OUTLANDER

                                                       Chapter 34

                                              Sought Out

Captain Meldon stands facing a burgeoning mutinous crew of malcontents, his small group of long-time officers and those men who were former Steldar military armed with swords behind him. The sea has been dead of air for the third time in over three moons. Stores have run low, and the entire crew have been on half rations for half a moon already.

“You were all told before you signed on that this was a possibility, you were also told there would be no turning back and any man threatening mutiny would be dealt with by the laws of the sea. Get back to your duties now.”

“We were told. But what be the difference between being killed by those with swords or dying of starvation? The sword is quicker and more merciful. We have nothing to lose out here too far from land and not enough food to get back now. But at least we can try, instead of drifting toward a certain long and painful death.” It was one of the men enlisted from the prison who spoke. A man convicted of murder on Steldar, Neffan Calban.

Four of the armed men took a step closer, two on either side of Meldon as Meldon spoke. “The difference is, if you continue this, I will have you killed or severely wounded and thrown overboard to become a meal for sharks. Desist and go back to work, and all you will face is stronger scrutiny to be sure you do not ferment mutiny again.”

“Captain!” the cry came from the man on watch in the crow’s nest.

Meldon and the entire crew looked aloft. “Yes, what see you, is it land?”

“No Sir, but it looks like a seagull three points portside and still far ahead. I can just make it out.”

Men shuffled quickly to port side of the ship and scanned sky for confirmation. Not a sound was made for long eager moments. Finally, the crow’s nest watch yelled out again. “There he be, Captain; it is a seagull maybe three leagues away.”

Meldon yelled to the helmsman. “Three points to port Mister Davar.” The ship slowly made a long arc to port, there was little breeze make the turn any quicker. But eventually they could all see the single bird wafting on upper currents of air as he searched the surface looking for a meal. Meldon turned back to where Neffan Calban now stood searching the sky to espy the creature for himself. “Mister Calban, desist now, we all know no bird can be so far from land that we cannot eventually find it ourselves.”

“Aye, Captain. Our apologies.”

Captain Meldon then turned to First mate Davar. “Mister Davar put men to the oars below and have them give us some speed.” Then looking up yelled.” Crow’s nest, call out any movement in that bird. Do not lose sight of it.”

“Aye, Captain.”

For the remainder of the day the Sea Wench followed a heading predicated on the seagull’s location aloft. As dusk faded into dark, the helmsman maintained the last sighting. Unfortunately, with the coming dawn the bird could not be found anywhere within sight. Thus, Captain Meldon gave orders for the helmsman to establish a zigzag course but only a few points to either side and yet still in the general direction as before, this would allow for a wider charted path. All the crow’s nests were manned at all times searching the forward horizons for any sightings.

                                                                    *****

“Do we have any more pressing business to discuss today?” Erik Throgmarden asked of his two most trusted councilors.

“I do not have anything else my Thane.” Lord Daka answered, and then looked toward the Mage.

“I would only have one more thing to relate. I held this to last because I am not completely sure it is relevant as yet. I have received two birds recently. The first came from Neven Salas in Pelia and then today I received one from Morden in Lagdian. They both seem to be similar in nature. Both of them believe there is a threat to Commander Dax and his comrades from King Ormish Drofeld in Steldar.”

“What kind of threat could there be, and why from Drofeld?”

“According to both of those mages, it appears that he has sent one of his merchant captains to seek where Dax and the others are. This Captain Meldon has had men poking around all the realms for Dax or any of the Wolf Pack for over a turning of the seasons already. Now they think he has refurbished the captain’s ship for a long mission. It left the port of Viral recently loaded with supplies and stores, but with no cargo for trade. It was seen sailing out of sight onto the Windless Sea.”

“Most ships sail out of sight of land from a port. But it is odd that a merchant ship sails without trade goods. Did they say anything else?”

“Yes, the men of the docks in Viral told them that many of the Sea Wench’s crew had never been seen on Meldon’s ship before. And most of the new ones did not appear to be seamen at all.”

“Well, many merchant captains take on new crew members from time to time.”

“True but some of those dock men said these new men looked more like soldiers and some more like criminals, than seamen at all.”

“What do you think is going on then?”

“Honestly, I am not sure. Within just the messages there is nothing conclusive. Reading between the lines I see circles within circles of deceit. We all know that King Drofeld is an ambitious man with a smaller realm that has no logical place to expand. Add that to these messages and there is the possibility of him wondering if the Wolf Pack is somewhere that he might be able to expand to.”

“Many men have died trying to find where Commander Dax is, none until Fargyn ever succeeded in finding it. We were lucky Commander Dax and Commodore Cavidar did. We were also blessed that they had the fortitude to take it from him and we are reaping those rewards to this day. If this Captain Meldon happens to find Borland, I have confidence that our people there can handle him and his crew, as they did Fargyn and his crews of three ships. I think we wait and see if we hear anything from the Commander and Commodore about any problems. It is more plausible that Captain Meldon will die in this quest of Ormish Drofeld’s.”

“As you wish, my Thane.”

                                                                     *****

“Gybma, look far there off our stern, is that a sail peeking out at the horizon?” Lesher Kahl asks of his partner Gybma Skells. Both men had immigrated from Tripolia a full set of seasons plus a fall and winter back, with their wives and children.

“You are right, it is, but it is not one from Borland, look at the shape of the topsail. That ship is from Steldar.”

“We need to get ashore at Darma Village as soon as we can and tell the men at the Tower there. No one is expecting a Steldar ship.”

“I agree, let us bring in our nets and put to our oars. Between our sail and our oars, we can be there in time for the Platoon to see it and send a bird to Sovladen.”

Both men bent to their tasks and rowed as if they were being chased by marauders. As soon as they docked at the Darma Village pier and tied up, both men sprinted up the mountain and found the former Pelian watch stationed there. The Sergeant at Arms took to his spyglass and confirmed that there was a ship probably fifteen leagues out and looked to be making its way toward the tip of East Island. It would not be too long before the ship could see their horizon was broken by more than the end of that island. He tied the message to the bird and let it loose aloft. As soon as the bird was released it took flight in the direction of Sovladen and the Wolf Pack barracks. Then he turned all his platoon to turning the cannon and other long-range weapons toward the bay between East Island and the shoreline at Darma Village’s pier. Two of his men and the two fishermen left when this was done running along the high slope above the village that was the shortest way to Mount Fang where there was another cannon emplacement at the palisade; atop it which also had a catapult and two hwacha’s and a store of arrows, stones, cannon balls and powder.

As they ran above the village, Gybma veered off to get more men to help. Long before the ship could be close to the port, defenses would be ready if an attack was the ship’s purpose.

“Commander, a bird with a message has arrived from Darma Tower.” Sol Pervil was one of three men who tended to the Messenger birds at Wolf Pack Headquarters. “I sent Chaz Embre to the Commodore so he could join you.”

“Good man, what does the message say?”

“A ship commander, a ship that looks like it is from Steldar is off the southeast headed to East Island.”

Dax looked down at his table and wrote a message to be sent back. “Here, take this and get the bird aloft double quick.”

“Yes, Commander.”

As the young soldier was leaving through the door with the note in hand, Commodore Cavidar and Ruthor were coming into Dax’s office. At the same time both men said in unison. “What news did the bird bring from Darma watch Tower?’

“A ship was seen headed toward East Island; the message says it looks like a Steldarian ship.”

“Then Drofeld has sent it, since he couldn’t find us on the Old World, he has sent men on a suicide mission to look for us out here.” Cavidar answered.

“We knew this day would come. I was hoping it would be longer before it did. What is your plan?” Ruthor asked his commander and brother of his heart.

“That watch tower platoon is manned by Pelians. They and what of the village men who will stand with them can hold one ship until we can arrive. How many Dire Wolves are with that platoon?”

“Four. And they have two cannons, one on Mount Darma and one on Mount Fang, three Ballista’s, two Hwacha’s and three catapults. Each man in that platoon has a firelock and a Waistlock and are well trained. Most of the villagers also have firelocks and a couple use broadlocks. There are plenty of bows, crossbows, and arrows, if needed. The men of Darma Village will all stand and fight, some of their women will want to do the same.” Ruthor added.

“I should go and make two ships ready to leave; one we can leave here just in case it is needed here.” Cavidar said as he turned to leave. “I will plan an engagement when I can see the situation.”

“Good, old friend. How long before you can be out of port?”

“Almost immediately, the ships stand at the ready and the crews can muster within short moments. I will take the Phoenix and Windlass.”

“That sounds fine. Ruthor and I will lead Ofid and Cran’s platoons just as shortly as you, Eron and Garth’s platoons will stand and defend here if needed. I will have other birds sent to the other Watch Towers and give them warning and orders to stay at their posts and be vigilant, just in case there is more than one ship.”

“Sound thinking. Good luck.” Was the last thing Cavidar said before he was gone from sight.

“I will get to Ofid, he is the farthest away.”

“Good, I will tell Cran and send men to start the muster. We need to be on the road to Village Darma as quickly as we can. Every man rides and carries as much ammunition as he can. All our Wolves go with us. It is near dark, hopefully that ship goes to anchor or float at dark, wanting to make land fall in daylight. That would be our best chance of being there before any fight gets started.”

“Agreed, we will all meet here and be on our way by full dark.”

“I will see you then, we slow only long enough to tell our wives what has happened.”

“Of course.”

Melody and Gayla were saddened with the news that Borland had been found by one of the other realms on the Old World. They told their husbands to bring everyone home alive and as well as can be. Both men kissed their wives and children and headed out for the Wolf Pack Garrison.

In the now full of dark two full platoons of the Wolf Pack rode into the night at a harrowing pace. This pace was continued all night. Luckily the platoons, their commanders and their mounts had ridden these roads many times. As they crossed over the Stallion River Bridge, they halted long enough to put boots on the ground and water horses, wolves, and men. Then it was back in saddles and boots to the horse’s flanks. By full morning they reached Mount Fang.

Men began to listen intently for any sound of cannon fire. Luckily, they were riding on the plateau above Darma Village and getting close to the Darma watch Tower as the ship became clearer in view; it was only two leagues off the ocean passage between Borland and East Island. It could be assured that the ship’s crow’s nest had seen the port. Dax had the men halt and dismount.

“Ruthor, have a man each go to both Watch Towers and tell them we are here. Have men watch for my commands from here.”

“Immediately, Commander.” Having answered Dax, Ruthor turned and made the orders known to Cran and Ofid. Both men turned to pick the messengers and the men in turn leaped back into their saddles and took off for their respective destinations. “It is done, Dax. What next?”

“Now we wait. I hope Cavidar has made as good time as we did? If he can have the Windlass and Phoenix come in behind that ship, maybe we can end this in one day without too much loss of life.”

“That will probably be based on the orders given by whomever is it’s captain and how much he values his own peril over orders given him by King Drofeld.”

“Agreed, but either way he will never see Drofeld again.”

As the ship dropped it’s anchor, Dax gave a signal to the men at the Darma Watch Tower. Within a moment the catapult there sent a boulder that flew across the morning sky and struck the water with such force that it showered the ship with bay water and caused it to sway from side to side. This was a warning that went unheeded.

The ship answered with a shot from it’s smaller catapult this one was a round jar fille with dragon’s breath, the projectile hit a building near the shore, bursting into flames. No real damage occurred as the house was built out of stone with a slate roof. The men formed beside and behind Dax let out a cheer. The challenge had been accepted.

While the flames died quickly as there was no wood to be set afire, four boats were hoisted over the ship’s sides and lowered into the water. Men could be seen climbing down ropes to get into the boats as they struck the bays surface.

Both Tower’s Hwacha’s loosed a rain of arrows at the ship, some striking the ship and other hitting the boats, it was certain that some of the men getting in them had to have been hit. This time the ship sent a boulder from it’s catapult and it struck at the roof of another building. The crash against the roof sent chips of stone all around the building, some were broken pieces of the boulder and others were broken slate from the roof itself.

Dax raised both arms, made fists and quickly arched both arms forward. Almost instantly both cannons at the Watch Towers exploded sending smoke gushing forward and cannon balls in arched flight toward the ship. Men from the towers and with Dax yelled in triumph. Both projectiles hit the Steldar ship only moments later. Wood shards sent flying everywhere as both balls struck their targets. With in less time that it took to take a breath, two more explosions could be heard from the Windlass to the ships port and the Phoenix which had come up to the ships aft. Once again there were loud crashing sounds, one from the ship’s deck and another one from her main mast, followed by the breaking and then crashing of the broken mast to the ship’s deck. More yells of triumph echoed in the air at each.

By now the four boats were being propelled forward, by the men in them. The men of the village were now standing alongside of the Wolf Pack, lines of men with Firelocks had formed.

As the boats landed on the port’s beach. Men jumped over the sides, armed with swords, pikes and bows. Over thirty men ran across the sandy beaches, through the small village streets and toward the slope behind where they could see the ranks of men above the town. Those remaining on board the ship fired two Hwacha’s sending a shower of arrows aloft. But the distance was too great for them to strike any targets, landing in the slope ahead of the ships racing attack troops.

Before the attackers could get close enough to deal any blows to the ranks of village men or Wolf Pack soldiers a volley of firelock balls exploded forward, followed by a second volley as fewer attackers were left running forward and archer’s arrows rained down on them between the first and second volley of balls in flight. Only a hand full of attackers met with the first volley of shot from the broadlocks. Not a man of the attackers were still standing after this last explosion of gunpowder smoke and whistling balls and shot flying toward them.

Now the combined force of Wolf Pack and villagers began walking down the slope and through the village streets to the dock. By the time they had reached the beached boats, the Steldar ship had hoisted a white flag.

It took long moments before the Windlass came along port side the attacking ship and gang planks were in place, just as the Phoenix had come along her starboard side and did the same. After long moments of silence boats were lowered off the Windlass and men were climbing down into the lowered boats. By the time the sun was at her zenith in the sky above, Cavidar and some of his crew were escorting the survivors from the Sea Wench to where Dax and his men waited.

“Commander Dax, I believe you know Captain Meldon of Steldar.” Ernstal said to his friend.

“I do, Commodore. Captain Meldon, it is sad to see a man who once aided my men and I now attacking us without any provocation at all.”

“For myself as well, Commander, but duty be as it is, I had little choice in the matter. How many of Steldar survived the assault on your town if I may ask?”

“None. I see not many survived on your ship either.”

“No, although I have not had time for an exact accounting as yet. What might I ask are these new weapons that defeated us so easily?”

“You will know of the weapons later. How many men were in your crew?”

“Seventy-three when we left Steldar, but we lost one in a storm on the Windless Sea before we sighted land.”

Ruthor then spoke before Dax could say anything else. “That would make the accounting correct Commander. One lost at sea, 18 prisoners counting the captain here and fifty-four total dead between on the ship and here ashore.”

“How many are our losses, Captain?”

“Three wounded, none seriously.”

Dax turned back to Captain Meldon. “It is in your benefit that we lost not one man or animal. Had it been otherwise you and your surviving men’s sentences would be harsher.” Then he turned to Ruthor and Commodore Cavidar. “Take the captain and put him with the other prisoners on the Windlass under guard. How fares the Captain’s ship, Commodore?”

“She is seaworthy enough to stay within sight of shore for the voyage to Sovladen. She appears to have been recently refitted for this voyage they made here. We will definitely be able to recommission her to our fleet.”

“Fine, that will compensate us for the damages they have caused.” Dax turned to Ruthor again. “Is there a tally of the damage to Darma Village?”

“One house with slight damage to some roof slate and the Ale House has some roof caved into the building with damage to the interior. There will also be needed repairs to the street close to both buildings. According to Lesher and Gybma there is a vacant house where the family of the damaged one can stay until repairs are made. And the Ale House is usable with some sheathing going up during the repairs, as the damage was to the storage area only.”

“When we get home, we will make the appropriate assignments with Government House.”

During the remainder of the day Cavidar made the assignments of men to man the Sea Wench for her voyage back to Sovladen and proper accommodations below deck for the prisoners. He told Dax and Ruthor that the Windlass and Phoenix would escort the crew assigned to the ship back to home port the following morning. Dax agreed with the timetable saying he and the Wolf Pack would stay a couple of days to help the villagers get damage removed from the attack and the village streets back to usable condition. Then he and the Wolf Pack would do the same and head home at a more leisurely pace.

It was a quarter moon before the Wolf Pack reentered Sovladen at about mid-day, the three ships had arrived in port the morning before. Borlanders lined the roads into the city and followed the troop to the Sovladen plaza. As men dismounted there were cheers from everyone. Melody with Ginger and Vlad were there to greet Dax.

“You have kept your promise, once again my Husband. You have brought everyone home safe and sound. Ernstal has had the prisoners locked up in the Gaol.”

“I am happy to see you and our babes, Melody. We will deal with the prisoners tomorrow if that is okay with you and Gayla.” After saying this he kissed his wife and daughter, then picked up his son into his arms.

The same kind of welcoming was going on for Ruthor and all the married men, all were getting slaps on the backs from well-wishers and some of the single men were getting kisses and hugs from single women. After horses were stabled and an evening meal in bellies everyone sought their beds for a good night’s sleep.

At mid-day the following day the Borland Council was seated in the Council Hall with the hall completely full to standing room only by all that could fit inside. And many more standing as close to the hall’s outer doors, to hear what would happen when the nineteen prisoners were brought before the council.

Several moments later the Goal squad brought the 19 newest prisoners into the hall and sat them down in seats in front of the council table.

“Thank you, Sergeant-at Arms Dispar, you and your men take up your positions.” Dax said to his men. Then he turned to the seated prisoners and continued. “Captain Meldon, you and the remainder of your crew have spent a night in our Gaol. You should have seen that there are six other prisoners there. Those men are the six remaining in the Gaol from Fargyn’s forces who survived our take over of Borland several turning of the seasons ago. There are double that many of that force who are no longer in the Gaol. They over time proved themselves as warranting parole, then a full pardon. All of those men are valued citizens among us all. I tell you this for a reason.”

Dax paused for a few moments, took a drink of the now warm tea sitting in front of him and then continued once again. “Know this however, none of you will ever see Steldar again. That is our most firm rule here. All of us who have immigrated here took that as a vow before we were allowed to come here. I will admit there are a few who occasionally make voyages there for trade or for other missions, but those who do only go for short times and maintain the strictest of confidence to insure that no one living in the Old World knows of our home here or even that this world exists. You and your men are guilty of the most heinous crime we have, invasion of our realm. It will be your actions that determine if any one of you are given the possibility of a parole and eventual full pardon. Those not displaying complete remorse for your actions in attacking our home and the true desire to join us in allegiance to Borland against all who may ever attempt what you did, will remain prisoners for the rest of your lives. Do you understand that?”

Captain Meldon rose from his chair and looked at those seated at the council table. “We understand. We all came here under orders from our king, Ormish Drofeld and those orders were that none of us were to return until we had found and taken this island from you. We were to find it at all costs. We have fulfilled our duty. We will accept this judgement of yours as well. Most here now are men who have sailed with me for many seasons, most who died were pressed upon us by our king as men who would follow his orders in taking this land from you if we found it. They were the soldiers and previous inmates from our prison, hard men without compassion for any they would attack, they were not seamen, and we had no choice in this undertaking. Be it life in your prison or some measure of freedom in the seasons to come, that will be your decision to make.” Meldon then sat down and waited.

Dax turned to look at the assembled citizenry. “Fellow citizens, all have heard what has been said here. Do any have objection to the verdict rendered this day.” There was a deafening silence from the gathered throng. Then Dax looked to those seated behind the prisoners and found the citizen he looked for. “Mesan, are the shackles ready and your fire hot?”

‘Yes, they are ready Commander.”

“Good, then Sergeant-at-Arms Dispar, you and your men can escort the prisoners to the Blacksmiths shop and have the leg shackles applied to these men. Afterwards the Council will give you the first task that will begin working on today. Once that has been done the appropriate number of your squad will take the other six to their duties today.”

Frome Dispar acknowledged the order, and his men took the new prisoners out of the Council Hall. As this was starting, all the assembled citizens began leaving to go about their daily business as well.

“What have you decided as their first task, my husband?”

“I am sorry for not asking for a vote from the whole council, Melody. But Ruthor, Cavidar and I talked about it earlier and thought it would be most appropriate if they were marched back to Darma Village and made all the repairs there as their first assignment. They will be marched wearing their shackles, sleeping rough and working hard, once done then they will endure the same by being marched back.”

“I think that is most fitting, Dax. That also gives us more time to decide on their next assignments.”

“I am glad you agree. We have also thought about not keeping the prisoners separated. Once they are back, we thought about mixing these men with the others and breaking up joint camaraderie in Fargyn’s men, possibly that will reinforce that this is prison and not just a confined work camp. What do you think?”

“That might break up the original six men’s resistance, their bond could be shaken. That could result in better results if it doesn’t cause trouble at first.”

“Even trouble could work to our advantage in the end.”

“Yes, I think it could for both groups as they are.”

Dax had a bird sent to the Darma Watch Tower, the message asked for an account of how much stone and slate was needed for the repairs; early the next morning the bird was back with the answer. After morning meal Dax informed Sergeant-at Arms Dispar of the amount of both needed.

Shortly after that the Goal Squad marched the shackled prisoners out of Sovladen. At the upper road they turned to the north, instead of south. Ruthor, Gayla and Melody were standing with him watching the group leave.

“Dax, why are they headed north? And I see you have sent them all, not just the ones from Steldar?”

It was Ruthor who answered first “Yes, we talked at first light while we were walking Darma and North. Putting them all together now would force them to work together. As they sleep at night during their time away, they are all being chained together by a long chain linked to each man’s leg irons. Dispar is doing this by mixing the ones from Fargyn in between the new ones. They are going north because they are going to be working in both the main quarry and then the slate quarry preparing both for shipment to Village Darma before they then have to make the march to Darma Village to make the repairs. They will probably be gone for at least a full moon.”

Melody looked at her husband and smiled. “You are a man with so much insight, that would not have occurred to me.”

“Thank you, my love. If any bounds can be broken within Fargyn’s men, this time out in the elements should do the trick.” Dax kissed his wife and then he and Ruthor headed for Wolf Pack headquarters.

Ofid and his family came into Sovladen after the sun had crossed its zenith in the sky. Abindal, Brenna and Dena went to visit some of the craftsmen’s shops, while Ofid and Yestal went to see Dax and Ruthor.

“Ofid, how are you doing? I did not know you were coming to the fort today. I see West is getting reacquainted with North and Darma out in the practice grounds.”

“Yes, she misses the interplay sometimes. I saw the prisoners being marched north this morning. They are going to get a surprise when the rail wagons pass them by, belching smoke as it goes.”

All four of them laughed. “It would be worth seeing the new prisoners faces when they first see it.”

Dax answered after the laughter died down. “Are the two of you in town alone today?”

“No, Abindal and the girls are shopping. I thought we would ask you if you would like to take evening meal with us at the Meeting Hall today.

Ruthor and Dax answered in unison. “Yes, that sounds wonderful.”

“Good, then we’ll see you and your families later. Yestal and I are going to have a talk with Arell and Thom at the stables when we are done, we will meet you there.”

Ofid and his son left and headed out the gate turning toward the stables. As the sun began to set beyond the western mountains the three families met at the Meeting Hall and enjoyed each other’s company until it was time for Ofid and his family to start their walk back to their farmstead.

As they were walking out of town Dax turned to Melody, Darma standing by his side watching West walk away with Ofid. “Brenna is becoming quite a young woman.”

“She is my love; do you see how attentive she and Yestal are to one another?”

“I suppose, but that is to be expected, they are like brother and sister by now.”

“Dax, that is the point. They are not brother and sister, and they have grown up loving one another. They are more attentive to each other than sisters and brothers are. If they haven’t found that out yet, one day they will. For a man with such an intuitive mind you have missed the obvious to a woman.”

“Do you think Ofid and Abindal see this?”

“Ofid is probably like you, to him she is his daughter as much as Dena is. But Abindal, I know she sees it. We shared a glance tonight, one of those woman knowing glances, she approves and waits. She will be happy when those two figure it out, she knows she could not find a better match for Yestal or for Brenna.”

“I would not have seen it. But I can see that it would be a good match for them both, if that becomes what they want.”

“They will, just as you and I did, eventually. Our families saw it before we did if you remember.”

“I do and they were as right as you and Abindal will be my partner in all things.”

“You will see and yes we are. Just as I believe our not so little Ginger will be with Iben Dom.”

“Now that one I see as well and will be glad for it. Just not so soon as yet.”

“No not yet. But one day my love, one day.”

Dax now holding Vlad in his arms and Melody holding hands with Ginger as they walked back to their home.

                                                                 *****

“My King, a woman wishes to beg an audience with you?”

“And who is this woman who comes without an appointment or waiting until my usual appearance day in open court.”

“She says she is the sister of one of the soldiers who left on the voyage with Captain Meldon, Sire.”

“Does she have some news that we have not heard as yet?”

“I do not know exactly, King Drofeld; she only says it is urgent.”

“Alright then admit her and I will at least hear what she has to say. But stay here so you can usher her out once I have.”

“As you wish, my King.

The guard turned and walked out the chamber doors but returned just as quickly with a middle-aged woman at his side.

“Well, woman. What is it you wish to tell me?”

“Thank you, my King. I have been deeply destressed of late and it has finally occurred to me the why of it. My brother and I are identical twins, Sire. For most of our lives we could feel each other’s most serious of feelings. Most people do not believe that, but it is true , I swear it. A few days ago, I felt this overwhelming fear and there was nothing going on in my life to warrant such a dire dread of life. Then afterwards…. nothing, I mean nothing at all. But this nothing turned to the most sorrowful depression, it has struck me that I now know the why of it. My brother is dead my king and I believe many died with him in some kind of horrible event.”

“Many, how many and what kind of horrible event, as you call it?”

“These things I do not know, King Drofeld. But it was something they had never seen before, he was in full shock and dread, and those with him were the same. And then they were gone all was blackness to me. I know you have no reason to believe me. But I ask for nothing in return, I just felt for my brother and his comrades, you needed to know.”

“You are right I have no reason to believe you, but for some reason I do not sense any dishonesty in you either. I would have you talk with my Mage about this if you will? He knows more about such things than I.”

“I will, my King. When would you like this.”

“Now, my guard will escort you to his chambers.”

With that said the woman followed the guard out of Drofeld’s chamber. It was almost half the day later when the Mage came to King Ormish Drofeld’s chamber to give his assessment.

“What say you, Mage?”

“The woman does not lie, my King. But she also knows no more than she related to you. She knows not what this thing was nor where they were when it happened. Just that it did and that she believes her brother and others died in mortal fear for their lives.”

“Have you ever heard of this thing she speaks of, where identical twins can feel each other’s deepest feeling even though they are far apart?”

“I have heard of it, King Drofeld. I have even heard that some have tested it and found it true at certain times. Yet I also heard that it is not infallible either. This feeling can be because the other twin has the feelings but not be in an exact situation, as if his fear or love for that matter is exaggerated in some way.”

“Did you find out who her brother is then?”

“I did. He is one of your soldiers, by all accounts of him, he is a man of strength and courage. Not one to falter or cower at danger.”

“Then do you believe that her feelings be harbingers of a fate to our mission her brother was on?”

“I believe she honestly feels that her brother and his comrades have died in some unimaginable way.”

“That is not what I had hoped you would say. Where is the woman now?”

“I left her with your guard in my work area.” Drofeld tossed a weighty leather pouch to the mage. “Give her this as recompence for her and her brother’s service to us with our deepest condolences. Then allow her to leave and go about her business elsewhere.”

“Consider it done as you say, my King.”