Chapter Three
After a conversation about what food, water and other supplies they had with them, they set out. Flik and Viktor had planned for six people as well as they could. The journey to Ikavah would take all the daylight they had left with few stops for rest. Tir, Gremio and Viktor were in one boat; Flik, Ayda and Oulan in another. They headed to the south of the Toran Republic, down a mucky channel into the sea. It was a bright spring day with a chill on the air; Gremio drew his cloak closer around him.
The paddlers did not have to work so hard, as both the current and the wind were on their side. Ayda began softly humming to herself; a song she had learned in South Window. As they paddled, Flik and Viktor began to silently compete with each other over who was out in front and leading, without actually admitting to themselves they were doing so. Oulan thought about what would happen if she had to use her rune. Tir just paddled, watching his companions with interest. Gremio almost asked more questions about what they were to expect, but he forced them back down and out of his thoughts.
Early on in their journey, they reached the end of the channel and were washed into the sea, an expanse of blue so far gone to the horizon that those who had never seen it before were struck with awe. A rich blue met their eyes as the clouds above created sapphire shadows over the water. The sun sparkled down into the playful waves. Flik and Viktor gave them some time to rest and exclaim over the new sight, but soon they were on their way again.
After resting for a time or two to watch when schools of dolphin were near or some other oddity of the sea, they were nearing their journey's end. All had removed their warmer garments as the heat from the sun and their labor increased. Twilight toyed with the coming of darkness.
Soon enough, Flik spotted the shore; a distinct red mass of land lay before them, colored by the sun.
"Not too much longer now," he said.
Viktor said nothing and paddled harder from a store of strength he hadn't revealed before then. Flik narrowed his eyes and paddled faster. Their boats slid through a break in the natural barrier of coral into the flat calm of the port. In the light of the drooping sun, the land was illuminated by a bright westering twilight that dipped the edges of the shore in red. Ayda shivered with the beauty of the island before her. She watched curiously as children who had been playing on the beach were summoned back home, and fishermen and women gathered their tools to meet inside for the evening meal.
Finally, as they drew closer to the shore, Viktor and Flik relaxed and placed their oars in the bottom of the boats.
"What are you d-doing?" Gremio prompted.
"You can all take it easy now," Viktor said. Even as he spoke the boats began to turn by themselves. The rest of the paddlers put their useless oars down. Ayda leaned over the side of the boat and peered into the water. She watched as the current turned into a swirling whirlpool of all different directions, which suddenly stopped, and then changed into a froth as the current strained in one direction.
The boats were being drawn towards the docks. As they closed the distance to the shore, Ayda could hear tiny voices, laughing as if in the foam of the sea.
"What is this strange magic?!" she wondered aloud.
"Welcome to Ikavah!" a voice from the shore bellowed. More voices joined him. They were all welcoming, in recognition of the foreign ships that the spirits of the water had favored by towing them in to the shore.
"It's a true tourist trap," Flik explained when they were docked, standing on the pier. The sun was setting over the water and fireflies were playing about them. So were mosquitoes. "The little spirits in the water guide all foreign boats to the shores in a spirit of welcome." Flik slapped at his knee. "Ugh. You could have the best armor in Rockaxe and not escape these beasts."
"Amazing," Ayda said, staring out over the sea and into the sunset, which seemed to swallow the entire sky. Viktor drew her out of her stupor by roughly thrusting her quiver and bow of arrows into her stomach. Ayda was knocked back a step.
"Oof," she said, giving him an irritated look.
"Let's get going. There's a lot more to see."
"Now where would such a rogue assembly be off to in such a mad rush?" A voice asked. Everyone turned to see a man standing at the edge of the shore, accompanied by a retinue of assistants, with his hands in his pockets. His expression was of profound disinterest.
"Shu!" Flik said, shouldering a pack. "What brings you here?"
"Pearls, if you must know," Shu said. "And honey. Something about the bees here." Shu waved his assistants off. They departed to begin his specified trading arrangements with the local dealers.
"May I invite you all to my room at the inn," Shu said. "They take very good care of people here."
"That would be excellent," Flik said.
"It is good to see you here, Shu," said Ayda, grinning. Gremio and Tir were introduced. They were both intrigued to learn that Shu had been a student of Mathiu.
"Though not a very successful one, I should say," Shu followed up. "But please follow me to the inn, before these insects bleed us all dry."
"Did you notice how quiet the island is?" Viktor asked Shu as they walked. They trod up a sandy path towards the inn. Children ran by them, their laughter echoing against the trees, as they raced each other towards home and the evening meal.
"Yes," Shu said. "Even as we approached the docks, I could hear no singing as is typical of Ikavah. It's very strange."
"The kids seem to be in high spirits," Flik said as he dodged a pair who flew by him, carrying small bags of shells and trinkets from the beach. They reached the edge of the town where things were very quiet. Torches were burning brightly along the path, which had become wider now. The inn loomed before them, one of the only stone structures on the island, built to accommodate foreign travelers in the style they were accustomed to.
Shu led them inside, where they found a brightly lit lobby. The innkeeper made many exclamations of excitement at seeing Shu and his guests, and led them all to their own rooms. After securing their baggage and washing up, they all met back in a large dining room decorated with brightly dyed tapestries on the walls, mostly of reds and blues. A small band sat in one corner, informally playing music for the guests. They sat down to a distinctively island-themed meal of neverending fruit and delicious seafood. After being assured that the guests were satisfied and had no want for anything further, the innkeeper withdrew his assistants and left the group to themselves. Finally able to speak freely, Flik and Viktor took the opportunity to fill Shu in on what their purpose was in traveling to the island.
"Oh, my friends," said Shu even as Flik gave him the last details, "then you will be dejected to hear the princess has already died."
"Oh, no!" said Ayda. "What happened?"
"One of my traders came to me during the meal, I'm sure you noticed him. He told me no one was trading, because the entire island was mourning the recent passing of Princess Haukea."
"I-I guess we were too late," Gremio said. "Does this mean her advisor will take over as the island's only leader?"
"In time, it may mean that," Shu said. "A period of seven days of grieving is typically observed here, while the government regroups, and as in this case, investigates the death of the regent. Princess Haukea died mysteriously, as I'm sure you'd have guessed, and for now it will be looked into. I'm not sure, however, that anyone will ever find out the truth."
"Flik and I should go visit the oracle right now," Viktor said.
"I'm afraid that's impossible," a woman's voice told him from the door. It was Noelani, dressed in white, filling the gloom near the doorway with light. Her sword was gone, and in its place was a torch, which she hung on the wall. "I heard you were here, and I was sent to see that you were informed of what's happened. But now the oracle is preparing the princess for burial in the custom of her family. You may meet with her tomorrow if you like."
"This is the Noelani of which you spoke, Viktor?" Oulan asked.
"This is she, yes," Viktor replied. Introductions were made, and even Shu had not yet met the newcomer. Noelani would say no more, but the group of travelers agreed to meet with the oracle in the morning as Noelani had asked. She left them hurriedly, to perform sudden errands in the dark after the government coup. After she'd gone, before anyone could start debating what had happened, Ayda quickly said she was tired from rowing all day and she was ready to sleep. She excused herself from the table and left the room, where she found the innkeeper waiting to she her to her room.
"What's this on the pillow?" Ayda asked him. She picked up the small sprig of sharp green leaves with one large white flower in the center. In the middle of its petals were powdery yellow stamen.
"It's queen's leaf," he responded. "Every room has it. Just put it to your nose and sniff. Soon you'll drift away to peaceful sleep. Breakfast begins at seven. Goodnight." He shut her door. Ayda took his suggestion, and brought the flower to her nose. The smell was like old sugary candy, and soon Ayda crawled under the sheets and quickly fell asleep.
--
Viktor quietly entered his room as cautiously as he had entered every corner of the island, knowing there could be assassins anywhere. Finding the room to be empty, he went to the bed, and tossed away the bit of queen's leaf. The maid would get it later. He pulled off his shoes and sank into the surprisingly comfortable pallet in the center of the room. The night was warm and Viktor pulled his shirt up over his head, threw it into a corner, then hit his pillow a few times to fluff it out.
Footsteps in the hall. Viktor listened. Silently a figure slipped inside his room and to the edge of his bed. As the door closed behind her a pair of eyes in the dark of the hall unseen, watched, glittering.
"Just close your eyes," the intruder whispered, taking both feet off the floor as she swung into the bed, leaning over him, running her tattooed fingers through his dark hair.
"Only if you close yours," he murmured. The last thing he saw as eyelashes flickered downwards was the closing of his own hand around the smooth bedsheet.
After a conversation about what food, water and other supplies they had with them, they set out. Flik and Viktor had planned for six people as well as they could. The journey to Ikavah would take all the daylight they had left with few stops for rest. Tir, Gremio and Viktor were in one boat; Flik, Ayda and Oulan in another. They headed to the south of the Toran Republic, down a mucky channel into the sea. It was a bright spring day with a chill on the air; Gremio drew his cloak closer around him.
The paddlers did not have to work so hard, as both the current and the wind were on their side. Ayda began softly humming to herself; a song she had learned in South Window. As they paddled, Flik and Viktor began to silently compete with each other over who was out in front and leading, without actually admitting to themselves they were doing so. Oulan thought about what would happen if she had to use her rune. Tir just paddled, watching his companions with interest. Gremio almost asked more questions about what they were to expect, but he forced them back down and out of his thoughts.
Early on in their journey, they reached the end of the channel and were washed into the sea, an expanse of blue so far gone to the horizon that those who had never seen it before were struck with awe. A rich blue met their eyes as the clouds above created sapphire shadows over the water. The sun sparkled down into the playful waves. Flik and Viktor gave them some time to rest and exclaim over the new sight, but soon they were on their way again.
After resting for a time or two to watch when schools of dolphin were near or some other oddity of the sea, they were nearing their journey's end. All had removed their warmer garments as the heat from the sun and their labor increased. Twilight toyed with the coming of darkness.
Soon enough, Flik spotted the shore; a distinct red mass of land lay before them, colored by the sun.
"Not too much longer now," he said.
Viktor said nothing and paddled harder from a store of strength he hadn't revealed before then. Flik narrowed his eyes and paddled faster. Their boats slid through a break in the natural barrier of coral into the flat calm of the port. In the light of the drooping sun, the land was illuminated by a bright westering twilight that dipped the edges of the shore in red. Ayda shivered with the beauty of the island before her. She watched curiously as children who had been playing on the beach were summoned back home, and fishermen and women gathered their tools to meet inside for the evening meal.
Finally, as they drew closer to the shore, Viktor and Flik relaxed and placed their oars in the bottom of the boats.
"What are you d-doing?" Gremio prompted.
"You can all take it easy now," Viktor said. Even as he spoke the boats began to turn by themselves. The rest of the paddlers put their useless oars down. Ayda leaned over the side of the boat and peered into the water. She watched as the current turned into a swirling whirlpool of all different directions, which suddenly stopped, and then changed into a froth as the current strained in one direction.
The boats were being drawn towards the docks. As they closed the distance to the shore, Ayda could hear tiny voices, laughing as if in the foam of the sea.
"What is this strange magic?!" she wondered aloud.
"Welcome to Ikavah!" a voice from the shore bellowed. More voices joined him. They were all welcoming, in recognition of the foreign ships that the spirits of the water had favored by towing them in to the shore.
"It's a true tourist trap," Flik explained when they were docked, standing on the pier. The sun was setting over the water and fireflies were playing about them. So were mosquitoes. "The little spirits in the water guide all foreign boats to the shores in a spirit of welcome." Flik slapped at his knee. "Ugh. You could have the best armor in Rockaxe and not escape these beasts."
"Amazing," Ayda said, staring out over the sea and into the sunset, which seemed to swallow the entire sky. Viktor drew her out of her stupor by roughly thrusting her quiver and bow of arrows into her stomach. Ayda was knocked back a step.
"Oof," she said, giving him an irritated look.
"Let's get going. There's a lot more to see."
"Now where would such a rogue assembly be off to in such a mad rush?" A voice asked. Everyone turned to see a man standing at the edge of the shore, accompanied by a retinue of assistants, with his hands in his pockets. His expression was of profound disinterest.
"Shu!" Flik said, shouldering a pack. "What brings you here?"
"Pearls, if you must know," Shu said. "And honey. Something about the bees here." Shu waved his assistants off. They departed to begin his specified trading arrangements with the local dealers.
"May I invite you all to my room at the inn," Shu said. "They take very good care of people here."
"That would be excellent," Flik said.
"It is good to see you here, Shu," said Ayda, grinning. Gremio and Tir were introduced. They were both intrigued to learn that Shu had been a student of Mathiu.
"Though not a very successful one, I should say," Shu followed up. "But please follow me to the inn, before these insects bleed us all dry."
"Did you notice how quiet the island is?" Viktor asked Shu as they walked. They trod up a sandy path towards the inn. Children ran by them, their laughter echoing against the trees, as they raced each other towards home and the evening meal.
"Yes," Shu said. "Even as we approached the docks, I could hear no singing as is typical of Ikavah. It's very strange."
"The kids seem to be in high spirits," Flik said as he dodged a pair who flew by him, carrying small bags of shells and trinkets from the beach. They reached the edge of the town where things were very quiet. Torches were burning brightly along the path, which had become wider now. The inn loomed before them, one of the only stone structures on the island, built to accommodate foreign travelers in the style they were accustomed to.
Shu led them inside, where they found a brightly lit lobby. The innkeeper made many exclamations of excitement at seeing Shu and his guests, and led them all to their own rooms. After securing their baggage and washing up, they all met back in a large dining room decorated with brightly dyed tapestries on the walls, mostly of reds and blues. A small band sat in one corner, informally playing music for the guests. They sat down to a distinctively island-themed meal of neverending fruit and delicious seafood. After being assured that the guests were satisfied and had no want for anything further, the innkeeper withdrew his assistants and left the group to themselves. Finally able to speak freely, Flik and Viktor took the opportunity to fill Shu in on what their purpose was in traveling to the island.
"Oh, my friends," said Shu even as Flik gave him the last details, "then you will be dejected to hear the princess has already died."
"Oh, no!" said Ayda. "What happened?"
"One of my traders came to me during the meal, I'm sure you noticed him. He told me no one was trading, because the entire island was mourning the recent passing of Princess Haukea."
"I-I guess we were too late," Gremio said. "Does this mean her advisor will take over as the island's only leader?"
"In time, it may mean that," Shu said. "A period of seven days of grieving is typically observed here, while the government regroups, and as in this case, investigates the death of the regent. Princess Haukea died mysteriously, as I'm sure you'd have guessed, and for now it will be looked into. I'm not sure, however, that anyone will ever find out the truth."
"Flik and I should go visit the oracle right now," Viktor said.
"I'm afraid that's impossible," a woman's voice told him from the door. It was Noelani, dressed in white, filling the gloom near the doorway with light. Her sword was gone, and in its place was a torch, which she hung on the wall. "I heard you were here, and I was sent to see that you were informed of what's happened. But now the oracle is preparing the princess for burial in the custom of her family. You may meet with her tomorrow if you like."
"This is the Noelani of which you spoke, Viktor?" Oulan asked.
"This is she, yes," Viktor replied. Introductions were made, and even Shu had not yet met the newcomer. Noelani would say no more, but the group of travelers agreed to meet with the oracle in the morning as Noelani had asked. She left them hurriedly, to perform sudden errands in the dark after the government coup. After she'd gone, before anyone could start debating what had happened, Ayda quickly said she was tired from rowing all day and she was ready to sleep. She excused herself from the table and left the room, where she found the innkeeper waiting to she her to her room.
"What's this on the pillow?" Ayda asked him. She picked up the small sprig of sharp green leaves with one large white flower in the center. In the middle of its petals were powdery yellow stamen.
"It's queen's leaf," he responded. "Every room has it. Just put it to your nose and sniff. Soon you'll drift away to peaceful sleep. Breakfast begins at seven. Goodnight." He shut her door. Ayda took his suggestion, and brought the flower to her nose. The smell was like old sugary candy, and soon Ayda crawled under the sheets and quickly fell asleep.
--
Viktor quietly entered his room as cautiously as he had entered every corner of the island, knowing there could be assassins anywhere. Finding the room to be empty, he went to the bed, and tossed away the bit of queen's leaf. The maid would get it later. He pulled off his shoes and sank into the surprisingly comfortable pallet in the center of the room. The night was warm and Viktor pulled his shirt up over his head, threw it into a corner, then hit his pillow a few times to fluff it out.
Footsteps in the hall. Viktor listened. Silently a figure slipped inside his room and to the edge of his bed. As the door closed behind her a pair of eyes in the dark of the hall unseen, watched, glittering.
"Just close your eyes," the intruder whispered, taking both feet off the floor as she swung into the bed, leaning over him, running her tattooed fingers through his dark hair.
"Only if you close yours," he murmured. The last thing he saw as eyelashes flickered downwards was the closing of his own hand around the smooth bedsheet.