OUTLANDER
Chapter 10
Fog of Deception
The journey from Throgmarden to Eigle was pleasant for the now four friends, Melody, Gayla, Wendor and his wife Lesia. On the day they started out Melody shared new news with them. She had a conversation with the Emissary in Throgmarden about a possible post there for her and he had been very receptive. She had decided such a change just might be what she wanted after her conversation with Domina during the shopping day in Throgmarden the day before. Gayla and Lesia were immediately happy with this news, Wendor had been less enthused until Lesia explained it in detail. They were traveling in Wender’s carriage, he was seated up in the driver’s seat with Lesia seated beside him but they could still hear a part of the conversation.
“You women are incorrigible, what makes you think we men don’t know our own minds better than that?” Good natured laughter ensued from all three young women. So in defeat he added. “Okay, well I just hope you are right. What kind of position did the Emissary think he could offer you?”
Melody explained it would be comparable to the one she had already, and at possibly a belter income even.
Once they all arrived in Eigle they had separated and started going about their separate ventures. Wendor and Lesia were in the market for some new items to purchase as Wendor conducted some business for his father and grandfather’s business. Gayla started by seeking out a couple of old friends to visit and Melody went straight away to the Triad’s office. Later Gayla was going to meet Melody at her house and go to dinner.
When Gayla arrived, Melody ushered her in; Gayla was excited to hear how her meeting with the Triad had went.
“How did it go at the Triad office?”
“Better than I had even hoped for. All three members were there and we had a long meeting. They were at first somewhat sad that I wanted to make the move, but then one of them came up with a counter proposal that he thought was to the Triad’s benefit. They proposed that I move to Throgmarden, but instead of working for the Emissary as a clerk or something, that I go there as a Deputy Area emissary for them. I would still be working on things the Emissary needs, but more as a liaison for the Triad to all the Emissaries of Marden, Escaldia, Vlandess, Neder and Steldar. They think the Emissary of Marden at Throgmarden will be even more pleased as it will look as if Marden is elevated by having the honor of a Deputy Emissary at his location. And they offered me a higher income, if I agree?”
“I think so, however, there is one small detail. We discussed that you and I should talk about.”
“Sure, what is it?”
“They thought that it would also be good if I had an assistant in this new post and asked if I would have anyone in mind to fill it. I told them yes, but I would like to talk to them first and they agreed. So what do you think?”
“I am very happy for you. When are you going to talk to the one you are thinking about?”
Melody smiled broadly. “I am, right now.”
*****
It had taken Ofid many days to make the journey from Neder to his home. He had purposefully avoided going through Dakam, he had not wanted the Commander there asking any questions about him traveling alone with Brenna. And as he had neared Throgmarden he decided to do the same.
He had been overjoyed at their welcome to his farm and home. Abindal at first had a questioning look as he rode in with Brenna sitting in front of him in the saddle. But as soon as he introduced her to his wife and family the look went from questioning to immediate compassion and after she picked Brenna up and held the small girl to her breast the look became one of motherly love. His son and daughter took only minutes to accept her as well; and even before Ofid had the time to walk into his house, all three were playing and West had joined them at their games.
He only took the time for two days of Brenna getting settled in before he told them goodbye again, promising to return as soon as the mission was over. On his return trip he rode longer days, still avoiding contact with those who would ask too many questions. And after dropping down from the mountains into the area close to Neder itself, he rode through the city and straight for the farmstead where they had found Brenna. From there he started heading west keeping within sight of the Stinking Waters edge but no nearer until he was within distant sight of the western Fire Mountains. Here he found Dax and the Wolf Pack searching one of the last farmsteads on the map from the Neder council.
*****
“Me, you want me to work with you for the Triad?”
“Yes, I do if you think you would like that. I think you would make a great assistant. You are honest, you have lived your life around successful people. You are well aware of the kinds of protocols we will be dealing with. The rest you can learn, you are bright Gayla, and most of all I like you, I know I can trust you. And even better, you would have an income all your own. So what do you think?”
“I think, yes. No, I know yes. Thank you so much for asking me, Melody. I will never let you down. So what comes next?”
“Next we go to evening meal and then get some rest. Tomorrow we get up and you go with me to meet the Triad members.”
“Oh yes, I think I want to celebrate. But sleep, I only hope I can settle down enough by then to actually fall asleep.” The both women softly laughed together.
The following two days were filled with activity for the two young women with Gayla getting acquainted with the Triad and other workers there. Melody also talking with those she needed to. So she could start preparing for the move, and both meeting back up with Wendor and Lesia so they could share the news with them as well. On the third day Melody and Gayla left Eigle for a quick as possible trip to Fire River Cave Village so Melody could visit Bulb Nose and Daitha to introduce Gayla and share all the news. Gayla was amazed at the Cave Village when they arrived, she had never been there before. Daitha was more than ecstatic at the news about Melody and Dax meeting again, then traveling together to Throgmarden. She showered her happiness and motherly welcome to Gayla. She was even excited about the news of the move and heightened status for her daughter with the Triad and Gayla’s new position. Bulb Nose was less excited about the move, until his wife reminded him lovingly of its full possible implications, at the idea of Melody and Dax living in the same city, and with important positions there. Then finally a wry smile crossed Melody’s father’s face, which at this smile caused his daughter to blush slightly as if having been caught at something. Which caused all four of them to laugh heartily.
After a second day at the Fire River Cave Village, Melody and Gayla bid their goodbyes to Bulb Nose and Daitha and made their way back to Eigle. Once there it took only two more days before Melody, Gayla, Lesia and Wendor started on their return trip on the road beside the Arn River toward Throgmarden. It would take them several days to arrive back home.
*****
When all five men had finished their search of the last previously attacked farmstead on the map, Dax told everyone he thought it would be a good idea to cross over the Fire Mountains close to where they were. Then emerge in Lagdian along the Prah River and follow it down to Viral.
“May I ask why Viral, Dax? Do you wish to visit King Amish Magdar again?”
“No, but it would probably be a good idea. Just for protocol purposes though. He does not need to know of our mission. What I want to do is find a ship there, one we can book passage on to Drokar on the main island of Steldar.”
“Fine, but may I ask why we are going to Steldar? Not that I mind, but we seem to be going a long way around to get back to Neder.”
“Let me explain a little; the entire idea is as yet only taking seed in my brain. In Steldar I would like to talk to some of the merchant sea captains. I am curious about how much they know of the Shadows Beach area between the Sea of Storms and Trees of Dark, especially about the people of Crogdom. They are the only ones who do business with them. In fact I have never talked with anyone who has ever seen the people there. I am sure we will need to pay our respects to Ormish Drofeld and his queen Shemaine. But only as pure courtesy, since we are in Thane Eric’s employ and would not want for our presence to appear improper. I can only decide our next move for certain after we talk to the sea captains.”
With this everyone nodded agreement, mounted up and headed toward the nearest pass over the Western Fire Mountains. Dax knew in his mind that they would for sure be spotted by someone from the Prah Village high above and well hidden from that pass. Someday he knew he should talk more with his sergeant-at-arms and friend, Ruthor about the dwarf people, but this was not the time or place.
A few days later they were in Viral and had met with Amish Magdar. The reception had been warm and he had offered them evening meal invitations, which Dax had replied sincere thanks, but said they needed to acquire passage on a ship more urgently. King Magdar had accepted the postponement graciously with a future invitation on their next visit.
Finally now at the docks, they obtained the passage they needed rather quickly since there was a Tripolian merchant vessel due to leave port the next morning at high tide and his next port of call was indeed Drokar.
At dawn the next morning they were at sea and headed south toward Steldar. Over the next several days the voyage was uneventful. Except for the nervousness of the Dire Wolves and wary eyes of the sailors on board the ship. Large wolves were not their usual passengers, even if they were traveling with these men. Sailors were always a superstitious lot anyway.
Dax and his men were the first ones off the ship when it was tied to the dock in the port of Drokar. Dax did not waste any time in wandering the piers and asking for any ship’s captains that he could have a conversation with. Eventually they came to merchant ship named The Sea Wench and struck up a conversation with its First Mate, a large man with a scar over his right temple, who said is name was Davar.
“What is it you want with Captain Meldon, then?”
“I would like to talk to him about his trading with the people of Crogdom, and possibly passage after that.”
“Aye, he would be the one to talk to. But I wouldn’t call them people myself, at least not like us anyway. You can probably find him at The Whale’s Tail. That’s an ale house up that street, yonder.” Davar pointed to a street headed away from the docks just to the left of where the ship was tied. “Not far, it’ll be on the starboard side, with a sign hanging over the door.”
“Thank you, Davar. We will look for him there.”
“If he be not there, ask the Inn man, he might know where he is.”
“Thanks again for your help.” Dax turned to his men and they turned to walk toward the street. Davar was not wrong, the ale house was the third building up the street and the sign over the door had a drawing of a whale’s tail painted in the sign’s middle. The interior was dank and smelled of ale and mead. Dax had to pause long enough for his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light inside. As he did the patrons and barman all turned their gaze in the direction of the five men who had entered with Dire Wolves standing beside them.
“Hey, who are you men and why are you bringing Wolves into my tavern? I don’t want no trouble in here with those creatures or the likes of you lot.” It was the man behind the shabby looking bar who yelled his disapproval.
“There will be no trouble, unless someone else starts it. My name is, Dax and I am looking to talk with Captain Meldon of the Sea Wench.”
“I am Meldon, and I do not know you. What is it you want with me?” the answer came from a short looking man with streaked grey hair sitting at a table in the rear of the room.
“I would like to talk with you, if you will allow it?” Then Dax looked toward the barman again and said. “I will buy a round for all in here, and whatever my men would like as well. Now, may I join you and talk for a while?”
It was the barman who spoke first. “A round would get my agreement, but keep those animals under control.”
Captain Meldon spoke as the Barman was done. “Talk is fine now that I am having another ale, on you. Come and sit with me, but there is only room for you.”
Dax took two ales from what the barman was pouring and walked toward the Captain’s table, Darma stayed close to Dax. He sat the two mugs on the table and then sat in the chair across from the Captain.
“Thank you for agreeing to talk with me. I have been told that you are more knowledgeable about trading with those at Crogdom than anyone. Would you agree to talk to me about them and are you sailing close to there anytime soon?”
“First off, I would want to know why it is you want to know about the Crogs.”
“I am a Captain in service to Thane Eric of Marden, not a sea captain. Those four who came in with me are my men. We are on a mission from him to Neder, to assist them with a recent problem they have been having. In that I have determined I need to know more about those people, it may mean nothing and again it may. But, I can say it, in no way effects your dealings with them. I just have not enough knowledge of them to cancel them out from what I have determined so far.”
“Alright Captain Dax, but since when do men of Marden travel with Dire Wolves? Most people here in Steldar have never seen a Dire Wolf.”
“My men and I are the only ones that do and that is a rather recent occurrence.”
“That I can believe. I have been dealing with them for many years now. At first, I was a common sailor and then the first mate of my old captain who dealt with them for a very long time. When he went to his watery grave, several years ago now, it came to me. But even I would not say I know that much about the Crogs, they are a secretive lot. Some say they are not men, I disagree to some extent. But it is right that they are not like us.”
“How so?”
“They are men, but men who seem to be a step behind other men. They are large in size, but yet look somewhat different. Their brows protrude more than any people than I have ever seen. They have denser body hair and are in general more muscular; arms, legs and chest. Their speech is more rudimentary, sounding of clicks and guttural grunts among their simpler words and they use more signs as they talk. Many times when I stop there, they have piled what they want to trade on that damned black beach in front of those ugly houses. Then if I have my men put down what I want to trade with them beside theirs, they don’t even come out to haggle. If it stays quiet and my men pick up their trade offerings without any yelling or coming out from the trees to stop us, I just load up and leave. If they come out from within the trees as they are never in their houses, then we barter until they are agreeable with the trade, and then we pack up and leave. Most of my men don’t like getting too close to their houses or them.”
“But you can talk to them?”
“Yes, in a way. I have gotten to know the gist of their tongue, at least as far as to know when they are agreeable.”
“Might I ask what they usually want to trade for, I am not here to interfere with you, but it might help me to understand that?”
“Mostly food; vegetables, fruits, things like that. Never meat for some reason. Along with that items made of steel; knives, axes, spearheads. They are never interested in cookware or cloth items.”
“So what do they leave for you in trade?”
“Skins of dark fur and a leather of some scaled animal that is very tough. They are not very good at tanning though. We have to either supplement that process quickly unless I know we will be trading them off to a few leather workers who are now used to those leathers as we get them. The furs and leather are rare and exceptional for some purposes. Then at times there are brightly colored plumes and feathers that I have seen from nowhere else in the world. But there is never any crafted items for trade as there are with other people, just the raw materials.”
“Thank you. As to my other question, will you be going there or close soon? If so could my men and I get passage on your ship and remember that is five of us with the same number of wolves and horses?”
“Yes, I am leaving the day after tomorrow. My crew’s shore leaves expires tonight. So we will be re-provisioning and taking on cargo tomorrow and then catching the next morning’s high tide. Passage for five men is no problem, but adding the wolves could be hazardous and the horses especially would cut down on the amount of cargo I could carry. So the passage for all of you would be costly, if you are willing pay such costs then I would agree. Know that I am going to Crogdom first, then Skalm, Ard, Bjalm and Throgmarden. How far would you like passage?”
“Only as far as Skalm. My plan is to return to Neder from there.”
“That would be better for me as well. I will tally the passage cost. You can find me at The Sea Wench tomorrow and we can settle on the passage then. I can also have you meet with my first mate so the two of you can make the arrangements as to quarters for that far.”
“Do you think my men and I could disembark with you at Crogdom, just four of us no animals? I would need for one of my men to stay with the wolves.”
“Would you be willing to take the place of the crew loading and unloading trade goods? That would be the only way I would think it would not cause any trouble with the Crogs themselves?”
“Of course, that would be reasonable.”
“Then I could agree.”
“As do I. I will find you at your ship tomorrow, say around midday?”
“Fine, I will see you then.”
Dax stood and shook the captain’s hand, turned and left the ale house with his men following him out the door. The five men decided on accommodations at a nearby stable for the entire wolf pack. The next morning Dax and Ruthor made the obligatory greetings to King Drofeld and his Queen Shemaine in the name of Thane Eric, saying they were just passing through Steldar and on no official business on this trip. Ormish Drofeld had been grateful and offered his greetings back to Thane Eric on their return home. At midday Dax had met with Captain Meldon and settled on the passage amount, it had been hefty, but Dax paid the fee without haggling. He and his men would board the ship that night, there would be no time in the early hours before dawn, as high tide was before that.
The voyage from Drokar to the beginnings of Shadows beach was relatively short and the ship paralleled the coast for several days before sighting the much wider beach where Crogdom was located. During those days, Dax and his men spent many hours scrutinizing the terrain by looking through hand held field scopes made of leather with magnified glass at it’s ends. Indeed the entire length of beach appeared to be of some black material rather than the usual sand. And at these distances where the Trees of Dark could be seen, it looked like an impenetrable wall of brown barks and shades of green vegetation.
The day came then when the ship made anchor across from a much wider beach. The crew positioned two row boats in the water and placed considerable trade goods in the boats before Captain Meldon, Dax, Ruthor, Vlad and Ofid with four of the captain’s crew climbed ropes down and into the boats. Then the two boats pushed off and the men rowed for the beach. Once beached on the black sand everyone carried the trade goods close to structures nearer the trees. There they found covered piles close by. After three different trips with goods, Captain Meldon uncovered the piles already there. After looking at what was there he had men move some of his trade goods back. Then he stood and waited.
A hand full of heavily built men emerged from the dense dark within the trees. These men carried knives and axes as they walked. Dax and his men made mental assessments of these men who neared. They were largely unclothed with only scant breech cloths covering their middle torso. Their hair was wildly unkept and they all sported heavy facial hair with dark set eyes. At first nothing was said. Then finely the one standing a pace before the others raised his axe and pointed in the direction of one of the piles of trade goods that had moved farther away. Captain Meldon motioned for one of his men to bring that part toward the pile close to the group of two. But it was Dax who moved quickly to pick up the one Meldon pointed to and move it. Once he had it on the ground at its new location, Dax moved back a couple of paces. The lead Crog grunted in between guttural sounds words, which Captain Meldon uttered some kind of reply to. With this the Crog’s backed a few steps back closer to the tree line and the captain told everyone to start carrying the traded for goods to the boats. During the trips to the boats and back Dax and his men spent more time looking towards the buildings than keeping watch on their feet. Once the goods were in the boats Meldon told everyone to shove off from the beach. While doing so it was Ruthor who grabbed a handful of the black material of the beach and secreted it into a pouch he untied from the sash at his waist. Boats now in the sea, men rowed for the ship. Dax watched as they and the crew of the ship raised the loaded boats back on board after the away detail climbed back up and onto the ship. The small group of Crogs appeared to still be standing just in front of the tree line.
The call was made to set sail and the Sea Wench moved up the coastline. Dax and his men helped in stowing the trade goods below decks. While doing so they took stock of what it was the Captain had traded for and just as he had told Dax in the ale house it was; skins, pelts and plumes of vary colorful feathers, some more bright than any Dax’s men had ever seen.
During the next days Dax and his men discussed at length what they had all observed. At one point it concerned the men they had seen
“Those men would be very formidable in a hand to hand fight. Swords would be an equalizer in such a fight against their knives and axes. But they looked to be quite strong and would have long endurance.” Vlad had said at one point, which they all agreed on.
“Yes, but their language belies a possible difficulty in communication, or at least it seemed like that to me.” Cran had added rather quizzically
“I would not count on that too much. Although it might seem that way to us, they probably understand each other just as we do ourselves.” Dax added.
At another point they talked about the houses or buildings they had seen.
“Those house looked like little more than mud and grass that had been dumped one shovel full upon another one until they dried and got high enough to be walls. Then only one doorway, but no door. And no windows.” Ofid had relayed in a bewildered tone.
“True, however the roof seemed to be some kind of long large reeds crisscrossed maybe with some kind of huge leaves on that and then more of that mud or whatever it was piled on top of that. And I could see no smoke hole, chimney for a fireplace, or anything to make it look like you could heat or cook inside the house.”
“Yes, a pity we could not look inside one of them. Then maybe we would have some answers to what looked crude, or just more questions.” Cran added in, which made them all laugh.
It was many days before the ship made port at Skalm just beyond where high cliffs dropped almost straight down into the sea for almost half a day of sailing with no beach at all between the cliffs and steep rocks of the cliffs.
After they docked in Skalm, Dax bade his goodbyes and thanks to Captain Meldon. He had bartered the man for a small section of the leather, one smaller black fur and a few of the feather plumes. Dax wanted to have some evidence of what they had seen.
He told his men they were going to go directly up into the southern end of the Fire Mountains, here at Skalm. Although here some called them the Dakam Mountains, due to their being not as imposing as the Fire Mountains were known for. He wanted to look for a pass or trails that might be close down along the Trees of Dark extent to the Stinking Waters before they came close to Neder on that side of the mountains.
*****
At one of their nightly stop overs Wendor had talked about his Grandfather and Grandmother’s move from Eigle to Throgmarden those many years ago. Banjin had always been good with numbers and had a sense on how to use that knowledge in helping people make sound judgments on how to increase their holdings. He had made that into a way of earning his living even before they left Eigle. After Wendor’s father became of age, he followed his father into his business. Finally Banjin opened an office in the part of Throgmarden where men had offices who counseled on concepts of the laws of Marden, those who wrote grievance’s to be brought before the Thane or in the court and similar types of business endeavors. At first he had called his office Banjin’s Accounting and Negotiation Counselors, but as the years went by people began just referring it to Banc. Wendor himself now worked with his Grandfather and father there. In the last few years they had opened smaller offices in Skalm and Daka so those living far outside had a place to seek their services. In Throgmarden some of the wealthiest of families even put funds into accounts that the Banc managed totally, and gave accounting of back to their customers on a regular basis, but who paid a fee to the Banc for that privilege. Banjin and Francher had become two of the wealthier men in the realm now and were quite respected for their services. Wendor hoped to mirror their respect in time.
Wendor said he was telling this so his sister, Gayla and Melody would look forward to their new endeavors for the Triad in Throgmarden and that he wished them nothing less than complete success. Melody had thanked him for his wishes and the story of his family’s history in Marden since leaving Eigle.
Another few days and the return trip to Throgmarden was over. Melody had found a house to move into with Gayla’s help and the two had started setting up their office in the rooms granted them by the Emissary.
*****
Every day that passed Abindal loved Brenna. Yestal had taken onto himself becoming her big brother. Dena and Brenna were becoming closer than some blood sisters in many ways. Abindal had explained to Brenna that Ofid could be gone for some time. When she had the little girl had looked sad at first, until Dena hugged her and said they all missed Father when he was gone, but loved it all the more when he came home again. Then Abindal had cautiously added that Ofid was her father as well now and Brenna had beamed at first, but asked. “Then you are my new mother?”
“Yes, I am Brenna, if that is what you want?”
“I do, but that is not wrong, is it? I loved my first mother and father, this won’t hurt them will it.”
“No child, they are smiling where they are knowing you are and will always be loved. They know you will always love them as well.”
“Okay, I would not want them to be hurt. But I do love all of you, too.”
“We know Brenna and so do they.”
*****
“Great One, I have news of the outlander Dax.” Pollocan said the words with slow caution to his ruler.
“And quickly, you old fool. Tell me this so called news.” Damna the Great almost yelled as he turned his head from a beautiful young woman of his harem sitting next to him on a pile of large ornately decorated pillows. “You can return to the harem, woman. I will call for you again later.”
“One of my birds came in a few days ago with a message saying one of my spies in Viral had heard he had been there briefly not long ago. Dax had an audience with King Amish Magdar, but just as briefly boarded a ship for Drokar.”
“Naturally after your idiot found out he was there, too late, I will wager.”
“So it was, Great One. But I immediately sent a bird to my spy in Steldar. I just got a message back from him, only moments ago. He says that yes, Dax, was there but had left on a ship called the Sea Wench the morning he got my message. He said the ship was making several ports on its way to Throgmarden and that Dax and his men were only going as far as Skalm. By my calculations they would not be there for a couple of days. So I have sent a bird to one of our men there, he should have my message to track down the outlander Dax, when he does and send us word of his location.”
“Why did you not tell him to just kill the dog and take the effigy I want, in your message?”
“Because, Eminence, you signed a pact to Thane Eric not to take any actions in Marden. If Dax goes somewhere other than in Marden from Skalm, then we can abduct or kill him without breaking the pact you made.”
“You had better hope he does, you old fool. I want that trinket. This man of ours in Skalm, is he capable?”
“He is capable, but so are the two in Viral and Drokar. It comes down to a matter of timing and the messages not taking longer than the outlander’s movements.”
“Your timing is as old as you are, worthless one. Now leave me and do not return with mistakes again.”
*****
Dax and his men were crossing the main pass from Skalm to Neder near the Dakam Mountains summit when an eagle was heard above them. Everyone except Dax looked skyward to get a glimpse of the regal bird. Dax knew there was no bird to be seen, he was sure they had passed close to a lookout from the Skalm village and there would be nothing to see in the skies above. Shortly after that he turned their path slightly southward and off the more frequently traveled road and took a much less traveled system of animal trails; he wanted to descend into the foothills south of where the road met the plains toward Neder. The next day at about midday they first sighted where the Trees of Dark converged at the foothill’s edge. Even from here you could see nothing but the dense high canopy of forest running toward where he knew the southern coast with its black beaches were to as far as they could see northward along the foothills meeting the forest. Now they turned to the northward route, staying above the forests so that their view was broader.
As they camped that evening they discussed the possibility of descending lower to explore the edge of the Trees of Dark. At least some increased knowledge of them could be helpful in making plans later.
After eating jerked meat with brewed tea the men mounted and descended down the slope. As they halted just inside the edge of the trees it was Cran who spoke first. “Dax, a bow would be useless in this heavy growth. I can but barely see that East’s neck hairs are all prickled at just this short distance in.”
“I agree Cran, I can hear Darma’s low guttural growl below me as we speak and my mount is getting somewhat more skittish with each step forward.” Dax answered his friend as he turned in his saddle to make a full scan all about him. “Everyone unsheathe your blades, dismount and lead your horses. We will cut a swath somewhat farther. We may need the path we hack out of this growth to return to the light of day. These trees and undergrowth are of a like, and denseness the likes of which I have never encountered before. Be extremely vigilant while we are in these so called Trees of Dark.”
