The Unexpected Heir: A Tale of Alus (48 page)

More of the soldiers dressed in black with their red sashes roamed the city. While there seemed to be less violence than in Adeer, Marta was definitely no longer acknowledging their king's rule. She had heard that dozens of soldiers from the local militia had joined the black army, though many had been put into the local jail when they refused also.

They didn't dare ask too closely about the changes. Xerese wondered if the governor of Marta had suffered a similar fate as that of the man in Delem.

Returning to the docks, the lady of Malaiy found that no matter how charming she could be there were still obstacles that she couldn't get past. They canvassed the ships docked in the harbor looking for a ride west, but those that didn't have a red flag appeared to be stuck in Marta for now. Even the Taramist discovered that they must wait for clearance from the local government before they could be allowed to leave again.

The trap they had feared entering the harbor had snapped shut. Captain Nywal and his crew looked frustrated. Many had left the ship to drown their sorrows in the local taverns because of it.

"You may want to keep your husband out of sight," the captain warned as they waited on deck. "I've had those men in black come by to try and get my men to join the local army. They've pulled men from the other ships already too, and they don't seem to care if you are really willing to join them or not."

"They're conscripting men?" Xerese questioned worriedly. Not only did she not wish for Toman to be forced to join this questionable militia, the girl also had to wonder what would happen to her if she lost him.

It was a selfish thought, but her dependence on Toman was complete. The man didn't really need her. Sure she could negotiate better with men, since her attributes and personality were more likely to sway a man; but the guard didn't truly need her.

If they ever managed to return home, the girl would make certain that he was rewarded handsomely; though Xerese often wondered if money was the reason Toman had remained with her. There was duty, she supposed; but that could falter in some men. Still, he remained with her like a brother protecting his sister.

Her eyes strayed to the man and added that it was also like a husband protecting his wife.

Cheeks warming with the thought, she took a deep breath before asking, "Do you think that we should just leave? We walked away from Delem and it took a lot longer to make it to Adeer, but if you think we should walk to the next town or even all the way to Malaiy, I will.

"We should try to arrange for food, and maybe some new clothing; but we have a little money to do that now."

Toman considered the idea, but answered, "I could head into town and see if there is a carriage service. It would save some time and be easier on you."

"I'm not letting you go alone," Xerese replied shaking her head. "If you go, I go."

Captain Nywal smiled at the couple and stated, "Well, they are looking for soldiers. Your wife is probably safer than you are if one of those militant squads comes across you."

The dark haired girl nodded and Toman shrugged without disputing her. She was his employer in theory, so if Xerese wanted to come along he couldn't really dispute it. Even if the girl wasn't in charge, she could just as easily follow him; unless he went to the extreme of tying her up below deck or something.

They asked in a few of the shops in the marketplace while avoiding the soldiers in town. Even among places like these, some eyes were raised at the idea of leaving town; but eventually they found a stable with a few black coaches sitting alongside of the building.

As her eyes adjusted to the dim light of the front room of the carriage service, Xerese noted a room with empty chairs sitting near the small, front windows and a counter with an older man sitting behind it.

"What can I do for you folks?" he asked gruffly. The man looked unhappy and perhaps grouchy as well.

Uncertain whether that was just his way or if things in Marta had caused such an attitude, Xerese did her best to appear cheerful. Her smile and bounce to her step as the girl sauntered up to the counter did seem to soften his look slightly.

"My husband and I were wondering if you had any routes taking you west. We were hoping to book a ride to Malaiy, or as close to that as we can get."

Grunting at the proposal, he replied, "Malaiy would require a lot of gold and I doubt that it is even possible right now with the brotherhood's soldiers running most of the towns in the north now. At least, that is what we have been hearing from others looking to leave Marta."

"There are a lot of people trying to leave?" she questioned feigning surprise, but Xerese could understand why someone would want to leave the militant town.

"Some, but many of those had been servants of the king here. Most of the governor's family were put in prison or hung for serving King Tylus. They were blamed for attacks on the temple and brothers. A few tried to switch sides and joined the temple. Supposedly they went to serve to make up for crimes against Sordrian, but they were pretty much just trying to save their necks.

"People have been pretty rough on those who remain true to Tseult."

"Well, we are just travelers who were stranded when our ship was held at the dock," the girl said avoiding the rest of their story.

Looking at Toman, the man looked unimpressed by the guard's clothing and stated, "Can you even afford a carriage ride?"

Xerese looked at the guardsman. "Much of our luggage was lost along the way. Forgive my husband for looking a mess. He is hard to find clothing for in the market, but we planned on trying again later. First, we need to lock in transportation.

"Can you help us or do we need to try somewhere else?"

"You won't find anyone else heading west," he replied sounding quite certain. "We are the only one with coaches for hire in Marta even when things aren't so crazy."

Feeling that he was ready to say more, Xerese waited and put a hand on Toman's forearm when the guard started to step forward. She could tell that Toman wanted to push the man harder, but the lady knew better than to push too hard. Her protector was less subtle in his dealings with people and she needed to hold him back before he messed up the groundwork that she had already laid.

"I suppose that we could put together a trip as far as Daria. We have a few others who have asked for similar transportation. It would require two golds for the ride. You pay for your own food and inns when there are some."

Nodding, Xerese replied, "We can do that, but how soon would we leave?"

The old man gave it some thought and replied, "Come back in two hours. I'll need to get word to the other passengers interested. We'll have the coach and team ready by then."

Putting out his hand, he added, "Half down now and half when you return, but if the militia decides that you are troublemakers and throw you in prison, I'm keeping it," the old man finished with a laugh at his joke that was more like a cackle.

Xerese managed a tolerant smile and nodded. Gesturing to Toman, the guard produced the gold on good faith. She only hoped that they weren't getting duped out of their money, even though this appeared to be the only way to get out of town short of walking once more.

A quick trip to the market place netted both food and some clothing. A tailor had managed to make a pair of pants and a shirt for Toman by adjusting some things he already had available. Apparently there were enough larger men in Marta that some clothing was on hand that could be fitted.

While Xerese wished to buy a few things for herself, she restrained her desire for better clothing and they returned to the stables with most of their coin still in hand.

Four other passengers were there waiting by the time they arrived. Half were women, though Xerese couldn't tell if the men were their husbands. There would be plenty of time to discover their stories on the long ride to Daria, if the other passengers were willing to talk about themselves, the girl thought.

The old man scanned the area as if looking for someone while four other men stowed any larger bags and trunks on top of the long carriage. Two doors opened individually between the large spoke wheels. Benches that could hold three people abreast comfortably were not only set in the front and back, but two more seats were attached between the doors.

Xerese was used to smaller carriages with just two benches, but she supposed that having twice as many seats was certainly more cost effective. She also noted a few crates on top. Likely something was being shipped at a time where sea travel had been hampered, the travelers were just part of how they hoped to make their money on this trip.

"Well, I guess this is all we are going to have," the old man stated in disappointment. Xerese wondered how many clients he had hoped to have. If they were squeezed in tightly she supposed four people could be on each bench, but so much weight added to the luggage would require more than just the six horses currently attached.

The others started to enter the carriage when two more men came hurrying towards them down the street. One was gray haired and the other much younger, but they had the red robes of the brothers in common.

Xerese frowned slightly. It was odd to think that the brothers would have need of a carriage; but she supposed everyone had a need to travel at times, even them.

"We're sorry, if we kept you waiting," the older brother said breathlessly as the two men came to a halt near the old man. He dropped six gold coins into his hand, she noted curiously.

"I was afraid that you two wouldn't make it. We were getting ready to leave without you," the old man stated with his usual lack of tact.

The brothers nodded and smiled appearing not to notice. Once again the older brother had to say something to explain their tardiness. "We were surprised by your timing and I had to make sure the others knew what to do in my absence.

"Going to Daria to meet with the master of our order is very important though, so I am very glad that you could make room for us," the brother said sounding very happy. "I guess that Sordrian provides. I should never have doubted that you would come through for us."

Clearing his throat, the old man nodded a bit reluctantly and replied, "Yes, the gods provide, since we finally had enough to make the trip worth it."

Xerese was helped into the back of the carriage by Toman. Looking at the seat across from them, the girl smiled at a nervous looking, blonde haired woman. Responding with a tentative smile in turn, the young woman glanced to the man beside her before looking out the window to her right. Her apparent companion watched the last of the passengers climb into the front section before the old man closed their door.

Once the passengers were mostly situated, as was their luggage from the last few bumps from the roof; the driver sitting outside of the compartment called to his horses giving a crack of the reins to get the animals started.

Xerese watched the sight of the old man standing on the company porch disappear as the carriage moved forward at a quick walk. They were near the southern edge of Marta, but there was still other traffic to contend with before they could exit onto the open road to the west.

Before they could leave the city, the carriage stopped. Soldiers surrounded them and even opened the doors. When the older brother greeted them, he assured them that all was right. In the face of one of the brothers, the soldiers bowed their heads receiving the monk's blessing and encouragement to keep up their good work for Sordrian.

Though the soldiers looked like they wanted to pull the other passengers from the compartment for some kind of inspection, the power of the robed brothers was enough to release the coach once more and the horses began to pull it forward. Xerese let out a breath as they road past a dozen soldiers in their black and red uniforms. The woman in front of her looked pale from fright, but the man beside her did nothing to ease her.

To her surprise, Toman took her hand interweaving his fingers with hers. He was looking out the opposite window, or so it seemed when Xerese glanced to see the side of his face; but she had a feeling the guard watched the other passengers at the same time even so.

Holding her fake husband's hand, the girl breathed easier as she watched the city of Marta disappear and the rolling hills began to form blinding her view of the ocean to the north. Grass, trees and the blue sky seemed to change slowly as the horses continued to draw them towards home.

Daria wouldn't be Malaiy, but if the ride went well, they would be nearly to the border. It would have taken weeks of walking. If all things went well, the horses might cut that time in less than half.

Time passed slowly as few of the passengers felt like talking. Xerese leaned against Toman's shoulder and soon was asleep as the carriage continued to eat away at the miles.

"Karlaan," a metallic sounding voice called out as the young man sat reading a book in Caldrefan's private shrine to Sordrian.

Looking towards the statue, Karlaan looked confused by the sound. Since it came from the place where the silent shadows appeared to bring him messages, he could have believed that one had come to speak to him. It had never happened before, but he supposed that it could happen one day.

Karlaan stood as he set the book on the chair as he rose. "Who is it?" the young man questioned without fear.