Chapter 8: It’s Not That Different…

Sara tried not to stare at everything she saw. A ship docked at the eastern port, an old-style inn, a smithy, and a market were the main places, apparently. Houses dotted the streets in between other, more specific stores. Everything seemed made of wood, and paint was apparently out of their budgets.

Children played in the streets, pausing to notice the stranger. Adults stopped outright and stared far longer than was polite, while Sara smiled and nodded uncomfortably. When they saw Mirael, however, they nodded pleasantly and went back to whatever they were doing.

“B’thda is a small town, isn’t it?” Sara was bent on knowing more about where she was.

Mirael bowed low to an elderly gentleman passing by them. “Yes, but just a little smaller than average as far as towns in Shirn go.”

Sara frowned. “The people here seem to notice you. You know them?”

Mirael smiled and shook his head. “No, they probably recognize a guide after years of seeing them pass through. He winked at Sara. “My reputation precedes me.”

Sara grinned at him. “I’ll bet. So…I have to get to South Shirn as soon as I can. I’ll have to go by boat, right?”

Mirael nodded. “The ship sails tomorrow. I’ve already got your ticket. No, no need to thank me. It’s all part of being a guide. Being prepared, that is.”

They stopped at the blacksmith’s shop. Mirael leaned inside. “Blacksmith! I say, smith!”

A gravelly voice rolled around the corner. “Ova here, ya lazy bum. Get back here before ya take root!”

Mirael lead Sara through a small gate next to the shop, into the back area containing the forge. The blacksmith tipped an invisible cap to Sara. “Pleasure, Ma’am.”

Sara smiled. “Good to meet you.”

The blacksmith focused on Mirael. “Well, what ya need? I’ve got too much time on me hands nowadays, so I’m dyin ta make something!”

Mirael turned to Sara. “What are you familiar with? Bow? Sword? Dagger? You’ll need something to protect yourself; I can’t be there all the time.”

Sara blushed. “Well, I haven’t had any formal training, but I’d probably be best with a couple of long knives…and some for throwing as well.”

Mirael looked around the shop. “What about armor; do you know what you can use?”

Sara thought for a second. “Light armor would probably be best for me.”

The blacksmith nodded. “Aye, ah can do that. It’ll all be ready in the mornin. Just come around back, and they’ll be thar.” He pointed to a stump.

Sara thanked him, and went outside to look around while Mirael and the smith discussed payment. She yawned widely. Ugh…hope we get to sleep soon.

Mirael came out a minute later. “Not a bad price. He probably thought he was doing you a favor. And maybe he was. Anyways, it’s time to settle in for the night. The inn is just up the street.”

Sara started paying more attention to her surroundings, noticing the little things, making sure she wasn’t followed or that people didn’t stare for too long. I’m just trying to fit in…

The inn doors swung open with a creak. The smell of old wood not yet rotted wafted out, followed by the slight stench of some liquor. All heads turned towards Sara. Catcalls and clichés rang out almost instantaneously. One even turned to the bartender and complimented him on his choice of dancer for the evening.

Mirael stepped in front of her, and Sara watched in tired amusement as the men quietly turned back to their business and drinks. Having a guide certainly makes things easier. Good thing I was able to get one.

Mirael lead her up the stairs. “The inn is on the second story. Sometimes they get petitions and whatnot to move the bar to a totally different building, but it never goes through. The locals enjoy the mixed company too much.”

Sara stumbled to the room and opened the door. Mirael waited outside. “When you’re ready for me to come in, let me know.”

Sara paled. How can this work out? I’ll have to trust his professional sense. Wish I didn’t have to, though…

She climbed onto the bed, which could’ve been softer, but felt like heaven to her tired body. “Alright, it’s safe to come in.”

Mirael walked in, unslinging the small pack he carried at his back. Laying a blanket down in front of the door, he sat down with his back against the door.

Sara sat up. “Will you be able to sleep like that?” Mirael smiled. “Absolutely. It’s how I’ve come to sleep, actually. Instincts, I guess. Don’t worry. You have nothing to fear this night. Go to sleep.” Sara happily obliged. “Goodnight.”

Mirael sat awake for the next hour or so, as he usually did. Thinking back on the day, going over details in his mind, remembering out-of-place things and people. Nothing seems overtly wrong. Just to make sure…He placed the unlit lantern at the edge of the doorway, so opening the door would knock it over and certainly wake him up, even if the door opening did not. Better. He drifted off.

Sara woke up in the middle of the night, gasping for breath. It was the dream again…except the pain had been increased. Every time it ends with the haze and the pain. And it always hurts more. She sighed and sat up in bed. I need air.

The window had apparently been shut for years. Opening it stirred up a small amount of dust, which spun out the window. She leaned out slightly and breathed in the cool sea breeze. MUCH better. Hello, what’s this?

Two men met in front of the inn. Apparently they think they’re safe because the windows are all closed. How ironic. The one night someone chooses to open one…Sara saw both their faces. Not surprising, I don’t know them.

The men were barely loud enough. Sara could only catch bits and pieces of the first person’s voice.

“…absolute silence…knows anything…boat.”

Sara didn’t move. Boat? So now something’s happening on the boat I sail on. Wonderful.

The second man spoke slightly louder. “Understood. Your money will be sent to your hidden contact.”

Without another word, they turned and walked off, never looking back.

Sara frowned. I’m not liking this…but it can wait until morning, at least. She lay down, slowly succumbing to the sweet temptation of sleep.

She felt a hand on her shoulder shaking her. “Wake up, O tired woman. Your ship leaves soon.” Mirael’s voice. She shook her head and sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Dawn already?”

Mirael grinned. “Yes, you sleep too much. Is that how you get people to stare at you?” Sara smiled the best she could, which roughly equated to a grimace. He’s too shy. Instead of coming out and saying 'You're beautiful,' he phrases it in a joke.

Mirael handed her a plate. “Breakfast. Eat quickly, unless you want to spend a few more weeks in this old town.” Sara sped up.

Mirael walked over to the door. “Hurry and change.” He stepped outside and shut the door. “Sorry if I sound a bit urgent, but you cannot miss this boat.”

Sara kept dressing. “Why not?”

Mirael’s tone of voice changed. “Because I’ve been called by the Guide Guild to help defend a very important person…and they want me to come right away. It’s in North Shirn, so they’ve found you a guide on the boat, and he leaves with it. If you’re not on the boat…you get no guide, unfortunately.”

Sara opened the door, fully clothed and ready to leave. “So I don’t even know this person, and they’re shipping me off with him on a week’s voyage, and possibly more?”

Mirael nodded. “Regrettably, that’s it in a nutshell. You’re one of the most easy-going people I’ve ever guided, so it’s a shame I have to go. I’ll escort you to the ship.”

Sara followed him down the stairs, her mind racing. Meeting new people, unarmed and – wait! “Mirael, we have to stop and get my equipment from the smithy!”

Mirael tossed her a small brown backpack. “Already made the trip, making sure I could see your window at all times.” Sara looked inside as they passed the market. Knives…and light armor. She smiled. Well, what did I expect?

They reached the boat as the last of the passengers were getting on board. Mirael pushed Sara forward. “No time for a long teary goodbye.”

Sara made a face, the adult equivalent of sticking her tongue out. “I wasn’t planning on giving you one.”

Mirael smiled. “Enjoy the boat ride. And learn as much as you can while being discreet.”

Sara offered Mirael her hand. “Thanks for being my guide.”

Mirael shook it hard. “My pleasure. If you ever need a guide, I’ll do what I can.”

Sara waved as she boarded. Mirael waved back, turned, and walked off towards the road out of town.

Sara looked around her. The boat couldn’t have been that big. Already, people were choosing cabins. What now? A hand on her shoulder made her whirl around, backing up.

The captain held up his hands. “Easy, Missy. No-one on this boat would wanna hurt ye. I was just letting ye know” He handed her a key. “that yer room is on the bottom deck, in the very back fer yer pertection. Yer guide went down earlier, and then ‘e left for somewhere. He should be back soon.”

Sara thanked him and headed across the deck and down the stairs into her cabin. Seems like a good boat. And the captain is friendly enough.

The boat started to rock gently. Sara stumbled around for a little while, trying to get her sea legs. The key barely fit in the cabin door, and took some effort to turn. Well…that’s a mixed blessing. At least I’ll know when someone’s coming in…or trying to.

The door swung open, revealing a small 14’ by 12’ room furnished lightly with two beds, a chair, and a table. All were bolted to the floor. A small gas lamp lit the cabin dimly, encased in glass to prevent fire. The beds were neat and the room was clean. It’s good…but it sure isn’t home.

She left the cabin, locking it. By now she was somewhat accustomed to the gentle back-and-forth of the ship, and was able to walk to the bow with relative ease. The town was still in sight, but rapidly fading as the wind swelled the sails. Apparently the town of B’thda is on the east side of North Shirn…and so now we sail south down the coast, then the ocean, until we reach South Shirn. Got it.

Footsteps sounded behind her. “You must be Sara. I’m your guide.”

She turned, extending her hand. “Please to meet you.”

The guide was wearing a long dark brown cloak, with the hood pulled over his face. “The pleasure is all mine,” He ignored her hand, stepped closer, and threw back his hood. “Miss Williams.”

Sara gasped. Darren! She leaped forward and hugged him tightly. “Oh, Darren…it’s so good to see you.” Darren hugged her back. “It’s good to see you too. I imagine you felt quite out of place here.” Sara nodded, head against his chest. Darren smiled. “Well, so did I, the first time I was here.”

Sara looked up. “You’ve…been here before?”

Darren looked around. “Eh, not now. First we have to get you into your armor. Lesson 1: Wear your armor at all times.”

Sara smiled. “Lesson 1 was not to say my last name.”

Darren raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so Mirael was able to teach you something. I didn’t expect him to actually say something, what with his ‘professional manner’ and such. Very well, then. Lesson 2 begins now.”

They walked back to the cabin, saying nothing. Both of them were deep in thought, Sara thinking of the coincidence of having Darren as her guide, Darren planning the rest of their voyage in his mind.

Darren opened the door with his key, walking in ahead of Sara and motioning for her to stay just outside. He moved throughout the room without a sound, inspecting all the furniture, even looking under the beds. Sara stood there, puzzled.

Darren came out. “It’s safe.” Noticing her puzzled look, he said “It’s not usually like this when guiding, really. But you’re a special charge by the Guide Guild. Again, I’ll explain later.”

Sara shrugged and went in to change. Darren waited outside, counting seconds on his fingers. After ten minutes or so, he called inside. “Need any help?” Sara’s frustrated voice floated out. “Yeah, fine…”

Darren grinned. “Coming.” Opening the door, he walked in. “Wow, not bad.”

Sara glanced up at him from the edge of the bed and gave him a look. Darren gave a placating smile. “Talking about your skill in dressing your armor, of course.” Sara rolled her eyes. “Sure. Whatever you say.”

Darren gave his best innocent look. “What? That’s a rather stereotypical view of males.”

Sara sighed. “Are you going to help, or not?” Darren bowed in imitation of Mirael. “Always willing to help.”

He circled her, studying the armor and her weapons. “Not bad...good choice with the knives…ah, here we go. Right here.” He tied a cord she couldn’t reach. “Here was the problem. I’m guessing the smith’s apprentice did that. We’ll have to fix that later on, when we find a better smith. Other than that, it looks like you’re adjusting well to Shirn.”

Sara blushed. “Well, I did get some training, remember?”

Darren smiled. “I don’t remember any plate mail suits lying around the apartment.”

Sara shook her head. “Whatever. Let’s go up on deck before the breeze dies completely.”

He agreed, and they left, Darren locking the door behind them.

He ran through the basics as they walked to the bow of the ship again. “So your long knives are...there? Good. Throwing knives are…there, okay…and I’m assuming you have a couple hidden, right? Excellent.” His voice took on a deep tone. “I have taught you well.”

Sara smiled. “Well, you still haven’t prepared me for real combat, so how are we going to do that?”

Darren unsheathed a long one-handed sword from his side. It had been completely hidden by the cloak. “The morning is young.”

- posted by Nick @ 4/07/2004 09:31:00 AM