A familiar voice said, ‘If you weren’t wearing that ridiculous coat, boy, you damn well might have killed me. It slows you down!’
At that, Hatu realised his attacker was Master Bodai. Hesitating for a moment, he said, ‘I wasn’t looking for combat, only trying to stay disguised.’
The older man let go of Hatu and said, ‘Well, you probably would have done well against most men. So, why hide when I was supposed to find you easily?’
Suddenly, Hatu said, ‘Weren’t we supposed to meet you in Pashtar?’
The old man rolled his eyes heavenwards. ‘This is Pashtar, you fool. Where did you think you were?’
‘We fled through the woods and were uncertain how far we travelled.’
‘Where’s Reza and the girl?’
‘Reza’s dead,’ said Hatu.
Bodai closed his eyes for a second, as if in pain. ‘Zusara will not be pleased,’ he said softly. ‘The girl?’
‘She’s with the horses, a short distance from here.’
Bodai was silent, then he said, ‘Go fetch her here. Double back north until just out of sight, then ride the main road into town. Those who are looking for you are still around, though they may have doubled back to Port Colos. Once you get back here, find me at the horse market.’
‘Yes, sir.’
Hatu hurried to where Hava waited and explained the situation, and they both rode into Pashtar. Given that he hadn’t passed any horse market on his way into the town, Hatu deduced that it must lie to the south, and they quickly found it.
Bodai made a show of hugging both Hatu and Hava, whispering to them both, ‘We are horse traders. It’s the cover I’ve been using since reaching this part of the world. You are my children.’
Hava threw Hatu a warning look, shaking her head slightly, and for a moment he was confused; then he realised that while she might have been willing to argue with other lads her age, she was concerned about something and unwilling to question the master.
Bodai noticed something pass between them and said, ‘What?’
Hava almost whispered as she said, ‘How we look.’
Both Bodai and Hava had similar skin colouring, a slightly olive complexion, and shared a vague resemblance around their forehead and eyes, but Hatu looked nothing like them; his skin tone was pale and prone to freckles if he got sun.
Bodai was unsure of her meaning, but Hatu instantly grasped it. Bodai said, ‘Any suggestions?’
‘Yes,’ said Hatu. ‘Hava could pass for your daughter, but I look nothing like either one of you, so I should be your daughter’s husband.’
Bodai was motionless for a second, then nodded. ‘Your wife! Zusara wanted her to stay close to you, so why not? Our arrangement with the baron said nothing about you having to be alone. Yes, this will do. With luck we will never have to explain it to anyone, but should the question arise, that is a good answer.
‘I will go purchase a small string of mounts, and we shall be horse traders, then we can be off. There’s a town at the north edge of Marquensas called Beran’s Hill where we can sell them, then travel quickly on to Marquenet. Once we have discharged our duty to the baron, I will linger a few days, and we can get Hava established.’
Hatu followed Bodai as he returned to the market to select their horses, and as he glanced at Hava, he realised that if it was indeed her mission to kill him eventually, it would be Bodai who would tell her when to do it.
DAYS LATER, THE TRIO OF riders reached the north-western edge of Beran’s Hill, each leading two additional horses. Bodai led them through the first street heading east, and then down another road, until they again turned east and found the entrance to a yard belonging to Tend a, the horse trader.
A stocky man with a slight limp in his left leg turned to greet the trio and said loudly, ‘Bodai! Back so soon?’
‘I found a man desperate to trade up in Pashtar. So I thought, why travel back this way without something to sell?’ He nodded at Hava as he dismounted. ‘This is my daughter and her worthless husband.’ The last was said with a laugh, to indicate he jested.
Tenda ran his hand over his balding pate and said, ‘Well, there seems to be an unusual demand for mounts at the moment, so I’ll take them off your hands if the price is right.’
They had struck a deal before Hava and Hatu could dismount. Bodai actually lost any profit on the trade, but since it was only a cover, the sum wasn’t important. He needed to unload the horses so they could pick up speed and reach Marquenet the day after tomorrow, which was the appointed day of their meeting with a man called Balven.
They rode out of the horse trader’s yard and southwards through the town. Reaching the Inn of the Three Stars, they found workers restoring a building recently gutted by fire. Bodai spied a familiar figure on the roof, using a pry bar to rip away scorched wood from barely intact beams, while other workers were replacing charred framing. ‘Declan!’ he shouted.
It seemed to take a moment for Declan to recognise the speaker, as they had only met once, but eventually he did. ‘Bodai!’
‘What happened?’
‘Remember that young rooster you warned me about?’ said Declan as he moved to the edge of the roof and leapt nimbly to the ground.
‘I do,’ answered the counterfeit horse trader.
‘He killed the old rooster, a man named Misener.’
‘Misener!’ Bodai exclaimed, dismounting. ‘I didn’t realise that’s who he was. He was a legendary captain in the east. I don’t know why he was here, but if the man killed Misener, he was a fighter of great skill.’
‘He came back here, killed my friend Leon, and kidnapped his daughter and another girl.’
‘That is tragic,’ said Bodai. ‘A terrible loss.’
‘It was,’ agreed Declan.
A nearby worker said, ‘He’s not telling all, stranger. Declan led some of the boys after them; they found this man Tyree, killed him, and freed the girls.’
Bodai regarded the young smith for a long moment, then said, ‘If you’ve slain Misener’s killer, then you have made a name for yourself, my young friend. Though perhaps not a name you wish to have earned.’
‘I’m no warrior,’ said Declan, clapping his hands to remove the soot. ‘I have no plans to capitalise on that reputation, unless it sells more swords.’
‘From what I see on my travels,’ Bodai replied, ‘selling more swords will not be a problem. Making them fast enough, perhaps.’
Declan nodded. ‘I see that as well. As soon as we get this inn back under control, I am to travel to Marquenet to hire another smith.’ He looked at Bodai. ‘And to speak to the baron if he’ll hear me out.’
Bodai’s expression was more or less neutral but indicated that it might prove a difficult task. ‘Might you know a place where I, my daughter, and her husband might spend the night?’
‘Turn around and go left at the next street. The Inn of the Green Oak is a fair place for travellers. You’ll have your choice of the barn, under the tables in the commons, or a room if no one else has taken it. You leave for Marquenet tomorrow?’
‘We do,’ said Bodai.
Declan said, ‘If you don’t mind, I’ll ride with you. I have business with the baron. In these times, a group on the road is far safer.’
Bodai didn’t hesitate. Four riders looked even less conspicuous than three. ‘We leave at first light.’
‘I’ll meet you here,’ said Declan.
Bodai remounted and led Hava and Hatu away, leaving Declan to climb the roof of the inn and return to repairing the damage.
LATE IN THE DAY THE next afternoon, the four riders topped a rise and looked down into a large valley that ran from that point down towards the coast, reaching the edge of the rich groves and farmlands Declan had observed on his first trip to Beran’s Hill.
Declan looked at Bodai. ‘I’ve only travelled this way once before. We found a natural well with grass around it down there, on the left side of the road.’ He motioned in that general direction. ‘It was
a good place to spend the night, but we kept on as we had ample daylight when we passed. Do you know the spot?’
Bodai said, ‘I’ve travelled this road several times. That is indeed where I would suggest we make camp. We will be in the city before midday, which is when I’m expected. That’s a good place to rest.’
They had travelled from Beran’s Hill in relative silence. Declan was by nature far from verbose, and his three companions seemed equally inclined to keep their own counsel. Whatever conversation occurred tended to focus on their journey, or trivial observations about the countryside through which they passed.
By the time they reached the campsite, the sun was lowering in the west. Hatu climbed off his horse and said, ‘I’ll start a fire.’ He handed the reins of his horse to Hava as Bodai handed his mount’s reins to Declan, who took them. The horses could smell the water from the spring close by and needed little urging to go drink.
By the time the animals had been cared for and staked out for the night, Hava and Declan returned to discover that Hatu and Bodai had made a full camp. There was abundant wood in a thick copse of trees a short distance away, and a lively fire was burning. He’d taken the liberty of unpacking Hava’s travel packs and had placed ground cloths near the fire. ‘I didn’t know if you’d appreciate me unpacking for you,’ he said to Declan quietly.
Declan waved away the comment, appreciating the courtesy. ‘No, it’s fine.’
As he unloaded his own gear, Declan considered that most people would have left him to unpack without comment. Something about this fellow, who was only a few years younger than him, struck Declan as a little odd – not in a way to cause discomfort; he just seemed different. The older man and the girl were ordinary enough, though Declan would never have marked them as father and daughter. The way they behaved was a little strange … from another land, Declan reminded himself.
He put aside such thoughts and decided that he was simply feeling uneasy about strangers after what happened to Gwen’s father. Declan reminded himself that he had been a stranger, too, until recently. He pulled out a bundle wrapped in oiled cloth. ‘I’ve got jerked meat but fresh fruit,’ said the smith. ‘I knew it was a short trip, so I didn’t think we needed a lot of food.’
Bodai accepted an apple. ‘I appreciate it. Trail fare is often nourishing but lacking flavour. I’ve plenty of dried food, so this is very welcome.’
They settled in, and Declan said, ‘You got that fire going quickly. I see ample wood, but not much dry kindling around.’
Hatu shrugged. ‘I have a knack for fires.’
‘My son-in-law had many trades before joining my family,’ said Bodai. ‘I’m sure he has a story about fire making.’ He fixed Hatu with an expression that both half-warned the young man and demanded a story to satisfy Declan’s curiosity.
Hatu was silent as he returned Bodai’s stare, then he glanced at Hava, whose expression remained neutral. Finally he said, ‘Before I met my beloved, I struggled to find a craft. I was born an orphan—’
‘So was I!’ Declan interrupted. ‘I wouldn’t be a master smith today save for the generosity of my teacher and his wife.’
Hatu smiled and continued, ‘Tinkering and smithing were among the many trades at which I tried my hand. I know little of serious craft in a proper forge, but I learned how to start a fire from whatever is lying around; you know how those travelling forges are.’
Declan nodded. ‘Most tinker work doesn’t require the heat that forging steel does. Start with any fire and just add a few small pieces of coal …’ After a moment he said, ‘Well, you’ve found your true trade, apparently.’ He nodded at Hava and Bodai. ‘Truth is, I’d try to find out if you have the knack, had you no employment. There’s a shortage of decent smiths and apprentices these days. When I reach Marquenet, I’ve been asked to enquire if there’s a good smith willing to move up to Copper Hills.’
Bodai tilted his head slightly, as if he found that information interesting.
With a smile, Hatu said, ‘I’ll bear that in mind should my beloved’s father grow tired of my poor skill with horses.’
Bodai tried to turn it into a jest. ‘It’s not your poor skill with horses,’ he said in a light tone. ‘The boy does well enough with showing and keeping them fit; he is a fair judge of horseflesh.’ He nodded approval. ‘He’s even become gifted at spotting any injuries that the seller has disguised with tricks, drugs, and unguents.
‘It’s simply that he does not understand how to bargain. Haggling is not a skill that comes naturally to him. If I left our business to him, I would die an impoverished old man.’
Declan chuckled.
After a moment, Bodai looked at Declan. ‘What became of the girls at that inn?’
‘One of them was Leon’s daughter. She’s to be my wife. We shall say our vows as soon as we find time; perhaps at midsummer. It’s a common time here, as there’s a celebration anyway. The other girl, Millie, I fear isn’t doing well. My apprentice is smitten with her, and tries to care for her, but she spends her days huddled in his room, only coming out to eat. He’s taken to sleeping in the barn again, for she will have no one close to her. My Gwen has to force her to bathe. I don’t know what to expect.’
Bodai gave out a long sigh of sympathy and said, ‘Like any part of a human body, the mind can be strong or fragile. Some people face adversity and withstand it, even thrive in rare cases, but some are shattered like pottery on rock.’
Declan nodded. He recalled with vivid clarity his realization that once he had killed Tyree, nothing in his life would ever be the same. Gwen tried to put it in the past, but he had seen her cry quietly when she thought he wasn’t looking, or staring out of the window in the kitchen of the house behind the smithy.
He tried to get her to shop for things to replace what she and Millie had lost, and she had purchased a few bits and pieces, mostly for Millie. He thought she was recovering but also realised it might simply be his hope urging him to feel that way.
Declan sighed. ‘And I now have an inn to rebuild.’
‘Why bother?’ asked Hatu.
‘Because my soon-to-be wife insisted that her father provide a dowry. She lost everything in the fire. Some coins were melted, so the metal’s there, but … it’s not the same. So, I will rebuild the inn, and Gwen will pretend that I’m not spending my money to do it. Then we will sell it, and she can give me the gold as if it’s her dowry.’
Hatu shrugged as he looked at Hava. ‘Would—’ He stopped himself, for he was about to ask her if she wanted a dowry when they were pretending to be already wed. ‘Would you have wanted such, had we been in that situation?’
Hava shrugged, then softly said, ‘He’s trying to make her whole again, even happy. He is a good man.’
Declan inclined his head in thanks, then said, ‘Sleep now. We should need no watch this close to the baron’s home.’
Bodai nodded. ‘Still, I’ll stay awake for a bit. Old habits.’
Declan lay on his mat and pulled a travel blanket over him. He kept his boots on out of prudence. After one more night they would reach the city of Marquenet, and after he had spoken with the baron and talked to a few of the smiths in the city, he would find a good room in a decent inn, a hot bath, and a meal. As much as Declan was concerned about being away from Gwen, he also welcomed this short respite from the worry and doubt.
• CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN •
Fate Wheels and Lives Change
The three younger riders followed Bodai into the city at noon. When they were within sight of the northern entrance to the old citadel, Bodai reined in and said to Declan, ‘Here we must part company, my young friend. Our business with the baron’s agent is not to be shared, and besides, if you seek an audience, you will need to approach his agent at this gate, correct?’
Declan nodded. ‘True. I thank you for your company. Should you ever return to Beran’s Hill, come and find me and I will happily stand you a round of drinks.’
‘My thanks,’ said B
odai. Hava and Hatu also bade Declan goodbye, then followed Bodai as he rode off to the southwest.
Riding a short distance behind Bodai, Hava turned to Hatu and said, ‘I liked him.’
Hatu nodded. ‘Seemed like a solid fellow. I don’t envy him the nursing of Gwen’s wounds.’
Hava looked at him as if about to ask, then understood. ‘Those kind are hard to heal.’ She then looked at him with a questioning expression.
He nodded and said, ‘Of course I would do as much for you.’
Hava smiled, then looked to see if Master Bodai was listening. They skirted the citadel, taking their time to wend their way through the crowded streets.
Hatu had visited many cities since leaving the home island, hut none like this. Everything he saw revealed its wealth. The splendour of Marquenet wasn’t simply a reflection of the baron’s treasury; its people were rich in peace and safety as well as material prosperity. Few beggars could be seen, and the urchins who roamed the streets looked nothing like the street gangs Hatu and Hava had run with in the east. The children playing at their mothers’ feet were well fed and properly clothed.
City guards walked through the markets, keeping an eye out for thievery or conflict, but they lacked the wary, tense appearance that guardsmen possessed in other cities; these men seemed at ease. Hatu widened his eyes in wonder as merchants greeted the guards by name, and the guards returned their smiles and exchanged pleasantries. Bodai glanced back at the two youngsters and noticed Hatu’s expression, and said, ‘Marvellous city, isn’t it?’
‘Yes,’ said Hatu, looking at Hava.
She nodded her agreement. ‘I’ve never seen its like.’
‘Like Ithrace,’ said Bodai. ‘Destroyed when you both were babies.’ He glanced back again and then added, ‘Marquenet is the richest and most prosperous city as exists on all of Garn, since the destruction of Ithrace.
‘The baron and the last king of Ithrace were close, by all accounts, and it seems they shared the idea of maintaining a common good; most rulers simply take from their people. Better ones give as well, and their prosperity is shared with everyone. Baron Daylon is generous in his protection and lenient with taxes; he possesses the richest farmlands and groves on the west coast of North Tembria, and trades fairly and dispenses justice with an even hand. What is there not to love?’