The Crystal Legacy (Book 2) (2 page)

Overwhelmed by their mission, and reflecting on their poor prospects of survival, the returned exiles sailed up the Nhy beyond Hyemka in silence. Saxthor stood in the boat’s bow, staring into the night. Something bumped into the boat, jarring it.

Bodrin fell against the cabin. “Pay attention up there, Saxthor.”

“Sorry.”

“I know you two are disappointed we’re not going home after seven years away, but you must pay attention,” Tournak said, holding the course at the tiller. “This is a dangerous river at night. Either watch for things floating down on us, or we’ll need to tie up somewhere out of the channel until daylight.”

“Yeah, Saxthor, you woke up poor old Twit. Our guardian wren is all aflutter back there. At sunrise, he’s going to leave his calling card in your hair,” Bodrin said.

Slumped and looking down, Saxthor walked back to Bodrin. “After all these years, my aunt still prevents us from seeing our families again.”

Bodrin shook his head. Saxthor couldn’t bring himself to smile. Bodrin stooped over and stared Saxthor in the face. “You should kill her. You’ve killed dragons before.” He grinned and Saxthor laughed.

“Witch Earwig is only part of the problem. Remember your mission. That’s what’s critical,” Tournak said.

Saxthor poked Bodrin. “Maybe I should turn the dragon ring on Memlatec. The court wizard keeps getting us into these things.”

“It’s not his fault, Saxthor,” Tournak said. “The powers themselves selected you as the inheritor. As primal wizard, Memlatec protects and directs your course, but you must live what has come to you.”

“I know,” Saxthor said. “I wasn’t really going to vaporize him. He’s been my mentor all my life.” Saxthor grinned. “Maybe just one little spark for good measure?”

“Ok, you better get your bad-self up front,” Tournak said. “We’re coming up on a curve in the river.”

“You’re right but don’t get all serious on us, Tournak,” Saxthor said. He smiled at his two companions, turned, and went back to the bow, scanning the river for debris. He looked back. “Thanks again for sticking with me.”

They sailed for days though the river narrowed, and the breeze soon blew from the north, requiring them to tack back and forth across the channel. The weather that changed the wind direction also brought storms. The resulting rubble floated downriver. It forced the men to keep constant vigil dodging obstacles. Tacking and dodging took great effort and slowed progress against the current. The strain made them irritable.

The craft now looked out of place beside other boats on the river. The high prow and stern that deflected ocean waves, stood out on the inland river where cargo boats were broad, low, and flat-bottomed.

“The boat is drawing attention,” Saxthor said.

“We’ll trade it at Heedra and continue upriver on a local boat,” Tournak said.

One morning, the boat rounded a bend in the river and startled three ducks splashing in a cove.

“I’m thinking about a juicy duck dinner,” Bodrin said. “Fish has lost all taste.”

“We’ll soon reach Heedra. I’ll get fresh supplies there,” Tournak said.

They finally arrived at the town wary of their reception.

“Steer for that seedy dock off the harbor’s main wharf,” Tournak said. “I’ll go get supplies. You two stay here on the boat, while I see what I can arrange.”

At a nearby shop, Tournak bought food and ropes. Next, he went to a harbor inn for ale to hear the river gossip. He took longer than expected, returning late to the boat verifying no one followed.

“Any news?” Saxthor asked.

“I’ve traded boats, and got the supplies in the bargain. Pack tonight. We’ll be exchanging vessels in the morning. There’re rumblings that unexplained things are occurring on Lake Pundar at the head of the Nhy.”

Tournak spread out roasted chicken, fresh bread, turnips with greens, and a fruit pie. The feast was the most delicious they could remember.

“Not a single item on the table came out of the river,” Bodrin said patting his tummy.

“What’s that?” Saxthor nodded.

“What’s what?” Bodrin asked. He looked at the end of the wharf, where Saxthor had cast a fleeting glance.

“There in the shadows at the end of the docks, a figure in uniform. Don’t stare; look casual. If he’s watching us, we don’t want him to see us watching him.”

“He’s just watching the river traffic,” Bodrin said.

“Heedra is a strategic river town,” Tournak said. “A small contingent of Neuyokkasinian soldiers here provides security for the region’s commerce. It’s probably one of them watching the boat traffic.”

“I don’t have a good feeling about it,” Saxthor said.

“It’s probably nothing, one of the city guards. How could he recognize us after seven years away?” Bodrin asked.

“We’ll leave first thing in the morning anyway,” Tournak said. “Even if he’s just a guard, he might still be an agent. Someone might recognize me and alert others to our presence.”

“You’re right,” Bodrin said. “We can’t be sure who anyone is.”

“We’ll continue on the river to Lake Pundar,” Saxthor said. “Do you agree?”

Tournak nodded. “Yes, better to travel fast while we can.”

Worries about the watcher kept the men half-awake that night. They were anxious to be on their way. The farmer arrived on time the next morning. They exchanged vessels and left.

“This boat’s cabin is smaller,” Bodrin said after stowing supplies there. “Only two of us can sleep comfortably inside. In the rain or cold, it’ll be crowded in there. At least the broad bottom affords storage. Tell me again why we traded our comfortable boat for this barge?”

“The Nhy’s northern fork between Heedra and Lake Pundar is shallower,” Tournak said. “We’ll have to pole our way up river in places. Now pack more and whine less.”

“It needs a coat of paint, too,” Bodrin grumbled. He ducked below with a crate of apples. “But I’m not painting it.”

Tournak grinned.

“Look at Twit hopping up and down inspecting the boat,” Saxthor said. “He’s mad about losing his sheltered spot on the old stern’s arch.”

Tournak chuckled, “He’s getting too old for roughing it.”

-

Stupid people, Twit thought. We had an acceptable conveyance. Some would say elegant, like me, but that wasn’t good enough. No, they had to trade it for this floating logjam.

-

Halfway between Heedra and Lake Pundar, a terrible commotion exploded in the forest along the river. A deer bounded down from the trees then disappeared over the bank’s ridge followed by a dog glancing back not forward. A black bear bolted from the trees after them. The frantic dog slid on the muddy bank and the bear swiped at it. The great paw smacked the dog’s back leg knocking her sideways. She skidded on the mud to the water’s edge. The bear rose on its back legs, roared through its gaping mouth, and started to dive on the dog, when it, too, slid. In that instant, the hound dove into the river swimming for the voyagers’ boat. The soggy mutt struggled in the current sweeping her down river.

“The poor, half-starved dog,” Saxthor said. “She’s used the last of her energy. She’s too worn out to swim to us.”

“The bear’s staring, I think it’s going to go for the dog,” Tournak said. He went for his bow and arrows.

“Wait Saxthor!” Bodrin said.

Saxthor dove in and swam to the frantic dog.

The current caught the struggling dog pulling her under in a swirling eddy.

“Can you grab her, Saxthor?” Bodrin yelled.

The current suddenly sped up where the channel narrowed. The dog’s head popped up, but the racing current carried her farther from Saxthor who swam his fastest to get to her. Her head went under in the current again.

Saxthor foot caught on an underwater snag spinning him around. He freed his foot and looked to the dog. She was bobbing more and struggling less, even when her head did pop up among eddies in the frothy water.

When we had to escape as kids, I couldn’t be there for Battara in her old age, Saxthor thought. She was the best pup ever. I’m supposed to be here for this dog, and I won’t let her down. I can’t let her down. She looks to me with terror in her eyes. I won’t let her down.

Saxthor swam on, rocketed faster by the racing current that caught him, too, and shot him along toward the dog. The current relaxed farther downstream. It allowed the drowning beast to keep her head above water. She watched Saxthor gaining on her, but her eyes dulled, reflecting hopelessness.

Then the soggy creature paddled away from the current when Saxthor approached. Her ears shot up; her eyes brightened. Saxthor reached out and grabbed her skin at the back of her neck pulling her to him.

She thrashed the water, trying to climb on her rescuer.

“Hold on, girl. I’ve got you now.”

The terrified dog stopped panting, looked Saxthor in the eye, and collapsed on him. He held her in one arm over his shoulder, swimming back to the boat drifting down river for him.

“Don’t bring that mangy animal onboard,” Tournak said. “It can go find an owner elsewhere.”

“Give it up Tournak,” Bodrin said. “He remembers Battara. He won’t part with this emaciated thing.”

“We’re not equipped for a dog, Saxthor,” Tournak said, hands on his hips.

“Have you noticed he’s not listening,” Bodrin said.

Exasperated, Tournak held Saxthor by his arm while he pushed the struggling beast up to the boat.

“Take her Bodrin. She’s exhausted and distraught.”

“Kind of like us.” Bodrin chortled.

Tournak frowned. “I’ll agree with the last part.”

Water ran from the dog’s short fur, revealing her black-spotted, white coat. Bright brown eyes above her long muzzle looked at each man as she panted. Her two ears stood at attention with just the tips folding over, facing dripping Saxthor, whose side she wouldn’t leave.

“She’s soaking wet, aren’t you girl,” Saxthor said.

As if in response, and unaware of her bad manners, she shook from side to side, head to tail, splashing all three men. The dog stared at the bank for a moment, then looked up to Saxthor. He dropped to his knees hugging his girl who licked her rescuer.

-

Twit stared down at the soggy beast from his new perch atop the cabin. They’re graced with the company of this gorgeous bird and they bring that... that thing onboard, thought Twit. It’s going to eat everything that can’t outrun it. There’s no accounting for human taste.

-

Bodrin pulled up the anchor and started poling the boat back up river. “That’s that, you won’t part those two Tournak.”

“That scrawny beast is going to be first to the table, Bodrin,” Tournak said.

“Yeah, well I’m bigger than she is.”

-

Twit looked down with disdain.

Why do people associate with such uncouth carnivores? Twit thought. People are so easy. Those hairy things know to play stupid to manipulate people. You’d think people would see through it, but they fall for it every time. No self-respecting bird would sink to such behavior for a handout and a pat on the head.

-

“What you going to call her, Saxthor?” Bodrin asked. “How about Duchess or Countess?”

“How about Delia?” Saxthor said. “I don’t want another courtly reminder, and she’s not exactly regal. Will Delia do girl?”

The name stuck. She followed right behind Saxthor as he returned to poling the boat.

“She must’ve been someone’s pet once, but got lost, or they abandoned her,” Tournak said.

“Saxthor will take care of her now,” Bodrin shook his head amid the rhythmic pace of poling.

“Yes, I will.”

Delia licked Saxthor’s leg, then went and stood in the bow as a figurehead pointing the way, nose to the gentle wind. She kept checking back, verifying Saxthor was nearby. She’d bark once if she spotted anything she thought everyone should see. Creatures along the bank were favorites.

“Her vigilance will prove useful. She’ll make a nice addition to the crew,” Saxthor said.

“Another mouth to feed,” Tournak said.

Bodrin grinned. “I hope she likes fish.”

The companions moved on upriver past forests. Broad-footed cypress trees stood as sentinels at the water’s edge, their mossy veils waving in the gentle wind as if to entice mariners with their charms. Behind the cypress stood tall, green pines. Oak, chestnut, hickory, and willows splashed autumn colors through the forest. Broad sweeping limbs extended out, supporting wild grape and jasmine vines that rambled through them like playful children. Great hawks and owls watched the land for rodents, while speckled-white ospreys watched the water for fish from the best branches high above the river. Wild ducks migrating south flew along the river, stopping at adjacent bogs to snack on duckweed. Muskrats and other small rodents scurried along the banks when passing traffic disturbed them. Saxthor savored the old familiar landscapes and the musty river scent, while Delia watched for danger as they approached Heedra, where they stopped briefly for supplies.