The Long Road To... - 42. You Shall Go to the Ball

We stood on the dock in clusters waiting to give the King a formal greeting. He had arrived, but we had not seen him yet as he was getting cleaned up privately, in town, after his ride.

Our small groups were designed for proper representation. Phaetheon, Galehault, and a few other men talked together as did Blade and his group of brothers. Revinn and dignitaries from town seemed pleased not to have been overlooked in favor of the King’s presence.

Lanterns lit the entire end of the dock and the canvas draped ship. The smell of food wafted to us from the shore over the quiet lapping of the waves against the wood.

I stood with Leaf and Marius who talked softly. We were, by far the smallest group.

“We thought it would look better if a man of your stature had at least two retainers,” Marius chuckled, “…so I volunteered.” He did a quick bow.

“Don’t worry,” Leaf winked. “I won’t let Marius get me drunk.”

Marius began to protest, Leaf stopped him with a short laugh.

A small group of men approached followed by a larger contingent from town. A few of us looked to Phaetheon for what we should be doing. For his part, Phaetheon passed us and approached the King. The townspeople stopped on the shore and waited. The King came forward. Phaethon bowed, then the men behind him did the same followed by the rest of us on the dock.

The King extended his hand to Phaetheon. Together they talked quietly. I could not hear them, nor really see them for the people between, their faces were completely lost to me. They both appeared to be making pleasant conversation. I heard Leaf inhale next to me, as if to say something, when Phaetheon turned on his heal and gestured the King forward to the ship. Once they were aboard, we followed in our own clusters.

Suddenly, Teucer approached us. “I can guide you through the courtesies and show you to where Phaetheon selected for you to sit. As one of ‘your men,’ Marius will stand behind you and should not.” He smiled and appeared fine, though his tone definitely conveyed he was playing a part for the evening. “First you are to be presented to the King. We are going to stop in front of him and Phaetheon. I will say who you are and you give a bow and then we move on. Just follow me.” He nodded and smiled.

Once up the plank, we entered through a flap in canopy. The deck was lit everywhere with lanterns. It had now taken the guise of a well-appointed dining hall. We followed Teucer to the head table. Phaetheon and the King were already seated. As Teucer began to announce us, the King’s face caught mine and was immediately recognized.

“Talon?” He interrupted before Teucer could finish. I think Phaetheon registered surprise in his expression, but covered it well. The King paused and the shock passed. “It is Harald. Do you remember me?” It was indeed he, the man in black I had met so many years ago. He had called me a brother then.

“King Harald.” I bowed a second time, and felt multiple sets of eyes now focused on me. When I looked back up, he was smiling.

“My old brother in arms. You come in fine company.” He nodded to Phaetheon.

Not knowing what else to do, I began to bow again.

“No, no,” he laughed. “We are well past all that. Please. Enjoy the night. We will talk later.”

Teucer tugged at my arm and led my group to the side and toward a rear corner, the farthest from prying eyes, except of course, those already around me at my own table. Marius’ eyebrows were raised. Teucer, his duty done for the moment, resumed his shy demeanor but glanced at me. Leaf chuckled while looking directly at my face.

“So…” Marius said slowly, “…is there anything you would like to tell us about?”

Leaf coughed to deny the laugh that threatened in his belly. “I seemed to have missed that story too…” he continued suppressing his laughter.

Others came in and were presented to Harald and Phaetheon. After everyone was seated, Phaetheon and Harald each spoke about each other’s great country and the prospects which lay ahead of them.

With great pomp, the canvas parted and the trays of food came in and were presented in front of the head table.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Phaetheon give a slight nod. Revinn stood up, tankard in hand. Harald acknowledged him, and the room went quiet once more. He made a quick bow to our hosts.

“As we enjoy this feast of friendship, we…” he gestured to the townsfolk around him, “…wanted to acknowledge the provider of this meal, a man who brought prosperity to this kingdom once before and hopefully has once more. We feast tonight on the flesh of the Midnight Stag provided by Talon from across the sea.” He turned to me, as did all the eyes in the room. “The only man in history to twice win the prize. Good fortune follow you Talon, and prosperity follow us all!” He raised his drink high to the cries of “Hear, hear.”

I nodded, we all drank, and finally our meal was served. When prodded, I gave the barest recollection of meeting Harald those many years ago. When they realized I was done and not elaborating any further, our table talked of the town and possibilities of trade and the hopes Phaetheon had for the future and how the High King Ambrosius would be pleased.

When the time came to relieve myself, I left the boat, crossed the dock, and used the temporary privies set up on the shore. Afterward, I lingered along the rocky sands.

The shadow of a man appeared and approached me. Harald gestured and I nodded.

“The last time we met it was beside the sea in the darkness as well wasn’t it?” I could see his grin in the night.

“Back then you had just killed a Midnight Stag and then went on to help save a town… one of Father’s, mine now. This time you manage to get another Stag with Phaetheon waiting for me. What are you to bring us next then?”

He looked out over the waters not waiting for a response. I did the same.

“My father did not like change. He thought that our small country could stay as it was forever. Our simple, happy lives could always be the same. It was a comforting notion. One that still makes me happy. Like visiting my grandmother and sitting by her feet as she spun. Here we support each other, village and town, man and woman, king and fisherman.”

He sighed.

“Change can only be kept out for so long. The world has changed and we must change with it or be left behind or even conquered. We need to be part of life outside of our borders. It is not just trade and prosperity being offered… it is an alliance with an even greater and growing power. A people who do not appear to come to us with malice aforethought.” He looked at me.

“Is that your experience with them? This empire from the across the great seas?”

I nodded. From our very first meeting, I had no reason to believe there was anything in Phaetheon other than a deep seated mission to learn from and unite all of us. It was the following of a vision greater than all of us. I nodded again.

“This is an invitation to take our rightful place among other kingdoms. We will be known. With that new conflicts will arise, but, or better or for worse, this is an invitation I think we should accept.”

I nodded and wondered at the larger picture, not just Phaetheon’s, but at Harald’s as well. There was a light in him, a cautious flame waiting to become a fire.

“Terms will have to be made of course,” he continued. “My people must do well by this. Regardless of why I feel the deal should be done, my terms will be only for them.”

I turned to look at him. He was worthy to be a king. He turned back to me and extended his hand.

“Thank you for coming to us once again and thanks be to whatever god or gods you believe in. You and the Midnight Stag assure me that good things will be accomplished over the next days.”

I shook his hand. He put his other on my shoulder.

“If we prosper, you will be revered as the hunter of the Midnight Stag, bringer of fortune and prosperity; if we crumble, I will be blamed as the king who made a bad deal.” He chuckled. “Doesn’t seem fair does it?”

We stood and let the question fade.

“Well, best get back before they think we are the term makers, though I think Phaetheon wouldn’t mind you taking the credit for that as well.” He laughed again.

As we walked back toward the light of the dock, I felt calm, or relieved, I could not be sure. Harald had a way about him that made him indeed feel like a brother. I thought of Blade.

“Did you know, that before you, I was the last one to get a Midnight Stag?”

I shook my head.

“Had to be about ten years or so ago I think. I’m a little jealous. You are ahead by one.” He laughed once more.

There were a few stares from other guests, including my actual brother Blade, as we crossed the dock together. There were more when we crossed onto the deck. Phaetheon stood from his temporary seat next to Revinn at the table with the townspeople. His mouth curled with a wry smile and nodded to us. Harald resumed his seat at the head table and Phaetheon returned to his at his side.

My table was quiet for a few minutes before Marius finally broke the ice. “What did you two talk about? Do you think…”

“He will deal fairly,” I said to curtail further questions. Smiles, nods, and peace were their replies.

Later on, Harald and Phaetheon stood. “The night grows late,” Harald said loudly. The room quieted. “Tonight we rest. Tomorrow the real discussion begins. I thank emissary Phaetheon for his hospitality, and my…” he glanced my way, “…friend Talon for honoring me so. I thank you all for honoring me. Good night all.” He bowed to the room.

He and Phaetheon shook hands as we all nodded and bowed. Phaetheon bowed after us, then Harald left followed by a few of his men.

Quietly, Phaetheon disappeared into the ship. Others drifted out, some seemed intent to drink until they dropped.

Leaf and I wandered into the town and quickly realized that with Harald and his men to accommodate, there were few options left for us. The innkeeper seemed embarrassed for only having a small alcove left. It seemed similar to the original ones that Thorn and I, and Kjartanei and Joachim had used years ago. Leaf and I crawled in behind the leather door coverings, shed our outer clothes, and lay down to sleep.

The next day was spent about the town among various company. Phaetheon and Harald kept only a few men with them and kept to the ship and the town master’s home. Blade and the brothers walked among the people of the village and talked to anyone and everyone about the Artifex Pater. They had a growing audience as people from all over Harald’s kingdom arrived. Word was that a trade deal was imminent and everyone wanted to profit by being in the right place at the right time. Leaf and I had to sleep on the boat again for the lack of available rooms.

The day after, Revinn, a few of his men, and I went out for an early morning hunt. Upon our return when the sun was high, Revinn clapped me on the back again. “Well, we could not expect three times from you now could we?” In truth, I felt I would be happy to never see a Midnight Stag ever again.

It was announced that Harald and Phaetheon had come to terms. Goods, money, and support would be exchanged between them and then by their kingdoms. It was further announced that Phaetheon’s party would bring the good news back to Ambrosius: the mission was a success. We would be leaving. It was terrific news for the travelers who had spent so long away from home.

A final evening feast would be held and the day was spent in preparation of it. It would be less formal, but meaningful all the same. The entire town was invited to not only prepare, but to attend.

Some of the foreign goods stored on board were off-loaded to be shared. A taste for the people of the town of what would come through their port from all over the world.

Harald and Phaetheon once again sat together, this time in the town square. The mood was much less formal and filled with laughter. Everyone wandered and ate and sat and drank. Singers sang, people rejoiced. For myself, I wandered back to the fields. Leaf saw me go and part of me wished he would follow. He smiled broadly but remained behind.

The pastures were peaceful. I found a solitary place and lay on my back to watch the stars.

I woke in the middle of the night feeling the cold through to my bones. My teeth chattered as I made my way back. The two sleepy men at the gate gave respectful nods as I passed.

Only one or two fires were still lit and they were dying. The rest of the village were in their homes it seemed. I went to the closest pit to get some of its heat before finding my way out to the dock and finding a place to sleep.

As I finally was getting my trembling jaw under control and the feeling back into my feet, I saw Revinn. He saw me, waved, and walked over.

“You still awake?” He yawned. I involuntarily yawned in response. “Here come with me, I just finished patrol, you don’t need to go all the way out to the ships, you can sleep in my house.” He pointed. It was invitingly close.

I nodded.

We went in and found a warm hearth with several people sleeping around it in the main room. He held up a finger to quiet any questions and proceeded carefully across to a closed door grabbing a small lantern on the way. I followed him across and in.

The lantern illuminated a single room, not dissimilar to the one in Fin’s house at the cove. A large bed sat in the corner. He closed the door behind us.

“It may not be what you were expecting, but it is home.” He smiled and began removing his gear. “You take the bed. This wall is the back of the neighbor’s fireplace. It is warm enough for me.”

I began to protest. He raised his hand.

“You are my guest. Please accept.”

I nodded. He continued stripping down and I started on my own. My hands shook as I tried at my straps.

“Here then,” he said and helped get me undone. “You are like ice. Where were you?”

When I was undressed enough, he pointed at the bed. “You will be warm in no time.”

I got in and slid over.

“Enough for you,” I said.

He shook his head but smiled.

I shook my head in return.

“Not a man’s bed.”

He looked hesitant.

“Not for the floor.” I beckoned him to accept.

He yawned, nodded, and turned down the lantern before crawling in. The bed was more than large enough, even for my size. I wondered how he rated this big bed alone when there was a room filled with people nestled around a hearth on the other side of the door. I felt him roll on his back.

“Goodnight my friend, may your dreams be worthy of you.”

It had the sound of something old and passed down, and somehow calming to my mind. I fell asleep in the warmth of Revinn’s generosity and in the comfort of his wishes.

Through no fault of Revinn, I slept merely adequately. It was not the same sleeping in a strange bed with a well-meaning stranger. Warm, yes. Safe, yes. Undisturbed, yes. Completely restful, not quite.

“There you are!” Leaf and Galehault trotted up to us.

“Here he is, safe and sound,” boomed Revinn, having slept well.

Galehault turned to him. “Are you still coming with us? Phaetheon granted permission for as long as you like…”

“Of course!” Revinn laughed.

“Gather your things, we leave with the tide.” He left us and quickly made his way away toward the docks.

“What fortune!” Revinn clasped my shoulders. “I must tell everyone.” He ran back down towards his home.

“How exciting!” Leaf grinned. We walked together to the same inn, found a space, and had a hearty, readily available stew before we began the walk to the dock as many of the villagers were. Phaetheon was going to have formal send-off by Harald.

“Wait,” Leaf stopped us. “The Midnight Stag, come.” We turned the corner and went into the tanner’s. He was also preparing to go to see Phaetheon off.

“I am sorry sir,” he shook his head. “With all what’s been going on, I just did not have enough time to get it done. I am so sorry.”

We hesitated.

“I could hold it here for a time of course if you think you would be back. Or try to send it on if you knew where I should send it to…” He shrugged and looked uncomfortable.

“Harald,” I said slowly. “He killed one. He told me so.” I looked at Leaf. “A gift for Harald?”

He and the tanner looked at each other for a moment.

“Actually, I think it would be a splendid gift for him,” Leaf ventured while trying to gauge the man’s reaction.

“Very generous of you sir,” the tanner said after a moment. Leaf nodded enthusiastically.

“The coat would stay with someone who has gotten one. The chain would stay closed. The luck would not be diminished,” the tanner went on.

“Well that solves that,” Leaf grinned.

Crowds choked the around the dock, put parted for us as we came through. We made our way down the wharf and found Marius with Revinn.

“There you are. You will be on Huallpa’s ship again.” He pointed out past the boat at the pier, down to local skiff waiting for us. Blade caught me on the way. He was accompanied by two of the brothers.

“It looks like we will be apart once more,” he sighed. “Phaetheon is keeping us close.” He grabbed hold of me in a bear hug. “May the Artifex be with you until we land.”

He let me go and looked at Leaf, perhaps deciding what to say.

“Safe travel to you,” he said without reaching to shake Leaf’s hand.

Leaf seemed not to have noticed. “Good and safe travels to you, all of you.” He nodded his head to Blade and the others.

Revinn, Leaf, and I finished making our way to the end of the dock to Teucer helping a young family in ahead of us.

“I am with Phaeheon this time.” He smiled and shook our hands. Revinn boarded followed by Leaf.

“See you on the other side.” He hesitated, unsure of himself, then he strongly hugged me before averting his eyes and turning to the ropes.

I carefully boarded the boat that was to bring us across to the Inferno. I sat between the young family and Leaf. When the mother scooted the child next to herself over to make room, I realized she was very pregnant. The little girl smiled at Revinn.

I watched the dock glide away from us. Teucer stood and watched. I smiled and waved back when he waved to me.

As we were helped up, Captain Huallpa came to meet us.

“Welcome aboarrd my new phrriends! I am Huallpa, Captain of the Inpherrno,” he boomed. “I underrstand you will be my guests for the next parrt oph the voyage. RRest easy and have no carres.” He stepped toward the woman. “Ourr ship’s doctorr is at yourr serrvice ma’am.” He bowed to her and gestured to LLoque.

“And you my phriends, back again? Good to have you aboarred!”