The Scarlet King Read online

Chapter 16

  Only after Heather had satisfied herself that their camp was safe did she relax enough to fully appreciate the pain in her shoulder. She had those of the Forest rotate their rest periods and scouting activities. She asked Jeremy, "What chances would there be of finding some game to supplement our diet?"

  He replied, "Edna is already preparing a hunt and I and a few others will join her. Hopefully we will have fresh meat for the evening meal." As an afterthought he added, "A glass of ale would go awfully nice with some fresh meat."

  Heather smiled her little smile and responded not. Daniel was busy fussing over her shoulder, which seemed to make the pain even worse. He finally announced, "You will heal but it is going to take time." His face was in a deep frown; he continued, "Your time as a warrior has come to an end, for neither of your arms can fully handle your sword."

  Heather responded not for some time as she considered his words. When she spoke it was in a quiet voice. "I expect your words are true, but we yet have much planning to do."

  For a short time they were quiet together, enjoying the peace of their camp in the presence of one another. The sun was getting low in the sky when Edna and the others returned carrying several sheep. She explained, "Seems those of the East have destroyed the farms and those animals which escaped are now wild."

  The scent of roasting meat improved everyone’s spirits, and those of the Forest enjoyed much their campfire. Scouts and sentries came and went so all could share in the celebration. When everyone had eaten their fill the stories started. As always Jeremy played the role of chief storyteller, repeatedly raising his hand as if he held a large mug of ale. He recounted first the snare trap they had created and then Daniel's explosion.

  He explained, "Our Daniel was so worried of his powder that he forgot to remain hidden, and the mounted troops took after him like a family of foxes after a rabbit. If it weren’t for Heather riding to his rescue he would have been done for. Of course it was three against one."

  After he had described in somewhat enhanced detail Heather's attack on the mounted troops of the East, he turned again his attention to Daniel, saying, "Now, our healer joined the battle using the only weapon he had—a small branch of a tree. A sane person would question attacking a fully armored military horse and its armored rider with a stick, but not our Daniel. He attacked with the full fury of his profession, jamming the stick into one of the few unprotected spots. Now, the horse did not think kindly of someone sticking a branch up its arse, and before you know it the horse was screaming and bucking, tossing his rider to the ground. And that is how we came to have a prisoner."

  When the laughter and cheering had subsided, Daniel replied in a quiet voice, "It worked. I did what needed to be done."

  As the evening wore on, Heather's pain seemed to increase. She and Daniel left the campfire for their small tent and some time together. Daniel seemed embarrassed about Jeremy's story, and Heather said, "Again we have saved each other's lives and how we accomplished it matters not. What matters is we are together."

  When morning came and the breaking of the fast was complete, Heather called a Council of all those who were in camp. She started the discussion by acknowledging the efforts of everyone and remembering those who had paid the ultimate price. She then explained how she felt the war would proceed, with the two armies continuing to battle until those of the East either fled or were completely defeated. She said, "I would expect that our role in this war is coming to an end and that it will be the work of Jason to negotiate a peace agreement. I would a few of you head back over the mountains and carry the news to both kingdoms and to those of the Forest."

  When asked what would be of the rest of those of the Forest, she replied, "I would we move our camp close to the sea where our ship awaits, but I need to meet with the commander of the Red first. Expect to travel on the day following the morrow. I need to confer with Jason, for much planning yet remains. I would your skills as hunters provide us with the food we need both for our camp and our journey home. The scouts will continue to monitor the battle and patrol for any possible danger."

  Jeremy asked, "You fear those of the East?"

  Heather looked up not as she replied, "I fear those of the East, but I also trust not those of the Red in the palace."

  The commander of the Red joined them for the evening meal on the following day. He brought a report of the battle, which had progressed well for those of the Red. The two armies were in regular communication and continued to squeeze those of the East. When asked about the possibility of a peace settlement, he replied. "Those of the East conquer or die." He then went on to predict several more weeks of fighting as those of the East took an ever more defensive position.

  Heather listened and respected what the commander of the Red said. She said in reply, "We of the Forest are not suited to traditional battle. We will continue to work with Those Left Behind to prevent supplies from reaching the army from the East, but our role seems to be done." They then worked to set up a communication path with those of the Forest acting as messengers. When the meeting was completed Heather released the commander of his obligation to her, saying, "I return you to the service of your King, but pray to the God of the Sacred Water that we can continue not as enemies but as trading partners.”

  The commander of the Red was quiet for some moments before replying, "One can serve not two masters, but you have given me and my people a great gift which will not be forgotten even if those of the palace forget."

  Camp was broken with the coming of the morning light. Those of the Forest traveled at a leisurely pace bringing their prisoner with them, who was not used to walking. Even without all his armor and the slow pace those of the Forest were traveling, he had great difficulty keeping up. He spoke the language of those from the East and could be understood not by those of the Forest. Those of the Forest were gentle enough with him, assisting whenever possible and making sure he had enough food and water. When traveling he was no longer tied but always kept in the center of the group. Much sign was left by the stranger and by the great white horse which carried Heather, and those of the Forest spent little time in covering their trail. Those who had gone ahead were able to signal the ship with their mirrors, and those of the Forest arrived at the cove in time to watch the ship sail into view.

  Heather thought of moving everyone aboard the ship, but knew that those of the Forest would be happier camped ashore. They had yet a long journey home and deserved their time ashore. The boats were lowered from the ship and Jason with the others came ashore. Those of the sea then withdrew and the ship again raised its sails and disappeared into the vastness of the ocean. Only the signalman at the highest point could make out the ship, but it was enough to maintain communication using their mirrors.

  Heather worried but little of their being discovered, for the war seemed to occupy completely the attention of both those of the Red and those of the East. A large campfire was built and some more of their fresh meat roasted. Root vegetables had survived the ravaging of the farmland by those of the East and it was a most pleasant meal. Heather noticed that the lady with the black skin never left Jason’s side. She spoke little, and was now dressed in the clothes that Betty had made. The bright colors seemed to accentuate the blackness of her skin; she was beautiful to the eye.

  As the meal was completed, Heather asked Jason to tell his story. Jason objected, saying, "I am not a storyteller. It would be much better to listen to Jeremy's stories."

  Heather responded, "There are those of the Forest who may choose to disagree with you, but I would very much like to hear your story and of the stranger who accompanies you."

  Jason glanced at his companion, who nodded approval in a most inconspicuous way. Jason began his story by first describing the initial battle with the two ships from the East, and how his inability to predict advances in military conduct had almost cost them their ship and their lives. His voice was brighter when
he described their search for survivors and how they had rescued the one called Rheon. Heather listened to the story, but also watched closely Jason's companion. Her facial expressions indicated that she was understanding the story but said not.

  Jason then told of their attack on the harbor and the injury to Captain Cook. Even in the light of the campfire he seemed to pale as he told the story of the surgery to remove the Captain's lower leg. When he had finished his story those of the Forest pounded a rhythm using whatever they had as a drumstick to show their approval. Jason's companion brightened considerably with the rhythm and immediately joined in.

  It was now Jeremy's turn and he stood for maximum effect, saying initially, "A story is best told with a glass of ale, but I will do my best."

  Daniel protested, saying, "Maybe it would be best if parts of your story were not told."

  Jeremy responded, saying, "You mean the part about you attacking the warrior from the East and his warhorse, both covered in heavy armor, with a stick?"

  The more that Daniel protested that others would not be interested in hearing yet again that part of the story, the more those around the campfire urged Jeremy on. As Jeremy began the tale his right hand again moved as if he held a mug of ale. As the tale was being told, Heather leaned over to Daniel, whispering, "You set up Jeremy nicely for the telling of the story." In response Daniel squeezed her hand but said not.

  The night was late before the stories were all told, and Heather and Daniel much appreciated the solitude of their tent and the time together. Morning came, and after Heather had completed her morning ritual she joined those of the Forest for the breaking of the fast. Jason arrived somewhat late, for he was not an early riser.

  After the breaking of the fast a meeting was held between Heather and Jason, with Daniel and the stranger with the black skin accompanying them. Heather summarized the war situation and told of their prisoner. She asked if Jason's companion could speak with the warrior from the East. Rheon began shaking her head in the negative and speaking rapidly, but with only a few words that Heather could understand.

  Jason listened to his companion and seemed to be able to understand her. He translated, saying, "Those from the East who ride the great horses will speak not to one from the dark country. She thinks I should be the one to speak to him. With the help of the young priest I have learned some of their language, but fear that without her keen ear I will miss much of what he has to say."

  Heather thought hard before replying, "It would seem those of the East put great emphasis on appearance and stature. It may be best if you presented yourself in royal dress, and maybe the young priest and Rheon could sit behind you as advisers and translators."

  Jason replied, "I have aboard the ship the robe I wore when I first met with those of the Red. It seems my size has diminished, but it should meet our needs."

  By the time the ship had been signaled and returned to the cove it was midday. Heather took time to carefully arrange the setting, which allowed Jason to be seated facing away from the sun with the young priest to his left and Rheon to his right seated just behind him. The prisoner was brought forth and stood before Jason, but bowing his head in recognition of Jason's stature.

  Jason spoke in the language of those of the East, saying, "I am Jason and would hear your story."

  Hearing his own tongue from one of the primitives brought out an obvious surprised look on the face of the prisoner. At first he spoke not and Jason patiently waited. He then began speaking—at first slowly and then much more rapidly. He explained, "My name is Zelue the warrior and I serve the great one. We have been sent to conquer this land in the name of our God and to destroy the lesser gods."

  Jason responded, "We are assisting those of the Red who are our trading partners." Then without thinking he added, "We serve under the command of the One with Golden Hair who has been prophesied."

  A look of unease crossed over the face of the prisoner as some memory was triggered of a long forgotten story he had been taught. At first he said not, and then looking around for Heather said only, "I have experienced her power."

  Jason continued, "Those of the Forest consider you not a prisoner but as a guest who requires special care. You are free to move around the camp, but I would advise you not to leave the area of the camp, for those of the Forest would be insulted and their arrows are sharp." He then summarized the status of the war, saying, "Your mounted cavalry has been broken and your horses starving, for the supply lines have been severed. Those of the Red are pushing in from both the west and the east. Many of your ships have been destroyed in the harbor and the headland recaptured." After a pause he suggested, "It would appear that it is time for your forces to sue for peace."

  The prisoner appeared quite weary as he responded, "The great one I serve expects and tolerates nothing but victory. We are to either die on the battlefield fighting for victory or return triumphant. Return without victory is not tolerated and death by our peers follows quickly." He then said in a quiet voice, "I expect your analysis is correct but we have no way of suing for peace."

  Jason responded likewise in a quiet voice, "I would like to prevent the death and suffering which will happen to both your people and those of the Red. We are a trading people and would much prefer trading agreements to war."

  For two days the intermittent discussions continued but seemed to lead nowhere. Heather finally had enough and sent a message to the commander of the Red who had served under her, saying, "I would meet with you and with the envoy whom you call Don the Great, if possible at the time of the moonrise outside the secret passage." She gave the brief message to one of the Forest to deliver and continued with her planning. She had several of the Forest secure the area and create a net of sentries to guard the meeting she wished to have. It was after the evening meal that she and others of the Forest departed for the several hour hike to the secret passageway. Betty had insisted on coming with and rode behind Heather on the great white horse.

  A small campfire was built in the cover of the boulders just outside the opening of the secret passageway. Heather and Betty sat patiently by the campfire saying little. Those of the Forest were well hidden and ready with their bows. As the moon's silver light first became visible, the creaking of the passageway door could be heard. Heather moved not; no warning was called out by the sentries watching the door. Heather listened to the heavy footsteps of the boots worn by those of the Red, and thought she could detect three separate sounds. She was not surprised when three figures appeared in the light of the campfire. She said only, "Come sit by the fire, for we have planning to do."

  Heather looked up not until the three had seated themselves. She nodded an acknowledgment to the commander of the Red and to the envoy. To the third person she said, "I would know your name and your story."

  The third person was staring at Betty and said, "I expect you already know my story. I am Stephen the Scarlet King and I have come to meet the one to whom we owe so much."

  Heather was quiet for a moment before replying. "Your debt is to my grandmother, who has given me orders from the grave to assist you. I know not how the God of the Sacred Water causes the Spirits of the Forest to do as they do. It is this power that has allowed those of the Forest to assist you."

  Without further discussion or introduction, Heather continued the meeting by saying, "We of the Forest have as our guest the one whom I feel was commander of the mounted troops. Jason has learned enough of their language to discuss the possibility of peace, but the one from the East says they have no way of suing for peace." Those of the Red nodded in agreement. She continued, "I would try yet for peace by suggesting a trade agreement, but know not what you have to trade. The cost to your kingdom and to the military people who serve it will be great if the war continues to the end."

  Both the envoy and the commander of the Red turned to their Scarlet King and said not. Before replying, the Scarlet King reached for his container
of water to wet his throat before speaking. Betty wrinkled up her nose and said, "Bad water."

  The King looked at his water container and then at Betty before replying, "It is the water from the royal water fountain. It gives us the strength we need." He struggled somewhat for his words and especially to organize them, for his mind was much jumbled.

  Heather responded, "I would you give some of the water for me to take back to our healer, for he knows much about our Sacred Water."

  The King just nodded in agreement as he tried to organize his thoughts. The envoy spoke up, saying, "Those of the East have little timber for building, but if we supply them with timber for building, it could also be used for the building of their ships of war."

  The Scarlet King only partially listened to the discussion; when he had his thoughts finally organized, he said, "The Kingdom of the Red is rich in grain and timber but we have little copper or iron. These we could trade."

  Heather said not for some time as she stared into the fire. Without looking up she said, "We of the Forest have done our part and will soon return to our homes. I would we completed the peace agreement that was negotiated by Jason and the envoy. I will present the option of trade to our guest from the East. If he is not willing to take the risk of returning to his country with the trade agreement, then the battle must go on until their defeat is complete."

  The envoy spoke, saying, "With my King's permission, I would meet with Jason in the palace and complete the final details of the trade agreement."

  The King had a somewhat faraway look on his face and he spoke, looking at Betty: "My time is short and I would that you not leave, for the little one has brought me great comfort."

  Betty was obviously uncomfortable with the attention and said only, "Not me. It is the Spirits of the Forest."

  Heather spoke, saying, "We of the Forest are not of the city, and I would that negotiations occur in the open, for our previous experience in your city was not favorable."

  The envoy spoke, saying, "It will be as you wish, for we owe you a debt that can never be paid. Our previous treatment of your delegates is a great shame on our people."

  Time was then spent on arrangements and planning, but the Scarlet King participated not and had the faraway look upon his face. It was only as arrangements for the next meeting were finalized that he spoke in a quiet voice, saying, "I would travel to spend my last days amongst the trees, which have given me such peace. I would ask that you take me with you when you depart for your home."

  Silence ensued, with everyone just staring at the small campfire. It was Betty who finally spoke up, saying, "The Spirits of the Forest would like that."

  The envoy then spoke up, saying, "I too would like to spend my last days in the land of the Spirits of the Forest, but the journey is long and fraught with danger." He then added, "You are the Scarlet King, and how shall we govern without you?"

  The Scarlet King thought for some time before responding, "My time is short, so what is danger to me? I shall designate my successor and the governing will continue as always, but without me."

  Again silence ensued and Heather, without looking up, said simply, "It will be as the God of the Sacred Water deems it. I will need to confer with those of the Forest before granting your request." She added, "Life in the Forest is a simple life without the trappings of a kingdom. There will be none to care for you as is the custom in your land, and you will need to live as others in the Forest live. Winter is far more harsh than you appreciate here in your Great City."

  The Scarlet King responded, "I am dying, so what do I need of the trappings of our kingdom? The peace and serenity of those great trees is what I ask for."

  Heather stood and said only, "I will relay your request and have an answer at our next meeting." She then strode off into the darkness with Betty at her side, leaving those of the Red sitting at the campfire. They sat for some time before the envoy signaled the guards, who assisted the Scarlet King back through the secret passage door into the waiting carriage. The commander of the Red stood guard himself while the King was carried back into the palace.

  It was late when Heather returned to their camp, and the morning came all too quickly. She completed the morning ritual and joined the others for the breaking of the fast. Daniel had tried to wait up for her, but when she had returned to their tent he was asleep with his notebook still open. Now he sat at the campfire awaiting his bride and the news she brought. Heather enjoyed a light meal with her companions before calling for a Council. The Council needed to wait for Jason to show, for as always he found mornings difficult. Those of the Forest joked that Jason’s snoring was enough to scare away any and all creatures. Others argued that it was only the sound of the ocean against the rocks being amplified through Jason.

  After Jason had eaten, Heather told her story of meeting with those of the Red and of the possible trade articles. She then told of the Scarlet King's request to travel with them back to the Forest. She said, "I would this decision be made by the Council after hearing Jason's opinion."

  Jason spoke up only after a period of thought, saying, "It would seem a logical decision if those of the Forest are willing to forgive the past actions of those of the Red. It would ensure future cooperation between our peoples." He then asked, "Does the Scarlet King understand the nature of life in the Forest?"

  Betty spoke up, saying, "He knows. Needs to live with the priest."

  Those of the Forest had a few other questions, but in general everyone seemed willing to allow the Scarlet King to travel with them. There was some discussion as to the difficulty in transport, and one of the hunters spoke up, saying, "We will need the help of the traders, but if we use the house on wheels that the envoy traveled in we can transport the Scarlet King." After another moment of thought, he added, "The traders will expect payment for their services and we will have another mouth to feed."

  Jason argued, "I would expect the increased trade will more than compensate the traders for their efforts. You could ask for payment up front, but I think that as highly regarded and powerful as the Scarlet King is, those of the Red will continue to sponsor him. I doubt they understand the nature of your lives in the Forest." The discussion carried on, but in reality it was the very nature of those of the Forest to offer hospitality, and Heather doubted not that the request would be approved. No actual vote was taken but it was obvious that the consensus was in favor.

  Daniel had been examining the water container that Heather had brought, having already assumed that those of the Forest would agree. There was an obvious subtle tinge of yellow to the water, but to the nose it smelled fresh. He tasted of the water and there was a slight bitterness, but otherwise it seemed fine. He spoke up without thinking and interrupted the conversation of the Council, saying, "I wonder what the source of this water is?"

  Jeremy responded, "I think it is from the fountain in front of the palace. It had yellow crystals all over it and was reserved for those of the royal blood."

  Daniel said, "I wish I had my alchemy equipment to test the water. I would bet, Jeremy, that this is their source of iodine, but I wonder what the yellow crystals are."

  Heather, wanting to finish the Council discussion, said, "Make a list of the equipment you want and I'll see if those of the Red can supply it." She then went on to summarize the feelings expressed in the Council, saying, "We will accept the Scarlet King as our guest and have him reside with the priest at the monastery. I will speak to those of the Red of the cost of his transport, but offer the hospitality of the Forest for his ongoing living cost."

  She then discussed in general terms the challenges she saw in reaching a peace agreement with those from the East. They discussed the provisions they would want for their return trip home, and preparations were made to begin securing meat and vegetables for curing. The Council was not so much closed as it was allowed to disintegrate into the friendly banter of those of the Forest and the telling of stories.
/>   Daniel completed his list of alchemy equipment and handed it to Heather, saying, "I would have a larger sample of the water and maybe of the crystals if at all possible." Heather accepted the list to pass on to the messenger; her fatigue was obvious. Daniel said, "You need time for some rest."

  Heather replied with one of her small smiles and said, "I would tend to the great white horse, for that will give me solace. I will rest when my mind has settled down."

  Heather walked slowly towards the makeshift corral that held the great white horse. The horse seemed to sense her presence and walked to meet her as she entered the corral. She needed to stretch to her whole height to scratch behind the horse’s ears. She then began grooming him using just her fingers. Both she and the horse seemed to enjoy the straightening of its mane, and Heather found herself whistling softly.

  For the better part of an hour she groomed the great white horse. Then the horse bent down, urging Heather to climb onto its back. Using her right hand to grasp the horse's mane, she pulled, and then jumped onto the horse’s back despite her injured leg and arm. The horse responded with a gentle shake of his head and stood again. With no obvious encouragement the horse began trotting around the corral.

  Their guest from those of the East had been watching and opened the door of the corral. Heather said not but simply let the horse carry her out of the corral into the open spaces. The horse gradually increased in speed until it was at a full gallop, but its motion was so smooth that Heather barely needed to hang on. She whispered into the horse's ears and it gradually slowed, cooling down and returning to the corral.

  The one from the East was waiting and closed the corral after they had entered. The horse bowed low, allowing Heather to slip off. The guest from the East pointed at the horse and said, "Whitinglow." He repeated the name several times until Heather's pronunciation was adequate. He then turned and left Heather alone to meet again with Jason.