us before. My father never took it seriously, the defense of the island, until you destroyed our only defense. It is known, the Por Fen have been planning this for years, generations maybe while we sat here under the safe umbrella of the mists. I only wonder what new tricks they have? What plans can be wrought from their devious minds.” Casitas paused. “We are not friends, but now, we are also not enemies. We need to save our kind from extinction. Once before we escaped, I only hope we can do it again.” He glanced over his shoulder back at the castle peaking over the slope. “I don’t want to lose my home.”
“What of the dematian threat? Will you agree to help with that?”
Casitas rubbed a gloved hand through his black hair. “One problem at a time okay?” He smiled, it was an unnerving grin as if he practiced doing it but could never get it right.
Edin nodded, “I’ll watch the flank. Good luck.”
Casitas turned his horse and headed back toward the city.
Edin saw Casitas’ personal broson, Worian, right behind his master, the man glared at him. Edin just smiled back. A small sense of relief came over him, at least he hoped the target would be lifted from his back for a while. Edin continued to circumnavigate the isle of Brackland and then crossed to Newland. It was early afternoon when he returned to the Reaches to find Arianne, Cannopina, and some women he didn’t know standing near the precipice of the furthest south of the three fingers. A pair of wagons were parked at the gate and other women were pulling out wooden chairs, long stretches of white, green, and blue cloth. A large tent was set up to the south outside the fence.
“You’re here,” Said Arianne appearing from inside it and stomping over to him, “where have you been?”
“I circuited the isles as commanded.”
“Well, all of us women are working hard while you go for a stroll. The wedding will never be set up on time.”
“Wait, they’re having it here?”
Arianne swept her hand toward the eastern horizon. “There’s no more beautiful view,” she said.
Edin looked at her and smiled as a breeze took her blonde hair over her face. He agreed.
“Now, help unload, we need torches down the strand, banners and bunting over the pedestal. Chairs set up… just listen to Laural, she’ll direct you.”
“Where are you going?”
“We have to get ready, it’ll take hours.”
“Oh yes, I remember,” Edin said. “Women…”
Arianne rolled her eyes and moved toward him. She laced her fingers with his and was quiet for a moment.
Edin’s heart thudded in his chest. The night before, just lying in that bumbling cart like cargo, he felt as if he were where he should be.
“Try not to get too inebriated tonight,” she said.
“Yes ma’am.”
“Am I not your princess anymore?”
“Always.” Edin smiled, he leaned close. He felt her hands clench, her warm, coffee breath over his nose. Their eyes were locked and for that moment, they were alone. Edin kissed her, stronger and deeper than before, she pulled him into her arms, her lips moving, her tongue meeting his. They held each other and time stopped.
“Kissing a lady like that’ll get time in the dungeon,” Nan said from somewhere behind him. “It is quite indecent.”
They broke. She laughed and pecked him one last time.
Edin felt good suddenly. Everything was flushed from his mind as he watched her sashay away. “What do you want?” He said to Nan.
It was boring work in sweltering heat and it made him feel as if he were boiling throughout the day. Edin removed his sweat ridden tunic and let the sun beat on his body. He didn’t care that some of the women were staring at him, others making comments, probably about the scars that riddled his body.
Dusk was coming on and the wind changed to a northeast direction and a warmer, more humid air.
Arianne and Cannopina had been inside for at least four hours now, how much longer could it be? Edin wondered.
He trudged the couple hundred yards to the tower and ambled to his room and crashed to the cot. Edin closed his eyes for what only felt like a moment. In that moment, he saw Diophin’s face.
“What are you doing? Get out of bed!” Arianne shrieked. “You’re not even dressed?”
Edin blinked, wiped his eyes and looked at her. She wore a flowing blue dress that hugged her body and perked up her breasts. A matching shawl covered her shoulders and her hair was tied up in an intricate braid. On her head was a small silver tiara with two hands fo
rming a heart.
His mouth went dry for words.
“Come on, you need to change.” She pointed toward a pair of garment bags hanging over the back of a chair.
“What time is it?”
“Seven.”
“Dorset?”
“Not yet… but he’s expected soon.”
Edin glanced out the window and saw there was barely a fingernail of sun behind the volcano to the west. This time of year, back in Yaultan, the leaves would be turning to their brilliant oranges, yellows, and reds. He remembered the view from the top of the manor.
A brilliant carpet of color beneath a dome of crisp blue sky.
“You do remember him asking you to stand for him?”
Edin raised an eyebrow.
“You agreed… and then started crying.”
“Cry… I didn’t cry.” He sat straight up, nearly leaping from the bed.
“You got teary eyed… philios are so damned emotional,” she sighed. “You stand with him at the altar, agree to always watch out for his wife if he isn’t around. Be truthful and loyal and a friend till you die.”
“We’re not getting married…”
“It’s implied.” She reached for the garment bags and tossed one to him. “Now get dressed, I’m not leaving until you’re in the new clothes.”
“What about a bath… I stink.”
Arianne crossed her arms. “You should’ve thought about that before.”
“The stories about you really were true,” Edin said. “You are mean.”
Arianne hit him with a thick gust of wind as he tried slipping a leg into the trousers. He fell, more for a joke and splayed on the ground. “Gods, why did you do that!” He shrieked mockingly.
“Are you finished?”
Edin laughed, she was growing red, furious with him and he smiled. She wasn’t scared of what was to come, not worried about the future. Here in this room, preparing for a wedding of a friend, she cared only about the next few hours.
He dressed with her watching him, which was a little embarrassing even though she’d seen him sans clothes multiple times. His tunic and trousers were black, but he wore a brilliant white sash that Arianne was able to strap around his shoulder and around his waist. A few moments later, she grabbed a circular cap that sat directly on his head and added a few inches.
It too was white, with a wool brim that wrapped around the base. There were speckled jewels in the material that made it feel almost kingly.
Edin held it at a distance and eyed it suspiciously. “Garish.”
“It’s traditional wedding attire for the groom and his men.”
“Are they real?” he asked rubbing a finger on one of the gems.
“Colored glass. Now here, take this.” She offered him the end of a black cane with a wooden bird head carved into the handle. Small peaks jabbed off the skull and into his palm as he gripped it. It wasn’t a cane for walking.
“What is this?”
“It’s meant for the groom, it’s a phoenix, the bird is a rebirth of life, the mountains and valleys are meant for the ups and downs of marriage and the difficult trek through.”
Edin remembered his trek through the Crady Mountains, if a marriage was anything like that hell, he’d be inclined to stop and look for a different path.
Arianne eyed him seemingly knowing what he was thinking. “Not all marriages are like that.”
“Are you suggesting something?” Edin said after a moment.
Arianne shrugged and headed toward the stairs.
The Reaches were more crowded than Edin imagined they could be. Almost all of the chairs were filled with people in elaborate robes or dress. Baili, the bartender, had set up a tent with ale taps and glasses covering a bar.
She grinned at Edin. “How’s your princess?” she said it loudly and Arianne shot her a glare.
“Is that her?” Arianne said as they moved through the crowd toward an archway strung with blue and green cloth sheets.
“She owns a tavern here.” Edin said not answering the question.
“You drank ale with her?”
“Whiskey,” he said. “While you were prancing around with that blotard and being treated like a queen. I was sent alone to the end of the world.”
“Feeling sorry for yourself? I think Laural baked some cookies, grab one and go sulk in the corner while we adults enjoy ourselves.”
They reached the arch, a man in a multicolored robe stood there behind a podium of stone that looked to be a few hundred pounds.
“Has the groom arrived?” Arianne asked.
“I have not seen him.”
Belo stood up from a seat near the front, “if that boy runs out on this most expensive of weddings, I will wring his neck.” He made a pair of claws with his hands and mimed doing such.
“I’m sure he’s on his way.” Arianne said. “You did give him little time.” It was dark now and the crashing waves were drowned out by the chattering of the guests.
Tor was there as were the people of Dorset’s family. Kids ran around and were scolded to stay away from the edge of the cliffs which had been ‘fenced’ off with wooden posts and streamers flowing between them.
“He’s coming,” a woman shouted.
“Go to him, help him change, quick,” Arianne said slapping Edin on the butt.
He gave her a quick smile, “I’ll get you for that.”
“Please do, oh strong warrior.”
A sharp inhalation came from the officiant but Edin ignored it. On the mainland there was a stigma against men and women being together before they wed, it must’ve been the same here.
Edin began to trot off toward the tower as he heard Arianne and the officiant whispering harsh words to each other. She was back to that combative girl he’d known… and loved.
A smile grew on his face until he saw Dorset ascending the stairs to the tower. His slow staggering gait, the hunched shoulders and drooped head told Edin this wasn’t a man ready for his wedding.
When he got upstairs, Dorset was staring at his clothes laid out on the small cot. He was dirty and smelled of the sea. He glanced up at Edin, his eyes dull and exhausted. “I’m not sure I can do this…” He swayed slightly and had to steady himself on the headboard.
“Shower first, I’ll make coffee.”
He nodded, just barely, and staggered toward the washroom. Edin had himself a whiskey as he waited.
In twenty minutes, he was ready. Edin glanced out the door and saw people still moving slowly, mingling with others and some becoming wobbly on their feet.
Cannopina’s mother stood near the front of the tent. She caught Edin’s eye and made a large circle. He didn’t understand the jest, but the way she held herself said ‘hurry up!’
Dorset appeared, his clothes were a brilliant white with a green sash and cap. “All day I was at sea placing wards and spells.”
“Time to relax and get married.”
“Relax? You think this is relaxing? I cannot believe it’s happening.” There was a smile on his face, “you know I was a bit of an outcast in the school. I know Canno is a bit younger, but she was always one of the most popular… I’m lucky.”
“Yes, well go out there,” Edin said. He was feeling a bit anxious now. “Do you want to marry her or not?”
“Of course, it’s just.” Edin raised an eyebrow. “There was a dark fog on the horizon when I left. It stretched the entire breadth of my vision.”
“It happens at sea,” Edin said pushing his friend toward the door. “Not uncommon.”
“We’ll see,” Dorset said under his breath as he emerged from the tower.
The chatting was loud at first, but as they began down the long red runner that pierced the chairs, people started to quiet. He felt their eyes on him and suddenly remembered the assassination attempt. He saw the dead serving girl, the tiny dart and felt exposed.
Maybe Casitas called off the assassin, maybe he didn’t have control of them. He had to keep a watchful eye, be pre
pared for any attack if he could even see it coming.
At the front they stood beneath the arch, the officiant said some words but Edin’s mind wasn’t on any of it.
He watched the crowd. Off to the right, a man was standing behind an easel painting a wedding portrait. He was eyeing Edin, tilting his head oddly to the right. Then his eyes went straight back to the canvas and he began to work furiously.
Slowly, a fog came over his mind. Edin closed his eyes, he needed to pay attention but all the input of his senses began to fade, the officiant’s words began to meld into a drawl, his eyes lost focus. He couldn’t feel anything, not the wind, the earth. He felt as if he were gone from the world for a moment. Far in his clouded vision, he saw a small speck of yellow light.
It was a beacon glowing with a halo, he swayed and began to feel like he was losing his mind to some other place.
A quick jab of an androgynous voice grew louder, slapping him but Edin couldn’t tell where it was from. The beacon? He felt weightless and began to see the light approaching in the distance. It pulsed.
There was no body to him, he was the ethereal spirit from the dreams, from the relay. Where was he? His mind was blank and he had no idea how he’d gotten there, gotten wherever his body was.
A sharp pain grew in his head, it was as if someone were constantly chiseling at it. The light grew closer and Edin noticed the fog slowly lifting as the light grew larger.
The yellow light flashed bright. It blinded his eyes and knocked him back.
Edin felt, heard, and smelled again. He was on his back, staring up at Dorset and the officiant looking down on him. Other people were at the edges of his vision, blank faces he couldn’t quite make out.
“Are you okay?” It was Laural appearing above his head.
Edin blinked, he saw the light flash again, it seared his mind like a fire poker taken from a white flame. His head pounded like the chisel finished the job.
Dorset helped him to his feet as small conversations were taking place throughout the attendees. Glances darted toward Edin and the groom. Dorset held a firm jaw and pressed his lips into a smile but he didn’t follow it with his eyes.