The End of Times. - 3. The Inn at Talmon.

As seas go, the Sea of Rhûn was small, but still much bigger than even the largest lake. With a fair wind it was less than two days from Talmon on the western coast to Bruda on the eastern side. But the winds were not always following, and a head wind could easily double the crossing time. The boat would be forced to tack, which was hard work, and inevitably covered the deck with sea spray.

Before ever they could think about the crossing, they had first to find a ship. Rasheeq had insisted they make camp some distance outside the village. Hamdi complained, after over a month of travelling from Mirkwood, he wanted to see people and eat a proper meal. But then didn't they all? First, important business needed to be settled. Rasheeq had to find a ship with a captain willing to accept a boy in payment for their passage. He could not trust leaving Hamdi alone at their camp, so he brought him here, with the boy. The tavern was a welcome change, but somewhere to be approached with caution. The whole village was far from being the safest of places.

“What is your pleasure young sirs?” Muckold leant across the bar, his hefty presence demanding attention.

“Ale and a bowl for our supper if we may,” Rasheeq held his gaze, asserting himself.

“Take a seat gentleman,” Muckold scanned the three newcomers. They were an odd group, not sailors, that was certain. Neither were they from these parts. That much he could tell from their dress and accent.

Hamdi pushed the boy over towards an empty table, Rasheeq followed behind. Looking about, the place seemed not very full. The smell of burning wood from the hearth mixed with smoke and an all pervading staleness. Small groups of threes or fours chatted in murmurs that seemed to be swallowed up by the room, somehow smothered by the thick atmosphere. After they had seated themselves in a corner, Rasheeq positioned himself with his back to the wall and a good view of most of the room. They were soon served with a large heavy flagon of ale and three tin tankards. When the server returned with three bowls of stew Rasheeq stopped him, grasping the man's arm.

“What are you called?”

Eamar could not help but feel nervous. He instantly recognised the Berbers, and of course the boy must be one they had captured.

“Eamar sir,” he did not look at anyone, but averted his eyes, staring at the floor.

“Well Eamar. Perhaps you might tell us if there are any boats in port?”

He shuffled nervously. It was very difficult for him to be in the presence of even young men of Berber origin. All the fears of his life before invaded and threatened to overpower him. He stuttered as he replied, but managed what had been rehearsed.

“I know of no ships parting for the east, but there should be one perhaps in a day or two.”

As Rasheeq was considering this, Eamar edged a little closer. Rasheeq's hand went immediately to the hilt of the dagger that he carried in a sheaf on his belt. Eamar saw the movement and stopped.

“Excuse me sir. I do not mean harm. Nor indeed to presume.”

Rasheeq relaxed a little and studied the face of the servant. He could not see very well in the dim light.

“There is a gentleman,” Eamar nodded towards Eönwë, who was sitting alone as usual, at a table on the far side of the room. Rasheeq followed the direction indicated. He saw the shadow of someone; an old man perhaps? Dressed in the long woollen garment of these parts. With the pointed hood down across his shoulder. He thought he glimpsed white or grey hair.

“He is looking for an apprentice.” Eamar's eyes rested on the young boy sitting next to Hamdi. Rasheeq was curious, ‘an apprentice,’ certainly a euphemism for wanting a boy.

Eamar watched Rasheeq's reaction carefully, and saw that he was interested.

“He has money.” Eamar pushed home his advantage.

Rasheeq did a quick calculation. If he could sell this boy, he could buy their passage east.

“Nine silver coins.”

Eamar coughed, “That is rather a lot for such a skimpy little boy.”

“Are you buying him?” Rasheeq looked angry.

“No sir, but...”

“Go and invite the gentleman over.”

Rasheeq watched as Eamar crossed the room to speak to the man on the other side. His eyes following Eönwë as he stood and came back towards their table.

“Peace be upon you.” Eönwë looked down at Rasheeq and Hamdi, taking in the small boy.

“And upon you. Please sit.” Rasheeq smiled, but it was not a genuine smile. He was simply being polite.

“Would you care for some ale?” He took a moment to examine the stranger close up.

“With pleasure.” Eönwë’s gaze settled on the boy and an idea formed itself in his mind.

“Hamdi!” Rasheeq prompted him in a gruff voice.

Hamdi took the empty tankard that had rested in the centre of the table. He poured the ale from the jug and passed the tankard to the stranger. All eyes were now on the newcomer. Eönwë took hold of the tankard and raised it to his lips, taking only a small sip of the ale.

“Thank you,” he smiled as he set the tankard back down.

“You are most welcome. The servant here tells me you are looking for an apprentice. Rasheeq indicated the boy sitting with his head bowed next to Hamdi. He reached over and lifted the boy’s chin to show his face.

“A fine young boy. Full of promise.” Rasheeq smirked.

Eönwë ignored the remark. “He would seem rather frail. Perhaps not up to a long voyage?”

Rasheeq was on his guard now, as the stranger may well be speaking with a double sense. Hamdi did not realise the subtlety of the conversation and intervened saying, “You are planning a long journey sir?”

Rasheeq was annoyed at Hamdi, and gave him a severe look. Eönwë simply smiled.

“I have no time to waste sir. If the boy interests you we can discuss a price. If not, we must take our leave.”

It was a vain attempt by the young man to force his hand. Eönwë saw immediately how he lacked the experience and wisdom of years.

“Before we get to the price. If it is not presumptuous on my part. May I beg to ask if you do not perhaps have another boy?”

Rasheeq studied the man's features, but could discern nothing. He did not want to reveal his hand, neither did he want to loose an opportunity. That might mean they would be stuck here for days. A thought occurred to him, a clever idea.

“I am of a mind to return home and do not want the baggage.” He again regarded the boy. “We each have a servant, but I had the intention to retain one. However, sir,” Rasheeq smiled at Eönwë. “If we could conclude a suitable negotiation. Well I would part with both. This would thus serve each of us.”

Eönwë nodded in agreement. The young man had fallen into his trap. “I am not a rich man.” He smiled taking another sip from the tankard.

“What would be your offer?” Rasheeq wanted to conclude the deal whilst he believed he had the advantage.

Eönwë looked as if he were contemplating an offer. “First... your other servant,” he said the word with a certain intonation. “That boy is not here for me to see.”

“Hamdi, go and fetch the other boy” Hamdi reluctantly stood up and turned to leave. “Be quick. Do not keep our guest waiting.”

They returned to drinking and talking about inconsequential things. Rasheeq tried to steer the conversation so as to obtain information about this man, but Eönwë was far too skilled to let anything slip. Finally, Hamdi returned with the boy called Mario. A lad slightly taller than Aaron, less thin, perhaps a year older. Eönwë watched as Hamdi drew up a chair and sat the two boys together.

“A fine intelligent boy,” Rasheeq regarded Eönwë.

Eönwë smiled. “Tell me your best price?”

Rasheeq was caught off guard by the man, but quickly recovered. “Twelve silver coins... A bargain I think.”

“That is far too high for a man of my simple means.” Eönwë brushed his garment, as if to indicate his poverty by the state of his clothes.

“These boys will not disappoint.”

“Perhaps, but that is yet to be seen.”

“I cannot sell them at a loss.”

Eönwë chuckled. “I do not think you sell them at a loss.”

He thought to himself, ‘how could he imagine I don't know these are captured sons of freemen?’ A certain anger appeared in his regard.

“Five silver coins sir.”

Rasheeq paused before answering. “Be serious sir, or you have wasted my time. Eleven, and that is my final offer.”

“I will meet you halfway, six.”

There would be seven of them to make the crossing if he sold these two, but he needed to bring back some money from the sale, and pay their crossing.

“Nine silver coins. Because you are, as you say, not a rich man. “That is my absolute best offer.”

Eönwë extended his arm. They shook hands across the table. Eönwë removed the coins from the small purse he kept within his garment, and slid them across the table. Rasheeq gathered the money, stood up and nodded to Hamdi.

“You will excuse us now.”

He didn't wait for a reply, but quickly left the table and the two of them exited the inn. At the same moment Mario realised it was his chance to flee. He moved his chair to get up. Thinking he could easily make the door. Leaving the man who had just bought them, occupied with Aaron. But Eönwë was lightning fast. He jumped up and grabbed the boy's arm, forcing him back down in his seat. Aaron looked up with the kerfuffle, but remained frozen on his chair.

“What’s your name boy?” Eönwë demanded from the shocked and surprised Mario.

“Mario.” The boy’s voice betrayed his fear for the consequences of his failed escape.

Eönwë needed to act quickly and get the boys to safety. “Listen carefully. You have nothing to be afraid of. I mean neither of you any harm, but you must follow me quickly. Some of your countrymen await you to join them. They were sent to find you, and return you home. This is not a safe place, you need to trust me.”

Mario looked at Aaron, but there was nothing in Aaron's blank expression to give any answer. He made his mind up to follow the man, what other choice was there?