Half Brains, Sacred Water book 1

by Charles Kaluza

  Chapter 16

  While Captain John worked to provision the ship and complete its sea trials, Heather worked with her father’s counselors to complete the diplomatic work. Her father seemed a little stronger each day and was able to have short sessions to approve the work of the counselors. His breathing remained very weak and Daniel continued to fret about the buildup of fluid. Heather needed to finish planning not only her journey but also her return to the Place of the North and the upcoming confrontation with the church. The young priest almost never left Jason’s library as he worked to master the old law. Heather pushed him to complete his translation because it was the basis of her defense. Jason added his own abilities and those of his scholars to the effort. When the young priest was finally confident in his mental image of the appropriate text and with his understanding of the translation he reported to Heather.

  Heather listened attentively as the young priest explained the subtle changes in the old law which had occurred over time and the many translations. The old law had prohibited the use of sacred water by anyone not capable of benefiting from its use. The half brains were not specifically mentioned until later in the text. That portion of the text dealt with the moral responsibility of those capable of assisting the half brains and other misfortunate’s. The linkage of the two sections seemed to have occurred as a convenience to the translators. Heather specifically asked, “Would the old law prohibit the use of sacred water by a half brain if it had been shown they would benefit?”

  The young priest again apologized for his limited ability before responding, “My understanding of the ancient texts would be the use of the Sacred Water would not be prohibited and may in reality be required because of the second section and its requirement to assist those less fortunate like the half brains.”

  Heather thanked him for his efforts and asked that he return with them on the ship. The young priest had not enjoyed his first journey but agreed without hesitation to the new one. They discussed how the church elders would respond to this interpretation of the old law. The young priest said, “No one likes change, but church law is based on the old law. If they accept my work then the current law must be changed. They will probably argue against my translation.”

  Heather now had a clear plan for her confrontation with the church leaders. As a last resort she would use force to ensure Daniel’s safety and his return to the Forest. To ensure that ability she needed her own personal guard, comprised of those of the forest who had accompanied her and those of her father’s personal guard troops. She met with them and discussed the potential issues. When given the opportunity they all volunteered for the mission.

  Heather met with Captain John on the evening of the second day. He was satisfied with the progress of provisioning the ship. When Heather asked if he needed anything else, Captain John said, “I would bring with me the shipbuilder and the young master. This ship sails far differently than any ship I have previously experienced. The young master has significant knowledge of how the sails need to be controlled and I would use this knowledge.”

  “And the shipbuilder?”

  “I would not mean to tell you or the King what to do but the knowledge of this shipbuilder should not be lost. We of the North have the materials to build these ships and build them we must.”

  “I will speak to King Jason. You are confident in a safe passage for my father?”

  Captain John replied, “I have experienced the ship only in the river, but the maneuverability is outstanding. I would expect she would handle the sea equally well. This Red Ambassador knew of ships.”

  Heather asked, “How many men can we transport back to the Northern Kingdom with my father?”

  “She is much larger than my previous ship but cargo and bunk space are not much different. I think we can carry at most a hundred to 120 extra troops.”

  “I would carry the hundred and twenty extra troops.”

  Captain John asked, “You’re expecting trouble at home?”

  Heather replied, “Let us say that the church and I do not agree on everything.”

  “You have the pledge of me and my crew.”

  Heather told him she appreciated his support. She returned to check on her father. He still slept most of the time but would sit and take some broth when he was awake. When Daniel returned from checking on the other wounded, she discussed her plans. They talked late into the night.

  In the morning Heather met with Jeremy and Elrod. She briefed them on her plans and her need for troops. She would rely primarily on those of the forest who volunteered because they had not taken an oath of loyalty to the church. She explained the discrepancy in the old law and the modern translations which had caused Daniel’s trouble. Elrod insisted that his oath to the rule of law was primary but he accepted the young priest interpretation. He continued for some time explaining the relative importance of the different oaths.

  Heather interrupted him asking if he thought thirty or so of the King’s personal guard would agree with him. He answered, “Most certainly.”

  She asked Jeremy how many of the hunters from the forest would be capable and willing to travel with her. Jeremy responded, “We are at your service. About eighty of us remain and are capable of travel.”

  Heather instructed them to have the people prepared for travel at the morning sun on the morrow. She then left to attend the security meeting with Jason and his counselors. The meeting had not yet begun and Heather took the opportunity of relaying Captain John’s request. Jason started to agree immediately, but Arthur realized the importance of the shipbuilder and objected. When he explained the possible strategic importance of the ships Jason thought to reconsider. Heather countered saying, “We would have him with us in case of repairs being needed. His skills would be much in demand in the Northern Kingdom. I offer my personal pledge to have him returned within a year, with sufficient materials to build another ship. The drawings of the ship will also be left here.”

  Jason and Arthur discussed the issue between themselves for several minutes before Jason agreed. The counselors began arriving. Heather participated little in the meeting until the discussion of the northern army began. The army would be confined by the weather for at least four more months. Jason had agreed to provision the army but the question of inviting the army into the city proved much more vexing. Heather spoke up saying, “My father’s troops will not be troubled by your winter weather. They will require adequate supplies but would otherwise not be a burden. I agree that some separation would be in everyone’s best interest.”

  It was decided the troops would remain outside the city near the river. The program of exchange and interaction would be established. Fuel and food would be supplied by the Southern Kingdom that was now acting as host. Access to the taverns would be allowed on a controlled basis. Heather was satisfied and asked the Security Council consider appointing the commander of the northern forces as her replacement. Arthur expressed his concern of having another outsider involved with their security. Jason reminded him, “First you tell me of the potential danger that the red ambassador represents and now you worry of sharing our security matters with our allies. I know I gave you the job of worrying but building allegiance with our allies must take precedence over your worrying.”

  Arthur accepted the gentle reprimand saying, “As you say, my job is to worry.”

  Heather took her leave and returned to finish her preparations. Her father was awake and she discussed the plans for his troops. He responded in his weak voice, “I would leave my troops as a King not in secrecy.”

  Heather asked, “Are you strong enough to sit for twenty minutes while you are carried in parade past the troops?”

  “I would ride rather than be carried but I have not the strength to ride. I will make myself sit for the 20 minutes.”

  Heather left again to meet with Elrod and assign him another task. A formal parade past the troops would be held. She aske
d him to prepare a throne for the King to be carried upon. She also asked that he send for her father’s commander for a final meeting to be held before the evening meal. The afternoon was too short and the meeting time arrived before Heather was satisfied with all of the preparations. She met with the commander and her father. The commander kept looking to the King for confirmation whenever Heather told him of the plans. The King finally said, “I have entrusted her and ask your pledge of loyalty and service to her as you have done to the throne.”

  The commander turned to Heather and bowed before her saying, “By the God of the sacred water I pledge my loyalty and service to you in the name of your father and the throne upon which he sits.”

  The meeting became a private one between Heather and the commander when her father was again asleep. They finalized the parade arrangements for their departure and long-range plans for the return to the north. As the meeting ended the commander asked, “The King will recover?”

  Heather said, “He grows stronger daily but the danger is not yet passed. He deserves not to die from an assassin. We must all work together to face the threat this red ambassador may represent. Your service is essential to protect those of the Northern Kingdom and I would thank you for this service.”

  The meeting ended and Heather turned her attention to other matters. Soon it was time for dinner. Jason had wanted to have a great feast for their departure but Heather had declined protesting she had too many things to complete. When she and Daniel joined them for dinner the table was already laden with food. Daniel whispered to Heather, “If this is not a feast, how would a table appear for a real feast?”

  Heather responded, “It would seem our host is not easily dissuaded. We may as well enjoy ourselves.”

  The food was a mixture of things that they had already learned to like with dishes completely unfamiliar to those not of the South. All of the food was spicy with liberal use of the pepper so common in the southern Kingdom. The wine and ale flowed freely. Prior to the serving of dessert Jason stood and said, “I was asked not to have a feast for the departure of our friends and guests, a request which I have honored. But nothing was said about a feast to celebrate the marriage of Daniel and Heather.”

  Everyone seated at the table began to pound on the table until Heather took Daniel’s hand and they stood up. Jason raised his hand for silence and turned towards the door. A trumpet was sounded and the door opened. Heather’s father entered, carried upon a throne. He was dressed simply with only his cape signifying his status. Everyone rose as he was brought forward to join Jason at the head of the table. He signaled with his left hand for everyone to be seated. He raised a glass and toasted saying in his weak voice, “To the bride and groom.”

  Everyone rose again saluting Daniel and Heather with their glasses and voices. Her father continued with Jason repeating his words so everyone could hear, “May peace and the rule of law continue over our lands. I pray to the God of the sacred water that our hard times are over. Let us work together to face whatever dangers may lay ahead.”

  Another cheer from everyone went up. Jason then returned the toast saying, “To the King of the Northern Kingdom for his efforts in freeing us from the tyranny that had descended upon our lands. May he live long and prosper.”

  When the cheering had died down Heather’s father raised his cup first to Jason, then to Daniel and Heather, and finally to all those assembled. After a final sip of his wine he nodded to the attendants. They carefully lifted the throne and the entire assembly stood and cheered as the King was carried out. Heather’s eyes overflowed with tears as she watched her father’s exit. She turned to Daniel and asked, “Did you know my father was coming to the feast?”

  “Not exactly. He had asked me earlier if it was acceptable for him to be up and about some. I told them I thought it was a good idea as long as he didn’t overdo it.”

  “You should have told me.”

  The conversation was interrupted by Jason asking, “We would hear the story of your wedding.”

  Daniel arose and said, “It is a nice but simple story except for the part about the kiss. I would doubt there is much interest in the story.”

  Jason objected asking, “What was special about the kiss?”

  Daniel responded, “Sir, I am still not sure because I have no memory of it.”

  “Well, who can then tell us of this kiss?”

  Daniel said, “Jeremy.”

  Jeremy rose and carefully took one last sip of his ale before beginning the tale. Daniel was content to again sit back and listen to his friend’s telling of the story. When the story was finished there was a general clamor for a demonstration of the kiss. Daniel helped Heather to stand and gave her a long passionate kiss and then began to slump down as if he were passing out. A roar of laughter filled the room and Daniel stood again. He bowed slightly and taking Heather’s arm they left the room to loud applause. When they were outside the hall Heather said, “That was quite an exit you arranged.”

  “I did rather enjoy it; especially the kiss part.”

  When they checked on Heather’s father he was sleeping but his breathing was steady. They visited quietly about the upcoming journey until Betty suggested they were making too much noise for the King and they needed to get their own sleep. The newlyweds returned to their own room hand-in-hand. They were awakened before first light by Betty who said, “It is almost time for breakfast.”

  They dressed and finished packing their simple backpacks before joining Jason for the morning meal. The early hour and a late-night of partying only partially subdued Jason’s normal jovial demeanor. They finished their meal and Jason escorted them to the repaired palace gate. He gave them each a warm embrace and a small package. He would not hear their objections to the gift saying, “I and my people owe you a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid. These small gifts are merely a reminder so you forget us not.”

  Betty opened her gift first and found, wrapped in colorful silk, the chain and ring she had carried for identification as she searched for Arthur. Daniel’s gift was an ancient text of healing herbs. Heather was puzzled by her gift which was a metal object a little longer than her finger and triangular in cross-section, with multiple grooves and engravings on it. She looked up at Jason with a questioning look and he explained, “We know not what this thing is but legend says it is from the time before. We would like you to have it as a talisman.”

  They thanked Jason for the gifts and walked through the gate and into the dark tunnel. Daniel stopped and said a silent prayer for the deaf beggar who had lost his life but yet saved theirs. The morning sky was painted red and pink when they joined with their comrades outside the palace wall. The King presented next being carried by his personal guards on the throne which was designed to rock back so he could rest. They proceeded on to where the northern army was assembled in parade formation. As they neared the columns of soldiers standing in rigid formation, the throne was righted to the sitting position. Heather’s father saluted each column as they passed. By the time they came to the end of the parade formation his weakness was obvious to Heather and Daniel. His face was covered with beads of perspiration and his eyes no longer seemed to focus clearly on the men he was inspecting and honoring. When they passed beyond the parade formation Heather called a brief rest. They repositioned the throne and mopped her father’s brow. He was obviously fatigued but happy and proud of his troops. They covered him with a blanket and loaded the throne onto a small wagon. They proceeded to follow the river downstream to the waiting ship. The Palace guard continued to march in a tight formation around the wagon carrying their King. The hunters seemed to be an uncoordinated band of misfits next to the rigidly coordinated Palace Guards. Heather could not have been prouder of any army than she was of her miniature untrained army of Forest hunters.

  When they arrived at the ship she was surprised to find Captain John’s men dressed professionally and standing
at attention both on the dock and aboard the ship. The palace guard gently lifted the barely awake King and proceeded up the walkway carrying their King. Captain John had a small whistle like instrument sounded and the arrival of the King aboard the ship was formally announced. He was taken immediately to the large cabin which had obviously been outfitted for the red ambassador. Daniel and Heather helped move her father into the bed. The remainder of the troops came aboard and they were directed to their quarters which mostly consisted of hammocks hanging in the many storage lockers. When everyone was settled the whistle was again blown and final preparations for cast-off were made.

  Heather and Daniel were invited to the bridge. Captain John waited until the wind seemed fresh enough and had the call made, “Set sails and cast off.” The sails were pulled taunt and filled with the wind. The ship began sliding forward and away from the docking area. The breeze was gentle but combined with the current, the ship still traveled much faster than even the hunters loping gait. The day was pleasant with some sunshine. After several hours of watching the countryside slide by Daniel said, “I have listened to the stories of your journey before; travel by ship sounded very unpleasant. This is quite enjoyable.”

  Captain John just smiled. Heather tried to explain the change that would occur when they met the sea but finally said, “Enjoy this because it will not last.”

  As before the troops were allowed up top only in small groups. They rotated themselves topside and spent the rest of their time preparing their hammocks. Elrod again assumed primary responsibility for their organization but this time Captain John’s crew were genuinely helpful. Daniel stayed mostly at the bridge trying to figure out how the sails harnessed the energy of the wind. As they neared the sea the onshore breeze freshened and Captain John began working the ship against the wind. The change in the ship’s ability was obvious to Heather. Instead of the wide tacking they were now sailing almost into the wind. Daniel asked Captain John how it was that the boat could sail into the wind. Captain John replied, “I would have our young master explain it. His intuitive knowledge is why I wanted him aboard.”

  The young master was at the helm and explained how the weighted keel counteracted the force of the wind. He pointed out how the sails, when they were filled with wind, strongly resembled a bird’s wing in-flight. Just as the wind rushing over the wing held the bird in the air, the wind rushing past their sails pulled them along through the water. It was his job to keep the sails looking like the wings of an eagle. He pointed to the strips of cloth tied high above on the rigging and tried to explain how the sails responded to the relative wind. Using the relative wind allowed them to sail almost into the wind. Daniel had trouble making sense of this relative wind and decided to settle for the explanation of the sails acting as the wings of a bird.

  Despite their early departure, daylight was coming to an end before they arrived at the transition from river to ocean. The pitching of the ocean swells had developed gradually and the waves were capped with white from the ocean breeze. Daniel accepted the cup of ginger tea Elrod offered him and tried to follow Captain John’s instructions about looking outward at the horizon. As the captain had predicted, the roughness of the water moderated after they had crossed the bar into the ocean proper. The waves were less choppy but the swells persisted.

  As darkness developed Daniel lost his view of the horizon. Occasional stars were visible between the clouds but otherwise the darkness seemed even more complete than in the forest. Heather was excited to show him the fluorescence of the ocean and brought him forward to the side of the ship. The glow of the water as it was parted by the bow of the ship was easily visible in the darkness. Looking down stimulated Daniel’s sense of balance and with almost no warning he began vomiting over the rail. After several minutes they returned to the bridge. Captain John said, “Been feeding the fish? Not a good idea to look down until you get your sea legs.”

  Heather felt bad that she had caused the sickness of the sea and suggested Daniel should lie down. Daniel refused saying, “It is a new experience and I would stay yet awhile.”

  Captain John began explaining how they would navigate at night using the lodestone and the star of the North. Daniel wanted to know how speed and distance traveled were determined. The use of a log dropped from the bow and timed until it arrived at the aft end was used to determine their speed through the water. The mathematics were quite similar to the system used by those of the forest. The difference was the variable currents of the ocean. Captain John admitted that navigation on the sea was as much an art as it was mathematics. Personal knowledge of the currents was needed to augment their measurements. The charts were of some help but only for determining their relative position when they were in sight of land.

  Daniel was not up to eating the evening meal and settled for some more of Elrod’s ginger tea. He and Heather had a small cabin which they shared with Betty. They had a small bed and Betty had hung her hammock just inside the door. To Daniel the space was quite confining and made their tent seem large. Lying down, seemed to help the sickness of the sea. The rolling and pitching of the sea continued throughout the night. Daniel must have adapted because he awoke feeling fairly fresh. He still chose not to eat the morning meal and had just the ginger tea.

  Daniel spent the next three days trying to help others with the sickness of the sea and caring for Heather’s father. By using blankets and pillows to stabilize him in bed he was fairly comfortable. His weakness made getting up a major ordeal. Daniel continued the breathing treatments but the ship’s motion made them more difficult.

  Midmorning of the fourth day landfall was made. Captain John began sailing up the coastline trying to identify a landmark. He kept the ship as far from shore as he could while maintaining visual contact to avoid any reefs. The shape of each headland was compared to his charts. He was muttering to himself about underestimating their speed. When he was finally certain of their position he began a slow turn to port. When the relative wind direction had changed enough he gave the order, “Prepare to come about.”

  Some of the sails were let loose and others tightened as the ship continued its turnabout through the wind. The sails were reset and they were now sailing back along the coast. Captain John had the flag of the Southern Kingdom raised on the mast. They arrived at a long inlet and turned into it. As the inlet narrowed the defense positions of the Southern Kingdom became visible. At its narrowest the inlet put the ship within easy range of the catapults on the cliffs. The defenders signaled the ship with flags. Captain John responded with the appropriate signals to signify he had permission to traverse the passage. After a few tense minutes permission was granted to continue and they sailed on passing from the ocean of the Southern Kingdom to the ocean of the Northern Kingdom. Their passage was marked by an area of confused seas and swirling currents. At times the currents coalesced into swirls which created large whirlpools. Captain John was at the helm not trusting others to the difficult conditions. Gradually the inlet began to widen out and the seas became more organized. The wind had taken on a colder bite and the ocean seemed a greyer color. Captain John steered north taking them away from the land and the danger submerged reefs represented. Daniel commented on the change in the ocean. Captain John responded, “The Sea is dressed for winter. She wears grey and keeps herself pretty well stirred up all winter. It’ll be a rough ride but if the God of the Sacred Water is on our side we’ll arrive in port before the next storm from the north arrives.”

  Daniel noticed that the splash from the waves was freezing on the handrails. Captain John explained, “As the ice builds the bow becomes heavier which causes more spray topside. It won’t be long until my crew must start chipping the ice. It’s their least favorite work.”

  Daniel watched from the relative comfort of the bridge as two of the crew moved forward dressed in oilskins. They wore safety harnesses which were attached to ropes hanging from the ri
gging. They had small hammer like tools and began chipping the rapidly forming ice from the bow. Each large wave would create enough spray that they would be drenched. They would hunch over as the ship pitched down into the wave and after the spray had passed over them would continue chipping away at the ice. They worked diligently for an hour and were then replaced by another pair. Controlling the ice would be the crew’s primary mission for the next three days until they turned towards their home port.

  They continued to beat against the wind as they worked their way north. The temperature grew only slightly colder but the wind and waves seemed to grow. Daniel wondered if this was a storm such as they had experienced on the previous trip. Captain John laughed and said, “No, this is no storm. The sea, she just tends to get herself worked up a bit during the winter. We may see a storm yet, but as long as it stays cold she won’t be too bad.”

  Daniel thought about it and realized that even in the forest their bad winter storms were always associated with a warm wind which preceded the storm. The cold no longer seemed so unfriendly. Daniel was barely coping with the rolling and pitching of the ship as it was, he did not need to experience a storm. Those of the forest volunteered to help with the chipping of the ice. Captain John considered their offer but said, “It would be best if those experienced kept to the ice. If they wanted to help they could man the pumps.”

  The hunters worked in pairs to man the bilge pumps. Small amounts of water were, by design, allowed to seep through the ship’s hull. The spray also tended to work its way into the ship. It was hard but intermittent work. The cold of the ocean had penetrated the ship and it was only while they were working was anybody actually warm. On the evening of the second day the seas seemed to calm and ice stopped forming. Captain John began to fret. To Daniel the conditions were much improved but he remembered the Captain’s warning. By morning the wind had definitely shifted to the southwest and the ocean was confused with the swells still coming from the north but the wind waves were from the southwest. The ship lost its normal rhythm and Daniel again felt the effects of the sickness of the sea.

  Despite the lighter workload the crew was now edgy. It was a contest between them and the storm as they raced for the shelter of the river entrance. Captain John checked and rechecked his navigational records. He kept muttering, “We must be close.” He told Daniel and Heather, “If we don’t reach the river before the storm, we’ll have to run before it and stay out in the open ocean. I can’t risk crossing the bar into the river during a storm. It would be best if we could time our crossing to run with the tide, but I’ll chance the bar against the tide if we can beat the storm.”

  By noon a black line was visible to the southwest against the grey of the winter sky. Captain John’s grumbling and mumbling became more constant. He had a lookout climb the mast searching for the headlands which marked the river entrance. The line grew to a black band which seemed to be getting ever closer. The wind and waves increased and the ship would roll enough that everything which wasn’t tied down ended up on the floor. Daniel had had enough of the sea; he watched the approaching blackness with dread. Captain John was about to give up and head back out to sea to ride out the storm away from any reefs, when the lookout cried, “Land ahead.”

  Everyone stared hard but it was a few minutes before the headland was visible to those on deck. Captain John told the helmsman, “Right on course, continue as you go.” He looked back at the approaching storm and calculated their distance to the river and said, “I think we’ll make it, but it’ll be close.”

  A mixture of rain and sleet began to fall and the winds picked up even more. Captain John had the young master trim the sails so they would not rip from the force of the upcoming wind. He took the helm himself and told the young master to prepare for a turn to the starboard. Visibility was dropping as they passed the headland and Captain John began his turn to the starboard. The confusion of the seas increased and the ship seemed to roll and pitch in all directions at once. Those in hammocks swung wildly in all directions. Those who tried to stand had to hang on. And then they were through the transition, and in the river mouth. The wind still blew and the rain turned to a mixture of sleet and snow but the great swells of the ocean were dampened by the bar. They sailed up river with the wind behind them.

  Daniel had trouble seeing through the snow but Captain John felt at home. He had made the journey upriver many times at night. He worried some about landing a new ship in the darkness without the aid of rowers but the river itself he was at home with. With a hearty wind blowing from their back they made good time upriver. It was just getting to be dusk when they arrived at the military docking area. Captain John did not express his concern but his fidgeting indicated his uncertainty with docking in such a strong wind. He had the sails shortened and adjusted so that they made minimal headway against the current. He gradually eased the ship to the dock. The watchman saw the ship approaching in the snow. The ship was almost ghostly covered in snow with a shape he had never seen before. He caught the small throwing line and immediately began pulling it around a turnstile. The rope became heavier as he began drawing the full-size line from the ship. When he had secured the line to the turnstile he began tightening the line and drawing the ship abeam the dock. As soon as the distance closed several sailors jumped onto the dock and helped secure the ship for and aft. They were home.

  The exit from the ship was somewhat less organized than the loading of the ship had been. Elrod went ahead to prepare the palace for their arrival. Daniel exited the ship accompanying the King. The King had not rested well during the journey and his fatigue was obvious. His breathing had remained relatively strong and the fluid had not increased in his lungs. The snow continued but the King refused to arrive home covered by a shroud. He sat straight on the throne as his palace guards carried him to the palace. Daniel thought it made more sense to wait for a wagon but neither the King nor his guards felt it would be appropriate for his arrival. The wind and snow felt cold compared to the air of the Southern Kingdom and now that he was on solid ground it felt as if he was still moving with the ocean waves. When they arrived at the gate of the palace trumpets were sounded and the gate rolled open. The courtyard was lit by torches everywhere. They passed into the courtyard and the King was taken immediately to his chambers amidst much cheering.

  While Daniel was helping get the King settled and explaining to his wife what had transpired, Heather instructed Elrod and the palace guard who had accompanied them to assume responsibility for guarding her father and Daniel. Daniel was not to leave the family’s quarters nor was anyone from the church to be allowed in. Heather had the church leaders and elders summoned. They were to meet in the throne room after her meeting with the court.

  Heather went immediately to the throne room where most of the court officials had already assembled. She was greeted by applause. When she had quieted the room Heather told them of her father’s condition. A somber silence replaced the initial joy. Heather went on to summarize the peace accord they had reached with the Southern Kingdom. Many questions were asked but Heather deferred them till the morning. She asked those of the court to spread the news of her father’s return and to pray for his recovery. She then asked them to depart the room.

  As the counselors were departing Heather had the lighting reduced so that only the region around the throne was well lit. She had the hunters enter from the rear doorway and assume positions in the shadows along both walls. They were dressed in their traveling capes and their longbows were strung in the ready. When they were positioned she had the guard escort the church leaders to the front of the room. She sat not on the throne but on the step before the throne. The church elder said, “I have heard of your father’s condition. What is your request of us?”

  Heather stood and said, “My father’s life is being supported and kept from death’s door by the work of the healer from the forest. I request you re
scind your charge of blasphemy on Daniel of Issip.”

  The high priest objected saying, “The rule of the law must be followed. Your oath as well as ours requires it.”

  Heather responded, “I have taken no oath. The oath of my father is to uphold the law. The law must be true to itself.”

  The high priest said, “The law is and cannot be changed.”

  Heather called out the young priest and said, “But the law has been changed and I’ll support the law as it was written not as it has been changed.” She then had the young priest recite the old law as he had learned it.

  The high priest objected again saying, “We cannot accept this translation without much study. Changing the law just isn’t possible.”

  Heather said, “I was advised that you may resist accepting the new understanding without the opportunity for extensive study. I propose to give you that opportunity.” The remaining torches were lit and the eighty hunters from the forest stepped from the shadows with their longbows at the ready. Heather continued, “The ancient scrolls are best preserved in the forest. These hunters from the forest will be escorting you to the forest for your period of study. They of the forest have pledged to support you to their normal standard of comfort during your study.”

  All of the elders and high priests began complaining at once. Heather silenced them by raising her hand and continued, “I know travel in the winter is particularly hazardous but they are willing to make the journey so you can begin your studies immediately. They have advised me that most of you will arrive safely. Conditions are harsh because of the bad times but the people of the forest will share what they have. The spirits of the forest seem to have become less active.”

  Heather turned towards Ben and said, “Select twenty men to accompany you and retire for some rest. Plan on departing at first light.” She turned to Jeremy and said, “Position the remaining men to prevent anyone from entering or leaving this room without my permission.”

  The high priest complained, “If we are to travel we must rest and collect our belongings.”

  Heather replied, “You’ll find more comfort sleeping here on the floor than you will while traveling to the Forest. I’ll have Jeremy arrange for winter clothing and boots from our military supplies.”

  The complaining from the priests continued but Heather silenced it by saying, “I have granted your wish. It is time I checked on my father. Jeremy of Issip, are your men prepared?”

  Jeremy replied, “The men are ready, no one will enter or leave this room alive without your permission.”

  Jeremy and Heather started to depart the room when Heather stopped and turning to the priest asked, “Would you prefer traveling on skis or snowshoes?”

  The protest began again about their inability to travel in the winter, Heather ignored their protest saying to Jeremy, “I would expect they are less likely to kill themselves accidentally if they use snowshoes.” With that she and Jeremy walked through the door out of the room.

  When they arrived at her father’s quarters he was sitting up and his wife was fussing over him. He asked how the meeting went with the church officials. Heather shrugged her shoulders and said they wanted time to study so she was giving them the opportunity to study the old law. Jeremy was not happy with the simple story and began telling in great detail how Heather had set the scene and then played her trump card. Even Heather had to smile at Jeremy’s rendition. The King thoroughly enjoyed Jeremy’s description of the priests’ response to Heather’s question about whether they preferred skiing or snowshoeing.

  Her father asked, “And if they do not reconsider?”

  Heather responded, “They will leave in the morning for the forest. I’ll abide by the decision they reach when they finish their studies. I am confident in the work of the young priest.”

  “And if they reject your interpretation after their study?”

  “I will accompany my husband and live where we must.”

  Their conversation was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. One of the Palace guards entered and said, “The high priest request an audience with the Princess.”

  Heather responded, “Tell them I am with my father. I will return when I am able.”

  After the guard left Heather continued, “I had Elrod assume control of the guard duties for this part of the Palace. Your personal guard I trust but I trust not those under church authority. Until a decision is made I fear for Daniel’s safety.”

  Her father replied, “I trust your decisions but now I’m tired and would sleep.”

  Heather returned to the throne room and saw the young priest was answering questions from the other priests assembled. The high priest turned towards her and said, “We may have been hasty in our judgment of the translation you propose. We can accept that the law does not explicitly prevent the giving of sacred water to half brains. The healer’s statement about the similarities between half brains and ourselves is illogical but not a direct contradiction of the law.”

  Heather asked, “Are you willing to sign an affidavit for the King rescinding the blasphemy charge based on this understanding?”

  “We are.”

  “I will have the royal scribe appear to record the affidavit. I will present the completed document to my father when he again wakens.” Their discussion was interrupted by one of the guards who entered and whispered something to Heather. Heather’s brow wrinkled in concern as she listened to the guard. She told the priest, “My father calls for me. I will return when I can.”

  Heather hurried from the room and when she arrived at her father’s quarters she found Daniel visiting with her father. She said, “Father I thought you would sleep?”

  Her father replied, “Your husband insisted that I receive another one of his breathing treatments. While he was torturing me I realized a way to make your victory less costly. Diplomacy strives to allow both parties in a conflict to save face and declare some portion of victory. I would like you to consider giving the church people this opportunity.”

  “How would I do this?”

  “I would suggest that if your goal was to rescind the blasphemy charge and allow the half brains access to the sacred water, we should consider the compromise Jason used. Daniel tells me he can supply enough of the soil substitute to meet the needs of the half brains. Let the church people have the victory of restricting the sacred water to those who are citizens. If Daniel is right, in one generation deformed half brain babies will become a thing of history.”

  “You would grant citizenship to the half brain children?”

  Her father replied, “If a child is born without the stigmata I would declare that child a citizen.”

  Heather realized her father’s plan would accomplish the same goal and reduce the level of confrontation she had created. She did not trust the high priest, but her father’s plan made sense. She agreed and her father suggested she send for the high priest while Daniel retired to the next room.

  When the high priest arrived Heather was sitting in front of her father and his queen was at his side. Betty sat behind the throne as the Queen’s attendant. Her father received the gratuitous greeting from the high priest. His response was spoken in a voice which seemed weaker than it had been earlier. He continued, “My daughter tells me you have rescinded the blasphemy charge against the healer from the forest.”

  The high priest handed the King the affidavit. Heather’s father accepted the affidavit but said, “We have known each other for a longtime and if you tell me it is so then I believe you.”

  The high priest went on a long convoluted explanation of why the blasphemy charge could be rescinded despite the illogical claims of the healer from the forest. Heather had trouble following the priest’s line of reasoning, but her father listened intently. When the long explanation was finished Heather’s father asked, “Are you saying that the law may not prohibit the use of sacred water by the half brains but you would counsel against it?”
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  The high priest said he strongly counseled against allowing the half brains access to the sacred water. Heather’s father responded, “If I do as you suggest and continue the prohibition of non-citizens from using the sacred water, you would not have a problem if the soil substitute was made available to them, would you?”

  The high priest said, “The law speaks only of the sacred water and I must defend the law.”

  Without looking at his daughter, the King responded, “Youth have an exuberance for change but they do not always understand the reason for traditional rules. Just to make sure I’m clear on this, you’re saying that it would be appropriate to allow half brains access to the soil substitute and any child born in our kingdom without the stigmata of deformity, would be a full citizen of our kingdom?”

  The high priest replied, “Your understanding of the law is excellent, your Highness.”

  Before the priest could launch into another one of his long convoluted explanations the King said, “I would thank you for your time and patience as I struggled to understand the law as it applies to the sacred water. I would appreciate your efforts in having the royal scribe put this discussion on paper before you return to your quarters. Now I must sleep.”

  The high priest bowed to the King and glared at Heather as he turned and exited the room. The guard escorted him back to the throne room. When they were sure the priest was beyond hearing them, Heather asked Daniel to come out. She said, “I trust him not.”

  Her father gently said, “There are not many you can trust fully. Because the high priest feels he is victorious he will be less of an enemy. The good news is we can now plan a celebration of both our victory and your wedding.”

  Daniel was staring at the King who asked, “What’s wrong?”

  Daniel replied, “Sir, you moved your right shoulder. The paralysis from the poison is finally dissipating.”

  The King again tried moving the stub of his right arm and was able to raise it up. Heather asked, “Daniel of Issip, does this mean you give us genuine hope?”

  Daniel replied, “The body restores itself, I would expect a recovery.”

  Tears of joy flowed and a general commotion ensued. Only after several minutes did Betty speak up. She pulled on Daniel’s sleeve and asked, “Does this mean my baby can be a citizen?”

  Daniel looked up at the King and Queen who had questioning looks on their faces. He explained how Betty’s baby was born without the stigmata because of the sacred water the Queen had Betty drink.

  The King without hesitation said, “Most certainly.”

  The Queen said, “Betty, I want you to get your baby at once so he can be raised here in the Palace with us.

  Betty’s face was aglow but she was crying so hard she could not answer.

  The end.

  I can be contacted at: DocKaluza@gmail.com or at:

  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doc-Kaluza/172455206099307.