Read Dragon and Phoenix Online
Authors: Joanne Bertin
Dragon and Phoenix (30 page)
And for once, bless her, Lady Mayhem did as she was told.
A soft knock sounded at the door. “Here’s the meadowsweet tea you asked for,” Maylin said from the other side.
Linden opened the door and Maylin scooted in, a steaming mug held carefully before her. She paused a moment to stare openmouthed at the globes of coldfire illuminating the room before remembering her mission and bringing the mug to Maurynna, sitting propped up in the bed. “Haven’t we done this before?”
“So we have,” Maurynna said with a weak smile. “Thank you.” Her hands shook as she took the mug. Linden reached out to help her, but she shook her head and drank.
“I don’t know if I shall ever get used to seeing these,” Maylin murmured, reaching out to touch one of the glowing white globes. Her odd-colored eyes were wide. The coldfire bobbed under her tentative finger like a cork in water, returning to its place when Maylin dropped her hand.
“I know what you said downstairs,” she began in a voice as ordinary as if she discussed the weather, “but I also know it was a lot of nonsense. You’re not really going to visit the Erdons. You’re on a mission of some sort—and a dangerous one, too—aren’t you?”
Linden exchanged a swift and startled glance with Maurynna. He began, “Nonsense; what—”
Maylin put her hands on her hips and stared at him, one eyebrow raised.
He admitted defeat under that withering tell-me-another-one glare. “How did you know?”
“Because lighthearted as you all seemed, from time to time one or another of you would suddenly grow serious,” Maylin said. “And …” She waved a hand vaguely. “I just knew.”
There was no answer to that.
“Where?” Maylin finally asked.
Maurynna said, “Do you remember the carved jade box from Sherrine’s wergild? The one I gave you?”
Maylin’s jaw dropped. After a false try or three, she gasped, “Jehanglan? You’re going to Jehanglan? But
why?
”
why?
”
“To do the impossible,” Maurynna said, her eyes dark and haunted.
Lord Tyrian had wrought most
efficiently. It was only four days later that a vessel was ready for them.
efficiently. It was only four days later that a vessel was ready for them.
Maurynna studied the area and their ship. She’d never been to this end of the dockyards on the Uildodd River. It was not an area frequented by reputable merchants.
But, she thought, looks were deceiving. To a casual glance, the dock appeared well-nigh abandoned, in poor repair and little used. Yet her practiced eye noted that despite the dirt and grime, the wood and ropes were in good—very good—condition. More importantly, so was the ship tied to the dock, a nondescript cog named the
Swan’s Heart
.
Swan’s Heart
.
She nodded to herself. It made sense. Any ruler might have need of a ship to send on delicate—and very private—business and a place to berth it. And she’d wager that although the crew of the
Swan’s Heart
looked the worst band of cutthroats she’d ever seen, no doubt every last one was sworn to the crown, knew how to hold his tongue and, above all, could outsail the very gods.
Swan’s Heart
looked the worst band of cutthroats she’d ever seen, no doubt every last one was sworn to the crown, knew how to hold his tongue and, above all, could outsail the very gods.
Satisfied that they were in good hands, she waited with the others: Uncle Owin and Aunt Elenna; Maylin and Kella; Otter, Lleld and Jekkanadar. Linden and Raven were on board settling the animals. Even Rann was here with Lord Tyrian, both again disguised as servants, coming up as the travelers waited to board. Taren stood slightly to one side; looking absorbed in his thoughts. Maurynna wondered if he regretted agreeing to return to Jehanglan.
The breeze shifted; the smell of docks and river disappeared. Now came the clean tang of salt air, the promise of freedom and the sea. Once more her horizons would be limitless; the blues of water and sky meeting level and open, and not the jagged fence of mountains surrounding Dragonskeep. A living ship would dance beneath her feet again.
So why did she feel so miserable? It was what she had longed for more than anything all this time.
Wasn’t it?
The sea breeze teased at her hair and gamboled around her, but gave her no answer. Sighing, Maurynna looked up to watch Taren’s horse rise into the air
as the workers strained against the wheel working the cables. Kella and Rann, each holding one of her hands now, stared, their mouths
O
s of wonder. The gelding hung, quietly miserable, in its canvas belly sling. At least it was much less trouble than the Llysanyins had been. They were not amused by the thought of a sea voyage. At the sight of the ship they had balked, one and all. Shan had even tried to kick Linden when the canvas sling was wrapped around him on the dock. Only Linden’s speed had saved him; for once Shan hadn’t been in jest. Miki had been quicker with her teeth, though. Linden, Maurynna thought, would have a spectacular bruise on his shoulder by tonight.
as the workers strained against the wheel working the cables. Kella and Rann, each holding one of her hands now, stared, their mouths
O
s of wonder. The gelding hung, quietly miserable, in its canvas belly sling. At least it was much less trouble than the Llysanyins had been. They were not amused by the thought of a sea voyage. At the sight of the ship they had balked, one and all. Shan had even tried to kick Linden when the canvas sling was wrapped around him on the dock. Only Linden’s speed had saved him; for once Shan hadn’t been in jest. Miki had been quicker with her teeth, though. Linden, Maurynna thought, would have a spectacular bruise on his shoulder by tonight.
If Linden ever finds out who told the Llysanyins about seasickness, he’ll skin me alive.
The crane swung out over the water, Taren’s horse looking more wretched than ever. Then it was in position over the ship. Slowly, carefully, the men turning the great wheel reversed direction. The gelding descended into the hold, the open hatch waiting like a mouth to devour the hapless animal. Maurynna shuddered at the image as the beast disappeared from sight.
Linden climbed out of the hold a few moments later. He called something down to the sailors below, then started across the deck. Maurynna saw Captain Hollens stop him; Linden listened, rubbing his sore shoulder. A glance at the river and she knew what the captain’s message was. Then Linden nodded and strode down the gangplank.
“They’re settled?” Maurynna said as he joined her.
“After too damned much fussing, yes,” Linden grumbled, wincing as he massaged his shoulder. “Blast Miki; I didn’t think she’d try something like that.” He glared at the little mare’s rider.
Lleld stared off into the distance, whistling softly.
“None of that when we’re aboard,” Maurynna said sharply. At Lleld’s look of surprise, she softened her tone. “It’s bad luck to whistle on board a ship if you don’t need a wind. And at this time of year we won’t.” She half turned at the sound of more footsteps coming down the gangplank.
It was Raven—an unscathed Raven. Maurynna saw him hide a smirk at Linden’s discomfort and squashed an urge to kick him for it. Instead she merely narrowed her eyes, waiting until he noticed her glare.
When he did, he squirmed under it to her almost complete satisfaction. That would wait until she was able to have a few private … words with him.
Then she heard Linden say, “We must board now; Captain Hollens said that the tide is turning and we must be away,” and it seemed her entire family was hugging her at once, murmuring good-byes, wishing her a safe voyage, bidding her to come back soon. She fought back tears and said whatever meaningless assurances came to her tongue, keeping up the pretense that this was merely a pleasure trip.
Suddenly, like a whirlwind, Maylin was before her. Odd-colored eyes met odd-colored eyes. Hands caught hers; how did such a little thing as Maylin have such strength in her grip? Maurynna surrendered to it.
“Come back,” Maylin whispered fiercely. “All of you. Safely.” The burning gaze darted to Raven. “Come back to me.”
Then Maylin spun away and Linden’s hand was on her shoulder. “Time to go, love,” he whispered so that only she might hear.
She nodded, unable to speak; gods knew when she’d see these dear people again. Or even if she ever would. Linden handed Rann back to Tyrian and caught her hand in his.
Somehow she got up the gangplank without shedding the hot tears that were suddenly filling her eyes. Then came the familiar ritual of casting off. Though this time she had no part in it, it comforted her, with its very familiarity. She stood at the railing with the others, waving to those left behind until she could see them no more. One by one her fellow travelers left until she stood alone.
She did not leave the aft rail until darkness fell and Linden came for her. She woke then, as if from a dream, to the wild, briny scent of the ocean, the endless song of the waves.
Somehow it was no longer enough.
Magic … . Magic upon the water … .
The thought wove itself through the old dragon’s dreams like a broken bit of river weed tumbling along a current. And like a bit of weed, it slipped through his grasp when he tried to snatch at it.
But it had been there. He knew it; in this slumber so deep it was like a little death. This water he slept in brought him tidings from waters far away, for, in the beginning and the end, all waters were one.
There would be more.
They were in luck. Late in the sailing season as it was, Maurynna had fully expected that they would encounter at least one early winter storm in their passage. But the gods seemed to smile upon their journey. For the weather was as mild and calm as even Otter could wish for, and the trip an easy one with a good wind following them, speeding them on their way.
The only ones who “complained” were the Llysanyins stuck below deck. Not because they were ill, thank all the gods—Maurynna couldn’t think of anything worse than being seasick and unable to vomit, a thing no horse could do—but because they could not enjoy the sun and air on deck as their two-foots did. Maurynna was glad Linden had thought to ask for a store of apples for the trip; there was much to be said for bribery, she decided one day, as she groomed a contentedly munching Boreal.
The voyage was a bittersweet thing for her. True, she was at sea again. True, Linden was with her. And with them were some of the people she cared for most in this world.
But this was not her ship. And ahead lay separation from her soultwin. She made herself forget that. These days were a gift, a pleasant dream, something caught out of time that she treasured moment to moment.
Yet, be they waking or sleeping, all dreams must end. This one did the day the docks of Port Stormhaven came into view. By courtesy of the captain, the Dragonlords and their companions stood on the quarterdeck with him and the steersman.
Stormhaven was as beautiful as ever, Maurynna thought. The sight of the golden city glowing in the afternoon sunlight made her eyes burn. Rank after rank of buildings fanned out from the harbor in a semicircle, marching up the side of the limestone cliffs that formed the northernmost part of the great Thalnian plateau, cradling the blue water at their feet.
“It’s beautiful,” Linden said. “I can see why you missed it.”
She nodded, unable to speak for the sudden wave of homesickness that took her. She had been so afraid she would never see this again—or else come too late to see her family. Would she, her mind asked, see echoes of faces she knew now in children born centuries hence?
Thank the gods I could come here while everyone I know is still alive.
It was hard to stand aside as they came in to dock. Maurynna had to bite her tongue so as not to usurp Captain Hollens’s proper place. Not that he did anything
wrong
, it was just that there were so many little things that she would have ordered differently.
wrong
, it was just that there were so many little things that she would have ordered differently.
But at last they were alongside the Erdon family’s own docks, the sailors leaping ashore to make fast the lines of the
Swan’s Heart.
The dockhands converged on the ship like bees to honey. More than one looked in some alarm at the band of cutthroats manning her.
Swan’s Heart.
The dockhands converged on the ship like bees to honey. More than one looked in some alarm at the band of cutthroats manning her.
One moment Maurynna stood with the others in the middle of the deck; then, somehow, she was at the rail, leaning dangerously far out, hoping to see a familiar face on the crowded dock.
There! Maurynna waved frantically. “Keronis,” she called and waved again. “Keronis!”
Keronis looked up. He shaded his eyes and searched to see who had called him. His face lit at the sight of her and he waved excitedly. But then, to Maurynna’s surprise, his expression changed; her cousin turned and ran to the main warehouse that housed the dockside office.
“What?” she murmured, confused.
“Who was that?” Linden asked.
“One of my far too many cousins here that I told you about,” she said, trying not to let her uneasiness show.
She waited in an agony of apprehension as sailors and workers made fast the ship. Was she in that bad odor with the family that Keronis would turn tail and run as if suddenly finding himself nose-to-nose with a leper? Didn’t they understand that she had had no choice but to abandon her ship? Surely her old first mate had explained things to them!
The moment the sailors ran out the gangplank, Maurynna swarmed down the ladder leading from the quarterdeck, leaving Linden behind. He sprang after her with an exclamation of surprise.
But Maurynna was already across the lower deck and halfway down the gangplank. Her heart thudded against her ribs; it was hard to breathe. The next moment her foot trod Thalnian soil once more. Come what may, she was home again. Tears stung her eyes.
And now she saw more familiar faces among the workers. She smiled at them, but it died as they moved back, eyes wide, clearing an area around her and the others who had joined her. As if by magic, an avenue opened up between ship and main warehouse. Hurrying down it were her Uncle Kesselandt and various aunts, uncles, and cousins, their faces white and agitated.
Maurynna stared in bewilderment and growing fear; she had never seen Kesselandt like this. Not even an angry king could shake the Head of House Erdon’s composure—as she had seen on one heart-stopping occasion.
But her proud uncle, now ashen-faced and sweating, stopped before her. His gaze darted over her, roved among the others she felt against her back; “Your Grace,” he said. Once again his gaze settled upon her though he would not meet her eyes. He licked his lips nervously. “Your Grace,” he said, and began stiffly to kneel upon one knee before her. The other Erdons and the workers followed suit.
“No,” she whispered. Now the tears threatened to spill over.
Behind her she heard Otter growl, “Kesselandt, you ass!
Don’t.”
Don’t.”
Before a single knee came to rest upon the planks of the dock, a jeering voice rang out. “You call that bargaining, what you did for your last trip, dear coz? The price you paid for that lamp oil! Pathetic!” Breslin said as he swaggered along in the other Erdons’ wake. “Maybe it’s just as well you’ve given up trading.”
White-hot anger burned the tears away. “Oh, indeed?” Maurynna yelled, dodging around her uncle and advancing on her least-favorite cousin as her family scattered before her. “I suppose you think you could have done better? Have you any idea how many merchants were in Casna at that time? Those wretches at the Cassorin lamp oil guild had so many people desperate for a cargo, any cargo, that they could charge whatever they wanted!”
Breslin smiled blandly into the teeth of her wrath. “Then you should have waited,” he said, “as I did. Came in just after all the foolishness in Cassori was over and damn well robbed those idiots who’d held off selling. What were they
thinking—that a market like that would go on forever? Idiots. Downright grateful to me, they were, for taking the stuff off their hands.”
thinking—that a market like that would go on forever? Idiots. Downright grateful to me, they were, for taking the stuff off their hands.”
He looked past her to Linden, whom she felt standing at her back, dismissing her as he’d always done. “Linden Rathan, I presume?” Breslin said politely, one supercilious eyebrow raised, and bowed. “Welcome to the Erdon compound, Dragonlord.” His puzzled gaze lingered on Taren, Lleld and Jekkanadar, not certain what to make of them. He regally inclined his head, then nodded to Otter and sniffed affectedly at Raven.
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