“I need to speak with the young girl, Darci. I believe that she is one of your passengers.” Chalier’s face was red with the exertion of running all the way to the docks, only to be stopped by a monster of a man backed by a dubious-looking crew. With the information he had uncovered, he could not afford any delay.
Defyance took Argon a step away from the dispersing crush of bodies so that she could speak to him in relative privacy. When they had finished, Argon’s face had cooled somewhat, and seeing there was nothing else he could do, he left them to it. Leading Chalier downstairs, only then did Defyance ask him what he wanted.
The older man took a deep breath, his face momentarily clouded by indecision. Shrugging his shoulders before squaring them again, he seemed to come to a decision. Finally he spoke. “I came to warn you.” He paused not looking at Defyance, but at Darci.
This abrupt statement was met by silence. No one was willing to look Chalier in the eye, not even the usually unshakable Defyance. From under his hood all Lief could do was manage an uncomfortable cough.
“Wh… what are you talking about?” asked Taslessian, the first to find his tongue and break the uncomfortable silence. Darci steeled herself, not ready to look at Chalier, lest her look give her away while she prepared herself to go on with the charade. When she finally stood, ready to look confused at the impending accusation, Defyance placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Tell us what you know, Captain of the Guard.” Her other hand was on her short sword, yet the rest of her body gave off the pretence of trust. If for one instant she thought that this man would betray them, she would not hesitate to end his life, no matter who he was. Such was the price of secrecy and the importance of their mission. Away from such deep thoughts, everyone else waited eagerly for him to continue.
“I was curious as to why all those men attacked you, so I interrogated their leader, Red. At first, he was more scared of his employer than he was of me, but I soon fixed that. Red had been employed to find and abduct a girl following your description. His employer told him only that you were very important to him.
“Being the suspicious character that he is, he eavesdropped on his employer and found out that you were a being not from this planet and that you would hold the key to the future. At least that is what he heard; he didn’t actually believe it though. That was all I could get.” Chalier paused before revealing his conclusion. “Someone wanted you out of the way, and at the same time, they wanted your knowledge as well.”
Lief placed his hand on Darci’s back to comfort her, noticing that her hands had clenched tight at the news.
“All I know now is that you are hunted by a very wealthy and well-connected employer. I do not know who he is yet, but I do know that he is not going to stop until you have been brought to him. You are all in great danger.” With that said, Chalier fell silent, enduring the thoughtful looks from the strange group he had met only the day before; the magically-inclined boy, the headstrong warrior woman, and the mysterious man under the hood. He smiled to himself; he knew that one’s secret at least. And finally, there was the young girl who did not deny being from another planet. Running his hand though his short hair, he sighed to himself. He still did not know if he believed the strange tale, but how could he not?
Everybody remained silent because no one had anything to say. They all knew the danger of their quest, and yet Chalier’s information was, nonetheless, very useful, because they now knew that there was another person in the chase.
Darci again realised how grateful she was for the presence of her friends. Who knew where she would be without them. As for those who wished to do her harm, Domati always revealed himself when attacking, and although he was scary, the thought of someone unknown scared her even more.
At that moment, Maledorian arrived. On his back he hefted a giant sack full of assorted long-lasting foods from the market. With the ship’s reputation not being the best, the knight had been forced to deliver his own goods, but at least he had been able to save some coin. Upon seeing their guest, he looked from Defyance, to Chalier and back again.
Defyance quickly and quietly informed him what Chalier had said. He stiffened at the news of the attack; in all the excitement of planning the next stage of their quest and the fact that they had had hardly any time alone, no one had mentioned it to him yet. He did not seem impressed, but Defyance told him to worry about it later and to deal with the matter at hand. After a moment of thought, he turned to the sergeant, locking him with merciless eyes.
“Know that if I thought that you were any threat whatsoever, you would already be dead. However, considering your invaluable help yesterday, I’m going to tell you only what I think is necessary for you to know, and I trust that you will appreciate my need for secrecy.”
Chalier bristled at the threat, but looking at the warrior woman and then back to the knight, he relaxed. Deciding to let it go, he turned his full attention to Maledorian.
The knight told him how there was a great evil in the southern lands. An evil from another world, which had adapted quickly, rallying the southern races for a war to quench its blood thirst. To counter its presence, Darci had been brought in from another world. That was all that Maledorian was prepared to say. He had decided that it was best for nobody to know exactly where they were going, or how, for as long as possible.
“Chalier, I know that you are Tallen’s father,” Defyance added. “And I also know that the man who attacked your daughter could return at any time. Your wife and daughter seem quite capable, but still, you should go back home to protect them. Either that, or send your sons home so they are not alone. Your pride should not be affected because there will be no war. We will see to that when we destroy the demon.”
Chalier’s eyes lowered to the floor. “I have thought about what you said, Offworlder.” He looked at Darci before returning his gaze to Defyance. “But I cannot go home.”
Defyance’s mouth curved into a frown while Darci’s face changed to a look of disappointment and fear for her friend Tallen, not knowing what would happen to the young girl and her mother.
“However, I have sent my two sons, Patet and Beral, home already. I know what you said about this bandit returning is true, and though I cannot leave my post, I also cannot bear the thought of anything happening to my wife or daughter.” Defyance patted him on the back.
A polite knock on the door rattled the walls, interrupting the sudden silence. It was Argon and he wanted to inform them all that the tide was right and that they were going to have to leave now. Unless they were prepared to pay an extra fare, Chalier had to get off the ship.
Chalier pulled something out from under his shirt, stepping over to place it around Darci’s neck. “This was given to me from an old elven friend. I know that the people of Chinta do not like elves, but I am not from this town, and I find their company quiet enjoyable.” He winked at Lief who was only going to remove his hood once they had left the port. Maledorian had made sure that this crew was not from Chinta, and as such, there should be no elven prejudice on board, and should there still be a sailor who harboured any distaste towards Lief, then Maledorian was sure he would soon be able to change their minds.
“There are mystical runes engraved on it supposed to bring peace of mind and sensibility. I give it to you to wish you luck on your perilous journey.” Chalier then followed Argon up the stairs with everyone else in tow. Farewells were uttered before Chalier walked down the gangplank and onto the jetty. The gangplank was still vibrating from his stride as two crewmembers heaved it aboard the deck. The shabby-looking crew transformed into experienced sailors, bustling around the ship doing their jobs with the bosun loudly directing their every action.
Two dockhands threw heavy ropes from the pier onto the deck while four more sailors put all their strength into raising the anchor. The more nimble members of the crew climbed up the rigging on a network of ropes that were the lifelines of any seafaring vessel. The sailors high above released one of
the smaller sails. It crackled loudly, filling with wind as soon as it was open. The ship groaned in protest as it slowly began to move away from its moorings. Argon, standing with his hand on the wheel, deftly directing his small vessel between all the other ships surrounding them as his sailors obeyed his relayed commands.
Darci looked around at her friends. Both Lief and Taslessian had turned pale the instant the ship had started moving. Despite her friend’s discomfort, her spirits were rather buoyant because they were finally on their way to Menarik.
Chapter 7
Darci opened one eye tentatively, not wanting to wake up, but knowing that she could not sleep any longer. Through watery eyes, she could see the melted stump of the candle holding the barest flicker of flame. She had not slept well all night. The constant rocking backward and forward motion gave her a headache that seemed to pulse in time with the lurching pitch of the very floor she had slept upon. The Offworlder smiled despite her discomfort. At least she was not feeling as bad as Lief and Taslessian, both of whom had needed to leave their beds during the nights to relieve their stomachs over the side of the boat. This amused the sailors no end, but surprisingly they were well mannered enough to only laugh amongst themselves.
Maledorian watched Darci climb out of the tangled blanket that was her bed. Through his own, sleep-encrusted eyes he took a moment to see the teen for who she was; a normal everyday girl. What she could do to save them was unknown, yet for some strange reason, he had faith in her. As for himself, being an untested knight on his first real quest, was another matter entirely.
He rolled over in his bed to prop his head up on his hand. With his little finger he scratched the inner part of his eye, flicking the sleep off his fingernail. Darci turned at the noise of movement, smiling when she saw that she was not the only one awake.
“The attack on you and Taslessian. If it wasn’t for that Sergeant of the Guard, who knows where you would be now?” The usually jovial knight had a strangely serious look on his face. “I take the blame for your near kidnapping, for if I had been with you, it would not have happened.” For once, he could not look his young ward in the eye, choosing instead to follow the path of a small bug that had escaped the warmth of his bedding.
Maledorian sighed as he moved his hand towards the insect. Absentmindedly he flicked it towards the slumbering form of Defyance. Bouncing off the warrior woman’s back, he was not surprised when her hand came crashing down to squash the beetle, moving her hand to wipe it on his boots before rolling over and going back to sleep. Not caring if the warrior woman heard his confession, Maledorian heaved a great sigh before finally telling his young charge what was on his mind.
“I know that sometimes I seem a bit… I don’t know… a bit of a joke maybe. I know that this is my first quest and that I get drunk at the pubs, and I play with the women… but it doesn’t stop me from being the best fighter. I… I just don’t want you to lose faith in me, that’s all.”
Darci was surprised at the knight’s revelation. It was true that she had wondered about him some times, yet she had never doubted his ability, only his sense of humour. Darci thought about how he handled the late night encounter with Trolog, standing in nothing but his nightclothes, taking on a beast that looked twice his size just to protect her. He was a true hero; he just had to believe it.
“The way you have treated me since meeting you and the way that you have protected me… I could never lose faith in you… It’s friends like you who keep me sane,” Darci told him. She stepped over the unmoving form of Defyance before crouching down next to the knight. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms as far as she could around his broad shoulders to give him a giant hug.
Coughing uncomfortably, he placed his free arm around her back, giving her a tight squeeze before letting her stand again. He nodded his acknowledgement of her faith and approval before she turned to leave the room.
As soon as the door had shut, Defyance rolled over to face her slightly younger counterpart. Knowing his troubles and the doubts of most warriors, she finally spoke. “You shall be a fine warrior one day, Maledorian.” The knight did not to smile but at least his expression softened.
“I hope so,” he replied.
“Oh,” she continued, rolling back over.” If you ever flick bugs at me again, I’ll see you eat it.”
Opening the door to the deck, Darci took a deep breath of the fresh, salty breeze. Stepping out, her face was instantly covered in the soft mist of sea spray. Slowly, she made her way to the railing, turning towards the east where the sky was getting lighter. It was quite breathtaking. Seeing no land in sight made her feel a little isolated, but with her friends nearby, she did not mind. As the sun rose higher, brilliant colours began to reflect off the many small waves. Darci was so absorbed in the wondrous sight, she did not notice that the bosun had come to stand beside her.
“It’s a beauty ain’t it?” said the mysterious man. Darci nodded. “I see it almost every mornin’ but still I enjoy watching its splendour.” The soft and friendly way the bosun spoke to Darci completely contradicted his appearance. At first she had thought he would be a merciless, hot-tempered and violent man. With his many tattoos, intimidating glare and the way he had challenged Chalier when he had boarded the ship, left Darci thinking that he was always looking for a fight. The quick thumping of footsteps heading their way interrupted her thoughts. Taslessian rushed to the side of the boat, ruining the moment and the beauty of the sunrise with his painful moans and groans splattering into the seawater below.
The bosun let out a somewhat hearty laugh as he patted the sorry wizard on the back. “Don’t worry, lad, you’ll soon get used to it,” he said, chuckling to himself as he walked away.
“Are you all right?” Darci asked as she also placed a hand on his back. With one final shuddering heave, he finished retching, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. He smiled wanly at his friend, putting on whatever bravado he could muster, until the ship lurched again. His hand grasped for the side rail as he barely managed to steady himself.
“I think I’ll live.” His voice was hoarse as he tried to swallow. Darci placed her arm fully around him, giving him a slight squeeze, but he didn’t seem to notice.
“At least you’re not alone,” she told him, “Lief is suffering probably even more so than you.” She pointed to the usually jovial elf who was seated on a small box, his head between his knees covered by his mass of long blond hair that, for once, was unkempt and straggly. Taslessian’s smile widened.
“Food!” one of the sailors yelled as he started to dish out a porridge- like stew into a pile of food encrusted bowls. With a rumble that soon turned into a thunder of footsteps, sailors burst out from below deck. Good-naturedly, they pushed and shoved each other out of the way. All knew the rules: first in best served. Yet, before the first sailor could grab his bowl he was pushed out of the way by a slim blur of blond. Lief rushed passed the surprised man to the side of the ship, joining Taslessian and sharing his misery.
Darci stared at the sailors, her nose twitching as the men eagerly scooped up the lumpy broth and shovelled it into their mouths, leaving her thankful that they had brought their own food with them. She turned to see the young knight stepping cautiously towards her. In his arms he had managed to carry four bowls of food, while his decanter of ale was stuffed under his arm. His previous mood of self-doubt seemed to have disappeared as he stumbled from side to side, overdoing the walk of a sailor in rough seas, testing his carrying skills.
Without spilling a drop, he handed the first bowl to Darci, before making his way over to Taslessian and Lief. Carefully, he passed a bowl of food under their noses, managing to move it out of the way before they leaned over the side again.
“I take it that you’re leaving the leftovers for me?” he laughed without malice. “How kind of you.” All who heard smiled at the knight’s words.
* * *
After a week at sea, routine had become almost normal. The crew had decided to ac
cept their passengers as soon as Maledorian had offered the bosun a large bottle of harsh liquid. From that morning on, the knight had continued to drink ale, play cards and swap bawdy stories with the crew. Taslessian and Lief eventually overcame their seasickness, though both of them made themselves scarce when the sailors’ meals were served. Darci and Defyance continued their training long after sunrise, leaving the warrior woman to then spend her afternoons in generally silent contemplation or sleep.
When Darci was not dodging blows from Defyance, she was spending time with Taslessian, learning all about the mysterious places and beings of the different lands of his world. From the island of Jolimon that belonged to a race of human/elf hybrids, to the island of Afrit, which was only a rock mountain, its winged people surviving off whatever the ocean provided.
Lief was kept well occupied, finding a kindred spirit amongst the crew. Elonan was the name of the sailor who reminded Darci of Lief. To her eyes at least, Elonan definitely had elvish qualities, but if he was part elf, no one had mentioned it so she kept it to herself. Lief had explained that Elonan was from a south eastern town of Nahaba, not far from the elven Lake City, though Elonan did not know it as the relationship between humans and elves had deteriorated over the years, the elves generally keeping to themselves and the location of their city becoming lost in memory and time.
* * *
One morning, amidst a particularly beautiful sunrise, punctuated by the bright colours of soft wispy clouds, Darci stood staring out to sea with the bosun. “When are we going to reach Menarik?” she asked. Both of them were heavily rugged up now wearing large, furry jackets. This morning had been the first time the young girl had awoken to see her breath turn to mist. Rubbing her hands together, Darci assumed that they must have been nearing their snow-covered destination, believing that it could not get much colder than it already was.