OUTLANDER
Chapter 15
Voyage for Discovery
The discussions had gone on all day and it was nigh onto dusk before Dax and Ruthor were walking down the city’s streets, on their way home to their wives. When they came to the intersecting street where Ruthor would turn for his house, they said their good nights to one another. Starting the next morning their days would be filled with activity and planning.
Dax entered his door and heard Melody in the larder. He said hello in a loud enough tone for her to hear him and then walked to where she was finishing her preparations for the evening meal. Both of them brought the meal there and then sat having their evening meal. After they were seated he asked her about her day. She said merely that it had been rather uneventful, except for talking with both Torek and Gayla about her conversations with the other Emissaries of the three northern realms. Then she asked how it had went with Lord Daka and Ceric.
“I took Ruthor with me today. I just left there and walked straight here to you, Ruthor is doing the same.”
“That must have been some meeting. How did they react to your news from our journey north?”
“The discussions became lengthy after I told them what I heard from that old seaman in Wesee.”
“The one with the story about a voyage so far west on the Windless Sea that the crew almost mutinied.”
“Yes, that one. We all think that there may be a possibility that the old legend of an uncharted island, far beyond what anyone has ever seen, may just truly exist. It is the most likely answer to why ships have gone missing since Fargyn took control of that Lagdian ship, yet neither he nor the ship have been spotted since.”
“Do you really think such an island could exist for this long and yet no one has ever been there?”
“I do, my love. The old man’s story about seeing gulls so far from the Waste shoreline could only be if there was other land closer to where he saw them. If Fargyn was lucky enough to find such a place, then he could be the one taking at least some of the ships that have disappeared since his escape. There is nowhere in our world he could have hidden for so long, and not have been seen by someone.”
“Alright, if that is true , then what are you and the council planning?”
“You won’t like it, but a mission to try and find that island. It’s the only way to know if it exists or not.”
“You’re right, I do not like the sound of this. I know this would mean that you would be the one going to look for it. I would understand why it would be you and I trust that you would do everything in your power to return. But we are just getting our life together off to a wonderful start. I will miss you more than you can know. How long would such a mission take?”
“It would not just be me. It would include all my men as well; and the best ship, captain and crew in Marden’s fleet. As for how long I could only make a wild guess, probably a full set of seasons, maybe longer.”
“Ohh, Dax, I will miss you so much. When would you be leaving?”
“Not for quite a while. We will start the planning tomorrow. Then there will be a ship and Captain to enlist in the venture. Followed by an extensive search for just the right men to make up his crew. Lord Daka will give us whatever Ruthor and I think we need. He, Thane Erik and Ceric are all lending their powers to insure as completely as possible for this mission to be as successful as can possibly be planned for.”
“Poor Gayla, she is so near to birthing their first child?’
“I will not allow this mission to start before she does. I would not do that to her or Ruthor.”
Melody leaned across their table to take both of Dax’s hands in hers, then looked up into his eyes with a very mischievous smile as she asked. “And me, my love. Will you leave me before we are expecting our first child?”
Dax smiled broadly back into Melody’s eyes. “I will do everything I can, to make that wish a reality.”
“Well, in that case…..”
During the next half cycle of the moon, Lord Daka had contacted and assigned his most highly regarded Captain. His name was Ernstal Cavidar and he captained the ship The Windlass. Captain Cavidar preferred his own first Mate named Bein Pendil and second mate Gaben Slogin. All three were on their way to Throgmarden in the Windlass now. The Windlass was the crown jewel of Thane Erik Throgmarden’s fleet. It is the first Galleon introduced, the fleet was well known and respected with Galleys, Cogs, Carracks, Caravels, and Trireme’s. The Windlass was a four mater plus bow sprit; 500 metric tons capacity and over 130 feet long. She had the Captain’s cabin at the aft and above the level of the forecastle with the main, half and orlof decks between that and the belly of the ship where the ship’s ballast was. She is equipped with four catapults, two each on both the port and starboard sides. There is also two ballistas and two hwachas stationed topside and above the forecastle.
Once there, they with Dax and Ruthor would start the process of interviewing men for a crew. Dax had insisted on he and Ruthor being included on selecting a crew and Lord Daka had agreed. A crew on such a voyage would be crucial to its success; every man had to be aware of the risks and in total agreement with the possibilities. A mutiny could not be tolerated. There would be a crew of approximately 60 men to sign up besides the already agreed to and appointed Captain and his Mates. There would be Helmsmen, a Quartermaster, Boatswain and Bosons mate, Carpenters, Cooks, Surgeon, Armorers and Able Bodied Seamen.
Dax’s new men and wolves were continuing to progress better than had been hoped for. By the time to depart, he and Ruthor were sure the entire Wolf Pack would be ready. Meetings with the Council happened infrequently, but as absolutely necessary. Daka, Ceric and even Thane Erik staying helpfully involved so far.
Just as the full moon cycle occurred, Gayla delivered a healthy little boy. They named him Iben Dom, a stout eight stones with Ruthor’s flaxen hair. Ruthor beamed fatherly pride for days on end. Gayla had come through the delivery quite well with no complications. Both she and Iben were being doted on generously by Ruthor.
*****
The half moon bay was a perfect port. Situated on the east side of the island with a reef less than a quarter league off shore that made for a natural barrier, if anyone did eventually find the island. Fargyn surveyed his new domain from the docks his men had constructed jutting out into the bay, now with three ships tied to its moorings; the original Galley from Lagdian, a Cog and a Caravel. He had attacked two other ships, but they did not suit his needs so they had been scuttled after any cargo, materials such as furniture that could be used were transferred to his ship. His crews had grown as well. At the taking of the two new ships and the two he scuttled, he had given each crew the option of joining his new fleet. Each time he had his men gather all remaining men on each ship’s main deck, once the fight for control had been won. First he had all the officers killed and had their bodies thrown overboard. After that he made his offer to the remaining crew, join him with total fealty, or die like the officers, some chose to die, others always chose to live.
On those first days after finding the island they explored its shorelines and into the interior of forests and mountains as far as he had thought necessary. He had wondered during those days why it was that if the legends were true no one had settled here before, then rationalized that no one must have ever made it here alive until he and his men did. They found not one clue that there had ever been any people living here before them. Many of the trees and animals were new to them, but some were quite similar to trees of Lagdian, Steldar and some like the Trees of Dark. There were wild pigs, not quite as big as the ones in Marden, but fine eating meat. Both chickens and ducks had been found in abundance. But also snakes, untold numbers of stinging insects and lizards of every type. Grape vines, and fruit bushes and trees of several kinds. Food here was no problem.
First they had built shelters for themselves, then the docks were built. The shelters had become rudimentary houses. Each of the four ships had been merchant vessels and had a few passengers on board. There had been wives and or daughters accompanying their husbands on business or pleasure voyages. These men had been killed with the officers, their wives and daughters were not given that choice, men attached to these women would not have been trustworthy. Fargyn knew that men beginning a life so far from the known world would not be compliant to his plans if there were no women to placate their carnal desires. For now, no man could have a woman all to himself, so all the women were in a house constructed for themselves only. Each one’s life depended on her compliance with their new profession here. They laundered the men’s clothes; cooked all the meals and at night serviced the men’s other desires. These women could be managed easily, perform or die.
Fargyn was the master of all he surveyed and he ruled with an iron will. He knew that first he must build an armada of ships, ships altered to be fast, maneuverable and fashioned for aggressive sea combat. Crewed by men with no compunction about killing, destruction and mayhem at any time. Men who would follow his orders blindly. So far it was working, later he could begin to think about the ultimate revenge he swore to himself, to reek of those that had wrested him from the power he had sought.
Before long, when the latest ship was refurbished, he would venture forth again to capture his next one. It became easier each time, this next time the odds would be three to one. These were odds Fargyn liked.
*****
Melody and Gayla had made a decision between themselves and discussed it with Torek, who had tried to dissuade them, but in failing, finally agreed to their decision. Neither of them were willing to stay behind in Marden when the Windlass sailed away with their men on board for so long a time. If Dax and Ruthor did not like that idea, then they would travel to Jav on their own. They would wait there for the ships return. The only danger in this mission would be between the times it left Jav to search for the island and its eventual return from the search. They were both sure they could convince their husbands to agree. While in Jav they could work for the Emissary stationed there. Torek told them that the Triad would agree to whatever Melody suggested as long as she continued her duties.
Dax and Ruthor, both resisted the idea initially; but finally agreed, knowing that their wives were adamant in going that far and waiting for their return in Jav. In the end agreeing was the only option.
When Ceric had heard this new wrinkle in the plans, he had been concerned also, but had capitulated like a worried father. His true apprehension was hidden from the others. He was now concerned that the Triad might know of the plans success or failure before he and the Marden council, even though the Eiger Council was sworn to neutrality in all things. If the plan succeeded completely, then Marden would have an additional territory, flanking other realms. Secrecy needed to be complete for as long as possible.
By the time a half moon cycle had transpired the full crew was agreed to and were re-stationed to the capitol. Dax had the crew now going through assimilation training with his men and the ten Dire Wolves. He knew that both the new crew and wolves needed to be acquainted to one another before they would be in the close quarters of the ship. When not practicing, there were a few alterations being made to the ship as well. The Forecastle passenger’s quarters were being turned into the Wolf Pack’s quarters with a separate room for him and Ruthor’s families. There were additional coops and pens being added in front of the Forecastle quarters and the aft officer’s quarters for an increased number of live chickens, pigs and goats. They would not purchases these animals until they docked in Jav, as would be done with some other stores and cargo. The voyage from Marden to Jav need not be isolated until then. There would be ports of call made at Wesee, Ederwess and Roden. Dax and Captain Cavidar had agreed that this would keep morale higher. Men could have short shore leaves and enjoy the fruits of such leaves. The unknown length of the voyage, once they left Jav, would have a better chance of success if the crew had not been without entertainments the extended period before that departure. Dax also wanted a day to visit Freyjin, he wanted more information on the raw ore that the dragon effigy was made from. Dax and his men were not taking horses on the voyage, once they found the island they would operate as infantry on land, horses would be an unnecessary complication. The armory on board was also having refurbishment to accommodate some added types of weapons and materials not usual to naval ships-of–the-line.
It was as these practices and adjustments were nearing completion that Dax, Ruthor and Captain Cavidar called a meeting with the Council. It was time to set the date for the mission to depart. As they entered the council chamber they could see that Lord Daka, Lord Ceric and Thane Erik were already seated behind the council table, Councilors Weban and Seffa were again in attendance.
“Welcome gentlemen, I hope this means that your preparations and planning are complete, such that you are ready to leave port soon?” Thane Erik asked of the three.
“We are my Thane. The ship is fully ready as far as I am concerned and I think the Captain will agree. The integration of the crew, my men and wolves has been very successful. We have the materials and stores already loaded that we are planning on taking before we ship out. The cooks are bringing more stores they need for the voyage from here to Wesee, but that will be completed today. By tomorrow morning any livestock will be on board by the time the sun is at its zenith. Thus our plan is for crew and men to be onboard and ready to leave port early the following morning.”
“Fine, but I have a couple of questions from what you have said. What is it you are calling integration, and why do you say the cooks are only bring stores for such a short leg of your mission?”
“The integration was so the crewmen and my men would establish working cohesiveness. At times my men will assist in some of the duties at sea, and it quite possibly be that the crew will be involved in actions either both or at times, before we find the island. Captain Cavidar and I both agree that my men could be useful during the voyage if they learned some of the duties they could help with. And although the crew has been handpicked from Marden’s best seamen, we have given them training in tactics and skills not usually needed at sea. Also we have both the seamen and the wolves acquainted with one another.”
Captain Cavidar added to this so Dax could take a drink of water from the ewer on the table. “We decided, my Thane, that we would not overload food stores at the beginning of the voyage. Instead we will resupply at each port, using up the previous stores between each port, that way we can keep the stores as fresh as possible. When we leave Jav, then we will have all fresh stores for the search, and we can have an amount and of types best suited for such a long sea voyage. In this way we hope to reduce any rot, contamination and pestilence, as much as we can. Some of the problems of an extended voyage stems from these issues of men getting sick, dying, malnutrition and even their morale.”
“Besides Thane Erik, men who have been allowed a few small shore leaves, just before they start the main voyage at leaving Jav will be in higher spirits for that part of the mission. It will, we think, make the possibility of malingering or even mutiny less likely to occur.” Dax the added.
“I see, and what of the livestock you mentioned?”
“We have increased the number of Chickens, Pigs and Goats that we are taking with us and the coops and pens to hold them on the main deck, we are also taking two milk cows and a yearling calf. They will allow us fresh eggs, both goats and cow’s milk and if needed eventually fresh meat of variety. We will also be taking fishing nets to be used as we can for fresh meats from fish. It is of great use to incorporate as much fresh meat as you can.”
“This all sounds well thought out, my officers. And what of military supplies?”
Captain Cavidar spoke first. “My Thane, you know well of our armaments on the Windlass and we are well equipped for such a voyage. But I must say Captain Dax and Lieutenant Ruthor have made some very interesting additions to them. When they told me that they wanted to add casks of sulfur and lime, I immediately thought I understood; Dragon’s Breath, a good idea. But then they had small hollow air balls forged and ceramic large orbs made and brought on board. Then they added more barrels of whale’s oil, additional stores of canvas and ropes. To top that of they had crossbows on small posts added around the upper decks. But now I have seen their purposes and will tell you this; all of these I will probably be including in my stores from now on.”
“Why is that, Captain?”
“Sire, the Dragon’s Breath is a long used weapon at sea, but now some of these things gives it additional uses in a battle. The crow bows add even more archer power at greater distances to add to the Hwacha’s and Balista’s already in use. The Ceramic orbs are for turning the whales oil into a catapult fire weapon against a non-water opponent, say close into shore, this means the catapults can be used for more than stones or iron balls. And the raw canvas adds protection to the fresh meats supply in strong gales. They also suggested hanging our life boats tied over the sides of the upper decks, giving us even more room on the outer decks, as well as a way to lower them faster when needed. I have learned to listen to Captain Dax, my Lord, even if he is a land dog.”
“My Thane, do not let Captain Cavidar take so little praise for what we accomplished thus far. His expertise has been invaluable in all facets of our planning and execution. He and his Mates are some of the best naval Military men I have ever known.”
“I have full confidence in all three of you. I am glad to see that you have formed a close and respectful bond even before you leave port. So with all this said, once you leave port and then leave Jav, do have any guess as to how long it will be before we could expect news of success or failure of finding this legendary unknown island in the Windless Sea?”
The three men looked at one another and then it was Ruthor who answered. “Great Thane, we have discussed this a long length more than once. There is no way to make a good guess at how long. We have made our plan and considered all, in our planning of materials, stores, men involved, training for the unknown as well as we can. However that answer will only be made known to us when we find the island or are forced to return to Jav and resupply for additional attempts. We do not plan on accepting defeat.”
“Strong words, Lieutenant, those are the words of men I find myself honored to have in my service. Know this, we on this council will be there watching you leave and there when you return.”
“Thank you, Thane Erik. If it comes to a resupply and then return to the search. We will find a way to send a message to you that such is occurring.”
“I will give you the name of an old mage who now resides in Jav, Dax. He can get a message to us quicker than anything else. Use his service as you need.”
“Thank you, Lord Ceric. In that line of thought, we will send such a message the day we ship out from Jav even on this first voyage.”
“That would be helpful, Captain Dax.”
“Gentlemen, I think we have discussed all that we need this day. I am sure you have many things to attend to before your departure in two morning’s time. So I will call this meeting adjourned.” Thane Erik said as he rose from his seat and turned to leave the council chambers.
Dax, Ruthor and Captain Cavidar rose as well and turned to walk back toward the docks. Ceric and Lord Daka stood, but were conversing together before making any move to leave the chamber. As the three men came to the practice grounds, Captain Cavidar left them and walked on in the direction of the docks, while Dax and Ruthor walked to the practice grounds.
Only the Wolf Pack was there practicing. As they neared their friends and comrades Cran approached them “How did it go today with the council?”
“Quite well, Cran, they are fully aware of our plan to leave in two mornings. They know as much as is necessary of our plan itself. How has it went here today?”
“Everyone is to the point of being ready to be shipped out, instead of just practice. There has been one new thing we have not discussed?”
“What is that?”
“Aiela talked with Gayla and Melody this morning. She wishes to travel with them to Jav. I told her I would talk to you and Ruthor, it being so late in her decision. She said that Gayla and Melody told her, they could make the adjustments for her. What do you think?”
“Cran, we would not keep her from going with our wives if that is what you want as well.”
“Thank you Dax, I would like to please her in this.”
“Then we will, but she does know we are leaving day after tomorrow, right?”
“She does.”
“Then we will go to the Windlass and see what we need to do to make it happen. We’ll just make an alteration in the space we are using for our own group. So let us get done here and then we will get it done at the ship.”
“I will stop by our home and tell her to start getting ready. Then I will meet you there.”
A short time later the three of them were on the ship. It took them only a short while, with the help of the ship’s carpenters, to make the simple alterations in the Wolf Pack’s quarters that were necessary. Between them it was agreed that would be better in the long run. The three women were close friends now and this would make the waiting better for them all.
A messenger came looking for Dax. With a note for him to come to Lord Ceric’s residence. As he left to meet the Mage the three men decided that their families would share evening meal together at Dax and Melody’s house that night.
Once Dax arrived at Ceric’s, he and the Mage seated themselves in the chairs near the fireplace.
“Neven Salas is the name of the older Mage I know who lives in Jav. He was the Mage of the Daka family in Dakam for many years, but has been living in Jav for the last several. His only allegiance has ever been to the Daka family and Marden. You can trust him completely. Here with his name is where he lives in Jav. Find him and he will send a messenger bird letting me know you have shipped out from Jav. He would also be a fine contact for Melody while she is there.”
“Thank you, Greybeard. I will do so.”
“I will be there to see your departure in two mornings. But in case I do not get the chance to say good bye then, know my feelings of hope are with you while you are away on this quest.”
“That I know, as you know my trust and feelings for you as well.”
“I do, now go before we get too emotional.”
Dax stood, turned and left Ceric still sitting in front of his fire. As the first grey streaks of the coming dawn glistened upon Bay of Throg the second morning later, Lord Daka, Ceric and Thane Erik Throgmarden watched the Windlass sail northward out of the bay and into the Strait of Vlandess.
Mere days later the ship had rounded where Madar sat along the western coast of Marden and the turbulent waters where the strait joined with the Northern Sea became less turbulent as they were now only the cooler waters of the Northern Sea itself.
Many days later the ship docked at Wesee. The crews had shore leave and the cooks resupplied with fresh stores for the next leg of this part of the voyage. Melody, Gayla and Aiela went ashore with their husbands and both shopped in the market and dined on the fine seafood that could be had here along the Escaldia coast.
The voyage from Wesee to Ederwess was just as uneventful. The seas were wide and at times one could not see the too far distant shores. Aiela had never been on a voyage that completely lost any view of the land and it took her a while to become accustomed to the thought of seeing so far in all directions and there be no land is sight. She had also never seen pods of whales breaching the seas waves in seemingly playful abandon as they swam from one edge of view to the other far edge of where she could see.
Finally they docked at the port of Ederwess on the northern point of Tripolia. Once the ship was tied to the pier, Dax took Melody to introduce her to Freyjin. As Freyjin opened her door she stood there with a broad and welcoming smile at seeing Dax standing there.
“What a wonderful surprise. You two get right in here. Come and let us sit at my table and I will bring us some tea to drink.” The three of them walked to the larder but as Freyjin started to find cups and pour tea from a ewer, Dax started the introductions just to be interrupted before he could utter a name. “Don’t be silly, son of my heart. Do you think I would not know that this lovely young woman is Melody, Daughter of Bulb Nose and Daitha?” both Dax and Melody stood with quizzical looks on their faces as the older woman turned around facing them.
She first walked to hug Dax and said in a quite tone. “I have waited a long time hoping for this knock at my door.” Then let him go and walked to give Melody a kiss on the cheek followed by a hug saying. “I am so happy to finally meet you, sweet girl.” Then letting Melody go said. “Come sit down so I can explain.”
As they all did Freyjin took a drink of tea and then continued. ”Dax, your father and I both knew years ago, long before you children did, that your heart had already been given to Melody. No matter how many or how long it might take, none would ever have your love, as you had already given it away. Now tell me that you have even happier news.”
It was Melody, who spoke first, with a warm smile crossing her face and the glow of loving tears welled up at her eye’s edges. “Sometime back now, we married in the village of my parents with people from Iron Beard and Estonia’s village there as well.”
“Yes daughter that is the news I was hoping for. Now I can tell you both this short story.” She said as she put her hands across the table and for a moment took both of theirs in hers before continuing again. “Your mother, Dax, had passed from this life long before I met your father and you. He had also given his heart completely to your mother and her passing left a gap in his heart. You owned another piece of it. He filled that gap with his search for the metal ore he sought, he came here still searching. My father took a strong liking to Feron, and he became friends with my brothers. He did not find his ore here, but he stayed a long time. My brothers were both already married, but I was not. Feron showing himself to be a skilled iron monger they showed him the secret of the ore we use for our effigies. But that was not the same ore he was looking for. My father saw that during this time my heart was full of Feron even knowing that one day he would leave. By that time your father and I knew we loved each other, he felt blessed by that love, as did I. You being so young at the time did not see that, nor that I came love you, as the son of my heart. Both of these loves have blessed the rest of my life. Now let me ask, besides letting me meet your lovely wife, was there anything you came to me to ask?”
“Freyjin, I have always thought of you like a son loves his mother. And in truth recently things have evolved that I did wish us to stop here and ask one favor. Would you be able to tell me the secret, you just mentioned my father knew about the ore that is used to make the directional effigies.”
“That would be easier than you think. Many Tripolians know it’s so called secret, all those of Ederwess know it especially all Marauders. This peninsula of Tripolia has frequent storms, many with frequent lightning strikes every year, more than anywhere in the world we are told. Many generations ago, someone was close enough during one of these to see an ore that had been struck by such a strike. The pieces left broken after the strike now had a new sheen to it and then when it was picked up, looked at and then placed back on the ground, it turned on its own. He tried this several times and noticed that each time he put the piece back down, it always turned to point the same way. When he looked at that direction, he saw it was always due north. He took it to an iron monger they forged some small bar or something and tried it again. In short between them they got the first idea of how that could help seamen especially. Today it is just a part of our lives, even though we tend not to share that with many, it is our edge you might say.”
“So, all I would have to do is watch and find where lightning strikes the ground?”
“I don’t know if it is that easy, but for sure in the mountains just south of Ederwess you find much of it lying on the ground. It would be easy to walk there, pick up pieces of the shiny black ore rocks. Then set them back down on the ground and see if they turn by themselves, the ones that do will work. If you want we could take a walk up there tomorrow, if you wish.”
“We have two other couples traveling with us. Men from my unit and their wives; would it be agreeable if they joined us?”
“Oh, yes I would like to also meet some of your friends. Let us say after morning meal?”
“Surely, Freyjin. But tonight I want you to join all of us in evening meal anywhere you would like to eat.”
“That sounds wonderful. Where should I meet you?”
“We will all come to get you and we can go wherever you like.”
“Well then, you two go do what you need and I will be ready, say just before dusk.”
All three stood up. It was Melody who walked to Freyjin first, taking her in her arms and whispering. “Now I have my mother-in-law,” before she and Dax walked back to the docks.
That night the meal went splendidly, many of Freyjin’s neighbors and friends stopped by their table to be introduced. Then the next day they all hiked up the mountain north of Ederwess to look for the ore. The three couples enjoyed looking for the rocks, picking them up and laying them back down to see if they turned on their own and the ones that did were put into two shoulder bags the men had brought. To have watched them would be like watching children playing at some game, had they not been all full grown adults. That night they all had evening meal at Freyjin’s house. Some of those same neighbors and friends dropping by with additional morsels to eat and join the now party, as if Dax was a long lost son come home for a visit. The next morning Freyjin was standing on the docks watching the Windlass leave port for Roden.
A few days later they docked at Roden for two nights and the left again this time for their last port Jav. The voyage to Jav was several days long. They would dock here for three days. The day they docked all three couples disembarked the ship and followed Ceric’s direction for the house of Neven Salas. It took them almost an hour to find the house. When they walked up to the door, Dax knocked. After several moments a middle aged woman answered and asked who they were.
“We were asked to come and talk to Neven Salas. We are from Throgmarden and know the Mage Ceric who lives there.” Dax had told her.
“Of course, he has been expecting you. He was not sure when you were due to arrive. Come on in and I will take you to him. He is out behind the house working in his garden.” She answered and then led them through the house and out a door to a rear area of his house. There was an elderly man with long grey hair kneeling at the edge of some flower beds toiling in the soil. He stood as he heard the footsteps, turned around and looked knowledgeably at the three couples.
“Oh, I see you have arrived. Which one of you is Dax?’
Dax stepped forward and proffered his hand in greeting. “Lord Salas, that would be me, I am Dax.” Dax then turned and introduced Melody as his wife, and then the others in turn.”
“Welcome to my home.” Neven answered back, with a smile of recognition. “You and your men, Captain, are known to me by your burgeoning reputation. And you, Deputy Emissary, I have also been hearing good things about.
The meeting with the Mage was friendly to say the least, and he offered whatever help he might be during the women’s stay in Jav and to Dax upon his return. At about midday, the three couples excused themselves to return to the business of resupplying their ship and getting the wives settled in Jav.
“Before you go to all that trouble. I have a large house here with more than enough room for you ladies and your children to stay as long as you are here in Jav. I would appreciate the company for that time, if you will accept my humble invitation?”
“Are you sure? We have other arrangements we can make. We did not expect such a courtesy.”
“Please, it would be my pleasure and you would allow me some time around such lovely house companions for a while.”
They accepted his offer graciously and vowed to return somewhat later. Dax, Ruthor and Cran all thanked the Mage for his kind offer as well, saying they would be back with their wives belongings that afternoon.
That afternoon all were settled into Neven’s residence, even the husbands were spending the evenings there after each day’s flurry of activities of securing and stocking all the final supplies, added equipment and livestock for the voyage. During one of those days of purchasing supplies in the bazaar Dax saw a Sand Walker trader at a stall among all the others. He stopped and introduced himself to the man in the Sand Walker language. The man looked at him with a questioning eye until Dax pulled the Badge of Honor from his pouch briefly, then the trader’s eyes widened.
The trader looked down at Darma standing next to Dax and then looked back at Dax saying. “I am honored to meet you Captain, you and your men are known to us all. Is there some way I may be of assistance?”
“Are you here in Jav for a long time?”
“No, but there is usually at least one of us here at most times. This is a stall we all use when we are here trading in goods.”
“Would it be an imposition to ask a small favor of you then?”
“None at all from any of us. What may we do?”
“I am going to be leaving on a ship soon. But I and two of my men you mentioned will be leaving our wives and children here with a man named Neven Salas. If at some time they need help, could I leave word that they could seek the Sand Walker here for such help?”
“You and your men are a part of our people now. That would include your wives and children as well. How many do you leave behind?’
“Three wives and two small children.”
The trader opened a pouch sitting on the ground beside him and handed three small stones from it to Dax. The stones were opalene, with multi-colored flecks shining with in their opaque luster. “These simple stones are for your wives. They are found nowhere in the world except he Waste and are given only to our wives as presents. We never trade them. Your wives will be known as wives of men of our people by them. Tell them to come here and show them to whatever Trader is here and he will treat them as family.”
“Thank you, I hope they will not need them, but I owe you a debt if they do.”
“There will be no debt. They, as you, are of us now and always.”
Dax looked around the man’s stall and purchased some of his goods that could be used on the ship. Then went about his other business after telling the man blessings of the day. That evening he gave one of each of the stones to Melody, Gayla and Aiela when the three couples were alone for a few moments, explaining what they were.
Melody, Gayla and Aiela spent an entire day with the Under Emissary in his office in JAV. He asked Aiela if she would like to work with him while she was there as well. Both she and Gayla could bring their children with them, she had been excited at the proposal and accepted.
It was on that last evening before the Windlass was to leave port in the morning that each couple spent more time together alone. On that last evening as Dax and Melody were lying on their bed, Melody turned to Dax and with a sly little smile on her face and almost whispered. “I would like to thank you my husband.”
“For what I have I done to be thanked for, Melody?”
“Because you have given me that one present that I asked you for some time back.”
Dax leaned on his elbow for long moments before he also started to smile and asked. “Are you telling me….”
“Yes, my love, I am with our first child, before you leave.”
Dax beamed with a heart full of happiness. ”Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am sure and by the look on your face you are as happy as I am.”
Dax pulled himself closer took Melody in his arms and kissed her long before answering. “So much more than happy, my love. If we are gone when your time comes due, there is Asbydahl in Pelia, do you remember me telling you of her?”
“Yes, my love I do, she is the midwife who lives that that helped you and your men.”
“That is her, she is a long revered midwife and well thought of by the women in Damna the Great’s harem and his mother, the former Queen. You should send for her, she is very knowledgeable in those arts. Tell her where you are and that you are my wife, she will come.”
“How would I get word to her, Dax?”
“The stone I gave you. You, Gayla or Aiela go to the stall I told you about. Show the stone to the trader there. He will get a Sand Walker to seek Asbydahl out and bring her back to you. She can be trusted.”
“I will do that. You always amaze me at how much you see that I am happy and protected.”
They slept that night wrapped in each other’s arms.
The next morning with dawn breaking behind them, the Windlass was making its way westward out of the port of Jav. Three sad wives, two with small children and an old man with long grey hair, stood together watching it shrink in the distance on a wide unending calm sea.
