The Scarlet King

by Charles Kaluza

  ***

  Daniel and Heather sat together as Heather took her turn at the helm. Daniel spent his time writing in his journal of the many things he had seen in the village of Larby's people. They had made good time since leaving the harbor with favorable winds. Heather kept glancing back over their stern, checking the position of their fellow travelers from those of the Red. The afternoon sun was getting low when Betty suddenly came from below, crying. Heather tried to calm her while maintaining the helm, and with Daniel's help finally soothed her enough to understand what she was trying to say.

  Betty repeated, for the third time, "You must stop, you are scaring him away."

  Daniel asked, "Who are we scaring away?"

  "Larby."

  Heather asked, "You hear Larby?"

  Betty finally stopped crying and said, "He close but scared of our ships."

  Heather scanned the horizon and could see nothing but the sea and asked, "Where is he?"

  Betty just waved towards the southeast saying, "He somewhere over there."

  Heather chewed on her lip for just a moment before turning the helm sharply to the port and calling out for the sails to be dropped. As the boat came about it headed into the wind. Heather adjusted the helm to keep the boat locked in irons where it could sail not but just held this position. The ship following began signaling with her flags. Heather knew not what the flags meant but Captain Cook had sensed the change and awakened. He now assumed command and had his boson respond with the appropriate flags. Their fellow travelers brought their ship about, staying a good distance apart.

  Now they just waited, but the strain had gone from Betty's face. Heather had one of the hunters climb the mast to look out for Larby; it was not long before his small boat was spotted. Larby approached not at first, but when the ships came about he stopped fleeing towards the coast. He had an image of Betty in his mind which brought him comfort, but he knew not whether he should approach the ships. He could sense that Betty was trying to tell him something but he was unsure and somewhat afraid. Only as the sun began its final descent towards the sea did he make his decision and again raise the sails heading towards the ships. He needed to approach fairly closely before he recognized the cannons of the ship that sailed for Heather.

  Darkness was closing in quickly as he approached the ship and saw Betty leaning over the rail. A line was lowered, which he used to secure his boat, then he made his way quickly up the rope ladder which was lowered. His joy at seeing Betty was obvious to all, and everyone left them somewhat alone for a few moments. The approach of the Captain's skiff from the other ship disrupted the reunion. The Captain was brought aboard and immediately recognized Larby from their previous journey. He was rightly confused as to what was going on but waited patiently for Heather to explain. He was not sure he really believed in the Spirits of the Forest, but there was no doubting the presence of Larby.

  The seas and winds were both mild and the captains agreed they could just hold their positions until morning light. The watches were posted and the Captain of the Red joined them for the evening meal and the telling of stories. It was not until the serving of the food that Larby became aware of the other of his people aboard the ship. The young man acknowledged Larby by simply saying, "You live."

  Larby's face betrayed a distinct pleasure at seeing this young man, but he responded only, "We will talk at morning light."

  Larby told their story in a quiet manner without the drama of one of Jeremy’s stories, but it was a story well told. The young priest translated for the Captain of the Red. When Larby described the five ships of black, the Captain's concern could not be concealed. He kept wanting more information but Larby had given all he knew.

  When Larby had finished his story, Heather and Daniel departed with the Captain of the Red to meet with Captain Cook topside. The Captain of the Red was obviously very concerned, saying, "The black ships have never been reported so far west before. I would know why."

  Heather responded, "I would expect they are exploring, looking for more ways to approach your city for their attack." She then added, "I fear this exploration may bode for hard times for all of our peoples."

  The evening grew late, but yet the talk continued until finally the Captain of the Red said, "I must sleep on this knowledge, for I am torn between continuing our voyage together and reporting back to Don the Great."

  When Heather had completed her morning ritual and taken care of her baby, she went topside and arrived in time to see the Listener from Larby's village sailing off towards his homeland in Larby's boat. She asked Larby, "Why has he left?"

  Larby shrugged his shoulders, saying, "He has seen my journey and returns to our village to share the knowledge."

  Heather asked, "How could he see your journey?"

  Larby explained, "He is the one of the village who is gifted by the God of the Sea to see things. He knows now of my voyage and will be able to share the knowledge of how the sea felt so others can follow."

  Heather asked, "You navigate by feeling the sea?"

  Larby nodded his head, saying, "The stars and the sun are important also, but the feeling of the sea and how the waves change is the most important thing."

  Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the Captain of the Red. They broke fast together and resumed their planning. He reported, "If the one you call Larby can guide you back to the island of the shipwreck, the emissaries will be rescued. I sense that returning to my homeland and bringing news of the westerly movement of the black ships may be critical to our defense."

  Heather was quiet for a bit as she chewed on her lip, thinking. She finally responded, "I agree with your assessment. I would we establish some method of communication."

  The Captain spoke up almost immediately, saying, "I could have my junior navigator travel with you and he could be a messenger."

  Heather asked, "This is one we can trust?"

  A smile crossed the Captain's face as he replied, "I would expect so, for he is my son."

  Heather's eyebrows went up slightly as she heard this and she replied, "I would it be possible to meet with the one you call Don the Great after we have rescued our friends." She added, "I would think outside your Great City in order to ensure our safety."

  It was now the Captain's turn for thought. He finally spoke. "There are traders, actually smugglers, who use protected anchorages to the west of the city. It would be possible for you to put ashore there and meet with Don the Great somewhere outside of the city walls if it is his wish."

  By midmorning the planning was complete and the Captain returned to his ship. Shortly thereafter the Captain’s launch returned carrying a young officer holding a roll of charts. He had a sailor's bag over his shoulder. He grabbed hold of the rope ladder, and while maintaining a firm grip on his roll of charts, climbed the ladder. When he reached the rail he accepted the offered hand to help boost him over but relinquished not his grip on the charts. Once aboard he set his bag down and stood at attention until Captain Cook presented, at which time he saluted crisply and said in the language of those of the Red, "I present myself for service to you and your ship in the name of our Scarlet King."

  The young priest translated and Captain Cook responded, "I sail under the authority of the one you call Heather with the Golden Hair. Do you pledge your service to her also?"

  The young man looked up at Heather. There was a look of anxiety on his face as he replied, "And to the warrior we call Heather with the Golden Hair."

  Captain Cook said, "I welcome you aboard. We have much to learn from each other but first we need to learn to communicate directly." He pointed towards the young priest saying, "This one speaks many languages and he will be your teacher to learn our language. Your responsibilities in addition to the language studies will be to assist in navigation and hopefully we can learn from each other."

  The young man nodded in agreement and picked up his bag to follow the young priest to his
berth.

  Captain Cook began giving orders and soon the sails were again raised and the ship continued to the south. The ships sailed long together until they came to the Great Cape. The Captain of the Red turned at this time to the north to return to his homeland and report the presence of the black ships. Heather and those of the Forest continued to the south guided by Larby's sense of direction. Larby had taken to laying at the very prow of the boat to better feel the waves. The young navigator spent his time documenting their position on his charts. The weather held, and other than occasional showers the journey was pleasant.

  During the breaking of the fast on the fifth day Betty informed Heather that she had heard Edna in her sleep. Heather asked, "Is she well?"

  Betty replied with her mouth full of food, "She okay. Jeremy sick. Hopes we get there soon."

  It was two more days before Larby finally felt the change in the waves and announced, "The island is ahead and a bit to port.”

  A slight correction was made in their course and it was late afternoon when the lookout finally spotted the island. He called down from the lookout, "Smoke ahead and slightly to port."

 

  On the island Jason had organized a watch on the highest hill, which was cleared of trees to improve visibility. During daylight hours someone manned the hill watching for Larby and keeping a small smoky fire burning. Edna was completing her watch, having stared at the blank ocean for the past six hours. With nothing to do but feed an occasional stick to the fire, her mind kept returning to Jeremy and his illness. The swelling from his broken tooth had increased so much that he could no longer swallow any food. To breathe he had to sit forward, and sleep was getting almost impossible. He suffered greatly and she was able to do little to provide him comfort. With her mind in a turmoil, she heard Betty not and could not tell help was so close.

  The sound of someone approaching brought her back to the present and she added another stick of green wood to the fire. Listening to the steps she figured it was Jason arriving, for even though he was now much smaller his footsteps remained heavy. When Jason emerged into the clearing he greeted Edna by asking, "Anything?"

  Edna replied, "The sea remains empty." She then asked, "Could I speak to you about a matter?"

  Jason nodded in the affirmative and did a quick scan of the sea before turning his attention back to Edna. She spoke not for some time before quietly asking, "What if help arrives not in time for Jeremy?"

  Jason said, "Your Jeremy is strong; I think he will survive. I have found a few herbs which should help but I am a healer not."

  Again Edna was quiet before continuing, "Other than the two little ones who are servants, I am the only woman in the group. Without Jeremy how would I cope with so many men?"

  It was now Jason's turn for quiet reflection. He said not and Edna accepted his quietness, willing to just allow the problem the thoughts that it deserved. Soon they were talking about other matters involved in their rescue but the discussion soon returned to Jeremy. Jason finally said, "I know not what will be, but I promise you my complete loyalty and pledge to protect you at all cost."

  Tears filled Edna's eyes and she stood and turned to depart down the trail. Something glinted in her eyes as she moved and she rubbed the tears from them, assuming it was the tears. As she glanced back again a glint was visible in the far distance to the north. She said not but simply stared until she was sure. Jason followed her look but had not the eyes of a hunter and saw nothing. Edna ordered, "Add more wood and build the fire, they are coming."

  Jason did as he was told. The smoke increased, but even with Edna pointing he saw not a ship. The increased smoke was noted by others of their group and several made their way to the lookout. Soon all could see the sail in the distance. When finally smoke from the ship was seen, acknowledging their signal, a cheer went up. Edna raced down the hill to share the news with Jeremy.

  She found Jeremy sitting in his makeshift chair, leaning forward and letting the drool drip from his swollen mouth into a simple pot they had made. His eyes lit up only a little seeing Edna, for the pain had dulled his senses to everything but the throbbing in his jaw. His misery caused Edna to rein in her excitement. The pain was so evident in Jeremy's eyes she asked not how he was feeling, but simply said, "They are coming."

  Jeremy replied in speech garbled as if his mouth was full of mud, "Who's coming?"

  Edna sat in silence for a moment trying to let Spirits of the Forest into her mind before replying, "I sense Betty is near. She would travel not without Heather and with Heather should be Daniel."

  Jeremy nodded his head and mumbled something unintelligible. Only on the third attempt was Edna able to make out, "About time Daniel showed up. Maybe he could make himself useful and do something about this toothache."

 

  Darkness was approaching as the ship came upon the lee side of the island, and those of Jason's party standing on the beach waved fiercely at them. Captain Cook trusted the anchorage not, but was willing to sail close enough to allow a boat to be launched; for Betty was insisting that Daniel needed to go help Jeremy. By the time Larby guided the boat safely to shore it was the glow of the campfires which provided most of their light. Captain Cook had already moved the ship offshore to the safety of deeper water.

  Daniel was helped from the boat and willing hands helped drag the boat high on the shore for safety from the rising tide. Everyone was talking at once except Edna, who stood somewhat behind the rest, but Daniel could sense her presence. He looked up at her in the light of the campfires and she waved for him to follow. Carrying his pouch of surgical instruments and medicines, he followed her up the steep hill trail to the caves. They entered the shallow cave and Daniel found Jeremy sitting as before, drooling. Jeremy lifted his eyes only a little on seeing his old friend and mumbled, "About time."

  Edna told him that the swelling had begun after Jeremy had broken this tooth trying to crack a nut. Daniel had the torches brought closer to Jeremy and gently felt of his face and neck. Both sides were swollen but it was obviously the right side causing the major problem. Jeremy's breathing was labored because the swelling was forcing his tongue back into his throat. Jeremy groaned repeatedly despite Daniel's efforts to be ever so gentle in feeling the swollen tissue, looking for the area where the purulence was most obvious. He said to Jeremy, "Well, my old friend, it looks like you have a bit of a problem and I'm going to have to drain this infection. It's going to hurt because I can't give you any ether."

  Jeremy mumbled in reply, "Just get it done."

  Daniel stepped out into the darkness and took a few deep breaths before telling those outside to heat some water and bring more torches. He would need an assistant but wanted Edna to be spared the unpleasantness he expected. Edna left Jeremy’s side and asked Daniel, "He will be all right, won't he?"

  Daniel gently squeezed her shoulder and said, "He has what my grandfather described as Angina of Ludwig. If I can drain the infection he will recover, but there will be much pain." He then added, "And much bleeding and stench, I am afraid."

  Edna asked, "When will you drain this infection?"

  "Now, for his breathing is greatly restricted."

  Edna responded with a bit of trepidation, "I would help."

  Daniel again squeezed her shoulder saying, "I would you help with the preparation and the care afterwards but another should help with the surgery. For now you should stay at his side."

  Larby spoke up, saying simply, "It is my turn to help."

  Daniel glanced at Larby and nodded in agreement, knowing that Larby was tough enough to withstand what he expected to see. When the torches were gathered and the water heated, Daniel began preparing his instruments by first soaking them in some of the concentrated Sacred Water he had brought. His cloth strips were also soaked in the concentrated water. He checked again the sharpness of his obsidian scalpel, and when he was finally ready, asked of Jeremy, "Well, my friend,
are you ready?"

  Jeremy had no more nodded his head in the affirmative when Daniel used the scalpel to slice through his neck skin down to the under surface of the jawbone on the right side. Jeremy tried not to scream but the pain was so intense that he was only partially successful. Daniel ignored the bleeding he had caused, and after setting the scalpel down, told Jeremy to take a deep breath. As Jeremy struggled to do as he was told, Larby grabbed firmly of his head and shoulders. Daniel reached into the incision he had made with his finger and began probing the under surface of the jawbone until he reached the purulence collected. He ignored the screams that came forth from Jeremy, who had broken out in a most profuse cold sweat.

  When the abscess began to drain, the air was filled with a foul stench. This caused Larby to relax his grip on Jeremy, who started to pull away from Daniel's finger. Daniel spoke not but simply looked at Larby to help him regain his concentration. He then continued using his finger to expel the pus which had built up between the broken tooth and Jeremy's tongue. Jeremy was no longer screaming in pain but had slipped into a state of blankness. The pain continued for what seemed an eternity to Jeremy was but a few moments, and it ended with Daniel packing the wound with strips of cloth soaked in the Sacred Water. The packing controlled most of the bleeding.

  Daniel stretched and looking at Larby asked, "Are you doing okay?"

  Larby spoke not but simply nodded his head. But what he really wanted to do was escape the stench, the screaming, and the bleeding, and run freely to the sea to cleanse himself.

  A look of fear crossed Jeremy's face as Daniel again picked up his obsidian scalpel. Daniel said only, "This one will not be so bad."

  Daniel nodded to Larby, who tightened his grip on Jeremy's head and shoulders. Daniel had Larby extend Jeremy's head back more and then made an incision underneath the forward chin. The pain of the incision caused a small muffled scream from Jeremy, but when Daniel inserted his finger to probe for the pus, Jeremy could control the screaming no more. Despite his illness, it was all Larby could do to hold Jeremy’s head still. It was a smaller collection of pus but enough to again fill the air with a most putrid stench. Larby found himself holding his breath trying not to breathe to avoid the smell. When his grip again began to relax, Daniel spoke up, saying, "Breathe and hold his head."

  Larby was sweating as badly as Jeremy at this point and it was all he could do to control his urge to run to the sea. When Daniel had finished using his finger to express all of the pus, he again packed the wound with strips of cloth soaked in the Sacred Water. Only then did he say to Jeremy, "Well, my friend, hopefully you can now heal."

  He began cleaning up his medical kit and told Larby, "I think you deserve some fresh air. Have Edna come in and care for Jeremy."

  As Larby was moving out of the cave, he turned and asked, "Was it as bad with my leg?"

  Daniel paused and looked up at Larby before responding, "Similar, but the smell was maybe a little less putrid than this." He added, "You were also so ill that you could struggle not."

  When Edna entered the cave, she too was greeted by the overwhelming stench and could not control the gasp that escaped her lips. Jeremy looked up at her and mumbled a barely audible, "Our healer says he's done torturing me now. Not sure I like this new perfume."

  Edna said not but simply stood behind Jeremy and rubbed his shoulders. Daniel finished gathering up all the strips of cloth he had used to soak up the pus and said, "I will burn these and the stench should dissipate quickly. I'll check back in a bit."

  When Daniel had left, Edna spoke softly to Jeremy, "I would be with you even with your new perfume."

  Jeremy reached up and squeezed Edna's hand that was on his shoulder but said not. Edna said, "I thank the God of the Sacred Water for Daniel's arrival but his surgery must have been terrible."

  Jeremy shrugged his shoulders and said only, "Daniel does what he must do. I would prefer not to be his patient, but it is as the God of the Sacred Water has willed."

  Edna commented, "Your speech is better. Hopefully, getting rid of that putrid stuff will make you feel better."

  "The pressure is less intense, but the pain when swallowing persists."

  Daniel poked his head into the cave and asked, "You doing okay?"

  Jeremy replied, "I better be or you'll cut me again."

  Daniel said, "If I need to I will. You need to start drinking some water."

  "It still hurts to swallow."

  Daniel replied, "I want you to drink even if it does hurt. They are making you some broth with some of the healing herbs that Jason has found."

  Jeremy said, "I think a glass of ale would be better for me."

  Daniel was quiet for minute before replying, "You drink the broth and I'll see what I can do about the ale."

  Jeremy raised his head up and said only, "Really?"

  Daniel replied, "I think there are a few small kegs aboard the ship. Assuming they have not spoiled, it would be a good use of the ale."

  "Been a long time since I've had a good glass of ale. I'll drink your broth."

  Morning came and Daniel checked on Jeremy and Edna. Jeremy was obviously breathing easier and no longer drooling. Daniel said, "I will watch while you prepare for the day and break the fast. Bring back some more of the broth for Jeremy."

  As Daniel was examining Jeremy, his friend continued to complain about the probing, asking, "Do you have to push so hard?"

  Daniel answered not and instead had Jeremy open his mouth. When he put pressure on the broken tooth Jeremy barely contained his scream. Jeremy again asked, "Did you really have to do that? I could've told you it hurt."

  Daniel said simply, "We must pull that tooth for you to heal."

  Jeremy could not control the look of fear that appeared on his face as he replied, "I'm not sure I like this idea. How about we just try using the ale instead?"

  Daniel explained, "The tooth is fairly loose and I think I can pull it without using a chisel." He added, "The ale will taste much better when the infected tooth is gone."

  When Edna returned she found her Jeremy even less happy than when she had left. As Daniel explained his need for a strip of very thin sinew to wrap around the tooth, Jeremy's disposition seemed to deteriorate even further. She spoke to Jeremy, saying, "Jeremy of Issip, if the tooth needs to come out it needs to come out. I was afraid I was losing you and now there's a chance for you to heal. I would you stop complaining and get it over with."

  Without waiting for Jeremy to reply, she left to search out the very thin, strong sinew that Daniel needed. She knew what she wanted: the wings of the large soaring bird had bands of very tough sinew. It made the bird almost inedible. She grabbed a bow and headed towards the cliff. She lay on her back with the bow pointed toward the sky and waited. The birds would soar along the edge of the cliff, rising above the edge before again diving down. Edna waited until one of the birds circled far enough in from the cliff for her to get a shot.

  The first shot was a miss as was the second, but the birds seemed not alarmed and continued their soaring. The third shot was a success and the bird tumbled from the sky, landing near the edge of the cliff. Edna quickly got up and grabbed the bird before its flopping threw it over the edge of the cliff. It had a wingspan equal to her height and it resisted by trying to thrash Edna with its wings. A practiced jerk on the head ended the struggle.

  Edna returned to their camp with her prize, and with Daniel's help carefully pulled out the long sections of sinew which Daniel split into smaller strings with his scalpel. The sections he created were like flat ribbons, which were strong enough that he could break them not by pulling. He told Edna, "Make a marrow soup for Jeremy. We need to get some food into him."

  Larby had left in the boat to meet the ship, and Daniel needed help. Jason was the unlucky choice because he had not yet left the campfire. He agreed, saying only, "I will do my best." His anxiety was evident by the beads of sweat that showed
up on his forehead almost immediately.

  When they returned to Jeremy he greeted them, "Why does it take two of you for one tooth?"

  Jason responded, "It is your Daniel's idea that I help but I'm not sure how much help I can be."

  Daniel positioned Jeremy on his makeshift chair and had Jason stand behind him. He told Jeremy, "I need to wrap this sinew around your tooth. It will cause some pain but will allow me enough traction hopefully to remove the tooth without using a chisel. You must keep your mouth open and let me work."

  With Jason supporting Jeremy's head, Daniel began pulling the sinew between the broken tooth and the adjacent healthy teeth. The space was tight and Daniel used a back-and-forth movement to force the ribbon between the teeth. Jeremy did his best, but could not help reaching up and grabbing Daniel's arm trying to stop him. Daniel said, "Jeremy, put your arm down or we will need to bind your arms."

  Jeremy was again sweating profusely but did as he was told, putting his hands under his legs. Daniel continued his work seemingly oblivious to the pain he was causing his friend. Only when he was satisfied with the position of the sinew, which he had looped around the tooth, did he stop and stretch. He told Jeremy, "If this works, the worst is over."

  Jeremy wanted to ask him what happened if it didn't work, but decided he really didn't want to know because it apparently involved using a chisel. When Daniel asked him if he was ready, Jeremy but nodded his head. Daniel looked up at Jason, who tightened his grip on Jeremy's head. Daniel then carefully wrapped the free ends of the sinew around his right hand and shrugged his shoulders, loosening up his arm. Daniel told Jeremy to open his mouth as wide as he could.

  When Jeremy had done as he was told, Daniel gave a sudden violent jerk on the sinew and the broken tooth came flying out of Jeremy's mouth, striking the roof of the cave. Jeremy had not time enough to scream and it was over. His mouth had the salty taste of fresh bleeding and his tongue immediately found the large hollow where the tooth had been.

  Daniel looked at Jason, who had gone very pale, and said, "I would you lay down now and take some deep breaths."

  Jason said, "I think maybe outside would be better. I am not made strong enough to be a healer."

  When Jason returned to the campfire Edna asked, "Is he okay?"

  Jason replied, "The tooth is out and your Jeremy did better than I did."

  Edna said, "We must thank the God of the Sacred Water for bringing Daniel in time and I thank you for the help you gave."

  When Edna returned to the cave she found Jeremy and Daniel visiting as if nothing had happened, but she could tell that Jeremy's tunic was drenched from sweating. Jeremy greeted her, saying, "Well, I think Daniel is done torturing me except he still has me stuffed with these rags." He added, "I think it is time for some ale."

  Edna could not help smiling with joy at hearing the positive tone in Jeremy's complaints. She replied, "I am making you some marrow soup. Larby is guiding the ship into the harbor so we will have to wait a few more hours for your ale."

  Jeremy rolled his eyes and complained, "Why is it that the ale always has to wait a few more hours?"