The Scarlet King

by Charles Kaluza

Chapter 19

  As they rounded the Great Cape, Heather and Daniel sat topside and said little, but simply watched the rolling sea and enjoyed the presence of the other. When the seas began to settle Heather spoke, saying, "Only one more day until we see our son." Daniel said not but simply squeezed her hand. The evening air finally forced them below.

  Those of the Forest had already begun the evening meal, which needed to be served in small groups, for their space was small. It was difficult to tell stories, for people were always coming and going nor was there a campfire to gather around. Jeremy did his best recounting tales of their previous adventures, but without the ale the full impact was not present.

  As evening became evident, Larby and Captain Cook worked together to determine the tides. But no matter how hard they tried they could not figure a way to arrive at high tide. Captain Cook finally announced, "We will spend another night offshore and plan on crossing the harbor entrance at midmorning with a high tide."

  Heather and Daniel accepted the news because they had no other choice. Seeing their baby would have to wait another day. Heather was so filled with anticipation that she had trouble participating in the evening meal, and after a short period looking at the moon, she and Daniel retired to their small cabin for time together.

  With the rising of the sun, Captain Cook again took control of the helm and had the sails adjusted to take the ship out of irons. As the ship gained speed, Heather's anticipation also increased to the point that she had trouble visiting with others. She could smell in her mind their baby and her fingers could feel the softness of his skin.

  They traveled ever so slowly towards the harbor entrance, and had no sooner entered the harbor than it was evident that something was seriously wrong. Washed up against the rocks was one of the black ships. Captain Cook had the alarm called out and the cannons prepared. They sailed into the harbor entrance and saw another of the black ships smashed against the rocks, and a third sunken with only its mast protruding above the water. Heather stared anxiously at the cliffs looking for signs of life, but there were none. The small building those of the Red had occupied had been destroyed and no one was manning the lookout. Jeremy climbed the mast and called down, "The harbor catapult has been burned."

  Daniel's heart was racing and all he could do was hold tightly to Heather, who was trembling with fear and whose face was fixed with an expression of disbelief. At first there were no tears, but then she finally spoke: "What has become of our baby?" The tears began to flow with a vengeance. Daniel simply let her cry, for he knew not how to console her. Holding her tightly brought some solace to both of them.

  Betty came up from below chewing on some hard bread and said, "Babies okay. You need not cry."

  Heather through her tears asked, "Where is my baby?"

  Betty but shrugged her shoulders and pointed out to sea. Heather asked, "You think our babies are out in the ocean somewhere?"

  Betty continued chewing on the hard bread and replied, "They coming back but not yet." Heather knew there would be no use to further question Betty, for she had given them all that she knew. How she knew things was a mystery, but there was no doubt of her ability. Heather worked to control her tears, and after her composure was regained she joined with Jason and Captain Cook. Captain Cook trusted not their situation and wished to return to the safety of the sea, but Jason wished to explore for signs of survivors and clues of what went on. Heather listened for some time to the discussion before saying, "Betty says Larby's people are coming back with our babies."

  Jason wanted to know where they had gone to, but Heather knew not. The discussion continued but for a short time before Heather announced, "We of the Forest will go ashore, for if an attack occurs we can flee to the high ground. The rest should stay aboard and flee to the safety of the sea. The signaling mirrors will keep us connected." Both Jason and Captain Cook nodded in agreement and Captain Cook positioned the ship for the lowering of the boats. As soon as those of the Forest had been ferried ashore, the ship sails were again raised and Captain Cook rode the outgoing tide to the safety of the open sea.

  Those of the Forest began setting up a small camp and scouting the area for signs of danger. Heather asked Jeremy to scout an escape route if needed, and he and Edna were soon off exploring. Only after the initial reports came back without signs of danger did Heather allow the exploration of the homes of Larby's people. The cooking pots were in place and clothing still remained. It was obvious they had left in a hurry, and Heather assumed it was the arrival of the black ships. There was no sign of conflict in the caves themselves. As they moved along the shore to the small building those of the Red had built, there were signs of conflict, with impacts from the ships’ catapults visible along the beach. The small stone building had been pretty much demolished.

  Daniel spoke up, saying, "The black ships seemed to have won the battle but not without great losses.”

  One of the Forest was searching through the rubble and came across an opening into a small room that had survived. The light was poor and they could see not into the interior. A simple torch was made and Daniel peered into the small room, which appeared to be a simple storage room with small crates of supplies. As Daniel maneuvered the torch, the smoke irritated his eyes and at first he was not sure of what he had seen. He blinked hard several times before he was sure that what he saw propped up against the crates was truly a skeleton. There was no stench, so it had been many weeks since the person had died.

  Daniel withdrew, and the ashen color of his face told Heather that something was wrong. When questioned, he said only, "One has died in their storage room leaving behind only a skeleton." There were many questions, but Daniel said only, "I need a better torch."

  Heather and the others rested while a better torch was made and finally lit. Daniel took the lighted torch, and this time dropped down feet first into the small room. Now without the smoke in his face he could definitely detect the musty odor. He looked closer at the skeleton, which was covered in some rags that seemed to be caked with dried blood. He examined the skull but there was no evidence of fracture. The bones were still partially connected by their ligaments, but the rodents had scattered them somewhat.

  Daniel forced himself to ignore the skeleton and examined more closely the contents of the room. Most of the crates were empty, but on top of one was a scroll with columns of writing, which seemed to be an inventory. At the bottom in a very uneven hand was other writing. The torch was burning low, and Daniel carefully rolled the scroll before climbing up out of the storeroom.

  He took several deep breaths before responding to the many questions. He said, "Someone survived the attack for long enough to write on the scroll but died of his injuries. I know not if he was of the Red or from the East but appears not as Larby's people." When asked of the meaning and other writing on the scroll, Daniel but shrugged his shoulders, saying, "The writing is poor and I am not even certain of the language. Hopefully Jason and Rheon can work with the scholar from those of the East and interpret it for us." He then added, "I would have help in burying the dead."

  As those of the Forest began digging a grave, Daniel again entered the storage room, taking with him a large cloth cape that was freed from the debris. He diligently re-created the skeleton, replacing the scattered bones in the proper anatomical position. He closed up the cloth cape and secured it with light rope. He then passed the wrapped skeleton through the opening to those above who ever so gingerly pulled it up. When the grave was completed, Daniel took responsibility for lowering the dead into the ground. A prayer to the God of the Sacred Water was offered as the grave was filled with dirt.

  Heather watched from the edge of the water, alternating her attention between the burial and the flashing of light from the mirrors that the lookout was using to summon back Captain Cook. She knew not if there would be enough daylight for the ship to return, for the high tide would be just after sunset. T
he scouts had found no other evidence of life, but much evidence of the battle which had been mostly fought with the engines of war. It appeared to her that initially the catapult of those of the Red controlled the battle, but then something happened to the catapult and the smaller engines of war aboard the ships finally won out. The real mystery was what happened to Larby's people and her baby.

  Those of the Forest had already lit their campfire and the sun had descended to the very edge of the ocean when the lookout called out, "Ship approaching." Heather debated putting out the fire, but decided that the smoke would be as much a telltale as the fire if the ship was not theirs. A few tense moments passed before the lookout made positive identification, calling out, "I see Larby in the bow." With the ship safely in the harbor, those of the Forest continued their preparation for the evening meal, and more importantly for the telling of stories.

  Captain Cook would not leave his ship and come ashore even though he knew that traversing the narrows into the harbor was all but impossible at night. Jason and Rheon came ashore and along with them was the scholar from the East. They joined those of the Forest for a simple meal of travel rations. Not until everyone had finished eating did Heather bring up the subject of the scroll that Daniel had found. Jason was much intrigued, but when he examined the writing, said, "The first portion is an inventory list but the second portion is written in a different language." Rheon and the scholar were looking over his shoulder but said not until Jason looked up asking their opinion.

  Rheon spoke first, saying," The symbols are much like the symbols of those of the East but seem more primitive. It seems to be talking about the battle."

  The scholar but nodded his head until Jason specifically asked the meaning of the writing. The scholar first asked if he could hold the scroll; he turned it so the light was more effective. He said, "It is written in the old style of my people from the East and I cannot fully understand it. It has been many years since the old style was used and only a few poorly educated people use it now."

  He continued his study and slowly translated for the others the story of the battle and how the writer had survived the sinking of their ship. The ship had struck a rock and the wind had blown them against the rocky cliff. He had been thrown from his lookout post onto the shore and was knocked unconscious. By the time he awoke the battle had moved on and he could find no other survivors of their ship. He kept moving towards the battle in the harbor but the going was very slow, for his breathing was hard and the shoreline very rocky.

  He watched as the catapult on the high ground succeeded in sinking two more of their ships before they finally succeeded in destroying it. Landing parties prepared for battle but found only a few of the Red guarding their building. He had moved as quickly as possible, but the landing parties had already departed before he finally arrived at the site of the battle. The ships sailed off with the tide, leaving him stranded.

  The scholar struggled but was no longer able to make sense of the remaining scroll, for the handwriting had deteriorated markedly. Heather spoke up, asking, "Does it speak at all of the people of the caves?"

  The scholar squinted as he strained in the light of the fire to make sense of the remaining writing. After more study he but shrugged his shoulders, saying, "There is no other mention of any peoples that I can decipher."

  Heather persisted, asking, "There is no mention of the fishing boats used by the people of the caves?” The scholar spoke not but simply shook his head in the negative. Heather was quiet for but a moment before she looked up at Betty and said, “The people of Larby’s left before those of the East arrived. How did they know?”

  Betty just shrugged her shoulders and replied, “I saw black ships.”

  Heather asked, “Where did they go?”

  Betty kept chewing on a piece of dried meat, and replied, “They followed Larby.”

  The others around the campfire just watched the exchange, not fully understanding what was going on. Heather asked, “They escaped to the island of the shipwreck?”

  Betty just nodded her head and then added, “Almost home now. Babies fine.”

  Heather was quiet for some time before she spoke up and explained to the others, “Betty foresaw the ships of the East and somehow warned Larby’s people, who fled to the island of the shipwreck. They are apparently on their way back here, but there is more that I sense.”

  Jason had many questions but Heather had few answers, and soon Jeremy was again entertaining them with his stories. When Daniel and Heather left for the privacy of their tent, Daniel asked, “What is it that you sense?”

  Heather squeezed his hand and replied, “There is some change in Larby’s people but I cannot yet determine what it is.” She then added, “For tonight we are together and what the morrow brings we will leave to the God of the Sacred Water.”

  The next two days were relatively quiet, for the barren lands held little for the hunters of the Forest to harvest. The sea was rich, but they knew not how to harvest the bounty; only Larby was successful in providing them fresh fish. It was at high tide that the lookout signaled that a ship was approaching.

  Captain Cook aboard their ship prepared quickly for a possible battle, readying the cannons and pulling anchor. Those of the Forest prepared their bows, and the others began climbing the trail preparing for a possible escape into the wilderness.

  Betty was obviously calm but said not, and Heather could sense no danger. She felt her breast swell ever so slightly and a smile formed on her face, for she felt that her baby was most certainly near. She and Daniel stayed with the hunters of the Forest and watched as the ship sailed into the harbor accompanied by dozens of large canoes and fishing boats.

  The flotilla seemed to fill the harbor and Heather’s anticipation increased even more. As the fishing boats and canoes came ashore those of the Forest helped with the landings. The ship looked much like their ship except the sails were but small patches of cloth and it seemed to have no mainmast. They could see those on board lowering a large rock that acted as their anchor.

  As Larby’s people came ashore they talked with great excitement, but Heather could understand little of what was said and it was Larby who translated for them. It seems that when they had heard Betty’s warning they simply fled to their canoes and boats, fleeing out of the harbor with the outgoing tide. It was at low tide when the enemy ships appeared on the horizon and tried to enter the harbor. Larby’s people avoided the black ships and continued on the way that Larby had taken being guided by the Listener’s memory of Larby’s journey. They landed on the island of the shipwreck and established a temporary base. Soon they were examining the ship and figured a way of patching it and re-floating it.

  The discussion ended when Larby’s mother came ashore with Betty’s young son and Heather’s baby. Both Heather and Betty rushed forward to greet their offspring. Larby’s mother just watched with a smile on her face as Betty’s young son ran to his mother and jumped into her arms. Betty covered him with kisses, telling him how much he had grown. She bothered not to wipe her tears.

  Heather reached out and took her baby from Larby’s mother and said not, but the look on her face was of such happiness that only another mother could fully understand. The smile on Larby’s mother’s face seemed to grow as she watched the reunion of mother and child. Heather held her son close to her chest and nuzzled him and allowed his scent to permeate into her very being. Images of the fresh born baby flooded into her mind and she seemed detached from all around her. The baby Geoffrey recognized his mother also and began rooting at her breast. Heather could not help but enjoy the sensation, but told her son, “I am sorry but there is no milk anymore.”

  Larby’s mother said in her language, “Let him suckle—you may yet be able to make milk.”

  Heather could understand little of Larby’s mother’s words but yet understood what she had meant. She turned towards Daniel and asked, “Can I still feed my baby?�
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  Daniel replied, “It is possible, for wet nurses are known for this ability.”

  Heather’s tears of joy flowed ever more freely as she retreated to their tent with her baby. Both Heather and her baby responded well initially to the attempt at feeding, but the baby became frustrated when no milk was available. Larby’s mother soon appeared with a bowl of warm soup and handed it to Heather, motioning with her hands to drink it. Heather did as she was told while Larby’s mother held the baby. The soup was salty and had just a hint of fish flavor to it. When she had finished the soup, Larby’s mother handed the baby back.

  Heather concentrated on being calm as baby Geoffrey again searched for the milk he remembered. Heather felt a small letdown of milk, and her baby seemed to relax as he again tasted his mother’s milk. Larby’s mother watched while speaking not. It was obvious the baby had gotten some milk, and she but nodded her head before turning and leaving mother and baby alone.

  There was joy in everyone at the reunion, and only those envoys from the Northern Kingdom had complaints. They were filling Jason’s ears with their trials and tribulations and how they needed to leave immediately for their homeland. Jason listened to this litany for some time before rising and saying, “These people saved your lives and yet you have no respect for them or their abilities. Have you learned not that others may be different but yet have a special role that is essential for the balance in the world of the Sacred Water?” He then added, “We will depart for our homelands soon enough, but first we must give thanks to these people for what they have done. I would you think of the debt you owe these people who have rescued you twice.” Jason had spoken with such authority that the envoys from the North replied not and kept their complaining to a minimum.

  When Larby’s people had stored again their meager possessions, they prepared for the evening meal. It was a simple meal combining the travel rations of Larby’s people and those of the Forest. The tide was low and they made their campfire on the beach. Before eating, thanks were given to the God of the Sea and to the God of the Sacred Water in the custom of both peoples. The food was shared amongst all with each trying the food of the other people.

  As the simple meal was finished stories were begun, with Larby and the young priest working hard to translate. The evening wore on and Heather whispered to Daniel that it was time to try to feed the baby again. They departed for their tent, leaving the others to continue the stories.

  As the sun rose so did baby Geoffrey, demanding to be fed. His crying seemed to stimulate the milk within Heather and her breasts swelled more noticeably. Baby Geoffrey suckled forcibly enough that it cost Heather some pain and her breasts were all too soon empty. She began chewing small pieces of meat and feeding it to the baby on her finger. Daniel was content to lie there and simply watch his bride and their baby.

  When the baby was finally satisfied Heather handed him to Daniel and completed the morning ritual. The three of them joined the others for the breaking of the fast. The envoys from the Northern Kingdom were speaking again about departing soon for their homeland. Heather simply ignored them and asked those assembled what sort of celebration they would have that evening.

  Betty spoke up, saying, “A wedding feast.”

  Daniel was very puzzled by the statement and asked who was getting married. Heather understood in her heart what Betty’s words meant but said not. Larby finally spoke up, saying, “Betty and I would marry.” He then looked at Heather, and with a pleading look on his face asked, “With your permission.”

  Heather smiled her little smile and replied, “I have not the power to grant you permission, for it is as the God of the Sacred Water has willed it. I would add my blessing to your wedding.”

  Betty then spoke up, saying to Jason, “You marry Rheon. She smart and pretty.”

  Jason was obviously quite startled by Betty’s pronouncement and just looked down at the ground for what seemed a long time. He finally looked up at Rheon and said, “Betty speaks the truth and I would have you for my wife if you are willing.”

  Rheon seemed almost aglow with the radiance of her black skin sparkling as she replied simply, “I would.”

  A cheer went up from all assembled, which brought even more people to the fire and discussion in both languages intermingled. Everything seemed quite confused on the surface but a general plan was forming quickly. The decision was made to combine the weddings and celebrate them with the customs of both peoples.

  Edna and Heather worked with Larby’s mother and the other women to fashion wedding garments for Betty and Rheon. Fishmen went out to obtain fresh food for the evening celebration. Jeremy went on a search for ale but the small supply they had aboard the ship was clearly inadequate. He then began to explore the storage room, for he had seen an empty cask at the edge of the building and suspected that further supplies might be hidden. Using a torch he climbed down into the storage cellar and began moving crates and boxes. Many were empty but a few were filled with cloth and other items. As he moved the boxes he finally saw what he was seeking: against the back wall were two casks. With some anxiety he tilted them and was more than a little surprised to find them full. He maneuvered the casks to the small opening and then climbed out, seeking help to lift them through the small opening. Others of the Forest were more than happy to assist him.

  Those of the Forest were somewhat frustrated, for they were unable to make their normal drums because of the lack of trees. They approached Larby and asked if he knew of any other material which might work as a drum. Larby replied, “On the outside shore there are frequently small broken logs washed up on the beach.” He then added, “The tide is wrong and you must wait till the afternoon tide.”

  Those of the Forest asked, “Can we not just walk to this beach?”

  Larby thought of the rapid pace those of the Forest had and but nodded his head. He then instructed them to just follow the left-hand shore of the harbor until they came to the beach. Several of the Forest set off immediately at a rapid pace, climbing to the high ground for the easier travel it provided.

  It was late afternoon when they returned carrying a large load of firewood and, more importantly, several hollow sections of logs for their drums. Stones and sand had been used to create a raised platform for the wedding celebration, and just in front of the platform those of the Forest created a campfire pit. They carefully arranged their log drums in a circle back away from the fire pit. Seats of honor were created for the elders of Larby’s people and for the wedding couples.

  The envoys from the Northern Kingdom participated not but grumbled amongst themselves. Heather overheard them speaking against Jason and his acceptance of a bride not of the royal blood and from a strange land. Heather’s temper flared, and without thinking she drew her sword and turned to face the envoys of her native land. She spoke sharply, saying, “If you wish to challenge the freedom that the King of the Southern Kingdom has in choosing his own bride, I wish you to do it now.”

  The envoys looked at each other and at the sword in Heather’s hand before the senior envoy, swallowing hard, said, “Princess, we meant no harm and were but discussing the cultural differences.”

  Heather shook her head and slowly returned her sword, as she said, “Despite your experiences you still have not learned of the great value that diversity brings. If our peoples are to prosper we must accept and honor the different customs of other peoples.” She then turned and walked away, for she heard baby Geoffrey in the distance demanding to be fed.

  Evening was approaching and the celebration began. The people gathered in front of the platform, leaving a walkway that extended to the water’s edge. One of Larby’s people then began to blow into the shell of a sea creature, which started as a soft sound but continued to build until it resonated from the entire harbor. He continued to blow until two canoes appeared, and those of Larby’s people walked into the water to guide the ceremonial canoes to the shore.
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  Inside the canoes were the wedding couples. The dragging of the canoes was made somewhat more difficult because of Jason’s size. Jason and Larby then both stepped out of the canoes and bowed to the elders seated on the wedding platform. With great dignity they then helped their brides out of the canoes.

  Those of the Forest began a slow drumbeat as the wedding couples ascended the beach and walked past all the people to present themselves to the elders. When the elders arose to accept the wedding couples, the drumming stopped. They spoke in their native language, and the young priest stood with them and translated for those of the Forest. They were asking the couples if they understood the meaning and the commitment of marriage. When the couples responded in the affirmative, the elders announced, “Let the ceremony begin.”

  The young priest was joined by the Listener who heard the God of the Sea. Together they stood and asked the wedding couples to come forward. The young priest went first, reciting the standard prayers to the God of the Sacred Water that the marriage of Rheon and Jason would be blessed. When he had finished the prayers he asked the couple to step forward, and they exchanged their acceptance vows. He then asked the couple to exchange a kiss that would seal their marriage. Jason bent down and very gently tilted Rheon’s chin up, giving her a long kiss. A great cheer went up from all in attendance and the couple bowed in appreciation.

  When the applause had settled down the Listener stepped forward and proceeded with the ceremony of Larby’s people. His words were not translated but the meaning was obvious. To those observing, the ceremony seemed nearly identical to the other despite the different language. Again at the end of the ceremony the bride and groom were asked to kiss and seal their marriage. Again a great cheer went up. Larby awkwardly tried to bow, but Betty just stood there and smiled.

  The drumming started up again as the couples began descending to the campfire that awaited below them. They were showered with small pieces of the giant kelp plant, which was an essential part of the life of Larby’s people. They were followed by the elders, who stopped in front of Heather and insisted that she precede them to the campfire. Heather handed their baby to Daniel and did as was asked.

  The drumming continued at a steady subdued pace. Once the elders were seated, Jeremy and Edna began distributing small containers of the ale he had found to all of those who had traveled with them. Those of Larby’s people distributed the beverage they made from the berries of the giant kelp plant. Only after all had been given a little to drink were the wedding couples served. They were then asked to stand, and the drumming increased in intensity before suddenly stopping. At that point all raised their drinks and a cheer went up honoring the wedding couples.

  Darkness was now complete and it was time for the wedding dance. Daniel leaned over and whispered to Heather, “At least Jason and Larby will not have to have someone hold them up during the wedding dance.” Heather said not but simply squeezed his hand.

  Larby and Betty arose and entered the center circle. The drumming began quietly and slowly and they danced a slow promenade around the circle. Larby had some trouble with his peg leg sticking into the sand. Betty, who never liked being the center of attention, was happy when the dance was over and she could return to the sideline.

  When Jason and Rheon moved into the circle the drumming again began slowly and quietly, and they repeated the promenade dance that Larby and Betty had performed. When the promenade was finished Jason turned to those gathered and said, “My wife would dance the wedding dance of her peoples.”

  A light applause went up and even in the firelight the enjoyment on Rheon’s face was evident. The drumming started again slowly and quietly, and she began a solo dance facing her husband and ignoring all others. At first the drumming seemed to dictate the speed of the dance, but soon it was obvious that Rheon was leading the music. Her movements were fluid and graceful as she drove the music forward. Both the tempo and volume continued to increase, keeping up with her movements.

  Those in the audience could not help but join the music with their clapping. Then, with a vibrant movement of her arms, she signaled the end of the dance and the music ended. She bowed to Jason and accepted the hand he had offered. A great cheer went out but Rheon responded not, taking her place at Jason’s side.

  Now the dancing continued with others taking their turns dancing with the brides and grooms. Daniel found Rheon to be as light as a feather and knew not how she had learned the dances of the Forest. Heather danced with Jason and was surprised at his ability and rhythm. She said, “I wish you and your bride happiness. May the God of the Sacred Water bless you and Rheon.” She then added, “If it is the will of the God of the Sacred Water may you be blessed with many children.”

  As the dancing wound down it was time for the stories to begin. Jeremy rose and took command, asking Jason to begin by telling of the rescue of Rheon. Jason began the story in a very matter of fact manner without much enthusiasm in his voice, for he was not a storyteller. When it came to the actual spotting of the survivor, he became more animated and described in great detail the actual rescue of the stranger who sat now at his side. The story was well received and he bowed ever so slightly to the applause.

  Next it was the rescue of Larby. Jeremy turned towards Daniel and asked him to relate the story. As Daniel began telling the tale, Jeremy was forever filling in details and adding to the suspense. Daniel accepted his friend’s interruptions as if it was the most natural thing, which for them it was. It was only when it came to a description of the leg amputation that Jeremy took over. He spoke not of the surgery but of the stench and sickness. Those of the Forest knew the story well, but Larby’s people had heard only portions of it. When Jeremy had finished, the applause and appreciation from Larby’s people was obvious.

  Jeremy then asked if people would like to hear of the wedding kiss of Daniel and Heather’s wedding. At first few responded but after Daniel had complained that it was not an interesting enough story to be told, yet again more and more people joined the chant for the story. Daniel settled back and wrapped his arm around Heather and their baby while the story of their wedding was told. It was a well told story, and at the end Jason rose and said, “I would wish to see such a kiss.” With this the chant began for all wanting to see the kiss. Daniel and Heather arose in the joy of those around them and exchanged a passionate kiss, after which Daniel again slumped to the ground to the applause of all.

  The night was long with some dancing in between stories, and the young and old had long since gone to their beds. Heather whispered to Daniel that it was time for them to depart also. The Scarlet King was also very tired and Daniel offered to walk him to his tent. With Heather on one side and Daniel on the other they made their way in the darkness. The Scarlet King remarked in a mix of the languages, “I have never before slept outside the palace. I had no idea that there were so many stars. I find great comfort at night when I awaken to see them, and leave the fly of the tent open so their light can calm me.”

  Daniel replied, “Those of the Forest have always relied on the stars to guide us and remind us of the vastness of the world. They tie all of us together.”