The Rainmaker

by Tanya Reed

Part 2

Well, here's the next part. Sorry it's taken me so long to get up. I do have the story already written but it's hand written so I have to type it up, then send it over to my beta. He's busy, so it usually takes him a week or two to send it back. Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story; sorry this part is so short.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sydney, Nigel, or the Relic Hunter (Oh, or Karen and Claudia...I think they're mentioned in this monster a time or two). The story idea is mine, and so are Yorn, Rayzi, Theri, Karolyne, Mala, and Telurra...

On to the story...

---------------------------------------------------

Sydney was awakened by a light tap on the door. She sat up, yawned, and stretched. "Come in."

Nigel came bursting in. "Come in? Come in? It could have been Rayzi at the door. Or that guide fellow."

"Strange men in my bedroom at this time of the morning?" she asked, trying to keep a straight face.

She noticed that Nigel had on some of the clothes from his closet and wondered who had helped him with his shirt.

"Theri sent me to fetch you for breakfast."

"All right." Sydney threw off her covers and headed on bare feet across the woven floor covering. She was not self conscious about anyone seeing her in her pajamas, or even naked, especially Nigel, who saw her get up almost every morning while they were on a hunt. It bothered him a lot more than it bothered her.

"I'll see you downstairs."

She waved at him without even looking and heard the door click. The clothes were all similar--and black, as she liked them--so she picked out a set and fastened on the arm guard. She took a few minutes to comb her hair with a hairbrush she found near her washbasin and made a small trip to the bathroom, which was a lot more modern than she would have expected, before heading downstairs.

Reaching the dining room, she heard voices. There was Nigel's, as familiar to Sydney as her own, discussing the theories of magic with Rayzi. She heard Theri's voice, as well, and a deep one that was unfamiliar. Yorn, she assumed.

Entering the room, she got her first glimpse of the man who would be acting as their guide. Even with him seated at the table, Sydney could tell he was tall. He wasn't muscular but wiry, with the kind of build attributed to farmers and fishermen--a power that came from hard work and not body building. His hair was long and curly, a dirty blond color and wild looking. He was handsome in a rugged, lumberjack kind of way, though his face could have used a good shave.

He looked up as she came in and gave her a lopsided smile, though his blue eyes remained cool.

"There's Sydney," Theri said, causing Nigel and Rayzi to break off their conversation.

Sydney smiled. "Good morning. Something smells good. What's for breakfast?"

"Eggs and sausages," Nigel replied. "We've just been waiting for you."

Theri stood up and motioned for the man with her to do the same. Sydney's assessment had been correct. He was at least 6"2. He towered over Nigel, who had also stood.

"Sydney, this is Yorn. He has agreed to be your guide."

"Pleased to meet you." His voice was gruff, much like his appearance. He stuck out his hand, though, so Sydney took it.

"Likewise."

All through breakfast, Sydney caught Yorn looking at her with calculating eyes. She wondered what he was thinking. She supposed he was questioning whether or not she could perform the job ahead. At least she hoped that's what he was thinking. It would be a shame to break some of his not-so-vital bones if his thoughts were running in a more personal direction.

Nigel seemed oblivious as he scarfed down his food, as if he were in some kind of eating contest with Rayzi.

Sydney's mind went forward to the hunt. She'd need another satchel, of course, and Rayzi had offered her a sword. Her crossbow was upstairs in her jacket pocket. Hopefully, they'd be able to take some food with them. Plus, they'd need some clothes and whatever passed for toothbrushes here.

"Are you almost ready to go?" Theri asked, as if reading her mind.

"I was just thinking of the supplies I'd need."

"Just let us know, and we will find them for you."

"I don't suppose you have flashlights."

Sydney and Nigel had found, on more than one occasion, that flashlights were their biggest asset.

"I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with that item. Is it some sort of magic?"

"It's a self-contained light. We've found them to be highly useful in the past."

Theri frowned in thought. "Well, Rayzi might be able to make you one. It might not work exactly like your...flash light...but it should do the trick."

"That would be great."

"Is there anything else you think you might need?"

Sydney rattled off her thoughts while Theri listened and nodded. Then, after breakfast, she brought Sydney to a small room containing about thirty swords. Sydney chose the one she felt most comfortable with. Nigel came to watch but once more refused a blade.

"You should have some sort of weapon," Theri told him, her dark eyes showing concern.

"Believe me, I'd be in more danger of hurting myself than any enemies we might come across. Besides, I don't need a weapon, I've got Sydney."

Theri looked at Sydney, who shrugged. Nigel had always had complete trust in her to take care of him. His unshakeable faith was hard to bear at times, but at others it had been the only thing she had to lean on. Nigel believed Sydney would save him, so she did. A part of her, one she never admitted was there, lived in terror of the day she let him down. It was bound to happen eventually, and she didn't know if she could survive Nigel's loss of faith.

"Well, if you're sure." Theri didn't look as if she had the same beliefs.

Soon after that, the five of them gathered in front of the house. Sydney was pleasantly surprised to see that there were horses, though she knew Nigel would not be. In fact, he started sneezing before they even got close.

"Is there a problem?" Yorn rumbled.

"Nigel's allergic to horses," Sydney told him.

"Of course he is."

Sydney didn't like his tone. She bristled but held her tongue. It wouldn't do to get annoyed with their guide even before they started.

"I may be able to help with that," Rayzi said. He then raised his hand and stared at it a moment before a small jar suddenly appeared in it. "This is mooncrest vine. It's good for allergies. Chew a leaf a day, and you should be fine."

Nigel took the jar with a smile. "Thank you."

"Oh, I almost forgot." He started digging around in his robes. "I made this for you."

He came out with a ball of light. Sydney didn't know what else to call it. It was pale blue and shimmered in the morning air.

"Out," he said, and it went out to show he had a small glass orb in his hand. "It's controlled by voice. You can make it brighter or dimmer or turn it completely off. Will this do in lieu of a flash light?"

"That's perfect. Thanks!"

Sydney took the orb from him and stuffed it into her pack, which was getting quite full. Now, they were ready. Well, they would be as soon as Nigel finished chewing his leaf.

"How's it taste?"

"Not bad, actually."

"Hurry up and finish. We don't want to be all day getting started," Yorn growled, causing Nigel to hastily swallow the leaf.

Sydney clapped Nigel on the back, gave Yorn a dirty look, and proceeded to mount her horse.

"You know," Nigel said, "because of my allergies, I've never actually done this before."

"You'll be fine." Sydney assured him. "Sore, but fine."

Nigel struggled a moment but managed to get on his horse without incident. "Good boy," he said with a bit of a squeak in his voice.

"It's a mare, Nigel," Sydney said in amusement. "You should get along well."

"Are we ready?" Yorn's voice cut through Nigel's reply, making Sydney even more annoyed with him.

"Yes."

"Good luck," Theri called, then, "And be careful. The road you travel is dangerous."

Sydney turned and waved and saw Nigel do the same.

"And don't worry about your horse, Nigel. Just hold on. She's been trained to follow Sydney's," Rayzi added.

Then the three of them started out into the unknown. Sydney gripped the hilt at her side and prayed that this wouldn't be the time she let Nigel down. If it was at all within her power, she'd get him out of there alive.

-------------------------------

King Izim of Lorac was eating in his private dining room surrounded by his family when his aide entered.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty."

Knowing Vell would not interrupt without important cause, he just asked, "What is it?"

"Important news from Kwinsi."

Kwinsi was Izim's advisor mage. The king's appetite broke, and he quickly got up from the table. His wife and children stood as well.

"Excuse me," he said. "Please continue eating."

As he left the room, the others resettled in their seats.

"What did Kwinsi say?" Izim demanded of Vell.

"He wouldn't tell me anything except that it's important and has to do with Telurra, Your Majesty."

"Telurra?" Izim had been holding a drought spell over the larger and richer nation to the south. "Is there something wrong with the spell?" Weather spells were extremely unstable and unpredictable.

"I don't know, Your Majesty."

Without any more conversation, the two men headed off to the mage's tower study. They found him there, surrounded by his books, with a frown on his face.

"Kwinsi, there is news?" the king asked without even pausing for a greeting.

The old mage looked up. "Yes, Sire."

"Is it the spell? Is it failing?"

"No. The spell is fine."

"Then, what is it? Is there a problem?"

"It's that...that child."

Izim drew his brow together. "What child?"

"Princess Theri of Telurra."

"What's the brat done?" Izim snarled.

"She's hired adventurers to find Karolyne's Staff."

The king was stunned. He had forgotten about that legend in the lore of his neighbors. "What?"

"If the Staff is found..."

"Yes, I know." Izim clenched his fist. "All this will be for nothing. Get me Roj. Now."

----------------------------

They travelled through sleepy countryside for most of the morning. Nigel, for once, wasn't complaining, and their guide was morosely silent. Taking her cue from them, Sydney was quiet herself.

And Nigel wasn't sneezing. The leaf seemed to be doing its job. Maybe that was why he wasn't complaining. Sydney snuck a look at him. He was perched at a very odd angle in his saddle. There was also interest in his eyes as he watched the scenery go by. At least he hadn't fallen off of his horse yet.

Nigel noticed her peeking at him--she couldn't have been as subtle as she thought--and grimaced comically at her. She smiled back.

"How's your butt?"

"Numb, thank you."

"It'll get a lot worse before it gets better."

"That's what I like about you, Syd. You're always trying to cheer me up."

Sydney's smile turned to a laugh.

"Do you want to stop for lunch?" Yorn asked from where he was ahead of them, turning around. It was the first civil thing Sydney had heard him say.

"I think we could all stand to eat and stretch our legs," she replied.

The hard packed dirt road they were travelling was bordered by brown tinged fields and meadows. Occasionally, there was a farmhouse in the distance. There were also some skinny animals behind stone fences. Some were cows, and others were types she'd never seen before.

Yorn led them off the road into one of the unfenced meadows. "This is as good a place as any."

Nigel looked around nervously. "Are you sure we're allowed here?"

Yorn shrugged. "Most people don't mind as long as the crops or animals aren't disturbed."

That was good enough for Sydney. She slid gracefully down off of her horse. Nigel seemed to be trying to figure out how to get down as he looked at the ground from one side of the mare and then from the other. She went over to see if he needed some help.

"Syd?"

"Lift your leg and swing it down backwards over your saddle."

"What? That's easier said than done."

"Would you rather stay on the horse?"

He grumbled but leaned forward and slightly sideways, putting his weight in one stirrup. With a grunt, he brought his other leg around, catching it on the back of the saddle.

"Sydney!" He cried as he lost his balance and started to fall.

"Careful," she said, catching him before he could break his leg or fall to the ground. "All right?"

"Yeah, thanks."

Yorn raised his eyebrow at them but said nothing as he dug through the packs for food. Sydney gave him a stern look and dared him to say something. This got a shake of his head in answer.

"Do you suppose I'll get any better at that?" Nigel asked.

"With practice." At least she hoped so.

He seemed to take this at face value and moved forward to accept an apple, some cheese, and a chunk of bread from Yorn.

"Thank you."

Yorn grunted then handed some of the same fare to Sydney.

"Thanks." She received another grunt in answer.

The three of them ate in silence, standing and walking a little to stretch muscles. Sydney noticed Nigel wincing as he walked and almost winced herself in sympathy. Even though he wasn't at home on a horse, his clothes made him fit in with their surroundings. She had thought it several times at the cottage, and she thought it again now. It was as if the whole place suited him in a way their modern world did not. Maybe it was because his love of ancient civilizations was even more passionate than her own. Maybe to him, it seemed like he was living things he had only read about. After all, as a child, he was Sir Nigel the Brave.

Yorn broke the silence by asking, "Can you use that thing?"

He was indicating her sword.

She smiled at him thinly. "A bit."

"Sydney beat a demon once," Nigel said, his tone showing he scoffed at Yorn's disbelief in Sydney's abilities.

"Is this true?"

Sydney raised an eyebrow and answered saucily, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"You're a strange lady, Sydney Fox."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"I hate to interrupt this love fest," Nigel said, glancing at the two of them warily. "I was was wondering...um...where should I go to use the facilities?"

Yorn's cool gaze swept to Nigel. "There's a tree over there."

"Will that be all right?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Good," Sydney said, taking Nigel's arm. "I'll come with you."

"What?"

Sydney didn't answer as she led him towards the tree.

"Sydney, no offense here, but using the bathroom is something I can definitely do by myself."

"Shut up and pee. I won't look. I want to talk about Yorn."

"Pee? I can't pee with you standing here!"

"Sure you can, Nigel. Think of lakes and rivers and ponds. Waterfalls. Rainstorms. I'm sure it will come to you." She looked at how close they were standing. "Just don't aim it at me."

Nigel sighed and started fumbling for the ties of his pants. Sydney shifted slightly so she was out of the line of fire.

"So, what was so important that you had to follow me to the bathroom?"

"Yorn," she said lowly, "I don't like him."

"That's pretty obvious. But is it the 'I don't like him, I'll hate him forever' kind of dislike, or is it the 'I don't like him, my he's attractive, look at those muscles, I wonder if he'd fancy a shag' kind of dislike?"

Sydney stiffened at this, unsure how to react. It was so seldom that Nigel showed her his teeth. He must have been really annoyed at her. She settled for giving him a cutting look, one that usually sliced through him. This time, he didn't even flinch.

"I just wish we didn't have to trust him."

"Theri said he could be trusted."

"That he was loyal to the crown. Still, how do we know he won't leave us alone out here to die?"

"Theri wouldn't look favorably on that."

She scowled. "I just wanted you to know I don't trust him...No matter what Theri says."

"What do you propose we do?"

"Just watch him...Are you done yet?"

"Surprisingly. Next time, can I go alone?"

"We'll see."

"If you two are through," Yorn's voice travelled to them, "we should get back on the road."

"Coming," Sydney called back.

"Are you going to go?" Nigel asked.

"I'll go later."

Nigel hastily tied up his pants, and the two of them headed back to the horses. Yorn was already seated on his horse.

"Ready?"

"Ready."

Sydney waited to make sure Nigel didn't have too much trouble mounting before doing so herself.

"We should be reaching Lindz by nightfall," Yorn said, "So, we will have a bed tonight. The inn isn't fancy, but it's clean. I've stayed in worse."

"We probably have too," Nigel mumbled.