“Then you’re going to fight?” Simon felt a sudden pinch of hope at his heart.
Jiriki shrugged. “Yes, I think so—but how or when is not for me to say.”
“It’s all so much,” Simon murmured. “So fast.”
“You must go, young friend. Aditu will return soon from attending my parents. She will take you to where you can find your folk. It is best done swiftly, since it is not usual for Shima’onari or Likimeya to undo their own Words of Decree. Go. My sister will come to you at my house by the river.” Jiriki leaned down and lifted something from the mossy floor. “And do not forget to take your mirror, my friend.” He smiled slyly. “You may need to call me again, and I still owe you a life.”
Simon took the gleaming thing and slid it into his pocket. He hesitated, then leaned forward and carefully wrapped his arms around Jiriki, trying not to touch his burns as he gently embraced him. The Sithi prince touched Simon’s cheek with his cool lips.
“Go in peace, Seoman Snowlock. We will meet again. That is a promise.”
“Farewell, Jiriki.” He turned and marched swiftly away without looking back. He slowed his pace after he stumbled once in the winding hallway, a long, wind-rippled tunnel the color of sand.
Outside, immersed in a swirl of confused thoughts, Simon suddenly realized that he was feeling a curious chill. Looking up, he saw that the summery skies over Jao é-Tinukai’i had darkened, taking on a more somber hue. The breeze was colder than any he had ever felt there before.
The summer is fading, he thought, and was frightened again. I don’t think they’ll ever get it back.
Suddenly all his petty anger toward the Sithi evaporated and a great, heavy sorrow for them overtook him. Whatever else was here, there was also beauty unseen since the world was young, long preserved against the killing frosts of time. Now the walls were tumbling down before a great, wintery wind. Many exquisite things might be ravaged beyond reclaiming.
He hurried along the riverbank toward Jiriki’s house.
The journey out of Jao é-Tinukai’i passed swiftly for Simon, dim and slippery as a dream. Aditu sang in her family’s tongue and Simon held her hand tightly as the forest shimmered and changed around them. They walked out of cool grayish-blue skies into the very jaws of winter, which had lain in wait like a stalking beast.
Snow covered the forest floor, a blanket so thick and cold that it was hard for Simon to remember that Jao é-Tinukai’i itself had not been covered, that in that one place winter was still held at bay: here outside the magical circle of the Zida’ya, the Storm King’s handiwork was so terribly real. But now, he realized, even that circle had been broken. Blood had been spilled in the very heart of summer.
They walked through the morning and early afternoon, gradually leaving the densest part of the woods and moving toward the forest fringe-Aditu answered Simon’s few questions, but neither had the strength for much talk, as though the awful cold had withered the affection that had once flowered between them. As uncomfortable as her presence had often made him, still Simon was saddened, but the world had changed somehow and he had no more strength to struggle. He let the winter world flow over him like a dream, and did not think.
They walked for some hours beside a swift river, following it until they reached a long gentle slope. Before them lay a vast body of water, as gray and mysterious as an alchemist’s bowl. A shadowed, tree-covered hill jutted from it like a dark pestle.
“There is your destination, Seoman,” Aditu said abruptly. “That is Sesuad’ra.”
“The Stone of Farewell?”
Aditu nodded. “The Leavetaking Stone.”
The abstraction finally made real, Simon felt as though he were step-ping from one dream into another. “But how will I get there? Am I supposed to swim?”
Aditu said nothing, but led him down the slope to where the river rushed into the gray water, spilling across the rocks with a roar. A little distance along the shoreline, out of the way of the river’s turbulent inflow, a small, silvery boat bobbed at anchor. “Once every hundred or so winters,” she said, “when the rains are particularly fierce, the lands around Sesuad’ra flood—although this is certainly the first time it has ever happened when Reniku the Summer-Lantern was in the sky.” She turned away, unwilling to share thoughts written on her face so that even a mortal could understand. “We keep these hiyanha—these boats—here and there, so that Sesuad’ra will not be denied to those who wish to visit it.”
Simon put his hand on the little boat, feeling the smooth grain of the wood beneath his fingers. A paddle of the same silvery stuff lay in the hull. “And you’re sure that’s where I go?” he asked, suddenly unwilling to say good-bye.
Aditu nodded. “Yes, Seoman.” She shrugged off the bag she had been carrying on her shoulder and handed it to him. “This is for you—no,” she corrected herself, “not for you. It is for you to take to your Prince Josua, from Amerasu. She said she believed he would know what to do with it—if not now, then soon.”
“Amerasu? She sent this…?”
Aditu put a hand on his cheek. “Not exactly, Seoman. First Grandmother had asked me to take it if your imprisonment did not end. Since you have been released, I give it to you.” She stroked his face. “I am glad for your sake that you are free. It pained me to see you so unhappy. It was good to know of you—a rare thing.” She leaned forward and kissed him. Despite all that had happened, he still felt a quickening of his heart as her mouth touched his. Her lips were warm and dry and tasted of mint.
Aditu stepped away. “Farewell, Snowlock. I must go back and mourn.” Before he could even lift his hand to wave, she turned and disappeared among the trees. He watched for some moments, looking for some sign of her slender form, but she was gone. He turned and clambered into the small boat and set the sack she had given him down in the hull. It was of good weight, but he was too weary and sore-hearted even to look at what might be inside. He thought it might be peaceful to fall asleep here in the boat, at the edge of the great forest. It would be a blessing to sleep and not wake for a year and a day. Instead, he picked up his paddle and pushed himself out onto the still water.
The afternoon fell away and the deep chill of evening came on. As Simon floated toward the growing shadow of Sesuad’ra, he felt the silence of the winter world envelop him, until he thought he might be the only living, moving thing upon the face of Osten Ard.
For a long time he did not notice that there were torches bobbing before him on the twilit shoreline. When he saw them at last, he was already close enough to hear the voices. His arms were cold and numb. He felt as though he had no more strength left to paddle, but managed to push himself a few last strokes, until a large, splashing shape—Sludig?—waded out from the rocky verge and pulled him into shore. He was lifted from the boat and half-carried up the bank, then surrounded by an army of torchlit, laughing faces. They seemed familiar, but the sensation of dream was upon him again. It was not until he saw the smallest figure that he remembered where he was. He staggered forward and swept Binabik into his arms, crying unashamedly.
“Simon-friend!” Binabik chortled, thumping him on the back with his small hands. “Qinkipa is good! Joyful! This is joyful! In the days since I was coming here I had almost lost my hope to see you.”
Simon wept, unable to speak. At last, when he had cried himself dry, he set the little man down. “Binabik,” he said, voice raw. “Oh, Binabik. I have seen terrible things.”
“Not now, Simon, not now.” The troll took his hand firmly. “Come. Come up to the hilltop. Fires have been built there and I am sure there is something cooking. Come.”
The little man led him. The crowd of familiar strangers fell in behind, talking and laughing among themselves. The flames of the torches hissed beneath a soft fall of snow, and sparks rose into the sky to drift and fade. Soon one of them began to sing, a good, homely sound. As darkness crept over the drowned valley, the sweet, clear voice rose through the trees and echoed out over the black water.
Appendix
PEOPLE
Erkynlanders
Barnabas—Hayholt chapel sexton
Beornoth—one of Jack Mundwode’s mythical band
Breyugar—Count of the Westfold, Lord Constable of the Hayholt under Elias
Caleb—Shem Horsegroom’s apprentice
Colmund—Camaris’ squire, later baron of Rodstanby
Deorhelm—soldier at Dragon and Fisherman
Deornoth, Sir—Josua’s knight, sometimes called “Prince’s Right Hand”
Dreosan, Father—chaplain of Hayholt
Eadgram, Sir—Lord Constable of Naglimund
Eahlferend—Simon’s fisherman father, husband of Susanna
Eahlstan Fiskerne—Fisher King, first Erkynlandish master of Hayholt
Eglaf, Brother—Naglimund monk, friend of Strangyeard
Elias—Prince, Prester John’s elder son, later High King
Elispeth—midwife at Hayholt
Ethelbearn—soldier, Simon’s companion on journey from Naglimund
Ethelferth—Lord of Tinsett
Fengbald—Earl of Falshire
Freawaru—innkeeper, master of Dragon and Fisherman in Flett
Godstan—soldier at Dragon and Fisherman
Godwig—Baron of Cellodshire
Grimmric—soldier, Simon’s companion on journey from Nagilmund
Grimstede, Sir—Erkylandish noble, supporter of Josua
Guthwulf—Eari of Utanyeat, High King’s Hand
Haestan—Naglimund guardsman, Simon’s companion
Heahferth—Baron of Woodsall
Heanfax—innkeeper’s boy
Helfcene, Father—Chancellor of Hayholt
Hepzibah—castle chambermaid
Hruse—Jack Mundwode’s wife in song
Inch—Doctor’s assistant, later foundry-master
Isaak—page
Jack Mundwode—mythical forest bandit
Jael—castle chambermaid
Jakob—castle chandler
Jeremias—chandler’s boy
John—King John Presbyter, High King
Josua—Prince, John’s younger son, lord of Naglimund, called “Lackhand”
Judith—Cook and Kitchen Mistress
Langrian—Hoderundian monk
Leleth—Miriamele’s handmaiden
Lofsunu—soldier, Hepzibah’s intended
Lucuman—stable-worker at Naglimund
Malachias—castle boy
Marya—Miriamele’s servant
Miriamele—Princess, Elias’ only child
Morgenes, Doctor—Scrollbearer, King John’s castle doctor, Simon’s friend
Noah—King John’s squire
Ordmaer—Baron of Utersall
Osgal—one of Mundwode’s mythical band
Ostrael—pikeman, son of Firsfram of Runchester
Peter Gilded-Bowl—Seneschal of Hayholt
Rachel—Mistress of Chambermaids
Rebah—castle kitchen maid
Ruben the Bear—castle smith
Sangfugol—Josua’s harper
Sarrah—castle chambermaid
Scenesefa—Hoderundian monk
Shem Horsegroom—castle groom
Simon (Seoman)—a castle scullion
Sophrona—Linen Mistress
Strangyeard, Father—Archivist of Naglimund
Susanna—Simon’s chambermaid mother
Tobas—castle houndmaster
Towser—jester (original name: Cruinh)
Wuldorcene—Baron of Caldsae
Hernystiri
Arthpreas—Count of Cuimnhe
Bagba—Cattle God
Brynioch of the Skies—Sky God
Cadrach-ec-Crannhyr, Brother—monk of indeterminate Order
Cifgha—young lady of Taig
Craobhan—old knight, advisor to King Lluth
Cryunnos—a God
Dochais—Hoderundian monk
Efiathe — original name of Queen Ebekah of Erkynland, called “Rose of Hernysadharc”
Eoin-ec-Cluias—legendary poet
Eolair—Count of Nad Mullach, emissary of King Lluth
Fiathna—Gwythinn’s mother, Lluth’s second wife
Gealsgiath—ship’s captain, called “Old”
Gormhbata—legendary chieftain Gwelan—young lady of Taig
Gwythinn—Prince, Lluth’s son, Maegwin’s half brother
Hern—Founder of Hernystir
Inahwen—Lluth’s third wife
Lluth-ubh-Llythinn—King of Hernystir
Maegwin—Princess, Lluth’s daughter, Gwythinn’s half sister
Mircha—Rain Goddess, wife of Brynioch
Murhagh One-Arm—a God
Penemhwye—Maegwin’s mother, Lluth’s first wife
Red Hathrayhinn—character in Cadrach story
Rhynn—a God
Sinnach—Prince, Battle of Knock war-leader
Tethtain—King, only Hernystiri master of Hayholt, called “Holly King” Tuilleth—young Hernystiri knight
Rimmersmen
Bindesekk—Isgrimnur’s spy
Dror—Ancient War God
Einskaldir—Rimmersgard chieftain
Elvrit—First Osten Ard king of Rimmersmen
Fingil—King, first master of Hayholt, “Bloody King”
Frayja—Ancient Harvest Goddess
Frekke—old soldier
Gutrun—Duchess of Elvritshalla
Hani—young soldier killed by Bukken
Hengfisk—Hoderundian priest
Hjeldin—King, Fingil’s son, “Mad King”
Hoderund, Saint—priest from Battle of Knock
Hove—young soldier, relative of Isgrimnur
Ikferdig—King, Hjeldin’s lieutenant, “Burned King”
Ingen Jegger—Black Rimmersman, master of Nom hounds
Isbeorn—Isgrimnur’s father, first Rimmersgard duke under John
Isgrimnur—Duke of Elvritshalla
Isorn—Isgrimnur and Gutrun’s son
Ithineg the Harper—character in Cadrach story
Jarnauga—Scrollbearer from Tungoldyr
Jormgrun—King of Rimmersgard, killed by John at Naarved
Loken—Ancient Fire God
Memur—Ancient Wisdom God
Nisse (Nisses)—Hjeldin’s priest-helper, writer of Du Svardenvyrd
Sigmar—young Rimmerswoman courted by Towser
Skali—Thane of Kaldskryke, called “Sharp-nose”
Skendi—Saint, founder of abbey
Sludig—young soldier, Simon’s companion
Storfot—Thane of Vestvennby
Thrinin—soldier killed by Bukken
Tonnrud—Thane of Skoggey, Duchess Gutrun’s uncle
Udun—Ancient Sky God
Utë—of Saegard, soldier killed by Bukken
Nabbanai
Aeswides (probably Nabbanization of Erkynlandish name)—first lord of Naglimund
Anitulles—former Imperator
Antippa, Lady—daughter of Leobardis and Nessalanta
Ardrivis—last Imperator, uncle of Camaris
Aspitis Preves—count of Eadne, master of Prevan House, Benigaris’ friend
Benidrivine—Nabbanai noble house, kingfisher crest
Benidrivis—first duke under John, father of Leobardis and Camaris
Benigaris—son of Duke Leobardis and Nessalanta
Camaris-sá-Vinitta—brother of Leobardis, friend of Prester John
Clavean—Nabbanai noble house, pelican crest
Claves—former Imperator
Crexis the Goat—former Imperator
Dendinis—architect of Naglimund
Devasalles—Baron, intended of Lady Antippa
Dinivan—Lector Ranessin’s secretary
Domitis—Bishop of Saint Sutrin’s cathedral in Erchester
Elysia—mother of Usires
Emettin—legendary knight
Enfortis—Imperator at time of Fall of Asu’a
Fluiren, Sir??
?famous Johannine knight of disgraced Sulian House
Gelles—soldier at market
Hylissa—Miriamele’s late mother, Ellas’ wife, Nessalanta’s sister
Ingadarine—noble family, albatross house-crest
Leobardis—Duke of Nabban, father of Benigaris, Varellan, Antippa
Mylin-sá-Ingadaris—Earl, master of Ingadarine House, Nessalanta’s brother
Nessalanta—Duchess of Nabban, Benigaris’ mother, Miriamele’s aunt
Nin Reisu—Niskie aboard Emettin ‘s Jewel
Nuanni (Nuannis)—ancient sea god of Nabban
Pelippa—noblewoman from Book of Aedon, Saint, called “of the Island”
Plesinnen Myrmenis (Plesinnen of Myrme)—philosopher
Prevan—noble family, osprey house-crest
Pryrates, Father—priest, alchemist, wizard, Ellas’ counselor
Quincines—Abbot of Saint Hoderund’s
Ranessin, Lector—(born Oswine of Stanshire, an Erkynlander) Head of Church
Rhiappa—Saint, called “Rhiap” in Erkynland
Sulis—Rogue noble, former master of Hayholt, “Heron King”
Tiyagaris—first Imperator
Turis—soldier at market
Usires Adeon—Aedonite religion’s Son of God
Varellan—Duke Leobardis’ youngest son
Velligis—Escritor
Vilderivis—Saint
Yuvenis—ancient chief god of Nabban
Sithi
Amerasu—Eri-queen, mother of Ineluki and Hakatri
An’nai—Jiriki’s lieutenant, hunting companion
Finaju—Sithi-woman in Cadrach story
Hakatri—Ineluki’s elder brother, gravely wounded by Hidohebhi
Ineluki—Prince, now Storm King
Isiki—Sithi Kikkasut (Bird God)
Iyu’unigato—Eri-king, Ineluki’s father
Jiriki, (i-Sa’onserei)—Prince, son of Shima’onari
Kendharaja’aro—Jiriki’s uncle