The Dragons of Sara Sara (19 page)

Not the Morgoth after all. What could Mordos, the Tharsian leader want with the Keystone. He was terribly unpredictable. The Tharsian had also been created long ago as warriors of the Dark Lord, but now they obeyed no one but Mordos their own leader. They had been made completely without fear. A mistake on the part of the Dark Lord, because they had no fear of him either and soon went their own way in search of their favourite pastime. Killing and destruction. Now it seemed it was they who had the Keystone.

They had all been back in the common room only a short while, and Antonin decided it was time to catch up on some rest. They faced a long day. He signalled the others and one by one they left, retiring upstairs to their rooms.

Antonin was deep in thought as he lay back on the hard cot. If those beasts could appear and disappear at will the way that one had done, they would never know when or where to expect them. Antonin fell into a sleep troubled by strange dreams. The others fared no better, except for the Mare Altan. They took turns on guard in the hall of the rooms. Squatting motionless in the shadows at the end of the passageway, almost invisible. Ready in an instant to spring into action. With their short stabbing spears kept balanced across their knees any of the girls would be on an enemy before they knew it. The nights fun in the common room had had no effect on the girls.

 

 

 

 

The rest of the night passed without incident though, and the sounds of a newly dawning day came up from the street and stable yard as people began to prepare for a day's work.

Antonin came out of his room and headed for the back stairs that led down to the wash rooms. He showed no surprise as Elsa rose from her position and stretched.

“A good day ahead Antonin.” She said in greeting.

“A good day Elsa.” He replied.

Elsa followed Antonin down the stairs to the rear of the inn. Wash stands stood along the back wall. Simple basins on a bench on the wall each brimming with icy water. Antonin didn't think much of the “wash rooms” but he stripped to the waist and sluiced the cold water over his head and chest. Gasping at the shock in the icy dawn he wrung the water from his hair and shook his head like a dog to dispel the loose drops. He was pulling his shirt back on when he realized that Elsa was also stripped to the waist and was pouring the water from a basin over her head. She was leaning forward over another basin, the water streaming down her long hair and over her golden skin. The faint morning sunlight glinted on the droplets trickling down from her breasts.

Anton felt his face going red. He was getting tangled in his shirt in his confusion, and the sleeves seemed to have a mind of their own.

Elsa stood looking at Antonin, openly admiring his muscular build. Antonin didn't know where to look as Elsa towelled herself dry with her vest.

“I'll just check the horses.” He mumbled as he turned away, finally managing to get his shirt on without ripping it. He was sure his face was a beacon. Elsa just gave a soft chuckle at his departing back and started back up the stairs to raise the others.

“That Catharina was very lucky,” she thought to herself. “But,” Elsa thought. “Antonin is only a boy. Luan on the other hand is a man.” She smiled to herself. Elsa moved down the hallway, pounding on the door of each of the other rooms including that of Mei'An and Luan. Her fellow spear maidens were already up and about. The boys came out, and headed down to the wash basins. There was no sign of Mei'An or Luan. Elsa opened the door to Mei'An's room. The bed had not been slept in. Checking Luan's room revealed the same. Where could they be? Well, they could not move without Mei'An, for she was the only one who would know the Keystone on sight. Only she could sense it's presence. She had said that both Antonin and Catharina would know immediately if they were near the Keystone. She had not said how though.

The group, minus Mei'An and Luan gathered into Antonin's small room. There was a small window high on the wall, barely large enough to get a man's head through. It was covered only by a wooden shutter. No glass. It served only to let a small amount of fresh air into the room. The walls, like all the other rooms, were bare boards fitted tightly together in a vertical pattern and held in place by cross beams. The cot along the wall served as both bed and seat. It was a tight fit to squeeze in six adults, but in the interests of privacy there was no choice. Antonin studiously avoided Elsa, going to great pains to be as far away from her in the confines of the tiny room as possible. He still had not forgotten Elsa's casual teasing at the wash basins. He realized it had all been a bit of fun for Elsa, and could not work out why it had affected him so. Catharina looked at Antonin and Elsa in turn. A look of slight puzzlement in her expression, until Elsa flickered finger talk to her. Catharina chuckled and smiled sweetly at Antonin. Antonin would give anything to know what was being said, but all he could do was look at the ceiling and wonder what such a large number of spiders could find to eat in such a barren place as this room. Edina made a comment to Elsa about babies with rosy skin and all three girls burst out laughing. Antonin continued to count spiders while Gaul and Reese waited patiently, completely ignorant of what the joke was all about.

“Well,” said Rees finally. “We should find something to eat I think, then perhaps go out into the city to see what there is to see?”

He left the sentence hanging as a question and looked at the others in turn. Everyone was nodding. What else could they do? There was no point in trying to find Mei'An and her guard companion. They could be anywhere. None of the six had ever been to a city before and it was too good an opportunity to miss. After all, what trouble could befall them in broad daylight in a crowded city street.

Everyone trooped down the stairs to the common room. Surprisingly, it was already busy with serving maids. The room was filling with wagoners, drivers, teamsters, loaders, handlers, running boys, saddlers and blacksmiths. It seemed that everyone concerned with the movement of goods or wagons, or horses was in the inn for a morning meal. Huge dishes of steaming beef, vegetables and flagons of ale were on every table. Most of the men had been hard at work since before the dawn light had brightened the sky, and this was a good meal to get through the day on. There was little time to find their way home. For those who lived in the city as well as those just passing through. The process was simple. A standard fee was paid to the innkeeper and a person took what they liked, and ate what they took. Ale or wine was part of the price. There would be no heavy drinking at this hour though. There was still a hard day's work ahead for all, and the ale was just for thirst.

There were a few calls of welcome from some who remembered the girls from the previous night, but otherwise they were ignored. These were tough men in a hard world, and their thoughts were on the day ahead.

The group found a corner, and proceeded to help themselves to the abundant fare. None realized just how hungry they were. The trip from the village had been hard and fast, and little time had been given even since their arrival to personal comforts. The festivities of the night before had been a mixture of investigation and fun and had ended late. Antonin paused in thought with a piece of bread half way to his mouth. It was a long way from Xu Gui. Antonin knew it would be a long time before they returned to the comfort of their homes. He shook his head and put the thoughts out of his mind. Sitting back in his chair he munched on his bread and looked about the room. There were all types here together. Sitting alone or in groups, and getting on with the business of eating and discussing the days business, or simply exchanging news. Antonin's eyes snapped back to a man sitting alone across the far side of the room. He was by a window in the far wall and the morning sun was full on him. It was a Trader. Unmistakable, in looks and dress. He seemed to sense Antonin's look and turned to stare with unblinking gaze at Antonin.

Could the word have yet spread about the events in his village? Antonin doubted it. They had ridden hard to get here. Only the Wind Readers could send a message faster.

Antonin got to his feet and made his way over to the Trader. Standing by his table, Antonin said only one word.

“Trader?”

“Trader.” Grunted the man in reply.

The Trader ate alone. They made no friends in their travels, and their reputations usually ensured that few would go seeking a Trader as one.

“Trader, may I sit? I have news for you.” Said Antonin.

“What news could it be that brings a boy to seek out a Trader?” said the man more to himself than to Antonin. "Sit.” He pointed to the opposite chair with his hunting knife. It was serving as his carving knife. Antonin eyed the glint along the razor sharp blade as he sat and leaned forward. He wanted to be sure only the Trader heard his words.

“Trader, one of your guild has given us his true name.” Whispered Antonin.

To a Trader this could mean only one thing. The Trader who gave out his true name had found what all Traders had been seeking since time in this age had begun. The Seal of The Creator.

This Trader doubted very much that such tidings would be carried by what he saw as a slip of a boy like this. Antonin was a strong and well built young man, but to the huge bulk of the trader he was truly but a slip of a boy.

Leaning forward and jabbing the air with a chicken bone for emphasis he growled “Don't fool with me boy. You dabble your toes in a very deep pond.” The Trader started to climb to his feet. He bent forward and thrust his face close to Antonin. He had his mouth open to speak when Antonin said quietly,

“His name is Annan Hamar, and he has found what all seek.”

The Trader sank slowly back into his seat.

“Boy, you could not know that ancient name unless what you say is true.”

Catharina's voice came between the Trader and Antonin like a silken thread. She had appeared at the Traders shoulder.

“He speaks the truth Trader.” Calmly, but with a great menace hidden in the soft words. The Traders eyes flickered only long enough to take in the Mare Altan standing close beside him. The Mare Altan never lied. He knew this well. They had no need. They feared no one and nothing. If they said a thing was so – then it was so. He realized also that if he pressed this boy he would doubtless have to deal with the girl and who knew how many of her friends. He knew who would come out the victor and it would not be himself. So, it must be true. What news this was then. The Trader relaxed visibly and leaned back in his chair.

There had been some movement of people around them during this brief exchange. In a dangerous place like this city it paid to be sensitive to brewing trouble. For moments the air around the Trader had been as charged as a late summer storm.

When he relaxed, the hum of conversation started again. The rattle of plates, conversation and shuffling feet again filled the room. Had anyone heard? Antonin looked about him. No one was taking any further notice now that the tension was passed.

“Tell me where this Trader is if you would?” asked the Trader facing Antonin.

Antonin thought a moment then replied “Trader, if you would protect your Guild and help your own kind, you might consider aiding us in our quest. Not unlike yours, but more recent I think. I give you his location in trust that only your Guild knows about it. Only those who have already suffered at his hands know this location. Apart from us of course. And a Wind Reader.”

The Trader well knew that only followers of the Dark Lord could be the ones referred to as having suffered. He had also seen a Wind Reader this very morn. In this inn.

“The Wind Reader is with you?” asked the Trader.

Before Antonin could reply Mei'An stepped up to the table.

"She is, and I am.” said Mei'An.

“You will find what you seek in the village of Xu Gui, perhaps four or five days by wagon south of here, and some way to the east of the Great North Road.” Said Antonin. “Do we have your help?” he added.

“You have my help, and of the Guild if the Wind Reader will help me and pass the news to the Guild House.”

The Trader scraped back his chair as he stood.

“I will be back here before the next moon shows. If you are here still and need my help, then have it you will.”

As he turned to leave Mei'An reached up and laid her palm along the man's rough cheek. Looking deep into his startled eyes she said “The message is passed on Trader. Worry not. May you always find water.” The Trader nodded his head in understanding. The Wind Reader had passed her message to the Master of the Guild House. He would hear it as a voice in his head, know it as a truth. It would be accompanied by the sound of a chime proclaiming that a Wind Reader had spoken. He knew also that now the lives of all Traders would change. The ancient prophecies were coming to pass and great upheaval was upon them.

The trader turned back on his heel.

“Boy,” he said to Antonin. “What is your quest, so important and so recent?”

“The Keystone of Sara Sara is taken. We must retrieve it.” Was all Antonin needed to say.

The Trader looked from one to another for a moment, then turned again and left. Others nearby had heard this exchange though. Like a grass fire the news could be heard spreading across the room. The news would be across the entire city by nightfall. This city could well be at the centre of the storm when it came. There would be many people trying to leave as soon as they could. Certainly everyone suddenly wanted to be as far from the small band of travellers as they could get. There were a few startled wide eyed looks at the Maidens as men realized they had been dancing only the previous night with sworn foes of the Dark Lord. The general exodus started. Soon only the small group were left in the common room. Along with a number of confused serving maids.

The innkeeper came up to Mei'An.

“I don't know what was really said my old friend, but it was certainly effective.”

He stood there, wiping his hands from habit on his broad white apron.

“Do not worry Tallbar. I will compensate you well, and the wagoners will return. Your ale and fine food are too good.”

“I am not worried,” said the innkeeper. “You and your friends are always welcome here. Many times have you shown kindness to me and my family. I repay as best I can with what I have.”

Tallbar the innkeeper moved off, shooing the serving girls before him. There was much cleaning up to be done. The group from Xu Gui had the common room to themselves.

Foremost in everyone's mind was the sudden reappearance of Mei'An. As if reading their minds, she held up her hands.

“All in good time. First, you must tell me all that has happened here while I was busy.”

Mei'An led the way to a large table almost in the centre of the room. Far enough away from wall and doors to make quiet conversation private.

Everyone settled into chairs and Antonin recounted the events of the previous night. The Mare Altan were surprised, and a little angry that Antonin had not told them about the encounter with the Morgoth warrior. Had they known they would all have spent the night prowling the halls of the inn on guard.