Chapter 23

 

 

My feet were sore by the time we reached the harbour. It wasn’t too far from our camp, but I wasn’t used to walking anymore.

The harbour was bustling with fishermen. Shouts rang out in their native tongue as ships were loaded with supplies. We approached a couple of men with no luck. They didn’t understand our language.

Finally, we found a short, stocky man with braided black hair who understood enough to translate.

Percifal dug some treasure out of his sack and showed it to him. “For you and your—shipmaster. Take us to Sarantoa?”

“Sarantoa?” The man’s forehead wrinkled.

Percifal sighed and tried again. “Ambedar.”

“Oh, aye! Ambedar. Come.” He turned and stalked off toward one of the ships with red and white sails.

“Qwaht! Qwaht!” he called, and then spoke a string of words I didn’t understand.

A tall, skinny man stepped off the ship. He was dressed in a silky, white tunic and brown trousers. I assumed he was the shipmaster.

The shipmaster came over to us. “Ambedar?” he asked Percifal with a sideways glance.

Percifal nodded. “Yes, sir.” He showed him some of the treasure.

The shipmaster reached out and ran his fingers over the gold and jewels, inspecting them closely. He grinned. “Come.”

We followed him up a ramp and onto the ship, which was much larger than Admiral Ruess’ Blue Angel.

Men were busy rolling barrels down into the hold and gathering nets into place.

Qwaht said something to the stocky man who’d translated for us. The man nodded then led us below deck to where the barrels were kept. “You stay in here,” he instructed the three of us.

It’s going to be a long sail home, I thought as I looked around the cramped, dim hold.

“Thank you,” Percifal said to him, and the man left without another word.

“That was rough,” I stated. “I guess we should be happy we’re going home.”

“I’ll be happy once we’re on dry land,” Phyra muttered.

Percifal put his arm around her shoulders. “Phyra tends to get seasick.”

“Oh no. Hopefully we have smooth waters.” I winked at her.

As smooth as the sailing was, Phyra still ended up with a bout of nausea for the first few sunrises and spent most of her time with a bucket.

We only saw others when they came down to get food or water from one of the barrels. They mostly ignored our presence.

We were given fish and water. I was so sick of fish, I couldn’t wait to get home and have a real meal. Percifal and Phyra didn’t seem to mind, although they hadn’t been living at sea for the last few seasons.

What awaited us back in Sarantoa, we couldn’t guess. I hoped Sreda was wrong about King Zaeden summoning Vesirus for his aid. Perhaps the king had been unsuccessful in his attempts with the dark lord of Mnyama. That explained why it’d taken him so long to plan his war.

“You are going to have to go to Aquila alone to find out if anything has happened since our absence,” Percifal told to me after we’d finished eating one night. “Phyra and I won’t be welcome there. And hopefully Mother isn’t in too much trouble for helping us escape.”

“Mother’s always held her own. I’m sure she’s fine.” Our mother had a talent for talking her way out of difficult situations… her charm had a lot to do with it.

“Do you think it’ll be safe for Chel to go in alone?” Phyra chimed in.

“There’s no reason it wouldn’t. She’s done nothing wrong.” My brother’s words rang true.

I stretched my lips into a straight line and leaned against a barrel. “That’s right. As far as anyone knows, I’m still in Cansbroke… at least I think so.” I didn’t know if the news of Valron and Lanbert’s deaths had reached Aquila. Even if they had, Percifal was right. I’d done nothing wrong.

“Your mother was worried about you,” Phyra said. “We were supposed to send word that you were alright when we reached Cansbroke, but you weren’t—so we didn’t.”

I looked at each of them in turn. “She’s probably worried about the both of you by now too. Why wouldn’t you send word that you were sailing to Gwon?”

Percifal answered for the both of them. “We didn’t have time. Once we’d found out what had happened to you, we came as quickly as we could. Besides, you may be wanted in Gwon, but I am wanted in Aquila.”

“I understand. Where’s Father is sword, by the way?”

“I sold it to Malyi.” Regret filled his aqua eyes. He loved that sword.

“Why would you do that?” I smacked his arm. “What did she give you for it?”

“Your location.”

I forgot whatever else I was going to say. “Oh.”

By the time we reached the docks of Ambedar, we were all caked in dirt and probably smelled foul. Stepping off the ship felt like being born again. I had been away for so long I’d almost forgotten what my home land looked like. I took in the lush, green hillsides rolling in the distance… the cute little fishing village with its cheerful people and hardworking sailors. A smile appeared upon my lips.

I breathed in the fresh, salty air and sighed. “It’s good to be back.”

“You say that now…” Percifal adjusted the sack on his shoulder.

“Everything seems normal here so far. That’s a good sign, right?” Phyra came up beside him, squinting against the bright sunlight.

“We’ll see,” I answered, my feet making pitter-patter sounds on the boards as I followed them up the dock.

We’d agreed to spend the night at Admiral Ruess’s to rest before heading onward to Aquila. I was excited to see my old friend. When his wood cabin came into view, I ran the rest of the way, leaving the others trailing behind.

I pounded on his door impatiently with my fist.

“Aye, hold on! I’m coming, I’m coming!” I heard his gruff voice from within.

I jumped up and down as the handle clicked and the door swung open.

“What in the—Chel? My goodness, lass, is it really you? His eyes were as big as plates.

I laughed with glee, and we embraced just as the other two came up behind me. “And I’ve brought friends!” I exclaimed.

“So, you two finally found her, hey? Took you long enough. I’d begun to think I’d never see any of you again.”

“It’s great to see you, Admiral.” Phyra smiled at him and gave him a hug too.

“As pretty as always, my lady. Percifal’s lucky to have such good company.”

“Could we stay the night here? It’s been a long journey,” Percifal asked, clasping arms with the admiral.

“Of course! Anything for you three. As you know, there isn’t much space, but you’re always welcome at the admiral’s home.”

“I’m sure it’s more comfortable than a goddess forsaken ship,” Phyra grumbled, stepping into the cabin.

Admiral Ruess chuckled. “You were once excited to sail.”

“That was before I learned I get seasick.”

“Feel free to wash up while I warm up the soup.” The admiral offered as he disappeared into the small kitchen to the side of the main room.

After we’d each had a chance to clean ourselves as best we could, we sat around a small table, eating soup and bread and drinking cold ale while sharing stories. It felt good to be in such pleasant company, and my stomach was content to be full of something other than fish.

My cheeks grew warm after a couple of mugs of ale. I hadn’t drunken anything but water—and one swig of whiskey since I’d left Malyi and her mistresses.

I found myself growing tired before the others and retired to the cot in Admiral Ruess’ small room. The group had decided I would take the cot. Percifal and Phyra had spent a lot of their time at Inns in Gwon, so it was only fair. I was glad for the offer. I fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow.

Shortly after the sun rose, we said our goodbyes and promised to visit as soon as possible.

We had enough treasure left to purchase two horses. I had my own, while Percifal and Phyra shared one. It felt strange to be upon the majestic beast’s back again, but I didn’t forget what it took to ride.

I smiled, admiring the beautiful scenery around me. Green leaves had begun to sprout on the branches of trees. When the terrain turned rough and rocky, I knew we were nearing Aquila. The sunlight bounced off the golden cliff sides and warmed our faces. The ground was a bit wet from the previous rain, causing the horses’ hooves to make squishy noises as we trod on.

When Aquila came into view, we halted our mounts.

Percifal dismounted and held my horse’s reins to keep him still. “Give me your horse. Learn what you can at the kingdom. We will meet you at Crown Peak at sunrise and figure out what to do from there. Take a horse for yourself from the stables.” I soaked up the directions he told me and gave up my horse. Crown Peak was a cliff just outside of the kingdom with four peaks resembling a pointed crown. It was a common starting place for hunts. My father had taken me and Percifal there a few times to see the hunters off. I felt a twinge of sorrow at the memory.

I parted ways with the other two and strode toward the home I’d missed since my unwanted wedding.

A squire stood at the iron gates, arms crossed and a sword strapped to his hip. The sword looked too big for such a young lad. I wondered if he could even lift it enough to wield it.

I frowned at him. “Why did they put you on guard?”

The young lad shrugged, unoffended by my question. “Most of the other soldiers are gone.”

“Gone where?”

“Off to war,” he stated.

Goddess dammit! I took a deep breath and steadied myself. “I’m Chelela Lacrima. Madam Dulcina Lacrima’s daughter.”

The squire regarded me with a new sternness. “You’re brother’s a traitor, my lady.”

I cleared my throat, my gaze was unwavering. “I know, but I am still in the king’s good graces.” His answer would tell me if this was still true. “Now, are you going to let me pass, or have I come all this way for nothing?”

The squire hesitated. He then stretched his neck to look behind me. “Did you walk all the way here? I don’t see a carriage.”

I didn’t have the patience to deal with this boy. I rolled my eyes and answered him. “I asked to be dropped off so I could stretch my legs. It’s a nice day,” I told him, waving my hand toward the blue sky.

I tapped my foot, and the squire finally opened the gate. “Alright, Lady Lacrima. I believe you mean us no harm. Welcome back to Aquila.”