Chapter 8
Heather and the others of the forest much wished to go ashore but Captain Cook insisted instead on raising the sails and heading back to the safety of the sea for he trusted not the anchorage. Heather stood at the rail watching the campfire on the beach retreat ever further into the blackness of the night and could but wonder how Jeremy was doing. They could hear not the screams coming from the cave.
The stories being told following the evening meal interested Heather not and she retired with baby Geoffrey to her cabin. In the solitude of her small space she could worry about Daniel and the illness of Jeremy without distraction. Baby Geoffrey had other plans—demanding to be fed. Breastfeeding relaxed her and when the baby fell asleep so did Heather. Morning light found their ship many miles from the island.
Captain Cook had put the ship into "irons" by setting the sails to starboard but turning the rudder to port and pointing the ship into the wind, which had limited the drift of the ship. By the time Heather had completed her morning ritual, taken care of the needs of her baby and broken the morning fast, they had recovered over half the distance back to the island. Leaving her baby with Betty, she went topside to meet with Captain Cook. The brightness of the morning light made her squint her eyes ever so slightly. She was greeted by a hearty, "Good morning, Princess."
Heather replied, " And a good morning to you, Captain." The discussion immediately went to the problem of anchoring, and Captain Cook explained how the bottom felt as if it was a solid sheet of rock with nothing for the anchor to grab hold of. Heather finally asked, "How else can we rescue them?"
Captain Cook rubbed his bearded chin and replied, "We may need to use the harbor the one you call Larby has told us of."
Heather objected, saying, "Is the channel not foul with rocks?"
"Aye, so it is, but the moon is nearly full and we will be having big tides. Hopefully the high water will carry us safely through the channel." He was not willing to risk their ship and crew to the changing winds of this location if the anchorage seemed unreliable.
While those onshore watched with growing impatience, Captain Cook and his crew repeatedly approached the shore, turning up wind and lowering the anchor. They would then allow the ship to back down and the anchor would slip, forcing them to turn again out to sea after raising the anchor. By midmorning it was obvious that anchoring would be impossible. Captain Cook had the boat lowered from the ship and the crew commanded to return with Larby. The seas were fairly calm and yet returning to the ship was a challenge, for the rope ladder was swinging wildly at times. Captain Cook’s apprehension did not diminish until Larby, his crew and the boat were safely aboard. He then gave the order to turn out to sea.
As they sailed towards the harbor on the windward side, Captain Cook asked Larby, “Remember you the passage?”
Larby cocked his head to the side and had a faraway look on his face. After a moment of silence he replied simply, “I remember.” He then described in detail the location of the rocks they had struck in their passage through the channel. He explained, “The passage is fair if you enter on the starboard side staying close to the cliff, and then cross over to the port side as you near the end of the channel.”
Captain Cook asked, “Would it be worthwhile to explore again the passage before we do the crossing?”
Larby but shrugged his shoulders, saying, “The rocks move not.” He then added, “If this ship has a draft similar to the one we were on, passage should not be a problem.”
As they approached the entrance to the harbor, the tide had already changed and had begun to run out of the harbor. Captain Cook studied the entrance; for all he was worth, he could not ascertain any reason to doubt Larby. He gave the order and the ship turned towards the starboard side of the channel. The winds had increased with the tide change, which caused Captain Cook enough anxiety to partially lower the sails. The ship was under far better control with the trained crew and Captain Cook at the helm, but still the wind and current seem to fight them as they made their way through the channel.
Larby kept urging Captain Cook to sail closer to the cliffs on the starboard side. It was all Captain Cook could do to bring his ship so close to the rocky cliffs. When they neared the end of the channel Larby had the Captain make his way to the port side of the channel. Now the reduced sail limited their power because the winds had diminished markedly as they progressed through the channel. It was as Larby had said; and after several intense minutes they were again in deep water inside the harbor. A spontaneous cheer arose from the crew and those of the Forest who had been watching.
Once inside the harbor Captain Cook gave the order, “Prepare the anchor and lower the sails.” Larby objected, saying, “The other ship is secure and would make a satisfactory dock.”
Captain Cook but nodded before replying, “I expect what you say is true, but we have taken enough chances for the day. From here we can easily ferry those on the island and refill our water tanks.”
When the anchor was secure Captain Cook gave the order to lower the boats. The first wave of those of the Forest made their way to the damaged ship. By climbing the rope ladder onto the damaged ship and from there across the rope bridge to the top of the cliff, they felt land beneath their feet for the first time in almost two moons. As those of the Forest gathered on the cliff top, they were all experiencing a feeling of unsteadiness as they developed again their land legs.
Captain Cook and his core crew stayed aboard along with Heather, Betty, and the little ones, while everyone else proceeded to the camp of those stranded. They were soon met by a very excited Edna. Everyone seemed to be talking at once, but Edna soon noted the absence of Heather and Betty. Those of the Forest explained that they trusted not carrying their babies across the rope bridge. Edna responded, “We have many stories to tell but waiting another day would matter not.” She then remembered her mission and asked, “Have you any ale left aboard?”
One of the hunters from the Forest said, “I would expect that your request is connected to Jeremy’s needs.”
Edna replied, “Daniel says he needs more liquids and that ale would be satisfactory. My Jeremy has had a hard time.”
The hunter who had spoken up nodded and said, “I will return to the ship and catch up with you, bringing Jeremy’s medicine if any is available.”
Nightfall was approaching when the large and somewhat noisy group arrived at the camp of those stranded. They were met with even more noise and confusion and the celebration began. The food was simple fare of the sea and the land, but the celebration noticed this not, for the stories needed to be told. Jeremy, who still had some difficulty speaking and appeared gaunt and very pale, was disappointed that no ale had arrived. Edna told him, “There may yet be hope for your ale. You must be patient.”
Darkness had become complete before the hunter appeared at the campsite carrying a small keg. With great ceremony he proceeded to set it in front of Jeremy. Jeremy for once seemed to be without words and finally mumbled, “I think there is now hope.”
With trembling hands he worked the cork loose and smelled the ale. He rocked back on his haunches and the smile on his face was evident as he replied, “It remains sweet.” A mug from the ship appeared and he ever so gingerly poured himself a cup of the ale. With the first sip the foam was evident on his upper lip and glistened with the light of the fire. Only after the second sip did Jeremy speak up, saying, “Finally medicine from Daniel that tastes good.”
Daniel spoke up saying, “Medicine it is, for your body needs much to rebuild what you have lost.” He then added, “Are you planning to share with the rest of us?”
Jeremy looked around and there were many people at the campsite; then he looked down at the small keg. A look of anguish appeared on his face, for there was certainly not enough ale for even a sip by everyone.
Edna came to his rescue, saying, “I would that we share a mug of your medicine, leaving the rest to speed your recovery.”
&nbs
p; Another mug appeared and Jeremy ever so carefully filled it with ale. The single mug was passed around to everyone, and each person touched it to their lips. Some took the smallest sip of the ale before passing it on. When all but Daniel had sipped from the mug, Jeremy passed an almost empty mug to Daniel, saying, “I expect I owe you more than this small sip of ale for all the pain you caused.”
Daniel with great ceremony drained the cup and replied, saying, “I expect our debts to each other far exceed our ability to pay. I would, however, hear not the story of your changing into a bear again.”
This produced rich laughter from those that knew the tale, but a look of bewilderment on those who knew it not. Jeremy objected, saying, “Told right it is a good story.”
Jason spoke up, saying, “It is a good story but tonight we should hear the stories of our shipwreck and our rescue.” He then began a summary of all that had transpired since they had departed their homeland. Jeremy was content to simply listen and enjoy his ale. Both Daniel and Edna kept a close eye on him, and he had no sooner drained his second mug of ale when his eyes closed and he began to snore softly. He had been resting against Edna’s shoulder and now was asleep in her lap. Daniel removed his cape and draped it over Jeremy. He slept on as the stories continued.
In the morning preparations were made to secure supplies and transport Jason and his shipmates back to the harbor. The hunters were eager to apply their skills after the long voyage. Jason gave specific instructions as to which birds and how many they should harvest. It took three days to restock the ship for the expanded number of passengers. Elrod took charge of arranging the ship for those rescued. The already tight quarters were now quite cramped. Heather asked Captain Cook, “Have you any worries about the increased load?”
Captain Cook replied, “Ships are designed to carry freight. Our human cargo weighs very little but takes up a lot of space. Fresh water may be our biggest concern.”
Daniel returned to the ship to be with Heather and their son. They were soon joined by Edna and Jeremy, leaving the others to complete the work required. Jeremy’s ale supply was long since gone and his healing was progressing well. Daniel began removing the strips of cloth he had used for packing of the wounds. Now that Jeremy felt better he was able to complain much more vigorously about the treatment he was undergoing. Daniel simply ignored him and twice a day removed a little of the packing. Jeremy asked, “Why do you torture me a little at a time? Just remove the rags and be done with it.”
Daniel looked up not from his work, saying only, “We must allow the wound to heal from the inside out to prevent the infection from recurring.” He added, “A few more days and all of the strips will be out.”
Jeremy replied, “I would rather face a bear than you and your instruments of torture. Just get on with it.”
When they were done with the wound care, Daniel was full of questions about the types of animals and plants Jeremy had found. Jeremy’s descriptions were mostly of the eating qualities and where things were found. It was not until Jason and his book of drawings came aboard that Daniel became fully aware of the strangeness of the island. He and Jason would sit for hours discussing the characteristics of some critter or plant that Jason had drawn.
On the third day they prepared to cast off. It was just after the high tide with little wind. The current carried them swiftly towards the channel, but Captain Cook had difficulty staying to the edge of the channel and crossing over because the wind was so limited that it powered their sails only a little. Small whirlpools had formed with the heavy flow and looked as if they were trying to suck their ship into the depths. The tides were getting smaller and the ship was heavier, so the fear of hitting the rocks in the center of the channel was greater. Larby became much agitated when the ship failed to reach the port side of the channel, and he yelled, “Rock ahead! Come to port!”
Captain Cook did his best but there was just not enough wind to power their ship. Those on watch could see the large rock outcropping just below the surface. As the ship approached, it was only the curve of the current that prevented a catastrophic collision. The bending of the current carried the ship to the side, and they but scraped along the edge of the rock with their keel. The force was enough to vibrate through the hull and cause their ship to lean sharply to starboard. And then it was over and they were again in deep water. Captain Cook ordered inspection of the bilges but felt the damage would be minimal. He told Heather, “We were lucky. I should have waited for better winds and a slack tide.”
They settled into life at sea quickly enough. Elrod was following Captain Cook’s instructions and severely rationing their use of fresh water. The weather was favorable and the boredom of an ocean crossing soon became an issue for most of the passengers. Heather spent her time with Jason discussing the dangers that those of the black ships represented.
As they neared the Great Cape the young navigator became ever more important for his knowledge. Heather still trusted him not completely, but Captain Cook seemed to accept him as part of his crew. A small cove two days’ journey from the Great City was chosen as their landing site. It was Heather’s plan to go and meet the Red Ambassador accompanied only by a small troop of those of the Forest. Jason, however, insisted that he accompany the mission and it seemed all of the Forest also wished to accompany her. Only Betty seemed content to stay aboard the ship, saying, “I stay. Care for our babies.”
Jeremy was insisting that he was recovered fully and should accompany the troop. Daniel cautioned otherwise, and Heather made the final decision. She said, “Jeremy, I would you and twenty others of the Forest stay with the ship to provide protection.” She then added, “Besides, Daniel will need some company and there may yet be some ale aboard.”
Heather finally put an end to the discussion, saying, “I go because my grandmother has commanded me. I will not risk those who are so important to our future.” She finished by saying, “Jason you are a leader but not a warrior. I would you stay with Daniel aboard ship, and if danger presents to flee to our homeland.” She then continued to explain her plan of having those of the Forest create a relay with their mirrors to maintain contact with the ship while it was at sea.
The day of the landing was busy as everyone prepared. The young priest approached Heather, saying, “I would bother you not but I have found something in my memory which may be of use.”
Heather stopped her preparations and listened as the young priest recalled a memory picture of one of the scrolls in the Cave of Knowledge. It was a description of the trail which led from the Great City across the narrow peninsula to the ocean. There was no image of a chart to go with the description. The journey took the explorers on a west by northwest route over the mountain range, which created the peninsula. The journey was accomplished in but seven days but not without the loss of life because of the rugged terrain.
When the young priest had finished, Heather thanked him, saying, “The description in your memory may be important, as it would allow us to move the Army of the Red back to their homes.” She then asked the young priest to accompany her as she sought out Jason and Captain Cook. Captain Cook insisted they include the young navigator and Heather agreed.
As they worked with the charts trying to lay a course as described in the young priest’s memory, it appeared the trail if followed would end at the creek that supplied the fresh water to the cove where the Army of the Red was camped. The young navigator knew not of any passage over the mountains, saying, “The mountains are known to be impassable.”
Heather pushed him, asking, “If somehow someone was able to cross the mountains, where would they end up?”
The young navigator studied his charts, comparing the recorded angle of the stars, and finally replied, “If the mountains were crossed on a west by northwest course, then you would indeed arrive at the cove you mentioned.”
Jason was busy scribbling his own notes and numbers and finally spoke up
, saying, “I am no navigator but it would appear the peninsula is indeed very narrow and should be but a few days journey if not for the mountains.”
Land was now visible, and as Captain Cook prepared his crew and ship for the landing, Heather met with those of the Forest. She sought out those willing to be scouts searching for the trail that the young priest had found in his mind. When four had been chosen, she said only, “May the God of the Sacred Water guide your way. Leave marks that only those of the Forest will see.”
Jeremy again insisted that he should lead the scouts, but Heather would hear not of it, saying only, “Your part is yet to be defined. Most certainly we will need your skills and you must do all you can to recover fully.”
The lookouts above in the rigging saw no sign of life along the shore, and Captain Cook sailed his ship into the cove as directed by the young navigator. The cove was deep but the bottom held the anchor well. Those of the Forest were then ferried to shore and a perimeter was quickly established. As more of those of the Forest arrived onshore, the exploration of the surrounding lands proceeded quickly. Captain Cook wished for more fresh water but no local source was found.
When it came time for Heather to transfer to shore, the tears flowed not just from her eyes but also from Daniel’s. She held her baby close and covered it with kisses and her tears. She handed the baby to Daniel, who insisted on one final hug before releasing his wife. As she climbed down the rope ladder to the waiting boat, her golden hair tended to float in the breeze. By the time the boat pulled away from the ship her transformation from mother to warrior was begun, and when she climbed ashore on the rocky beach it was complete.
She heard the initial reports from the scouts but wasted no time before moving out. They traveled light, depending on the land to sustain them. The young navigator who accompanied them had never traveled with those of the Forest and had great difficulty keeping up. Those of the Forest worked hard to cover his tracks, but it was difficult for he wore hard boots and knew not how to travel without leaving signs. Water was in short supply and they detoured to a small spring, which the scouts had found, to refill their water skins.
At the first night’s camp their dinner consisted of game birds and a few rabbits added to their travel rations. The stories were subdued and Heather was tired from the preparation and travel, but mostly from being separated from Daniel and her baby. Before retiring to her tent she told the young navigator, “I would you allow those of the Forest to carry your charts and possessions. There are times when we may also need to carry you to prevent our trail from being found.”
The young navigator spoke up, saying, “I can manage.”
Heather smiled at him ever so gently in the campfire light and said, “It is not your ability to carry a load that we need but your knowledge. Please do as I ask.”
The young navigator’s face was red from embarrassment, but in the dim light no one could see this. After but a moment’s silence he responded, “I will do as you ask.”
Heather asked when they would see signs of the city. The young navigator responded, “In another day’s travel we will come to the edge of the agricultural lands, and from there it is another half day journey to the city.”
Heather explained, “I would we not be known to those who work the land. We will stay clear of the settled lands. A few of the Forest will accompany you to the city wall but you will travel at night. They will await your return and guide you to our new camp.”
The young navigator was obviously unsure of his ability to function as an envoy and had many questions. Heather explained, “I have written a letter to the envoy whom you call Don the Great. I expect he will wish to meet with me. Your task is simply to deliver the letter and to speak not of our adventures to other than the envoy himself.”
It was as the young navigator had predicted, and from their second night’s camp they could see scattered lights off in the distance. In the morning they divided their camp with the majority circling to the north to establish another camp. Those chosen to accompany the young navigator spent the day resting and looking at his charts. As the sun began its final descent of the day they departed, and by the time darkness was complete, they had arrived at a cart trail headed in the general direction of the city. They no longer worried about leaving a trace and traveled fairly fast, especially as the moon rose. Other than the barking of dogs, no disturbance was raised.
When they arrived at the western wall of the city, they needed to decide if attempting to scale the wall was of less risk than having the young navigator simply approach the gate. There was no doubt listening to the young navigator that he felt scaling the wall was impossible and that they needed to use the gate. Those of the Forest just shrugged their shoulders and did as requested, guiding him to the gate.
The gate was closed and the guard apparently asleep, for no one responded to the calls for opening the gate. It was not until the sun peeked over the horizon that activity was evident, and finally their calls were answered. As the gate opened those of the Forest simply disappeared into the shadows, leaving the young navigator alone. The guard demanded identification, which the young navigator had not. He was forced to stand outside the inner gate until the supervisor could be found. An older man with but one leg finally approached and again asked for identification. After repeating his name the older man asked if he was related to a certain sea captain. The young navigator explained that he was a navigator and assigned to a special mission. The older man asked a few more questions and then had the gate opened, saying, “I served with your father many years ago. I welcome you home.”
The young navigator nodded in appreciation but said not. The older man asked if his mission had to do with the black ships. The young man looked up quickly and that was answer enough, but he said, “I bring news for Don the Great.”
The older man barked out several orders and soon a wagon drawn by two horses appeared. He told the young navigator, “A royal carriage it is not but it will get you to the military headquarters quickly.” The young navigator climbed aboard the wagon and as the driver shook the reins, the older man said, “Remember me to your father.”
The young navigator turned and asked, “And by what name should I remember you?”
“Speak of me as the old master from the battle of the harbor. It was a hard time and he may remember not.”
The wagon moved quickly off and before midday he arrived at the military headquarters. The driver stopped the wagon by the main entrance, which was guarded by at least a dozen soldiers with arms ready. The navigator stepped down from the wagon and made his way towards the door, obviously intimidated by the fierce weaponry. Another guard dressed in formal attire stepped from the door and asked his purpose. In a voice trembling with anxiety, the young navigator replied, “I carry a letter for Don the Great.”
The guard demanded that the young navigator hand the letter over but he refused, saying, “I have been charged to deliver this only to Don the Great.”
The guard asked, “Who charged you with this task?”
In a quiet voice the young navigator replied, “The warrior from the Forest with the golden hair.”
The guarded bellowed out, “That is impossible.” And again demanded the letter.
The young navigator summoned what little inner strength he had left and responded, “I will present this letter to Don the Great as I have been charged. I would suggest you carry this message without further delay. I know not what power Spirits of the Forest have but I would not challenge them.”
Invoking the Spirits of the Forest obviously rattled the guard and he turned and disappeared within. Fatigue was setting in and the young navigator finally sat cross-legged on the floor waiting for the guard to return. He may have even nodded off, but was awakened by the sound of the door opening and the guard returning accompanied by a formal military escort. The young navigator stood up and followed the escort as directed. He was brought through
multiple corridors and his fatigued mind soon lost its way. He was brought to an office with a large central table and a desk which overlooked the harbor through a small window. Don the Great arose from the table, leaving his officers to simply watch, and sat at his desk where he received the young navigator. With trembling hands the young navigator handed the letter to Don the Great.
He spoke not as he opened the letter and read the words from Heather. Her usage of the high tongue was still somewhat limited but her message was clear. That the black ships had been seen so far west was of great concern, but her proposal of returning their army gave him hope. He looked up after reading the letter and asked the young navigator to describe the one who’d given him the letter.
The young navigator replied, “She was with the wild ones of the Forest and had long golden hair.”
Don the Great then asked, “The envoys from the distant lands are safe?”
Young navigator nodded in the positive, but asked, “Did not my father already relay this message?”
Don the Great looked up at his officers around the conference table and asked in a loud voice, “Have we had a report about sighting the black ships to the west and of the safety of those envoys from the far-off lands?”
One of the officers, after a moment of silence, replied, “My report for today includes this information.”
“How long have we had this information?”
The officer was now obviously nervous as he replied, “The report was given to me yesterday after our meeting. The captain had returned eight days prior and filed the report through the normal channels.”
Don the Great stood and with great emotion said, “We are struggling for our very survival and vital information takes nine days to work through our system. I would everyone work to improve this flow of information, otherwise there will be no hope for us.” He then looked at the young navigator who, despite the tension in the room could not help yawning, and said, “Find this young man a place to sleep and dress him as an envoy. He will need to depart before sundown.”
Shortly before sundown the young navigator was awakened by servants who brought the fancy clothing of an envoy. The young navigator was much embarrassed by having others dress him but complained not. A meal was served, which he almost inhaled because of his hunger. The door to his room opened and all of the servants turned and bowed before Don the Great, who was dressed for travel not as a Lord but rather as a minor official who would accompany the envoy. The look of confusion on the young navigator’s face brought a smile to Don the Great’s face. He explained, saying, “It is best that this meeting be known by as few people as possible. I would you keep also your silence.”
Waiting not for a reply, Don the Great simply waved for the young navigator to follow. Outside the headquarters they were met by a carriage with four armed riders on either side. They had no sooner climbed aboard the carriage than it moved off at a fast clip into the darkening night. They arrived at the gate about the time the moon was rising over the horizon. Those at the gate had obviously been warned and were prepared. The guards stood at attention and saluted as the carriage went by. Don the Great had the young navigator, dressed as an envoy, nod his head in recognition as they passed by.
They had no sooner passed through the gate than they were joined by one of those of the Forest, who simply ran ahead of the horses directing their path. The loping gait of those of the Forest matched closely the gentle pace of traveling horses. Others of the Forest would occasionally appear and change places with but few words spoken. They traveled north towards the wilderness.
After another hour of travel they came upon a small clearing with a campfire in the center. Around the campfire was a single person sitting on her haunches with her hair glowing golden in the firelight. Don the Great gave orders for everyone in his party to stay ready and in place. He dismounted from the carriage and walked towards the fire. Heather looked up not but simply said, “It is good you came.”
He looked for a place to sit and chose a large rock across from Heather. He replied, “A surprise for you to be so far from home.”
Heather responded only, “My grandmother sent me. Our envoys are safe but the Spirits of the Forest have detected a great danger arising in the east. Those of the East are the invading force who sail in the black ships and were sighted to the west.”
Don the Great replied, “I prepare but our army remains far from our shores and our ships are many fewer. Within the government there are those who refused to believe the threat.”
Heather replied, “As I have written, it may be possible to return your army if they’re willing to follow those of the Forest across the mountains.”
“How would you cross mountains which are impassable?”
Heather shrugged her shoulders, saying only, “For those of the Forest, passage is possible. Your soldiers could be brought across if they traveled light and did exactly as told.”
“What do you need from me to make this happen?”
Heather replied, “I would need a pledge of loyalty from those who would travel. We would also need supplies and arms to be stored here in the wilderness.”
“Why not just bring the army into the city?”
Heather thought for a moment before responding, “The black ships to the west were looking for a landing site. I would expect the invading force will be not just from the sea but also from the land.”
The Red Ambassador replied, “I feel your assessment is correct, and it would appear that they are preparing to also land to the east and north with an army. A second landing to the west would be logical but more difficult for them.” He then asked, “How will I control the army if it stays hidden in the wilderness?”
Heather looked up not before replying, “You cannot. The army will need to be under my command. You take the risk of accepting my command.”
It was now the Red Ambassador’s time for reflection, and he spoke not for some time as he wrestled with the issues of control and trust. He finally spoke, saying, “Having the ability to attack from the rear would be a great advantage. There are those even in the military who will object to your command but it seems I have no choice.” He then added, “I appoint you as commander of the army forces you bring across the mountains. I would you pledge loyalty to our King.”
Heather responded, “Those of the Forest make no such pledges. I will pledge to do all in my power to defeat the darkness that is arising from the east.”
The Red Ambassador but nodded his head before replying, “It is as much as I can expect and I accept your pledge.” He then asked, “Have you any plan for battle?”
Heather shrugged her shoulders and chewed on her lip before responding, “Severing their supply line will be essential. I wonder if Those Left Behind can be brought into the war.”
“You mean the wild ones of the northern frontier? How could they help?”
Heather just smiled and said, “Having an ally who knows the land is always a great asset. I will see if I can make contact.” She then added, “We will need a wagon load of ropes and climbing gear to assist your soldiers.”
The Red Ambassador, Don the Great, replied, “I will have the supplies delivered here by midday tomorrow.” He then asked in a more subdued voice, “What of your Daniel and his powder?”
Heather responded not for some time, and the Red Ambassador was about to repeat his question when she finally spoke up. “Daniel is with the envoys from our lands. With them he will stay, for I trust not your leaders.”
It was the Red Ambassador’s turn for silence and he could only reply, “I blame you not, for our politicians have wrought great harm to your peoples. I accept responsibility for failing to object to their wishes. I can but assure you that the military will protect you and yours to our fullest ability.”
Heather explained, “I am here only because the Spirits of the Forest have spoken through my grandmother commanding me to venture forth. I will do what I
can to assist you against this darkness which is arising in the east, for that is what the Spirits of the Forest demand. Trusting your leaders I cannot do, but I do trust your word.”
“The powder that your Daniel controls is a formidable weapon and would have contributed significantly in the upcoming battle. I accept your reasoning and will mention the subject no further.”
Silence ensued for several moments before the Red Ambassador said, “I will have a letter of command for you to present along with the supplies here by midday. You have given me hope which we deserve not.”
Heather said not and simply sat on her haunches staring into the fire. The Red Ambassador rose to depart, and said, “I would this young navigator continue to assist you.”
Without changing her position, Heather responded, “As he wishes.” She then added, “Hard times are most certainly ahead. I would wish that when peace is restored our peoples learn to live as trading partners, not as enemies.”
The Red Ambassador returned to his escort and the carriage. He changed clothes with the young navigator and gave him the choice of returning to the city or staying with Heather. The young navigator replied, “If she has need of my skills, I would stay with her and those of the Forest.”
“So be it. I would honor you with a promotion but it seems of little or no consequence. If you wish such I will arrange it.”
The young navigator replied, “I serve my king and people, it is enough.”
As the carriage moved off, the young navigator turned back to the campfire. Heather sat unmoving until others of the Forest reported the Red Ambassador and his escort to be truly gone. She then stood and began kicking dirt on the small fire to extinguish it. She said only, “I would that some follow behind and ensure we are not being trailed. A few others will need to return here tomorrow for the supplies. They should head west and we will meet up with them.”
With that she glanced at the sky to find her direction and started moving off. She was joined by those of the Forest, who created a guard in front and behind her with scouts fanning out ahead.
They traveled for a few hours before arriving at the other camp they had created. Fatigue was evident in Heather’s gait and her small tent was a welcome refuge. She said only to those waiting, “The meeting went well. We return to the ship tomorrow at first light.”
The coming of the dawn found Heather completing her morning ritual and preparing for the breaking of the fast. They traveled hard but another night was required before they sighted their ship in the cove. The signaling mirrors had worked well. Rather than returning to the ship, camp was made ashore with Daniel and baby Geoffrey joining them. Those of the Forest were eager to leave the ship, and the atmosphere was jovial. Heather gave her report and answered many questions. As the night wore on, Heather and Daniel left for the privacy of their tent. Baby Geoffrey had long since fallen asleep and awoke not. Morning light came all too soon and the time for decisions had arrived. After breaking the fast, Heather and Jason returned to the ship to meet with Captain Cook.
After briefing Captain Cook on the developments, Heather allowed each to voice their concerns and opinions. She then explained, “It is the wish of my grandmother and the Spirits of the Forest that we give assistance to those of the Red. The danger of Daniel’s knowledge falling into the enemy’s hands is so great that we can risk it not.” She then spoke as the commander, and said, “Captain Cook, I would you set sail and return Jason and the other envoys to the safety of our homeland. Daniel and the little ones will accompany you.”
Jason understood that indeed Heather was the commander and acquiesced to her wishes silently, but a look of great sadness was evident on his face. Captain Cook merely replied, “I accept your command.”
Heather arose and returned via the boat to those waiting ashore. Betty was not dressed for travel, and Heather felt relieved to know that she would help care for the little ones. There was also somewhat of an emptiness knowing Betty would not be there to support her. Daniel was very quiet as he helped his bride to prepare to depart. He wanted not to leave her alone, but understood the reasoning. It made the separation no easier to accept and he worried greatly for her. And then she was gone, headed towards the impassable mountains. There was nothing left to do but head back to the ship and sail for home, leaving his bride behind. At least Jeremy had recovered enough that he and Edna would stay with her; it was what gave him hope.
The Scarlet King Page 9