CHAPTER 34
“No. Bring the axe handle up higher before you snap it around. It will give you more power.” Balthus demonstrated the move, then relaxed. He was breathing deeply, sweat lining his brow. Adrianna stood bent over at the waist, hands on her knees, gasping for air.
“Enough,” she said. “The axe will never be my weapon of choice.”
“And if you have no choice?” he asked. “‘The more thou sweatest in toils, –’ ”
“I know, I know. ‘The less ye bleedest from foils.’” She laughed. “Let’s take a break. I could use a drink.”
They put away their weapons and walked to the well. Balthus drew up a bucket and handed a ladle-full to Adrianna. The rest he dumped over his head. He pursed his lips and blew, sending a spray into the air.
Adrianna laughed.
“What are you laughing about, Lass?” he asked.
“You reminded me of a sea walang with your hair and beard all wet and blowing out spray, that’s all.”
“Walang, is it? You look like something I can make squeal like a walang!” He dropped the bucket and grabbed her. Wrapping his arms around her, he dug his fingers into her ribs. “Who’s a walang, huh?”
“Stop tickling!” She laughed and fought his embrace. “Stop,” she said, “or I’ll have to hurt you!”
“Hurt me? Ha!” He lifted her into the air and shook droplets off of his wet hair. “That will be the – ” He looked over her shoulder and lowered her to the ground.
Dieya was crossing the yard with determined strides.
“Look alive now, Lass. Here comes Blackie with another castle for us to storm, sure as rain.”
“Balthus,” she said, tugging his hair to get his attention, “just remember your own words. Don’t get caught up in his zeal.” Balthus smiled and gave her a resounding wet kiss.
“It’s good to see you two enjoying life,” said Dieya, as he reached them. “I guess that’s what it’s all about in the end anyway.”
“You look better than when you left here, Dieya. I hope the news is good,” said Balthus.
Dieya’s smile lessened. “Well, it wasn’t the bad news I thought it was, but it still gives me some cause for concern. If you gentle folk are still willing to aid me, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Ask away, friend Dieya,” said Adrianna.
“Yes, ask away. We can always tell you no, loudly or softly,” Balthus said. “So whose throat needs cutting?”
Dieya smiled. “Nothing so zestful my friend, and I’m not sure yet what needs doing, but it does lie in the direction of Freetown. Would you two consider traveling to Freetown to await further word?”
“Freetown? Now? During the Season of Flowers Festival?” asked Balthus.
“Freetown? Now? During the Merchants’ Fair?” asked Adrianna. They looked at each other then back to Dieya.
“NO!” they chimed in unison, and broke up into fits of laughter.
Bewilderment flashed over Dieya’s face.
Wiping a tear from his eye, Balthus patted Dieya’s shoulder. “Yes, yes, we’ll go. We’re just having a little fun at your expense. You seem well able to afford the price, and the Great Maker knows you need some humor.”
Dieya shook his head and sighed. “I fear you two will be the death of me.”
“I hope not. You’re paying for this trip,” said Balthus. “And I warn you, Adrianna has expensive tastes.”
“I can see that,” said Dieya. “She’s with you, after all.”
“Exactly! Uh, that is, – Uh, I’m not sure how to take that,” said Balthus. It was his turn to look perplexed and Dieya’s turn to laugh.
“Will we be traveling by luse or flash of light?” asked Adrianna.
“Luses. I’m afraid the magic only works for me.”
“That’s good, or you’d have to hear our chorus of ‘No’ again,” said Balthus.
“When do you need us in Freetown?” asked Adrianna.
“As soon as possible I’d say, though I don’t know for sure. It will take me some magic, and several days of hard walking to go where I need to be. It will take you at least that long to get to Freetown, so the timing will be about right.”
“Will it take you several days to get back to Freetown?” asked Balthus.
“No, it will take me but an instant. I have been there many times.”
“I see,” said Balthus, furrowing his brow in thought. Then he raised his eyebrows and shrugged. “Well, join us for lunch. We’ll discuss the details and we’ll leave on the morrow.”
“No, thank you. I’ve just had breakfast and must be on my way. For now, there aren’t any details I can share,” said Dieya.
“Breakfast was hours ago, man. You must keep up your strength,” said Balthus.
“I will, but I must go now. If you folks will excuse me…” He walked several paces away and vanished.
“No wonder the man is so thin,” said Adrianna. “He should eat more.” She turned to Balthus. “Did you forget about him needing to have been at a place first before he can magic to it, or were you just testing, Love?”
“Just testing, my Love, just testing,” he said.
“I take it your trust in him is not complete then?”
Balthus snorted, then placed a hand on her shoulder. “The only person who has my total trust, Dear, is you!” He turned her and smacked her bottom, then took her arm in his and headed toward the stables.
“So we’ll leave tomorrow,” said Adrianna.
“Yep,” said Balthus.
“Then where are we headed now?” asked Adrianna.
“To gather supplies and saddle the luses, so we can leave immediately.”
“You never fail to amaze me,” she said.
“Yep,” drawled Balthus.
“And confuse me.”
“Yep,” drawled Balthus.