Kayeens cloak whipped about him almost like a cape as he walked towards the docks. His dark brown eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as he moved towards the Blue Spray There were two large triangular masts both pointing towards the bow, one in front of the other. In addition, there were about 20 oars on both port and starboard. We wont be needing those anymore. Kayeen muttered to himself, Youre not much, but Ive got to start somewhere.
Looking at his hooded six foot frame, nobody would guess that Kayeen was only a few days beyond eighteen. Seeing the covered sword at his side, nobody would guess that he did not truly know how to use it. Although he had picked it up for the first time just a few months back, already he carried it, and himself, as if the two were one.
The Katana was weapon of choice for most men in Kazan, and although he carried the bastard sword at his side rather than the shorter curved blade at his back, Kayeens long lithe frame was better suited for the shorter weapon. Beyond his build, however, Kayeen had a maturity, a look, that seemed to keep potential trouble at arms length.
Youre early! Yashin called from the deck. The wariness, the unease, that he seemed to show back at the tavern seemed to have melted away now that he was on the familiar home of his deck.
I didnt dare arrive late! Kayeen called back with a grin.
Yashin laughed as he responded, You dont trust me?
I wouldnt trust myself if our roles were reversed. Kayeen replied as he joined in the laughter. There was still a tension in the air that both men did their best to mask. He started to step up on the gangplank but paused as he noticed the few sailors in eyesight pause in their activities and turn their eyes towards him. Kayeen stepped back and grabbed one wrist with the other behind his back. Permission to come aboard, sir! He called up.
Yashin redoubled his laughter. Youre a quick study for a land lubber. Come on up, young man.
So Kayeen walked aboard his first ship. At this point, though, nobody else yet knew that the Blue Spray was now his. While Kayeen stepped on to the deck his mind was trying to figure the best way to break this news to his new crew. He was also still undecided if Yashin would be better suited as a first mate or if he should be forced into an early retirement as fish bait.
The day was turning out to be a beautiful one and soon the Blue Spray pushed off from the dock and unfurled its sails. The sun was still nearing its apex on its westward journey and there were a few patchy clouds making their way in the opposite direction. The waves were about as still as they ever would be and the very slight breeze barely pushed against the sails as the ship lazily made its way out to sea. Once clear of the port, the Blue Spray began working its way towards the sun.
Kayeen began his journey leaning back on a small stool that was precariously propped against the side of the ship. His arms were hanging loosely over the rail to either side. A gust of wind pushed his hood back and his almost black hair was fighting to break free from the tie that held it in place. Atop his now clean shaven face, Kayeens eyes were flitting everywhere in contrast to his motionless body. First He was watching a cloud, then he was smiling at the way the flag danced in the slight breeze whose direction he was altering, then he would watch one of the sailors busy at one of their tasks.
Yashin was standing on the poop deck with his arms folded over his muscular chest. First he would watch the fading shore, then he would study the newest member of his crew. When Kayeen first arrived, Yashin noticed the grumbling of some of the men who watched the boy relax into his favorite spot even before the Blue Spray was freed from the dock. He also noticed how those glances one by one changed as crewmen realized that they were not moving in quite the same direction as the clouds and tide should have been pulling. Some men were now shooting suspicious or nervous glances his way or towards Kayeen but all appreciated not having to man the oars and no one dared speak out. Even at this gentle pace, Yashin figured that they could shave a day off their schedule.
When he could no longer see the shore through his glass, Yashin called out to Kayeen, Alright boy! Games over. Time to see what youve really got!
Kayeen stood up and in one fluid motion pulled his cloak off and draped it over his right shoulder. With his left hand he pulled the string that had been holding the cover over his sword in place. All across the ship you could hear an audible gasp as everyones eyes were turned toward the ruby pommel above where Kayeen grasped the hilt. Kayeen held the sword in his left hand, while his right shot out toward the main mast. Like an avalanche a wind fell into both sails and threw them out to their fullest. The entire ship lurched forward as the Spray started skipping over the water at an impossible speed.
Yashins eyes instantly looked over the arch of the straining mast from castle to deck. Satisfied that his baby could handle the strain he roared with laughter and joy. He cupped his hands to his mouth and bellowed at Kayeen, Theres no need to kill yourself with the first gust! Pace yourself, boy!
Kayeen just grinned and shouted back, This is nothing! Just tell me when you need to change direction!
Yashin simply responded with a renewed bout of hearty laughter. The rest of the crewmen were looking fearfully between the two thinking they both had gone insane. Many more were muttering curses under their breath. Many others were muttering their prayers. More than a few, though, continued to cast covetous glances at Kayeens sword.
- - - - -
It was three days after Avril returned before Gavril recovered enough to travel. That time passed like a whirlwind as Avril had a chance to properly say his goodbyes to his family and all did what they could to prepare for their journey and help Gavril regain his strength. Gavril himself was frustrated at his helplessness. Even once they were on the move it would still be a while before they could even match pace with Kayeen let alone begin to catch up with him. Beyond that, Gavril needed to send out a warning to others. Kayeen was not just a danger to himself and to anyone he came in contact with, if he used his Talent openly, it could be a spark waiting to set off a whole new round of Troubles.
Another need to hurry was the weather. Already, this late in the year, there was a serious danger in being this far north and that danger would only increase the longer they waited. If Gavril and Avril did not set out now, they would not be able to do so until late spring. So with tearful goodbyes and last minute reminders, Avril left the only home he knew his entire life and set out with a weak and weary Gavril towards the south.
As he limped beyond the mist and into the frozen tundra, Gavril had to admire the stoicism with which Avril had accepted his fate. Right from the start of the journey the boy had not once looked back. Every now and then it appeared as though his emotions were about to break through but Avril would simply duck his head and speed his gait for a bit until he managed to put them back in check. The unbearable cold and the sharp wind probably helped in this regard as the effort to keep moving and stay warm soon dominated both mens thoughts.
Because he was so focused on trying to keep putting one foot in front of another, Gavril did not notice at first the tree on the southwest horizon. When he finally did, it became a focus for him as the trees slow growth on the horizon was the only way to note their progress in an otherwise flat, bleak landscape. Step after limping step, he began to realize the strangeness of the tree before him. In a land that was too frigid to grow even the sparsest grass, in an environment legendary for its strong winds, the largest, most perfect tree he had ever seen was growing tall and proud. It almost looked like
Avril continued on for about ten paces before he realized that his companion was no longer next to him. He looked back over his shoulder to see that Gavril had stopped in his tracks and was staring straight ahead. He walked back to him and asked, Whats wrong?
Gavril answered with a question of his own, Do you know what that tree looks like?
Avril was confused, An oak?
Yes, but well, you never would have seen it but that oak looks like the Tree of Life.
Avril was too cold and distracted to fully understand. Isnt that the tree my parents killed? Was that an oak too?
Gavril was now too excited to even notice the cold. Technically yes, but no. The Tree was an oak, but it was much, much more. It grew on the edge of a desert and I guess you could call this, He waved his hand expansively at the flat, frozen landscape around them, a desert. The tree was supposed to never die. And it had other qualities.
Avril looked blankly at his older companion. Gavril started walking forward again and Avril turned to join him. When he reached Gavrils side, the older man asked, Tell me what you know about this tree. What do you call it the Lonely Oak?
Avril started to answer and as he did so, he began to grasp what Gavril was implying. Well, this tree is as far south as I have ever been. The western coast here is where the trappers will hunt seal. As soon as they see this tree, they know they have gone far enough north and will turn for the coast. Mom and dad
A gust blew Avrils hood over his face. He fixed it and continued walking on without finishing his statement. Gavril waited a bit then prompted him to continue. I didnt catch that last bit. What did you say?
Mom and dad came here to meet a trader. Sevyrn, I think his name was.
That wasnt what you were going to say the first time, was it?
Well, that is all I am going to say.
I just need you to understand what this tree might mean. This tree could be the salvation of all of us who have the Talent. Your parents are doing to this tree what they did to the Tree of Life, arent they? They havent aged a day in nearly twenty years. Theyre successfully making the elixir of life, arent they?
Being distracted in his excitement, Gavril didnt notice the fist heading for his jaw until it had already made impact. After being knocked flat on his butt, he looked up to see Avril pointing down at him shaking with rage.
You people exiled them! You sent them away and took from them everything they knew and loved! You forced them into the hard existence they have tried to turn into a life! If this is the Tree of Life, it followed or brought them here. Its theirs. It didnt abandon them, you did! I will not let you force them from their home again!
Avril tried to draw his sword free but the cold seemed to freeze it to its scabbard and it wouldnt budge. He grabbed the scabbard with his left hand and pulled as hard as he could with his right. With a yank the sword went from being stuck to flying beyond his grip as it hurtled through the air. It landed point first deep into the ground. Avril went over to it and tried to pull it free, but the frozen ground refused to yield it. He braced himself and pulled with both hands... then pulled again and again. Soon anger gave way to frustration as the sword refused to budge. Gavril recovered from his pain and shock to stand and walk over to where Avril continued to wrestle with his sword. Eventually, the two managed to pull it free and Gavril said, Come lad, we need to continue south. Let us speak no more of this Tree until later. If we dont make it to Trappers point by dusk we will not survive this night.
- - - - -
The staff cracked down on the back of Maliks legs dropping him to his knees. His hands struck the tiled ground before him and the old man blinked trying to push back the pain blurring his vision. He raised his head to look at the sandaled feet before him. A voice from somewhere above those feet spoke out:
Shame? Dont speak to me of shame. Speak to me of loss. How do you plan to cover my losses? I have years of training invested in Rowyh, how am I to get it back? The food he ate, the clothes he wore, the bed he slept in were all mine. How do you pay me back for all this? Ive made contracts and conducted business with the expectation of his service. Will you now cover my losses?
The shame belongs to you and Rowyh. You will have to bear it for the rest of your miserable lives. My loss will not be borne. I will have him back.
Aatzaz snapped his fingers and a white robed man seemed to appear out of nowhere. Aatzaz commanded this man wearing the cloak of an assassin, The boy must be returned to me as soon as possible. He must still have a sharp mind and clear eyesight when I next see him. Beyond that, do what you must.
Malik watched the assassin nod. There was a flowing billow of white as the man spun on his heels and began walking away. Malik glanced back for a second to the cruel merchant who had been apprenticing his grandson. In that short glance away, he lost sight of the retreating killer and was still trying to find where he went when he heard the click of a door shutting behind him.
Aatzazs voice brought his attention back. Take him to a room below. Bring his granddaughters to me unharmed. Their mother do what you want with her.
One of Maliks guards grunted in acknowledgement and then the two began dragging Malik away. Long after they were gone Aatzaz still remained rooted in place lost in deep thought. The only sound in the room was the gentle gurgling of a fountain near the back of the large reception room and an occasional rustling of one of the tapestries along the walls as it was caught by a breeze. A small salamander walked nearly the entire forty foot length of the east wall before the rich merchant finally seemed to come to a decision. He rubbed his bald pate once before striding the length of the room towards a tapestry near the back. As he got close, a hand from behind it pulled the tapestry to one side revealing the entrance to a hallway. Aatzaz strode through without slowing down and the guard opening the way turned to follow.
From deeper in, a door to the right opened and out stepped another man shaved bald without the thick braid atop Aatzazs head. This younger man bowed his head as his master stopped before him. Aatzaz frowned for a moment at the smudge of ink on his scribes right cheek then said to him, We need word sent to our friend in the north. The Farsights talent has been proven but for now he has slipped my grasp. It may be weeks before he can be returned but, rest assured, if he is alive I will have him back. Is everything moving according to plan in Kazan?
When his master finished dictating, the scribe repeated everything back verbatim. Aatzaz then asked, Has Dalia managed to snare those two miscreants yet?
The scribe answered, We have had no word yet, master.
Let me know as soon as you do.
Of course, master.
Aatzaz turned and continued walking deeper into his home with the guard following closely on his heels.
Rowyh came to a crossroads. He had been following the river upstream to the north but now he was unsure which way to go. At this branch, there were two rivers he could follow, one led northeast and the other northwest. Maps were never an interest for him and Rowyh mentally kicked himself now for not bringing one along in his hurry to leave. Which one was the true river? Which was just a tributary? Just by looking here there was no way for him to tell.
Nervousness grew inside him as he realized he would have to use his Sight. Rowyh had only used it the one time before in the presence of his greatfather. That first Sight was supposed to last a lifetime. It was always done that way so that everyone blessed with Sight would used their gift would temper that ability with a lifetime of wisdom and experience behind him. Rowyhs first experience was cut short when his greatfather failed to hold him up. Rowyh was still a young adult in mind as well as in body.
He put his travel pack on the ground then settled on his knees before it. Rowyh closed his eyes, breathed deeply, and then slowly opened them. His ears became more attuned to the rippling of the water where the two rivers joined. Slowly, slowly, this bubbling sound grew deeper as the water seemed to slow its speed before him. A hummingbird hovered near a tree and as he focused on it, the bird grew larger and everything else on the periphery seemed to disappear. The blur of the wings grew more distinct until he was able to see each up and down flap. Sight and sound both continued to slow until, finally, the bird seemed frozen in place with its wings angled slightly upward. The hummingbird, like everything else, faded to black and Rowyh felt his consciousness rise upward.
He again was able to see the two branches of the river before him. The northeastern branch continued to meander in a generally northern direction eventually it faded away into a mountain range just barely to the west of north. Beyond that range the land was flat for a while before another range, far to the north grew. The land continued to the east of this range and it was here, along the shore in the far northeast that the storm he had once seen was brewing. On the far side of that range was the star he had once seen, but now it was joined by another.
Rowyh narrowed his Sight so that all he had seen faded into the distance. He came back to the place where the two rivers branched and began following the other river to the northwest. The river continued moving in this direction but soon angled off to the west. He was about to leave that and return to his body when he saw two rocks rolling from the hilly lands to the west towards the source of this river. There was a solidness, a goodness about these rocks, but Rowyh was confused as to why he was seeing them. From what he understood, his Sight only showed him things important to his personal future. He watched these rocks for a while before returning again to the point from which he began.
One more time Rowyh changed direction and began questing to the south. He followed the river towards the home he had left behind but before he got that far, Rowyh saw a white blade pointed right at him. It was moving towards him at an unnatural speed. Seeing this blade brought such a fear that he snapped back into his body. He breathed in a deep panicked breath as he fell forward. His hands barely caught himself before his face could bang against the ground before him. For a moment Rowyh lay there on the ground sucking in the air until he could get his fear and his disorientation under control. Before he had fully recovered he pulled himself to his feet, grabbed his pack, and began running along the riverbank towards the northwest.
-- Edited by Beejai on Friday 13th of July 2012 10:23:42 PM
-- Edited by Beejai on Saturday 14th of July 2012 04:46:56 PM
