Delphinia had wanted to talk more about the possibility of a royal barge the night before. Geoffrey had pleaded exhaustion, gone straight to bed, and woke up early to sit alone in his throne room. He had made no promises to his wife. She would soon forget the idea of a barge. Geoffrey was confident the meeting would go as planned.
Muller entered the throne room by a side door a few minutes before the Caliph was scheduled to appear.
"I got your message," Muller said. "You agreed to meet with the Caliph?"
"I will be polite but firm. We will listen to his proposal, then I will give reasons for my rejection of it and you will accompany him back to his ships to make sure he leaves. Over and done with."
Muller rubbed his hands together. "Over and done with," he repeated.
The Caliph appeared right on time and was announced by a royal guardsman.
"May I express my gratitude for your hospitality," he said, with a little bow. "And for this generous offer of an audience with Your Majesty."
King Geoffrey waved him to a seat.
"You said you had a proposal. The King feigned a mild interest.
"I do. Of course the plan is still in its infancy and I've no doubt you would want to add your own conditions, but...Her Highness Queen Delphinia expressed interest at the idea of a port for Fernland. Since we've no commitments at the moment, we men of Taz, shipbuilders and harbormasters for generations, we would make ourselves available to undertake such an enterprise. We could make River's End a port that would be the envy of all this western seaboard. I wondered if such an undertaking might interest you?"
King Geoffrey let out a breath. "Of course we have considered building such a port ourselves, but on balance we find ourselves better off, not to mention—more secure—without it."
"I see. Perhaps the balance might tilt in favor of such a port if your security were assured and you had men experienced in such endeavors under your command."
"And just how would you propose to assure Fernland's safety? For instance, from pirates?"
"As you have no doubt considered, entrance by way of an estuary lends itself to conditions whereby any unwelcome ships could be prevented from entrance through a water gate. Such a gate across the narrowest part of the estuary would also be a natural place to collect a toll tax from any ships seeking entrance to Fernland's fair weather port—a welcome sanctuary in times of stormy weather."
"Yes, certainly, a water gate," Geoffrey repeated. "By that you mean an actual gate across the water?"
"It could be an actual gate, or it could be a lock of sorts—a change in the water depth, an innovation that our engineers have some experience with."
King Geoffrey turned to Muller and Muller met his gaze with a blank stare.
King Geoffrey stood up and paced to a window that looked down on King's Lake off in the distance.
"Why would you want to do all this work for us? You even offered to build a royal barge. Surely if your men are as skilled as you say, you could offer your services for a fee rather than a gift."
"We are happy to be of service. We would need to bring our ships in for the duration of the work to keep them safe from storms. We would need to set up some workshops and temporary mills around the lake. In my enthusiasm for the project I offered to build a royal barge for the royal family. Of course I would need materials—aptly supplied from your forests—and a ship building facility to bring this promise to fruition. All projects that we of Taz could do easily."
"And how long would such an ambitious agenda take?" Geoffrey asked.
"Perhaps two years, perhaps a bit longer," the Caliph said.
"And after that?"
"I'm sure our exemplary work would bring in many offers of work in the future, from many nations."
"Let me be frank," the King said. "Although I find your proposals surprisingly attractive, there is the fact that you now have no country to return to. These temporary settlements have a way of becoming permanent. We of Fernland are not looking to increase our population with outsiders, however talented and charming they be."
The Caliph smiled and clapped his hands. "I admire such frankness. I will be frank as well. We will certainly be moving on once we have honored our commitments. A few men will be sent to explore while the remainder settle here to work on your port project. At the completion of your port, we will move to the new place our explorers have chosen. By that time I believe we will have cemented our friendship with Fernland. We will be allies and trading partners from that time forward."
"How many people are we talking about?"
"We are seven ships and a thousand souls." The Caliph did not add that four times that many women, children and parents were currently stashed at various seaports up and down the coast.
King Geoffrey turned back from the window to face the Caliph. He had made his decision. "For as long as you are here you will be taxed and subject to the laws of Fernland. You will answer to me as King."
"Of course," the Caliph agreed.
"In time of war, your men would be required to serve."
"Without question," the Caliph said.
"Regarding disputes, the King's word is law."
"Certainly."
"In addition to the estuary and the royal barge, we will require a royal theatre on the lake," Geoffrey said, nodding at Muller.
"An inspired addition," the Caliph said.
King Geoffrey sensed that he might have asked for more, but he found himself as charmed by the Caliph as Delphinia had been.
"Then I suppose you may as well bring your ships into King's Lake," Geoffrey said.
"It's been a pleasure," the Caliph said, rising from his chair with a parting bow.
Muller stared at King Geoffrey but said nothing.
"What are you staring at?" King Geoffrey asked.
"Just awaiting your orders, Your Majesty." Muller's voice was calm and neutral.
"You may go."
Muller moved to the door as quickly as he could without running.
Chapter 55
Fernland
News of King Geoffrey's acceptance of the Caliph's proposal traveled quickly throughout Fernland. The river between King's Lake and the sea was dredged in record time. Most of Fernland's populace journeyed to King's Lake to witness the arrival of Taz's seven ships. A bandstand had been erected to seat the royal family and welcome the visitors. Family picnic blankets lined the shores of the lake. Take and his magic troupe roamed among the crowd entertaining them with magic tricks.
The first of Taz's ships, the Spirit of Taz, sailed on the incoming tide. The name had been freshly painted in English, the outlines of its name in the Taz language barely visible. She was decked out in the green banners of Taz as well as the red and gold dragon banners of Fernland. The crowd cheered as the ship sailed into the lake. The Caliph stood at the ship's bow, waving a red flag emblazoned with a gold dragon. King Geoffrey, seated on the temporary bandstand, stood and waved back. Queen Delphinia stood beside him, her hands clasped to her chest, enthralled with the sight of a ship on King's Lake.
The Spirit of Taz slowed as her sails were lowered and furled. A giant anchor swung out to splash down in front of the people lining the lake front. More cheering erupted as small boats were lowered and tunic-clad dignitaries climbed down rope ladders to settle into the small boats. Sailors dressed in green trousers and shirts took up the oars and the small boats headed for shore.
The Caliph was first to set foot on shore. He bowed to the people of Fernland and headed for the bandstand to bow once again to the king and queen. King Geoffrey greeted him with a smile and a handshake, then waved at the others who waited in their small boats to come ashore. The men of Taz followed the Caliph to the bandstand just as the second ship came into view. More cheering and pointing drew the crowd's attention. The second ship was closely followed by a third and a fourth ship. Within an hour all seven ships were anchored and King's Lake was dotted with sm
all boats on their way to shore.
Take and his troupe gathered to watch the Taz men come ashore.
"That there's a whole lotta people," Smiles said. "Ya spose they'll all just live aboard while as they build a port?"
"Where's their women folk?" Trixie asked. "Are they still on the ships?"
"An' their kids?" Peaches added. She turned to Take. "Did ya see any kids when ya was on the ship?"
"No." Take stooped to shake hands with a small child. He wisked a scarf from his coat and a coin magically appeared in his hand. "We think they must have sent the women and children away when Barburee started their siege. There were none left in Taz by the time we got there."
"Funny they didn't want ta go back ta wherever they took them women and kids." Bear pulled a little rabbit from his hat, then made it disappear back into the hat. He paused for a minute, thinking. "Don't it strike ya kinda odd they wanna do all this work fer Fernland?"
"It does." Take pulled a coin from a boy's ear amid laughter from the boy's friends. "Maybe we can talk them into building our theatre first, before they come to their senses. I've got a likely spot picked out."
"Where?" Angie asked, jumping up and down. "Show us!"
Take walked through the crowd of picnickers to the top of a sloping grassy area that ended down at the waters edge.
"We could use the slope for seating people. They could all see the stage that way. The stage would be down by the water, so we could use the water as well, for part of the show." Take faced his troupe looking for signs of approval.
"Use the slope," Tom said, slapping Take on the back. "See there. Ain't our Take the smart gent?"
"Now ya ain't mad no more that we sprung Muller an' Hilgard with yer gold?" Smiles asked, his face full of childish hope.
Take's eyes narrowed at the mention of his stolen gold. He looked at Smiles' hopeful face and forced his mouth into a smile.
"Muller must have made a good case for us when he gave his report. I sure never expected anything like this from ole' King Geoffrey. But so far all we've got is a promise. If the theatre actually gets built—then sure—all is forgiven."
This promise of peace within their group lifted the dark cloud that had hung over them since leaving Barburee.
Trixie and Peaches danced around a bit chanting, "We got a theatre," then both fell to the grass and rolled down the grassy incline laughing and shrieking.
Bear stood at the top of the incline teetering between wanting to follow the girls down the hill and wanting to act like a grownup. Smiles laughed at his friend and promptly fell to the ground, rolling down the hill like an avalanche.
At the bottom of the hill Trixie and Peaches yelled and waved at Bear. Finally he dropped and bounced like a boulder down the hill. Smiles picked him out of the air on his last bounce and stood him on his feet. Bear stood there dazed and wobbly until Peaches put her hands on his shoulders to steady him. Bear looked up at Peaches, grinned, and leaned back into her arms with a mighty sigh.
Take, Tom and Angie looked down the hill at their friends. Angie lowered her voice to a whisper.
"Is it a fact what Tom said that they'll build livin' quarters fer us actors?"
Take shrugged his shoulders. "Muller said we can ask for it. That way we could act as security for the theatre and props when it's not in use."
"An tell 'er the best part, mate," Tom said, with a broad smile on his face.
"The best part?" Take repeated, clearly confused.
"Them livin' quarters would be havin' a real floor!"
Take smiled. "That's a fact."
Angie swooned into a fake faint and rolled down the hill to join her friends and share the good news. A series of screams and more jumping up and down followed.
Tom laughed as he fell to the grass. " 'Ere we go then." He wrapped his arms around his body and tumbled down the hill. Angie stood her ground as he rolled into her and they both fell into a heap at the water's edge.
All the troupe yelled taunts and jibes at Take as he stood alone at the top of the slope. He turned as if to leave and they all booed. Then he finished his 360 degree turn and fell lightly to the grass, rolling down hill like a long skinny log, whistling all the way down.
***
The royal family was busy welcoming a long line of dignitaries. Most did not speak English and the greeting consisted of a brief handshake along with a comment translated by the Caliph. A few of the dignitaries spoke some English and remarks centered around Fernland's beauty or their enthusiasm for the port project. The last in line turned out to be the Caliph's two sons, both middle aged themselves. The Caliph joked that his sons would soon be taking care of him.
The Caliph's younger son, Haddad, was a serious man whose eyes seemed more appraising than welcoming.
"Haddad is our chief engineer and ship designer," Caliph said. "He will be in charge of the port project."
King Geoffrey studied the man briefly and waved Prince Avor forward.
"This is my son, prince Avor."
Caliph put his hand on his heart as he bowed. "You are blessed, King Geoffrey, to have such a fine young man as your heir."
"Prince Avor has some interest in engineering. I propose to have him work closely with your men in the planning and construction of this enterprise."
Haddad's eyes widened in surprise. He quickly hid his expression with a bow.
"We are honored," he said. "I will treasure his advice."
Haddad stepped aside to allow his brother to move forward.
"And this is my eldest son, Rabar—a skilled physician."
Rabar had a distracted expression, as though he had just been pulled away in the midst of some important task.
"A pleasure," he said, shaking King Geoffrey's hand and bowing at the same time.
The Caliph turned to his son and motioned him closer.
"You will no doubt wish to meet the Princess Electra, who shares your interest in medicine."
Rabar blinked and turned his attention to Princess Electra, who nodded and smiled. Since Rabar said nothing, the Caliph jumped in to continue his introduction.
"Rabar attended the school you mentioned—Egina. I'm sure you will talk more about it later," the Caliph said, looking pointedly at his son.
"Rabar looked up, realizing suddenly he was meant to say something. "Uh...yes, of course. I am at your service," he said with a bow.
King Geoffrey looked at the huge group of Taz dignitaries and sailors huddled in a group around the bandstand.
"Queen Delphinia has arranged picnic food for all," he said loudly. "Find a seat on the grass and enjoy the day."
"A truly magnanimous invitation," the Caliph said. He translated the king's words into the Taz language and his men began to drift off in groups along the shore. The band began to play and a long line of waiters marched forward carrying food in buckets and on trays. Soon everyone was relaxed, eating and luxuriating in the warm spring day.
Chapter 56
Fernland
The royal family sat on a blanket close to the bandstand. Queen Delphinia chatted about how well the day was progressing, how beautiful the ships, and how charming the men from Taz.
King Geoffrey leaned in close to Prince Avor.
"I want you to stay close to Haddad, learn the language and report to me every day. I don't trust these Taz people. I'll get Muller and Hilgard assigned as your assistants."
"They seem perfectly lovely people to me," Queen Delphinia said. "Oh, look! The Caliph is coming this way."
The Caliph bowed as he neared the royal family.
"My compliments on the lunch, Your Majesty." He patted his stomach.
"Please join us," Queen Delphinia said.
"No, I do not wish to intrude. I thought I might invite Princess Electra over to speak with my son regarding medical schools. He is distracted of late with worry over his plants, but I believe the beauty of the day has finally lulled him into a calmer state of
mind."
"He is preoccupied with plants?" Electra's interest was piqued.
"Yes. Sadly, we were forced to leave Taz in such a hurry, he had to leave many of his medicinal herbs behind. And the few he managed to salvage are not thriving."
"Perhaps we have these herbs in our forests." Electra stood up as though she were eager to begin the search.
"Electra is quite knowledgeable when it comes to plants," Delphinia said, as she turned to face Electra. "You must go and put his mind at ease if you are able."
Electra followed the Caliph back to the group that included Rabar.
"I have brought the Princess Electra," the Caliph said, catching his son's attention. "You will tell her all about Egina and she will tell you if the plants your need for your research can be found in Fernland's forest."
The Caliph bowed and walked away to join another group.
Rabar was a short man, neither fat nor thin, ,probably around 40 years of age. He had intelligent eyes, hidden behind spectacles, a straight nose and a generous mouth. He managed a half-hearted smile as he spoke to Electra.
"You have some knowledge of herbs and plants?" Rabar made room for Electra on his blanket.
Electra sat down and arranged her skirts around her.
"I do." She felt that this physician was being polite only because the Caliph had ordered him to speak to her. She decided she should find out what he knew of medical schools and leave him to his thoughts. "And you have some knowledge of medical schools?"
Rabar's smile reached his eyes. He seemed to think it amusing that she wanted her answers first. "Of course. We will begin there. What would you like to know?"
"What was your experience of Egina?" She thought it best to get right to the point.
"It is quite good as these schools go. They keep meticulous records of the success or failure of various treatments. They also make a study of the inner workings of the human body."
Electra shuddered to imagine how this last practice might be investigated.
"Your father mentioned that all the students seemed to be men."
"Sadly, this was my experience. I believe they tend to label all women as too soft-hearted to be effective." He picked up an apple and took a bite.
"I see." She doubted that he was the least bit sad about it. More likely he agreed completely with such a policy.