The Grey Pearl (Of Caladuin: Volume Two)

23

Caladuin was standing at the bow of a pearl boat enjoying the gentle of the calm waters off Ethirost. Helluin was high overhead and the breeze caught the crew's chatter and laughter as they worked.

Noenion joined him at the bow. "Caladuin," he said, resting his foot in the rigging. "Tathariel is awake."

Caladuin turned. "Has she eaten?"

"A little lembas."

Caladuin nodded and placed his hand on Noenion's shoulder before making his way aft. He smiled at the crew as he held onto the rigging and bulwark and they nodded back.

Tathariel was in the captain's cabin, her head rolled across a soft pillow as he closed the door behind him. "Where are we?" she sighed.

"A few hours from Ethirost, the captain tells me."

She propped herself up on her elbows. "Is there any water?"

Caladuin stumbled to a nightstand and poured water from a silver flagon. Tathariel reached for the tumbler then took a sip while Caladuin sat on the bunk beside her.

"How do you feel?"

"Warm and dry." She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Though my hair is full of salt. I wish I had some oils and a comb."

"Let me see your wound."

He pulled the blanket back and discovered that she was wearing only a linen nightshirt.

"Perhaps later," she said, pulling the blanket back up.

"No need to be coy, Tath. I have already seen you naked more times than I would like." She frowned at him then pulled down the blanket with one hand and the shirt up with the other. The dressing was clean.

"The captain is a good healer. As good as my brother."

Tathariel covered herself up. "You have a brother?"

"I have two. Orithil and Narulas. They abide in Tol Galen."

"I had a brother. Brave and honourable he was. And the monster, Uglûdh killed him."

"I – guessed as much. I came across him before I left Eglarest. He stabbed a friend of mine."

"He was an assassin, a mercenary. Heledir gave his life for –" She broke off, choked up. Tears welled in her eyes.

He rested his hand softly on her arm. "A tale for another time. When this is all over, we shall share a flagon at the Blue Dolphin." He took the glass from her. "No, take some rest." He pulled the blanket around her and closed the shutters. At the door, he turned back. She was already asleep.

Back on deck he found Noenion speaking with the captain, a strong-looking elleth with auburn hair. He excused himself and thanked her again for her hospitality and the dry clothes then took Noenion to one side.

"Can these people be trusted?"

"I have known Gwaloth for many years. There are yet those in Ethirost who are faithful to our cause. She can be trusted."

"How did you ever find us?"

"After you left, all of Amlug's followers set sail for Pîn Balar, we assumed. Gwaloth offered to lead a small convoy for the messenger I sent. Gwaloth's sister. She too can be trusted. We escorted her as far as Cape Balar then turned to the south."

Caladuin nodded. "She should be nearing Eglarest soon. But why did you head south?"

"A jaunt for me but work for the fishers. Their grounds lie beyond the Isle of Balar."

"That is why you approached us from the west. In my delirium I fancied you were the Valar, come to bear me to Aman."

They both laughed at this. Caladuin did not want Noenion to think he was being interrogated. It wouldn't be a very polite way of showing his gratitude for saving his life. But there was the nagging feeling that Noenion, Gwaloth and her crew had heard or even seen the explosion.

* * *

Helluin was lowering over Foramon as they walked away from the harbour. Ethirost chattered and laughed. Children chased each other and there was even singing somewhere above the narrow streets. The town seemed as though a dark shroud had been lifted from it.

Tathariel led Caladuin and Noenion towards the Blue Dolphin. She wanted to change into her own clothes, having been given Gwaloth's own shirt and breeches.

At the fountain, she paused and turned to Noenion. "There is something else." She glanced at Caladuin. "Something I would have returned to you."

Noenion closed his eyes and nodded. "Thank you, Tathariel. I must return something to you also. Meet me at Lethril's house."