Endless Horizons Sagas - Season One - World Without End

episode six - Legendary Mystery

- Janali -

The room was dark when she woke again. The dream of flying through the sky across an endless world on a cloud that smelled like Metallo remained sharp and clear in her mind. Pushing the sheets aside, she fumbled in the dark for a match on the side table. Finding it, she struck it and used it to light the gas lantern at the head of her bed.

The light revealed the room as she remembered it. Stretching across her bed, she retrieved the arm sling from the floor. Holding it, she ran her fingers through the wonderfully soft fur. The sling was both beautiful and functional, and she instantly regretted that she'd taken the sword not the sling when she'd marched Metallo out of her room.

Why would I give him the sword? It isn't like he'd need to use it here. But, this is something he probably needs and wants.

A soft clink came from somewhere in her apartment. She looked at the room door and saw there was some light coming from under it. Getting up, she quickly changed into a comfortable, loose cotton outfit and put her house robe over it, tying it at her waist.

As quietly as she could, she crept out of the room and into the hall. The light from the hall's gas lamp was just enough to see clearly, but not enough to be annoying. Light poured into the hall from the opening at the far end that led to the main rooms. Barefoot, she moved quietly toward the ever brighter light to peer around the edge of the corner.

Metallo sat at the kitchen bar with a steaming cup in his hand. His back to her, he was bent over some large papers laid out on the bar. Glancing at the table, she saw a few books and papers had been moved. The table had been shifted slightly from its normal position, lining it up with the windows.

She stood up taller and stepped out into the light. "I didn't give you permission to go through my work."

He straightened and turned on the bar stool to face her. "I'm in this, all the way over my head." He held up the bandaged stump pointing above his head. If there had been a hand attached it, would have been directly over his head. Dropping the stump, he gave her a soft grin. "I'd never betray you, Mistress. You saved my life."

She felt her cheeks burning as she realized she'd treated him very poorly. She walked over, her eyes locked on the bandages. "I'm sorry. I haven't done very well by you."

"Mistress, no. The Empresses know. You've done more than anyone else would have."

He shifted a little on the stool, resting the stump on the counter top, and their eyes met. He'd cleaned off all the makeup, and without the sailor's black, he looked older than she thought. He there were many soft wrinkles radiating back from the corners of his eyes from squinting to take ship's measurements. More bright lines creased the corners of his mouth upwards into his tan cheeks. His light brown eyes had large pupils, which she found somehow reassuring.

"You've been pardoned. You're safe, and free to go back to your commune, you'll be well cared for. Bishop Arget will see to that," she said as nicely as she could manage.

"Why would I do that?"

She stepped back. "Well...you're hand. I mean, why would you stay and risk your life further?"

"I'm left handed." He set down the cup.

"What?"

"I'm left handed," he said, waving his left hand at her. "I'm a trained navigator and a good sailor. You need me."

"Why do I need you?"

"Are you willing to risk another navigator to plot this?" He patted the papers on the bar that he'd been examining.