The Scarlet King Page 5

Chapter 5

  Life in Issip continued as those of the Forest prepared for the coming of spring. Heather was sleeping well after learning that Betty had heard Edna and they were again free. Baby Geoffrey even cooperated and did not awaken until an hour before dawn when he began to demand attention. Heather arose quietly so as not to disturb Daniel. She stirred the coals in the fireplace and stoked the fire. She then picked up her baby boy, and after changing him brought him to the rocking chair by the fire. There she contentedly nursed him while she watched the flames dance in the fireplace in the early morning darkness. As she watched the flames they began to take shape and soon she visualized her grandmother standing in the fire. Her arm was raised and she was pointing towards the south and said simply, "You must go."

  Heather blinked her eyes and the image was gone. She leaned back in the rocking chair trying to make sense of the vision, and only then noticed that baby Geoffrey had stopped suckling and just now resumed. She sat there quietly with the shawl around her shoulders even after the baby was back asleep.

  As the sun arose so did Daniel. He found his wife sitting quietly staring at the fire. He greeted her, "How is the love of my life and the mother of my child doing today?"

  Heather smiled back at him in reply but said nothing for a while. Daniel gently picked up the baby and returned it to the cradle. He looked again at Heather, who had the faraway look in her eyes and knew something had happened. He recalled his own strange dream and asked, "Was it your grandmother I saw in my dreams standing in our fireplace?"

  Heather was a little startled by the question and asked, "What did she look like?"

  Daniel concentrated and squinted his left eye, as he tended to do when he thought deeply, and replied, "She was old but yet lively. She wore an unusual cape with a large pendant. She was talking but I heard not. She seemed to be pointing."

  Heather's eyes filled with tears and she said only, "She said I must go."

  "Go where?"

  "She but pointed towards the south."

  "The Southern Kingdom?"

  Heather but shrugged her shoulders, saying, "I know not but think much further."

  Daniel was silent for some time, standing beside her with his hand on her shoulder. He finally suggested she complete the morning ritual and prepare for the day while he prepared for the breaking of the fast. He added, "It seems the Spirits of the Forest are strong in your grandmother."

  Heather arose from the rocking chair and said, "Have I not told you that my grandmother was of the Forest?"

  It was Daniel's turn to be puzzled. He asked, "Was she not your father's mother?"

  Heather answered over her shoulder as she left to prepare for the day, "Yes, I will explain why when we break the fast together."

  Daniel prepared their meal of boiled oats and bread wondering what this vision meant. When Heather joined him at table for the breaking of the fast, they first gave thanks to the God of the Sacred Water for their safety and the gift of baby Geoffrey. As she ate, Heather explained how her grandmother was the daughter of the ambassador from the Northern Kingdom who had served to improve trade with those of the Forest. While living in the Forest he had asked to learn the skill of hunting and a young woman of the Hunter’s Guild was assigned the task. She was unable to teach him to be a hunter, but they managed to fall in love and were married.

  “By the time they returned to the Northern Kingdom, my grandmother was about to be born,” added Heather.

  Daniel asked, "Why have you not told me this story before?"

  Heather shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I suppose I never thought it was important, and besides it has always been a bit of a family scandal of sorts."

  "Why was it a scandal?"

  Heather smiled one of her beautiful smiles and said, "Those not of the Forest believe there is something special about royal blood. The prince who married my grandmother did so against the wishes of the royal family. It was only after my mother's victory in battle was she finally accepted, but until the end many had trouble calling her Queen."

  Daniel was puzzled and asked, "What is special about royal blood? Is it not red like everyone else's?"

  "I know not why people choose to believe what they do,” responded Heather, “but it seems to provide some social stability. Maybe it is the stability that people really want."

  The discussion was interrupted with the arrival of Betty and her son, both dressed for travel. Betty said, "We leave today."

  Heather knew without asking that her grandmother had also visited Betty. Tears welled up in her eyes and she asked, "What of our babies?"

  Daniel spoke up, saying, "I think it would be safe enough to bring them with us at least as far as the Northern Kingdom. I will need to find some others of the Forest to travel with us."

  Heather replied, "I would expect that the Spirits of the Forest have already seen to that. Let us concentrate on our own preparations and let the God of the Sacred Water take care of the rest." She then added, "I would bring more of your powder if it is available."

  Daniel replied, "I will send word but know not if any is in store."

  By midday they were ready and a dozen hunters had arrived to travel with them. Those of the village provided the midday meal. The women of the quilting group brought a special travel cape for Heather, which had a large interior pocket for baby Geoffrey to ride in. They explained in private to Heather how the women of the Hunter’s Guild would use the cape to carry their infants, which allowed them to nurse while they traveled.

  As they prepared to depart, four others arrived who had been traveling hard. With them was Stan from Those Left Behind—who had joined them on the ice field—and the young priest who had been working with the old priest at the monastery. They said simply, "The old one had a vision and has sent us to you with all speed."

  They were warmly welcomed by Heather and Daniel and the group set off. Winter had not yet lost its grip on the land, but the days were long and they made several miles before their first camp. Heather was able to do fairly well keeping up just carrying her baby Geoffrey, but Betty's toddler rode on her shoulders or was carried by the various hunters. When the snow was particularly soft they even carried Betty. They gradually descended and finally spotted their first open ground as they arrived at the swinging bridge made famous by Jeremy's charging bear. As they traveled, more and more hunters joined with them, and by the time they arrived at the city gates they were a party of nearly fifty.

  Heather had planned on a quiet meeting with her father, but as they arrived at the gate, trumpets began to blare and the gates were opened with great ceremony. There stood Elrod, who welcomed them with great enthusiasm saying, "My wife Martha had a feeling something was going to happen today. She told me I needed to be especially watchful."

  Before he could continue with his monologue Heather interrupted saying, "I would speak with Captain Cook.”

  Elrod nodded and said, "First let us escort you to your father and I will make the arrangements."

  They had traveled hard and Heather at this point simply let Elrod continue his talking as they made their way to the palace. She was greeted by her father and his Queen and taken immediately to the royal quarters. While the Queen fussed over the babies, the King asked, "Before I ask the reason for your visit, I would know that you are doing well."

  Heather hugged him again and said simply, "We are well, but I have had a visit from my grandmother."

  The Queen looked up sharply from the babies and said, "I pray that this means not another adventure. You have done your share and now have a baby to consider."

  Heather could not hold back her tears, which began to flow heavily. Daniel tried to comfort her to no avail. Betty took charge and said, "Babies need to come with."

  Now both the King and Queen objected, saying that travel was no place for babies. Betty stood her ground and just repeated, "Babies come with us."

  A look of understanding passed between
Daniel and Heather's father and they managed to change the topic to more immediate family matters. The children needed to be fed and stories needed to be told. It was a private evening in the royal chambers with most of the attention on the three children. Betty's boy, being the oldest, seemed to lead, but even Heather's baby followed the activity intently. The King and his Queen’s young son cared not that his playmate was not of royal blood. The joy of family was obvious and the evening grew late all too soon.

 

  With the rising of the sun Daniel and Heather left to meet with Captain Cook. Heather had insisted the meeting be held in the guard station at the main gate, for she feared yet for Daniel. Captain Cook and Elrod were waiting when they arrived. All of those on duty left the guard station and Elrod posted himself as sentry outside the door. Captain Cook, dressed in formal uniform, bowed his head in recognition and said, "It is an honor to see you again, Princess. I would expect your visit will involve another voyage."

  Heather but nodded her head before saying, "I would travel to the south."

  "To the Island of the Flightless Bird?"

  Heather was quiet for a moment as she wrestled with her intuition before replying, "I expect much further south."

  Captain Cook asked, "A voyage of discovery?"

  Heather chewed on her lower lip before replying. "No. A voyage of rescue." She continued, "They have seen danger for King Jason and the others. My grandmother has visited and ordered me to journey forth."

  It was Captain Cook’s turn for a moment of silence before he replied, "I and my crew are pledged to your service and mean to honor that pledge." He then added, "I have added the second cannon of Daniel's to the ship and secured a supply of the iron balls but have almost no powder left."

  Daniel spoke up for the first time, saying, "There is but little powder in stock, but what those of the Forest have will be arriving soon."

  Heather asked, "When will you be ready to set sail?”

  "The ship and the crew are ready, but for such a voyage more supplies will be needed. With permission to obtain the supplies we could be ready in two days time."

  Heather replied, "Plan on sailing at daybreak on the day following the morrow." She then looked down slightly before adding, "We travel with a baby and small child."

  Captain Cook accepted this, saying, "Children adapt easily to life aboard ship. The danger of the sea is present, but I would assume other dangers are of greater concern." He added, "It is not uncommon for the free traders to travel with their families aboard."

  The meeting was about to end when Captain Cook asked, "I need to know the size of your party."

  Heather replied, "We traveled as a party of fifty, but I would expect a few more of the Forest to arrive and Elrod most certainly will want to join us. I would plan on sixty passengers total."

  Captain Cook but nodded his head and said, "We sail in two days at first light."

  Daniel and Heather returned to the royal chambers and joined the rest in the breaking of the fast. It was midmorning before she and her father met with his advisers. Many questions were asked but Heather had few answers. Those of the Northern Kingdom understood not the Spirits of the Forest. Heather listened politely to all the reasons why she should not journey to the unknown lands. At the end of the meeting she simply announced, "I sail on the dawn following the morrow."

  Well before dawn on their day of departure the whole of the palace was awake and active. The breaking of the fast seemed to occur just a few hours after the evening of storytelling had ended. Tears flowed freely as Heather and her family left the palace and were joined by those of the Forest. When they arrived at the gate, Elrod was dressed for travel and began another monologue about how his wife Martha had insisted that he travel with the Princess. Those of the Forest who knew not Elrod were amazed at his ability to continuously talk. When he slowed enough in his talk, Heather simply said, "You may join us."

  Elrod joined in the group which traveled in what appeared a very disorganized fashion, with a few always ranging ahead and a few others straggling behind. Heather was taking no chances of another attack on Daniel. They were traveling through the city of her father but those of the Forest traveled as if they were in enemy territory. They arrived at the ship without incident and boarded just as the first show of daylight began to be seen in the clouds to the east. As Elrod assumed responsibility for settling the crew, Heather checked with Captain Cook to make sure the supplies were adequate.

  Captain Cook responded, "Supplies are adequate for three months’ journey if we are careful. The powder arrived late yesterday afternoon."

  Soon the order was given to cast off the lines and their ship began to pick up speed as it headed for the sea. By nightfall they reached the point where the river melded with the ocean and across the bar they sailed. As Captain Cook had predicted, the little ones traveled without difficulty. The winds were favorable and they sailed south just out of sight of land.

  Heather again took command during daylight and the sailors soon adapted to taking orders from someone who was nursing her baby. Only mild rain showers and squalls of wind were encountered and they made better time than on their last journey. In three and one-half weeks of travel they were nearing the passage which separated the land of Larby's people and the Island of the Flightless Bird.

  Betty awoke somewhat distraught and immediately sought out Heather. They completed their morning ritual together and provided care for the little ones before Heather had time to listen. Betty said, "I saw darkness coming from the east."

  Heather tried to figure out what she was talking about to no avail. Betty finally stood her tallest, and chewing hard on her lip, said, "I am just a little one and don't know what it means. I know it scary." She added, "We should warn Larby's people."

  Heather looked long and hard at Betty and saw both fear and certainty in her face. She replied, "I will inform Captain Cook. Have Elrod meet me topside to plan our defense."

  Heather presented to relieve Captain Cook and advised him that they needed to stop at the land of Larby's people. He asked, "You think it is safe?"

  Heather responded, "No, but it appears we must stop anyway, for Betty has had another vision." She continued, "I would we prepared for possible battle."

  The hunters prepared their bows and the sailors prepared the cannons. Captain Cook consulted the charts and gave Heather a new course heading before going down for some rest. He said only, "Wake me when land is sighted. I have only a sketch of what the harbor entrance looks like. It may be hard to find."

  Daniel spent the morning with the young priest examining Captain Cook 's chart and comparing it to the images the young priest had stored in his mind. During the time Larby had spent at the monastery, he had drawn more pictures of his homeland and described them.

  The entrance to the harbor was but a small slot in the wall of the cliffs that faced the ocean. Even in their small boats Larby's people would not challenge the rocks and riptides at low tide. Just north of the entrance was an island they called "The Waiting Island." If needed, they would hide in the shelter of this island until the tides were proper for return to their homes. It was just a few hours by sail or paddle from the shelter to the entrance of the harbor.

  It was midday before the lookout sighted the headlands which marked the northern approach to the harbor. Captain Cook was informed and returned topside. He was struggling to determine his position when Daniel explained what he had learned from the young priest. Captain Cook listened attentively while gently shaking his head. He responded, "I cannot believe I'm going to again trust my ship to the mysticism of a priest." He turned towards the young priest and said, "You I trust, for you seem not like the others of your kind. I would you stay here as we approach this island and repeat again the words you remember."

  As they approached the island slowly from the north the young priest repeated the words he remembered: "The water is fair and deep near the is
land but rocky and foul shoreside. Anchorage is not secure and a watch must be kept, for the winds change. When the tide is nearing high, the center of the passage into the harbor is open and safe."

  The Captain ordered the sails reduced as they slowly approached the island. The crew kept sounding the depth using a line and stone, and as the young priest had said, the water was safe. The tide was past high and darkness was but a few hours away. Captain Cook gave the order to lower the anchor and drop all sails. When the anchor had set, the watch was posted. Heather had finished feeding her baby and returned topside. She asked, "Could a boat be put ashore on the mainland?"

  Captain Cook responded only after examining the shoreline carefully. "A boat could be landed but what then?"

  Heather responded, "I would have those of the Forest scout ahead."

  "You would have them climb that cliff?"

  Heather nodded in the affirmative saying, "If those of the Forest are willing and able it would be best."

  Several of the Forest were examining the cliff and said, "If we can use a light line from the ship the cliff can be scaled."

  Heather said, "I would that four of the Forest set out and scout the defenses that those of the Red may have erected. We would expect to pick you up shortly after dawn so that we can use the tide to enter the harbor."

  Those of the Forest chose amongst themselves and the four chosen prepared their equipment. The sailors lowered one of the boats and those of the Forest were taken across the small waterway to a small beach where they landed. The beach was almost completely covered at high tide. The sailors advised those of the Forest, "You may need to get wet in order to return."

  Those of the Forest acknowledged the warning and climbed onto land for the first time in several weeks. They felt real joy at having solid rock beneath their feet, but noticed that if they closed their eyes the world would roll as if they were aboard the ship. They wasted little time and began their ascent of the cliff, which was composed of different layers of rock, some of which appeared markedly eroded and others very sound. The series of ledges thus produced made for a relatively easy ascent. Then they were gone from sight.

  Aboard ship it was mostly a time of waiting with a checking and rechecking of their weapons and other preparations. Daniel was fascinated by the layers of rock he was seeing and so wished he could explore them, but was trapped aboard the boat. Heather too felt confined but used the time to practice with her sword. Her right arm remained stiff and somewhat weak from an injury sustained during an earlier battle. She found it easier to control the sword with her left arm. She practiced holding a knife in her right hand and using the sword in her left. This produced a better sense of balance but she definitely lacked the finesse she had enjoyed before the injury to her right arm. Betty interrupted her practice, bringing her baby forth who was demanding to be fed. Heather sheathed her weapons and resumed the role of mother.

  The night passed slowly, and as dawn approached the boat was lowered and those of the Forest retrieved. They were in high spirits as they returned to the ship. They reported to Heather that a catapult was mounted on the cliff overlooking the harbor. They explained that it was unguarded, so they took the liberty of slicing almost completely through both the launching and the controlling ropes. There were no other ships to be seen. They then described the harbor, which was large enough for only six or seven ships of their size and connected through the cliff by a very tiny channel. The people lived in stone homes carved into the soft layer of stone about a quarter way up the cliff. A more traditional building seemed to house those of the Red and was adjacent to a dock structure. The boats of Larby's people were simply pulled ashore on the small beach.

  Heather and the Captain received the report and Heather thanked those of the Forest for their efforts. She and Captain Cook then conferred only briefly before the order was given to hoist the anchor and raise the sails. Slowly the ship moved forward, and with but an hour and a half of sail they spotted the cleft in the cliffs. Captain Cook lowered the sails to half and cautiously made his way into the narrow channel. The water was indeed deep in the center but to either side rocks were visible a stone's throw away from the ship. Once they entered the harbor the sea breeze almost disappeared, as they very slowly made their way to the center of the harbor. Again the anchor was dropped.

  They could hear the sounding of a horn which came from the building that housed those of the Red. Soon a boat departed the dock and made its way towards the ship. Standing in the front was an important looking man dressed all in red. The sailors manning the oars wore uniforms with red stripes across the shoulders. In the rear stood another manning the rudder and chanting the rhythm for the rowing.

  Watching them approach, Heather said to the Captain, "Perhaps you should wear your uniform jacket. I will have the young priest translate for us but I would the nature of our mission not be known by those of the Red." She then added, "Those of the Red have some sort of myth about a warrior with golden hair. If you need to explain under whose authority you sail, it may be best to use this myth."

  Captain Cook disappeared for but a few minutes and returned looking quite official. They were flying no flag and the official approaching became obviously concerned when he saw the cannons. They stopped an arrow shot away and the official spoke up, saying, "I am the royal Councilor representing the Scarlet King. You will identify yourself and state your mission."

  Captain Cook responded, "I am Captain of the ship and would speak to the people of this land." This was translated directly by the young priest into the high speech of those of the Red.

  The official responded, "Do you sail under the authority of the Scarlet King?"

  "I sail under the authority of Heather with the Golden Hair."

  At this point Heather stepped forward with her hair blowing in the gentle breeze but spoke not.

  The official was quiet for a moment before announcing, "This land has been claimed for the Scarlet King and you must depart immediately."

  Heather now spoke in the language of those of the Red, saying, "I come in peace to speak with the people of this land and mean you no harm." She added, "I intend to fulfill my mission."

  The official hesitated before pointing towards the catapult saying, "You will depart immediately or be destroyed."

  Heather spoke quietly to Captain Cook, saying, "I would we demonstrate Daniel's cannon. Could you land a shot just to the left of their building?"

  Captain Cook was smiling as he stepped back and gave orders to his crew to prepare to fire and selected a rock pile to the left of the building. He nodded their readiness to Heather who then spoke to the official, "I would you surrender now."

  The official began speaking so fast that even the young priest could not translate. He waved a flag as a signal to those manning the catapult. Heather turned towards Captain Cook who said simply, "Fire."

  The roar of the cannon reverberated amongst the cliff walls and the smoke and fire from the muzzle of the cannon obscured temporarily the view of the official in the boat. Those watching the catapult gave a cheer as the machine itself collapsed because of the damaged ropes. Heather turned her attention back to the official and repeated, "I would you surrender now."

  The force of the cannon had rocked the ship enough to create waves which had forced the official to sit down. He arose not but simply replied, "I have not the authority to surrender but will submit to capture."

  Captain Cook asked quietly, "What is the difference?"

  Heather responded, "I would expect it is a question of honor. It would seem that the Scarlet King does not tolerate failure and those under his rule fear this greatly."

  Heather spoke to the official, "You and all of your party from this point forward will be confined to your compound. We will transfer you to the care of the army serving under Don the Great, who has agreed to a peace treaty, as soon as possible."

  As the official returned to his building compound, Da
niel asked, "Now what do we do?"

  Heather chewed on her lip before replying, "I think now we will wait and allow Larby's people to come to us."

  All of Larby's people had disappeared with the firing of the cannon and only slowly did they again appear in the doorways of their homes. Fishermen returned from the sea and gave wide berth to their ship. It was only late in the afternoon that a boat approached again. This time it was a simple canoe paddled by a single young man. He reached within hailing distance but said not. Heather had the young priest call out, "We bring you news of Larby and come in peace."

  The young man stared at them before nodding his head and returning to shore. Soon another small boat departed the shore carrying three people. The elderly female sat in the front while two others paddled. They came close to the side of the ship and she spoke up saying, "I would hear the news of Larby."

  Heather had the young priest explain how Larby was rescued a year prior from the Island of the Flightless Bird. Heather then asked if she would be willing to come aboard. The lady agreed and the ladder was lowered over the side. Despite her age the woman climbed the ladder easily. She was assisted onto the deck and the boat pulled away, staying within calling distance. Betty came forward and smelled the woman before speaking like Larby, saying, "You smell of Larby. Are you his mother?"

  Tears began to flow from the old woman and she but nodded her head in affirmation. Betty held her hand and some of the tension drained from the woman's face. She asked, "Does my son really still live?"

  Betty said not but simply looked into the woman's eyes and smiled. More of the tension drained from the woman's face and her eyes were now filled with tears of joy. She reached over with her other hand and covered Betty's small hands asking, "Is he here?"

  Betty looked at Heather who said, "Your son travels to the south and we are on our way to meet with him. We bring news of the war and defeat of those of the Red but also of another danger. I would speak with your people."

  The woman listened to the young priest’s translation and responded, "I will speak to my people." She arose and prepared to descend the ladder, adding," You have brought happiness to an old woman, may you be blessed by the God of the Sea."

  It was midday of the following day before their ship was again approached by the same young man whom they had first seen. He said simply, "The elders would hear your story."

  As Captain Cook had a boat lowered, Heather chose those to accompany her. She had not to choose Betty, who was already prepared. The young priest would be needed as a translator and of course Daniel would want to come just to experience a new people. But then who would be left to care for the little ones? Betty spoke up saying, "They will like our babies, we should bring them with."

  Captain Cook counseled that some danger was present, but Heather responded, "I would trust these people, for they have suffered much. We will go forward in good faith."

  The sailors maneuvered their boat next to a low stone wall which served as a loading platform. Before Heather and the others departed they were advised that the shallow water meant they could only be returned to the ship at high tide. Heather acknowledged and thanked the sailors and her group climbed on to the stone wall. A small party was waiting for them on shore.

  They spoke not but simply turned and began walking across the rocky beach towards the cliff face. There they stood next to a ladder, which led to the first ledge of rock which was red in color. As Daniel was climbing the ladder he was feeling the texture of the rock and even tasted a piece trying to determine its nature. At the first ledge they were directed to the right to another ladder which led to a wider ledge on which the houses were built. The rock here was white in color and seemed soft to the touch. The cliff ledge above acted as an overhang, providing a natural roof.

  They were directed through a small doorway covered only by the skin of an animal into a chamber which was cut into the soft rock. The only light was through a small window which was covered by a very thin skin. In the center of the room were gathered six figures.

  An elderly male stood and spoke in the language of Larby's people, "We would hear your story and of Larby." He then pointed to a low bench built of reeds and branches. Heather remained standing while the others sat behind her. She summarized their encounters with those of the Red and their voyage of exploration. Her facial expression told the story of Larby's infection far better than the words the young priest translated. The details of the war were very brief and then she began explaining how the treaty was to be negotiated. The elders nodded in appreciation when they heard that Larby was included in the delegation.

  By now Betty's boy and Heather's baby were both tired of being held and were soon set free to explore their surroundings. The elders kept their attention mostly on Heather but could not help but smile at the antics of the little ones. Soon toys made from small pieces of wood and bone began to appear as others would enter and leave the room. When Heather had finished her story the spokesman of the elders said, "We will now share in the gifts of the God of the Sea, and after hear of this warning you bring."

  Without any command obviously given, food began to arrive. They were served bowls of fish soup along with a bread-like substance. They sipped the soup directly from the bowl, emulating the action of the elders. Daniel asked how the bread substance was made. One of the women who was serving replied, "The seeds of the great grass of the sea are harvested, dried and ground. When mixed with a little water and allowed to sit for two days it is ready for baking."

  Daniel thanked her saying, "I would learn more of your foods, for you appear healthy despite the burden imposed by those of the Red."

  Heather discreetly nursed her baby while they ate; Betty's child seemed to just keep eating, which pleased their host greatly. When the meal was complete Heather was asked to explain the threat she saw. She again stood but spoke somewhat more softly and with less confidence saying, "Betty has had a vision of a darkness coming from the east which has frightened her greatly. We know not what this darkness is but I would assume it is an invasion. Those of the Red were driven from their native country by another invading people and I fear they may be again invading."

  The elders of Larby's people conferred quietly amongst themselves before asking, "Why should we be concerned that an enemy of our enemy may be approaching?"

  Heather chewed on her lower lip before replying, "This enemy may be far worse and result in the total destruction of our societies."

  Again the elders conferred quietly before asking, "What would you have us do?"

  Heather carefully chose her words before replying. "You are people of the sea, not warriors. Your role is to survive and serve as eyes on the sea to warn those who are warriors." She continued, "Your people and my people are descendants of those who survived the last invasion. We need to prepare so that we survive if another invasion does occur." She was silent for a while before continuing, "Your homeland is now known. I would you prepare other secret homes which could be used if the invasion occurs."

  Another of the elders stood and spoke, saying, "This is the home of my ancestors and I would it be the home of my descendants. Our stories tell of the time when our people lived entirely aboard their boats. This we can do again if need be." He then glanced at the other elders before continuing, "If we are to be the eyes of the sea, how do we communicate with you from the north?"

  Heather spoke quietly to Betty before replying, "Betty can hear the mind of the one who is the mother of Larby. For now we must depend on this ability, but for the future we need to establish trade—for our homes are an entire moon cycle of sailing north of here."

  Further conversation stopped when the sound of the boat's whistle was heard. As everyone looked out, another ship was seen entering the harbor. It was a ship of those of the Red flying a green and white flag. Heather could clearly see Captain Cook preparing the cannons. She said, "I must return to the ship."

  Larby's
people helped her descend the ladder, and the young man who had first approached them prepared his boat. Daniel was holding their baby. Heather hugged them both before climbing aboard the small craft saying, "Hide here until we are sure it is safe."

  By the time Heather was again aboard ship, the second ship had dropped anchor and was displaying no sign of hostility. Soon a boat was lowered and began to approach their ship. Standing in front was a sailor in formal uniform who announced as they approached, "We sail under the flag of Don the Great and seek only information of the envoys from the distant lands."

  Captain Cook responded, "I am Captain of this vessel and sail under the authority of Heather with the Golden Hair. We also seek those who sailed as envoys from our lands."

  The sailor was obviously scrutinizing their ship, with those of the Forest perched in the rigging with their bows ready and the cannons pointed at their ship. He replied, "I will inform my Captain." With that the order was given and the boat turned back to the second ship.

  They watched in silence for but a short time before Captain Cook said, "If you wish the others to rejoin us we need to send the boat now before the tide drops further." Heather considered the risk and decided having the others aboard was worth the risk and the boat was lowered to retrieve them. Heather's baby announced their return with his demand to be fed.

  They waited not long before the boat on the second ship again returned, this time with an officer aboard. As they approached within hailing distance the sailor called out, "The Captain of our ship acting for Don the Great wishes to speak to your Captain."

  Captain Cook had the call returned by the boatswain’s mate: "Permission to come aboard for the Captain of your ship."

  The ladder was lowered and the ship’s officer dressed in the uniform of Red ascended the ladder. He arrived on deck and stood silently until Captain Cook approached. He then said in the high language of those of the Red, "I sail under the authority of Don the Great searching for the envoys of the distant lands who were forced from our lands by political intrigue. He seeks knowledge of their safety and has offered my services to ensure their safety."

  Heather stepped forward and replied with her limited ability in the high language, "I accept your offer. I would we confer at table."

  The Captain of the Red signaled his boat and replied, "As you wish."

  With the young priest acting as the interpreter, the Captain of the Red had soon told the story of the political intrigue and the escape of their friends. Daniel had to nod in appreciation of Jeremy's use of his cloth trick in the escape but said not. When the Captain had finished his presentation Heather asked, "You sail under the authority of Don the Great, and of your loyalty to your Scarlet King?"

  The Captain was obviously uncomfortable with the question, but was able to face Heather directly and replied, "I have sworn my loyalty to the King but not to those who would usurp the power of the King. It is my judgment that the actions of Don the Great represent the real goals of the throne and therefore I sail under his authority and the green and white flag."

  Heather asked, "And the rest of the military?"

  "The palace guard remains under direct control of the King but they are limited to the palace itself. The remaining military force is working under Don the Great in preparation."

  Heather asked, "From the darkness arising in the east?"

  The Captain just stared at Heather before replying, "Yes, the black ships have been spotted to our east."

  Heather responded not to his inquiring look but instead told him of the local command and their submission to capture. She then discussed the need to protect Larby's people so they could act as eyes of the sea. She asked, "Would the local commander pledge loyalty to your flag?"

  The Captain responded, "I know him not. If he is a true military man he will pledge loyalty to Don the Great in his service of the Scarlet King."

  Heather then told the Captain how the Spirits of the Forest have connected Betty and Edna. By this connection they knew that their friends were yet far to the south and east of them. The Captain listened intensely and replied, "I had hoped their voyage had succeeded in rounding the cape before the great storm hit. That they have survived such a storm is great testimony to your God's power." He added, "The waters to the south and east are not friendly, with many islands without anchorage and reefs just below the surface."

  Heather nodded, saying, "The Spirits of the Forest have sent us to help them. We depart at the high tide on the day following the morrow. Sail you with us?"

  The Captain responded, "I am pledged to your service at the request of Don the Great. I will need to take on fresh water and food if it is available. We will be ready to sail."

  Heather responded, "Let us meet with the base commander tomorrow, and if it is successful, with the elders of these people of the sea. A treaty between them would improve security for all."

  The meeting with the base commander followed the breaking of the fast and was held at their compound. He was troubled not at pledging allegiance to the green and white flag, but seemed uncomfortable in reaching a treaty with the local peoples whom they had abused so severely. Heather said, "The survival of our peoples may depend upon this cooperation. I will talk with these people of the sea. They are not a vengeful people and understand the danger. I think they will cooperate."

  As the Captain and the base commander worked out the issues for local defense, Heather met with the elders again. She explained the principles of trade which would be required for the food they would provide to those of the Red. They talked about how to plan for an evacuation if necessary, and more importantly, advanced warning. They shared the midday meal before the discussions were completed. In the end they agreed to work in peace with those of the Red.

  As Heather was preparing to return to the ship, Larby's mother presented her with a small carving, saying, "This is the talisman with which I have prayed to the God of the Sea for my son. I would you keep it."

  Heather accepted the gift and in return took a small metal pin from her cape. She gave it to the elderly lady, saying, "This is from the Forest and with it I wish you the protection of the Spirits of the Forest."

  The young man who had first presented to their ship was waiting for Heather. He was dressed for travel and said only, "I would travel with you."

  Heather thought for a minute and agreed, saying, "You may travel with us but there is probably great danger."

  He replied only, “I am the Listener. The God of the Sea sends me, so I go."