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They slowly approached the tent city, unsure how its citizens would react to being invaded by such a large group. Gaps had been left between the dwellings, forming a roadway which they could follow.
The material the tents were made from looked thick and sturdy and was probably tanned hide. Time in the fresh air had removed the smell and bright patterns had been painted over the staining the tanning process would have caused.
Gaps were left at the top of each tent and smoke could be seen billowing out of some of them. The aromas that went with it indicated the fires were for cooking, not warmth.
Seth was surveying them critically. “What happens when it rains,” he wondered out loud.
Jem was riding nearby and supplied the answer. “There is a cloth flap that covers the hole that can be pulled into place or pulled back by tugging different ropes inside the tent. It does mean that fires cannot be lit in wet weather, but it is usually mild here and it does not rain very often.”
Ropes had been strung between some of the tents and were covered with clean washing. Everything was of the same shade of light blue and all appeared to be cloaks of varying sizes.
The entire area was eerily quiet, with not even the sound of birds disturbing the peace.
“I can understand why these people chose to live here,” Ellen said in a hushed voice.
“But where are they?” Patrick asked.
Almost in response to his question, a shout came up from the lake shore. Patrick rose a questioning eyebrow at Tor, who nodded.
Patrick turned his horse toward the location of the sound with his knees and the rest followed. There was not enough space for the wagon, so Seth pulled up in an empty tent space, so as not to block the roadway, and he and Hurst waited patiently for the others to return.
The horses, smelling the clean fresh water of the lake, increased their pace. The forest of tents began to thin, revealing a group of people near the water. They were standing in a circle, holding hands and staring up at the sky.
A couple of others were slowly walking around them, occasionally calling to each other across the circle. It was impossible to work out the sex as they were all dressed in identical robes with the hoods raised.
Suddenly they stopped and, as one, they turned toward the intruders. One of them, the tallest of the group, pulled back his hood to reveal a mass of curly blonde hair with a matching beard.
“Welcome Prince Tor,” he called out. “We have been expecting you.”
A short while later the entire group found themselves seated inside an exceptionally large tent, drinking hot coffee. Their welcome had been polite, but not friendly, as though their presence among these people was a necessary evil that had to be tolerated.
Other than the tall man, who appeared to be their leader, nobody had spoken to them or acknowledged their thanks for the drink.
Eventually the man spoke once more, his voice deep and soft. “Welcome to Lake City. You are the first to arrive.”
Tor breathed a sigh of relief. He was the first of his brothers to reach the primary checkpoint. “How did you know who I was?”
The man smiled. “We braymen know many things, but not all. While we have known for a while that you would be the first to visit our shores, we did not know who you would bring with you. Or how many.” The last sentence sounded like a reprimand.
“My apologies. I had not originally intended to have such a large group. It expanded along the way.”
“It is of no consequence, as long as you have brought with you the ‘blind man who can read’.”
Tor nodded toward Hurst. “We have,” he confirmed.
The man, who had yet to reveal his name, turned toward Hurst, assessing him critically. “While it is obvious that he is blind, how can he read?”
“Take his hand and you will find out.”
Hurst immediately withdrew his hands. “That was unkind of you Tor,” he admonished. “This man has the right to be told about my abilities instead of finding out for himself.”
Tor accepted the criticism. It was well deserved. “You are right. I find I must apologise once again.” He turned his attention away from Hurst and addressed the brayman. “Think carefully before touching Hurst,” he advised. “It was remit of me to not warn you, but he has the ability to read people’s minds.”
The man regarded Tor quizzically, trying to determine if he was being made fun of. Deciding to take Tor at face value, he took hold of Hurst’s hand.
Nothing happened. He had been expecting to feel a jolt upon contact or a probing in his mind, but he felt nothing. He was about to voice a complaint at having been lied to when Hurst began to speak.
“The braymen are a very private group of people. They give up their names when they join the tribe, as they call themselves, and never reveal their assigned braymen name to anyone outside the tribe.”
“Impressive,” the brayman admitted, “but hardly conclusive. It is unlikely that one of our members has revealed any of our secrets, but possible. You will need to do better than that if you wish to convince me that you can read my mind.”
Hurst did not react to the criticism. He had been excepting to face doubt about his abilities and was not surprised that the man wanted more evidence.
“You are planning on introducing yourself as Brother Amos, though that is not your true name, either before or after becoming a brayman.”
That was enough for Brother Amos and he quickly withdrew his hand from Hurst’s before he could reveal any more about his people.
“I take it you believe what we told you.” Tor was unable to keep the grin off his face.
Brother Amos nodded his head. “A remarkable ability. I could see it being abused by ruthless people.”
“Many tried,” Tor confirmed. “Which is why Hurst has lived in Remeny for a number of years. While my father sometimes requested his help, it was agreed that he would only ever reveal something if it was vital to the safety of the country.”
Then a thought occurred to him and he chuckled. “I dread to think what would happen if Hurst decided to go into the blackmail business.”
“Tor,” Hurst cried out in indignation. While the thought of Hurst blackmailing anyone had amused Tor, his reaction had everyone laughing. “I do not see what is so funny,” Hurst commented in a sulky voice.
“I, for one,” Ellen spoke up, “am curious about your people. How many of you are there, for example?”
Brother Amos was happy to answer this particular question. “People come and go. Some find that our lifestyle does not suit them and return to their old ways, but most prefer to stay. As a result, our numbers vary. Currently we have a little over two thousand people living in our city.”
Patrick whistled. From the number of tents he had seen, he knew there had to be close to a thousand inhabitants, but he never dreamed that there was twice that number.
Brother Amos continued speaking. “People come to us from all countries and all species and we welcome everyone. All we require from them is a desire to learn and a willingness to share in the domestic chores. We live a peaceful life and anyone who threatens that is expelled. I am happy to say that it has been a number of years since we have had to resort to such an extreme. Usually troublemakers are punished much less severely and soon change their ways to fit in with ours.”
“If you are a peaceful people, how do you defend yourselves?” Torrick enquired.
Brother Amos seemed puzzled by the question. “Defend ourselves from what?”
“Attack.”
“Who would want to attack us? We have nothing of value to steal and, being so isolated, we are not troubling anyone by being here. Other than those who wish to join us, you are the first strangers to come here for as long as I can remember.”
While Tor did not doubt what Brother Amos was saying, he felt compelled to give him a warning. “I do not mean to worry you, but while those I have with me are decent people who would never dream of harming you or any member of your tribe, I cannot say the same for those my brothers will bring with them. I am worried that, should you disagree that some of my brothers have actually brought you a ‘blind man who can read’, they may resort to violence to extract the next clue from you.”
Brother Amos appeared unconcerned. “I appreciate your warning, but our star gazers have predicted that being part of this quest will bring no trouble to us. If they had said otherwise, we would not have agreed to let our home be one of the destinations.”
Tor was not convinced by this, but kept his thoughts to himself. If the braymen wished to take such risks, who was he to stop them. He had delivered his warning; there was nothing more he could do.
Bellak was fascinated with the braymen and had lots of questions, most of which he feared would not be answered, but before he could speak he was interrupted by William.
“Speaking of the next clue,” he said abruptly, “when do we get it?”
Instead of being insulted by William’s manner, Brother Amos found it amusing. “All in good time,” he chuckled. “All in good time. First you have to stay for the feast. As we are such a reserved people most of the time, we find many excuses for celebrations. Having so many visitors is a good one, do you not agree?”
William’s face said that he wanted to say no, but could find no valid reason to. Jem understood his brother’s reasons for wanting to get the clue and leave Lake City as soon as possible. They were both soldiers, used to violence and hard living. This place was too calm and peaceful for either of their liking. They had felt on edge since first entering the city and did not relish having to spend a night there, which it looked like they were going to have to.
Brother Amos could see their unease and was not unsympathetic. “We have some spare tents,” he announced, “but not enough for all of you. If some of you wish to leave our city and wait for your friends outside our borders, you would be doing us a great favour.”
He was lying and everyone knew it, but the offer had been well intended so they all pretended to believe what he said.
As predicted, William immediately volunteered to depart, as did Torrick and Liselle. At Tor’s insistence, Patrick went with them. There were many ladies living in the tent city and Tor did not trust his friend to behave himself.
The only surprise was Jem, who opted to remain. Everyone had been expecting him to go with his brother, even William, but he just gave him an apologetic shrug when he asked him why he wished to stay. Hurst knew the reason, but kept silent.
Marie had been unsure whether to stay or go, but as soon as Brother Amos spotted her markings, which now covered one of her hands, he persuaded her to stay. Some of the braymen had knowledge of that sort of affliction and might be able to help. He made no promises, but Marie willingly went with the females who came for her when Brother Amos called for them.
The sun had set before the feast was ready so lamps were lit and placed along the shoreline. The way they illuminated the lake was a beautiful sight and Ellen commented that it made the journey worthwhile, even if they had not yet obtained the next clue.
Dozens of tables were set up and filled with plates of steaming vegetables, some of which were new to the visitors, and many different types of fish. There were so many braymen that they had to eat in shifts, with those who ate first taking over the cooking once they had eaten their fill. Empty serving platters were constantly replaced with full ones and jugs of water and fruit juice seemed almost to refill themselves.
Jem found where wine was being served and Bellak became a happy man when he spotted a young lady distributing foaming tankards of ale.
All of the braymen were dressed identically in the same light blue robes and when Tor asked about it he was informed that those were the only clothes the braymen ever wore. It took him a moment to realise exactly what that meant and he was suddenly glad to have sent Patrick away. The challenge of finding out if the ladies really did wear nothing underneath would have been too much of a temptation for him.
Everyone wanted to talk with the strangers, though most refused to answer questions about themselves or their tribe. It was a pleasant evening and many hours later, once all of the food had been consumed, the tables were cleared away and instruments were brought out.
The musicians played well and the more lively tunes got people up and dancing. When one of the braymen stood up and walked forward, the tempo changed and she sang a sad tale about lost knowledge. Her voice was beautiful and the crowd was silent as everyone listened.
When she was finished and the applause had died down, Marie stepped forward. She spoke to the musicians, who nodded in response to whatever question she had asked. When they started to play it was a familiar tune for most of Tor’s company and they knew what song was about to be sung.
While Marie’s voice was not as strong as the previous singer, it had a sweetness to it that made it almost addictive.
“She sings beautifully,” Vicky observed. “Why did she never tell us she was so talented?”
“Modesty, I guess,” Nosmas said. “Now be quiet so I can listen.”
Everyone was exhausted by the time they were shown to their tents and the sun was high before all of them congregated on the shore where food had been served the previous night.
Of the braymen, only Brother Amos was present; the rest were performing their assigned duties or studying.
“Would you like to have the next clue before or after you have broken your fast?” he asked. “Food has already been delivered to your companions, as it was last night.”
Tor opted to eat first, much to his friends’ delight. Everyone had slept well and were in no hurry to leave.
Before they had finished eating, some ladies collected Marie once more and took her away for further examination. Nobody was worried for her safety and she knew that they would not leave until she returned.
Eventually those that remained were ready to hear the clue. Tor was handed a scroll, but when he opened it he found it was not in a language he could understand. Smiling to himself, as though he had been expecting this, he handed it back.
Taking it from his hand, Brother Amos composed himself then began to orate.
Congratulations you passed the first test
Your worthiness has been assessed
Next to Ballid you must go
And give his horn a forceful blow
Search high and low for those you seek
Or your future will look bleak
A water maiden must join those two
She alone can get the next clue
Tor asked Brother Amos to repeat it, but the brayman shook his head.
“You may hear it only once. Repetition is against the rules. Though you are free to take a copy with you, if you think it will be of any use.”
Tor was about to protest that he should have received a warning when Ellen took his arm.
“It is all right. I can remember what he said.” She then repeated it back, word for word, and Brother Amos nodded his head, confirming she had quoted it correctly.
“Thank you for everything,” Tor said, shaking the brayman’s hand warmly. “I hope my brothers all treat you with respect and kindness, but I will not be holding my breath.”
“Do not worry about us.”
Tor knew that he would constantly worry about the behaviour of some of his kin so said nothing.
“We should check that the others have not wandered too far,” Bellak advised and Tor agreed.
“We will wait for Marie on the outskirts of your city,” he informed Brother Amos. “Keep her for as long as you need. Anything your people can do for her will be gratefully received.”
They did not have to wait long before they saw her familiar face riding into view.
“How did it go?” Jem was the first to ask.
“They tried everything they know, but could not stop it. They think they have slowed the spread, which is a blessing, but they could offer me no more hope.”
“Do not dwell on it. We will find a way to help you.” Jem spoke with such conviction that Marie almost found herself believing him.
He then noticed the lace gloves she was wearing and stared at them in surprise. Seeing what he was looking at, she self-consciously tugged at them.
“Though the braymen only wear those robes you saw them all wearing, most still have the clothes they arrived in. One lady donated her gloves to me so I could cover my hands without getting too hot.”
“That was very kind of her,” Jem said. “They suit you.”
Marie knew that in reality they looked ridiculous with the dress she was wearing, but she appreciated his comment.
“So which way do we go?” Patrick asked Tor, who shrugged his shoulders. He had absolutely no idea where the next destination should be.
“I would like to avoid going over that bridge again, if at all possible,” Hurst stated. There were murmurs of agreement. Hurst’s near-death experience had shaken them all up and it would be a long time before any of them forgot it.
“Avoiding crossing the mountain at all would get my vote,” Seth said quietly, but not so quietly that his comment did not reach Tor’s ears. The Prince found himself agreeing with the sentiment.
“May I make a suggestion?” William asked. Tor nodded his affirmation, so he continued. “We can go around the mountain, but it will take a significant amount of time and, seeing as we do not know whether to go north or south, it could take us a long way from where we eventually decide to go.”
“Crossing the mountain is the best solution,” Jem took over when his brother took a breath. “But this time we should take the longer, slower, route.” He knew that was what William was going to suggest as it made the most sense, given their current location and lack of a destination.
“From there, main roads lead in almost every direction so it is highly likely that we can head to out next location from there,” William pointed out.
“If Tor has decided where out next location is by then,” Patrick commented.
Tor gave him a sour look. Patrick was right, of course, but he didn’t appreciate his friend verbalising the point.
“Does anyone object?” There was grumbling from almost every person present, but nobody actually disagreed with what had been suggested.
“Then we head back up the mountain,” Tor continued. “Jem, William, lead the way.”