OUTLANDER
Chapter 11
Questions upon Questions
Dax and his men slowly hacked their way forward inch by inch, sweat dripping over whelps and cuts they sustained as they moved. A couple of times they crossed what looked like low animal tracks through the heavy undergrowth. The light from their entry point into the Trees had disappeared behind them as they moved forward in an almost lightless advance until their internal clocks told them it was nearing midday. Dax stopped briefly, then looked back to speak. “Cran, take the reins of Ruthor and my mounts. We two will hack our way slightly more ahead, I believe I see more light ahead. When we confirm this we will return. Darma and North will accompany us.”
“As you wish, Dax.”
The two men hacked their way for another half an hour, then stopped. They stood there talking for only moments before returning and then telling everyone to turn around in place and follow their hacked out path back to the foot of the mountains. As they did, Dax would sporadically cut a leaf or flower and even some bark with thorns off the trees and plants as they moved, he put what he accumulated into his saddle bags. At one point they saw a strange animal cross their path ahead of them where they had seen one of the animal tracks crossing their way in. Dax asked Cran if he had seen the beast, and he had. So Dax asked him to remember it well for discussing later. In all it took them less time to find their way back to the mountain than it had coming in, but it was still almost midway between the sun’s highest point on its way toward the eventual coming of dusk.
They remounted and then rode their way back to the track where they had descended down from that morning and turned north again along the trail. At just before nightfall they stopped to camp and have a meal sitting on boulders close together. Cran found a soft dark stone to draw an image of the animal he had seen and after everyone agreed it was a good likeness, Cran put the drawing in his saddlebag for safe keeping.
Two days later they crossed a stream breaking its way across the track and then falling straight down the mountain as a water fall that was creating a small pool with a stream flowing into the dense forest. Everyone refilled their water flagons, drank heartily, and then camped again for the night. The next day they had explored into the forest again here. The going had been easier with the stream banks to make their way and they had emerged again within time to travel farther north. Finally they could see where forest merged into the beginnings of the Stinking Waters swamp. For the next three days the group of men did as they had done with the forest, including once going down the mountain and venturing a short ways into the swamp. This time they stopped when Dax had stepped into a pocket of swallowing earth. Ruthor and Cran had been able to get him a limb to hold onto as they got him and his horse back from the pocket of sinking earth. At that point everyone reversed and left the swamp in the same tracks they had made entering from the mountain. Once there they continued on north until they finally met the road from Skalm to Neder and began the easier trip along it. A few times as they rode over the following four days they met travelers headed toward Skalm and a day away from Neder were joined by a traveler headed the same way. He had asked to join their camp and accompany them the rest of the way and they agreed. Early the next morning as everyone was awakening the stranger was standing a short distance apart from the others and loosed an arrow at Dax as he started to rise from the ground. The arrow struck him between his shoulder and just above his chest. The arrow lodged in Dax’s body with its head just through his back. Cran had seen the man as he loosed the arrows flight and had reacted instantaneously letting two of his own arrows into the stranger, both were killing shots.
Dax fell back to the ground, cursed and looked at the wound with the arrow protruding from his chest. Ruthor and Ofid were at his side and kneeling over him almost instantaneously, while Vlad had ran to the stranger on the ground with his blade in his hand.
“He is dead Dax.”
“Ruthor, take out your blade. I want you to break the fletching of the arrow, then smooth is break backwards in the direction of where the fletching had been, Cran do you remember the look of the moss I used after our first encounter with the Lagdain rebels?”
“Yes, Dax I do.”
“Go now, quickly and find me some and bring it back.”
“I will only be a moment.” As Cran said that he was sprinting away.
Dax turned his head back to Ruthor and Ofid. “Ofid, stoke up the coals from our night fire, stoke it up and add more wood into as hot a flame as you can.”
“It will be done, Dax.” After answering, Ofid set to work on his task.
Dax turned to Ruthor. “We must wait for Ofid and Cran to be ready. Vlad tear at the sleeves of that man’s tunic and tell me what you see.”
Vlad bent down over the man and ripped the sleeves from the tunic at the shoulder seam. Then he bent closer for a better look before turning his head back in the direction of Dax and Ruthor. “Dax, he has the same kind of tattoos that you have on his body.”
“Just as I expected. This is the work of Damna the Great. I don’t know how he knew to look for us here, but he or that Mage sent this man to kill me. Check his possessions and see what he has.”
Vlad did as he was bade by his captain. After rifling the man’s shoulder bag he walked over to where Dax lay with a pouch in his hand, then showing the pouch to him as he knelt close said. “Dax, this looks like your pouch.”
“It is, that is the other part he was after. Now we can be sure he was sent by that olive skinned tyrant.”
At that moment Cran returned with the moss he had found. “I believe this is the same kind, Dax.”
“Yes it will do. Ruthor wipe your blade and heat it in the fire, it needs to be as hot as you can get it.”
Ruthor unsheathed the blade and went to where Ofid had the fire burning with high flames and red hot coals glowing below them. He placed the sword hilt on a rock with the blade right at the coals.
Dax looked at Vlad. “Find a hand sized flat rock, and bring it here.” Then he turned to Cran again. “Find some cloth, maybe from that stranger’s tunic, tear it into long strips and come back.” Both men quickly did as asked. As they did Ruthor turned toward Dax and said the blade looked hot enough.
As Vlad and Cran returned again, Dax spoke to them all. “You, my friends will have to do this. I may pass out for a while as you do, but I will come to again. Now in as close a concert as you can, Vlad place the flat rock on the end of the arrow shaft, then drive it through my body. As you do Cran can pull it out through my back. Ofid you will need to hold me up in a sitting position while they do this. Ruthor you need to press your hot blade against both wounds as soon as you can front first and then back. That’s when I will probably pass out. As soon as my skin has been seared wrap the strips of cloth across both wounds, be sure to place the moss on the burns as you wrap the first strips. Make the bindings tight. That is the best you can do for me. Now, as quickly as you can do it.”
As Dax sat there the men did as he had directed in quick and close movements. As he had expected it was the pain from the charring of his flesh that caused him to pass out, his body going limp.
Two hours later Dax started to stir from his body shocked state. He turned his head to see all four of his men focused on his movements. “You all did well, it hurts, but that in itself is a good sign. By chance did anyone make some tea while I was out?” it was Cran who handed him a metal cup with the steaming brew. “Ah, thank you my friends.”
“We placed your pouch back in your saddle bag and buried the stranger nearby while we waited.”
“Good, I have no more need of his body. We know who sent him, and we will deal with that on a later date.”
“You should rest today, we can go into Neder tomorrow morning.”
“I agree, the tea was good Cran. I think I will lay back and sleep a little more.”
*****
Melody had settled into her house to her satisfaction within a couple of days. She and Gayla were just now starting to assume their new duties at the Emissary building. Emissary himself had been more than cordial and accommodating to the two young women. He had said he was enthusiastic about their change in status and that he was in complete agreement with the Triad’s decision. He had even smiled during one such discussion as if this new arrangement elevated his own status with the other emissaries in the eastern half of the world, with the new Deputy Emissary being stationed in his realm.
Word had just arrived today of a possible issue for Melody to look into, the Triad had now heard of the problems the council at Neder was having with deaths during attacks from an unknown source along their southern border with the Stinking Waters. Both Melody and Gayla had personal misgivings to this news since that was where Dax and Ruthor were and had been for almost two moon phases now. This elevation in concern was disconcerting to both of them.
“I know we have to have every appearance of neutrality in all things, but how can I be neutral when I fear this involves Ruthor?” Gayla had confided in her new friend and the woman she was an assistant to now.
“You need be no more neutral about what concerns Ruthor, than I must when it concerns Dax. What we need to be neutral about is the implications between Realms and Provinces, not those we love.”
“Thank you for that. But what do we do next?”
“For now, we wait, listen to any news we hear from Neder and hope both of them are not in harm’s way.”
At this point the Emissary himself walked into their offices. “I can assume you read the report about the problems in Neder?’
“Yes, we just did and were talking about it. Have we heard from our man there?”
“It was he who sent the report to Eigle. Take heed, he did not mention of any outsider’s deaths though, just that some of their citizens had been killed and that men from Marden were helping them recently.”
“Yes, we saw that also. Thank you, Emissary.”
“You are most welcome. Please, do not become too stressed unless we get more information that warrants it.”
“Thank you, we will do our best. We will wait and continue to do that which we should.”
The Emissary nodded and then left them again.
*****
Freyjin sat across the table from Captain Kerl, a merchant sea captain she had known for many years. Kerl was a jovial man by nature, as she knew him. But others said he was a harsh and demanding captain. She had always found him to be a gentleman and of honest character. Which is why she had asked him to meet her at the Anchor and Sail Inn for a midday meal. She had a favor to ask of this old friend.
“Kerl, by any chance will you be sailing to Throgmarden in the near future?”
“Not for some time yet Freyjin, why do you ask? My next voyage is to Viral, I have a consignment I am taking there in just a few days.”
“I have heard that there is the son of an old acquaintance of mine who lives there now. I would like to get a message to him. I would rather it be given to him by someone I trust and you I trust completely.”
“I thank you for the compliment, as I feel the same of you. Is this message an emergency, by chance?”
“No, not at all. It could wait, if you will deliver it for me, from your hand to his?”
“I will, if that is your wish. But it could be a few moon cycles before I am there next.”
“Thank you, that would be just fine. When you know you are sailing there, I will give you the message. Now let us enjoy this fine meal of Sea Bass.”
“And the excellent company.”
*****
Dax and his men had ridden easily the rest of the way to Neder. They hoped the more leisurely pace would allow for more healing of Dax’s wounds. Besides the horses and Dire Wolves would also benefit from the slower pace for once. As they entered the city they rode directly to the council house. They tied their horses to the hitching rail outside and then climbed the steps to the double entry doors. Once inside they asked for an audience with the councilors. The request was relayed to the three men, who in turn joined them within only several moments, and ushered themselves, Dax and his men accompanied by their wolves into the council chamber.
“What news have you Captain Dax, we are eager to hear your progress. But I see you are wounded, is this wound something we here should be even more concerned about?” It was Jawn Mesan who spoke first, even before he completed seated in his chair behind the large council desk.
“Not at all councilor, this wound is of another nature entirely. We have completed as many searches and investigations as we can. But before I give you our combined thoughts, I would ask one question of the council. Do you know of a man alive who has been the deepest into the Stinking Waters of anyone and where he might be?”
It was Phran the Younger who answered. ‘I do and he lives just outside Neder, as it were. His name is Germain the Bald, why do you ask?”
“I feel we need to talk to this man, before we finalize our assessments completely. If you could tell us where to find him, we would go and visit him first. Then we could return tomorrow morning with a better report and suggestions.”
The three councilors agreed, if that was Dax’s wish and gave him directions to where Germain lived on the north side of Neder. Dax and his men then bade them goodbye with the promise to return by the next morning.
It was past midafternoon by the time they arrived at the man’s house. It was a moderate structure, some distance from any neighbors with only one fairly large sized out building, except for the privy far to the rear of the house. Vines were growing up all the exterior walls with some even climbing onto the roof itself. The men dismounted and tied their horses to the post supporting a small roof over the entry door.
A rather short man of slender build opened the door as they were tying their horses. After looking around at the five men in front of him with the eye of a man who had seen much in his life, he spoke openly to them all. “I have heard some about you men. Which of you is the Captain from Marden?”
“That would be me, I am called Dax. Are you Germain the Bald?”
“Yes, that be me. What is it you seek me out for?”
“We ask to talk with you about The Stinky Waters? We are told you have been farther into them than any man alive.”
“That could be so, actually is so. But I have not been there for several moon cycles now. But ask or talk as you wish. Let us sit down over there, in the shade of that tree, too much time in the sun anymore and my topknot gets burned.”
The six men chuckled at his self-indulgence.
“How far have you explored into the Stinking Waters in the past?”
“Well, let me think.” He paused as if considering his answer before speaking. “The deepest I remember would be just about four leagues, and that took the better part of a second day. Why, is that important?”
“Yes it is. And where was that, if you remember?”
“I am old Captain of Marden, not yet addled. Actually I have been about that far in three, yes three locations. You see you have to enter those swamps where rivers or streams empty into the Sting Waters, only a fool would try walking in. there several small streams that do that, but only three that are large enough to be called rivers. One is not too far southwest of Neder, the other two are much farther to the west.”
“So you rowed down the rivers in a boat?”
“Not rowed, poled. Oars are useless once you get into the swamp. And a normal boat won’t get you far either, at least not if you want to go very far and get back out again.”
“What kind of boat then?”
“Flat bottomed and without points at the front and back. It also needs to be wider than the kind of boat most men who have boats own. I can show it to you, mine is that storage building over there.” He pointed to the large out building they had noticed when they rode onto his property. “Come I will show you. You there, the big one go and open those doors, if you will?”
Vlad and Ofid walked ahead of the others to reach the building first and open the doors as Germaine had asked. Once they were all inside, he bade them to pull traps off a large object in the middle of the building. When they had done that, Dax and his men walked around and looked closely at the odd boat. It was indeed flat on the bottom with no keel at all, and both ends were blunted almost perfectly at right angles to its sides. It also appeared to be quite shallow in draft.
“You can actually ride on the water in this without it sinking?”
“It would be no good if you couldn’t, now would it. You see, once you get any distance at all into the swamps, the water gets broader, in some places as far as you can see, but in many places much, much shallower as well, and in places even too shallow for a normal boat to be of use. One of them would get stuck in the mud or vegetation growth. The last thing you want to do in the swamp is get out of the boat. Almost everything that lives in there is dangerous, most of it deadly, including some of the fish. The Ganas can strip man down to bones in moments, they are small but knife sharp teeth and they swim in large schools, sometimes hundreds will swarm to an animal when they sense it is in the water.”
“Ganas?”
“Yes, and they are small in comparison to the real killers. Well, except for the insects, many of those have deadly bites or stingers. And there is that bright colored frog, no longer than a man’s first finger digit, the Orange Darter. No animal in the swamp will get near it, to just touch its skin is deadly. Men should watch more what other animals do, if an animal won’t get near another or eat a plant, then men should take heed and do the same.”
“An orange frog only this big?” Ofid asked as he held up his hand with his thumb at the last knuckle of his little finger.
“One that size would be a large one, big man.” Germaine had a wry smile as he answered Ofid, then he pointed to four poles leaned against an interior wall. “Those there are the poles used to move the boat through the water.” The poles were the width of a grown man’s fist grip and nearly as long as the boat itself. “Now if you will, cover the boat up again and I will meet you back under that tree.” With that Germaine left the building and walked back in the direction from where they had previously been talking. Once Dax and his men were back with Germaine and had closed the buildings doors, Dax rekindled their conversation.
“So, if it is so dangerous in the swamps, why do you go in there?”
“Well, I learned from my father. The most danger is to those who don’t learn about the Stinking Waters before they go in, or do but they try to go too far. I am sure there have been those who got deeper than me. But I am still alive and they have never been seen again.”
“What do you look for in there then?”
“Ah, there is fine meat to be had in there and since so few will dare go in, some of those meats fetch a good price. Like the Ripat, they can be as long as a man is tall and weigh more than 2 men when grown. Ugly beasts with a long snout. They fast on the land and fine swimmers.”
“Land, how much land you have said nothing about much land?”
“Oh there is land. Once the rivers and streams enter the swamps, their flow slows quickly and they split until there is no river channel left, this is when the swamp gets its most dangerous, because it is so easy to get lost. But then there are strips of solid ground, and sometimes not so solid, that is where you find the animals worth hunting, there are the Ripats and Jacunas, small monkeys occasionally and giant turtles. All are good eating, not to mention some of the fish. But you have to be careful; there are giant water lizards as long as two men, ugly with very long snouts with terrible teeth, weighing as much as four men, but don’t be fooled. They are swift in the water and they are eaters of men. Then there are the large black cats, almost as big as a man and close to his weight, killers that are hard to see in the dim light of the swamps.”
“This is all much to consider. Why do you think people are getting killed now who live close to the swamps?”
“Only those who have recently started to live too close are being killed. They have started building farms and tilling ground that once was part of the Stinking Waters.”
“Part of, what do you mean?”
“I have known these swamps all my life and I can tell you for sure that in the past few summer cycles the swamp has shrank from how far it once was. During my life those places where I had ventured in four leagues, is now only a little over three leagues to get to now. I do not know why that is happening, but I know it is.”
“Have you said this to anyone?”
“Not that I can think. No one has ever asked about that.”
“Just one more question. Have you ever seen men in the swamp, not men from Neder, men from the swamp maybe?”
“There are no men from the swamp, only animals.”
“Thank you for talking to us, it was very helpful. We will leave now and return to Neder. Good health to you.”
“And to you, men of Marden.”
The next morning Dax and Ruthor met with the councilors of Neder. They gave them a full report on where they had been and everything they had found and seen of all the areas of Shadows Beach, the Trees of Dark, The Stinking Waters and the farmsteads that had been attacked. They included the types of footprints and tracks they had found. Finally they added the information they had gleaned from Germaine the Bald. With all this discussed completely, the council asked what Dax and Ruthor suggested they proceed with.
“For now, I believe you should discourage anyone from settling within a league of the edges of the Stinking Waters. There have been no incursions beyond that area, I know there will probably be people wanting to try again at making a go of farmsteads where no one now is. It is your decision though. I also think you should have some kind of outposts along your southern borders there similar to those you man over the passes toward the east and west Fire Mountains. At least you should monitor the three rivers that flow into the Stinking Waters.”
“What kind of outposts are you talking about, Captain?”
“I think they should be stone towers at the least and high enough for good distance visibility, and to discourage being scaled if attacked. Men good with bows if possible. I cannot say who they should be, but at least men who have some knowledge of fighting. And again no closer than one league north of where the swampy edge is. You’re not trying to cause an attack, just protecting your people and province.”
“You do not feel that we, or we with the help of men from Marden, should retaliate in some way at this point? I mean we have lost many citizens already, citizens who were doing nothing more than living their lives within our natural borders.” Damin Grawl asked in rather harsh tones.
“I understand that councilor Grawl. And if you find a group attacking again, because of an alert from men at outposts or even citizens, then yes respond with as much force as possible. But remember, where these people are trying to live is remote from where there are large enough numbers of citizens living close together to mount any kind of help or retaliation in a short enough time to catch the attackers while they are in your territory. Once the attackers are back in the swamps, it is you and your men who are at a risky disadvantage of losing even more people. I will be talking to Thane Erik and his councilors when my men and I get there. It could be that they have another option I have not seen. If so we will surely get word to you. But at this point there is little to be gained and much more to lose.”
“I do understand Captain, and I am grateful for your efforts. It is just disheartening to not be able to do more. Hopefully the Marden Council will find some possibility that you and we cannot see. I bid you safe journey on your return home.”
“Thank you we will be leaving with the dawn tomorrow. Good luck to all of you as well.” With this said Dax and Ruthor turned and left the council house.
The next morning the five men were indeed mounted and heading toward the eastern Fire Mountains as the first pink rays of the coming day appeared in the distance. All of them were glad to be headed home once again.
*****
“Pollocan, you reprobate, are you in here?”
“Yes, Greatness, I am over by the window looking at this bird.”
“So what is so special about this bird, that you did not answer me? Is it news from that idiot in Skalm?”
“Yes, in a fashion and then yet as well.”
“That is no answer fool, just one more of your riddles and you know I hate riddles.” Now Damna the Great was standing beside the mage, who was indeed looking at one of his messenger birds.
“This is the last bird I sent to Skalm with a message asking had he found the Outlander and what had been done so far. I sent it after our last discussion. It returned today, not only does it not have a new message, but the one I sent is unopened as well.”
“How can that be, old man?”
“There is only one reason for it. The man we have there was not there to receive the bird and did not get to it within several days after it arrived. They are trained to return back to their home if not picked up and sent with an answer within a few days.”
“So, what does that mean, fool?”
“Either the man is dead, or unable to return to his residence where the bird flies to.”
“Well, which is it.”
“I have no way of knowing, Highness. All I can do is send it out again, after it rests.”
“What is going on. Be quick and send it out, I am tired of waiting you old useless fool.” And as Damna was ranting at the mage he stormed out of the room and down a corridor. His footfalls resounding loudly as he moved quickly away.
*****
Ceric was reading a message he had just received from Neder. It said that Dax and his men were leaving there that morning on their way back to Throgmarden. This news pleased the old Mage enough that he had a smile on his face. He would share the news with Thane Erik and Lord Daka later in the day. It would still be many days before the men were actually there. He thought though that he might stop by the office of the Eigle Emissary on his way to the council chambers this day. He had heard already of the young woman who had been appointed as a Deputy Area Emissary and was now living here in Throgmarden with offices in the Emissary building here. He also knew she was that same young woman who had accompanied Dax back to Throgmarden not so very long ago. He saw circles here, maybe circles within circles. He would like to see her facial expression at hearing this news, first hand.
Ceric walked from his house to the Eigle Emissary Building and entered the doors. The young woman behind the desk rose immediately, greeted him and then went to get Emissary Torek, who returned with her in only a few moments.
“Good day to you High Councilor Ceric, to what do we owe this honor.”
“Good day to you as well Emissary, I would like to meet the new Deputy Area Emissary if I may and share with you both a message I just received this morning.”
“Of course, follow me, she is in her office.” Torek turned and Ceric followed as he led him to Melody and Gayla’s offices.
Torek knocked on the casement around her door in politeness, if not forewarning of a guest and then spoke as he and Ceric stopped to stand inside the room. Gayla immediately looked up from her table and Melody stood and looked up at the Emissary.
“Good day Melody and Gayla, I have the honor of introducing High Councilor Ceric. He has come to meet you and says he has a message he received this morning he would like to share with us all.”
“Good Morning Torek, and to you High Councilor Ceric. We met before, Captain Dax introduced us.”
“I remember well and this lovely young woman is Gayla, whom I believe is the daughter of Francher and Domina of Eigle.”
“You remember quite well, High Councilor Ceric. I now work for Melody.”
“Wonderful, everyone is prospering then. Please let us be less formal and just call me Ceric, when we can. I received a messenger bird from Neder this morning and thought I would share the message with you before I go to my duties at the council chambers.”
“We would be in your debt of news from Neder, Ceric.” Melody said stepping another pace closer.
“It says that Captain Dax and his men left Neder, what would be two or three days ago on that morning and were headed home to Throgmarden. Now that means they are still several days from here yet. You cannot ever be exactly sure how long it takes one of these birds to fly the distance, except that it is much faster than men can travel on land.” Ceric took special note of the attempted hidden relief on both Melody and Gayla’s faces and took an inner satisfaction at noting it.
“Oh, thank you so much for that news, Ceric.” Gayla answered before Melody or Torek had a chance to speak. “That is such a relief to me. You are probably not aware, but I am betrothed to Captain Dax’s Sergeant-at-arms Ruthor.”
“That is why I came here first young woman. I was aware of that and much more. I would tell you a little secret just between us here. Although you did not see me, I was there in the early hours on the morning they left. And only the fact that three young women were already standing on the parapet watching the Wolf Packs departure kept me from being where they already were. I just did not wish to interrupt that moment or I would have been there with or instead of you.”
“You should have joined us Ceric, it would have been welcome, not an interruption.” Melody answered with her own tone of gratitude. “You must hold someone in that group with affection as we do, the third woman there was Aiela, wife of Cran their archer.”
“I do as I know you do Melody. And yes, I knew Aiela was the third woman. I have made myself fully aware of all those important to Dax, as well as those who hold him dear.”
“I see that now Ceric, Mage to Erik Throgmarden and a fellow conspirator in the well-being of those we hold dear. The next time I hope you will join us, you will be welcome.” Melody added.
“I would like that. Now I must go to my duties, as I know you have your own to get back to. Good day again to you all.”
They all looked at each other as the old mage walked back down the corridor to the outside door and left. Torek, as well, bowed before turning and walking back to his office. Melody and Gayla walked to hug each other, then standing still close Melody told her friend.
“I’ll bet he knows more and feels more than many people would believe.”
“I would bet you are right. I also think he is a good man, which is not always so of one as powerful as Ceric is.”
“We agree there as well. I am so glad they will be home soon.”
Gayla nodded her agreement as the two young women returned to their separate tables and tasks at hand.
*****
Fargyn was feigning sleep once again, shackled to the oar in the belly of one of his Cousin’s, King Amish Magdar’s ships. It was his sleep cycle but slaves and or prisoners on this ship were never unshackled from their oar. They oared, slept, ate and relieved themselves always shackled to the oar that is until they died. Fargyn refused to die. As he feigned sleep whenever he could he slowly but quietly worked at that one link in his chain that he knew could free him and whatever two other prisoners were linked to that same oar. After so many moon cycles chained here he knew he was getting that link closer to being able to break it. But he would only have one chance and he was biding his time for that one moment. The link was not yet just right, and tonight was not that night. But before he died here there would come that time after the link was ready, and that one night and he would get free.
When he did, he had sworn an oath to himself that first his cousin would pay and then that outlander Dax, would pay. If not for him, his plan would have worked and he would have been king now, not his oafish cousin. But right now he needed to get some rest, tomorrow was just one more day at the oars.
*****
