The voyage had been uneventful and as Thugard had supervised the unloading of trade goods, Bron, Rhiannon and Keri had quietly slipped off the ship. Forsythe was an ally of the Sessailaine and enjoyed good relationships with them. Years ago, when Forsythe's population was primarily escaped slaves and a few landowners, the Sessailaine had helped train the former slaves and assisted with building defenses for the tiny kingdom. With only three passes through the mountains, two of which were deadly except in High Summer, the large neighboring nations of Mornan. Grale and the Western Kingdom left Forsythe alone.
Sessailaine goods of stone, iron and fish passed through the docks, either by being loaded on other traders or, for some, by wagon through the mountain passes. No other country liked to trade with the pirates, as they called them, so many of the goods the Sessailaine needed to import could only be had through this trading route. Forsythe had little industry of its own and almost all of that was based on its abundant forests. Many Gralish trade ships passed through Forsythe on their way to the Western Kingdom to pick up Sessailaine goods and returned on their way home to add finished lumber products to their inventory. It was why Aeronwyn hoped to catch a ride to the Western Kingdom from here.
The Inn they were sitting in was frequented by crews from the docks. It was early so Bron had ordered them some scrambled eggs and hot tea, which Keri was trying not to scarf down. It had been hard to learn 'table manners' after her years in the prison. She was used to eating with her hands and eating quickly so she could get on with other things. Carefully lifting food with a fork to her mouth, chewing slowly and waiting until the first mouthful was swallowed before taking more food seemed such a waste of time. Aeronwyn had been patient, but finally it was Biort who had compared her to a hog at feed that made her try harder.
"That one." Bron said, not looking up from his food. Aeronwyn nodded.
"Agreed," she said. "Go for it."
Keri looked up from her food at Aeronwyn. "Why him? she said quietly.
As Bron got up from their table an made his way across the room, Aeronwyn answered, "He just told the serving girl that he would miss her. I suspect he is sailing later today, perhaps with the evening tide." Keri tried hard not to look and stared at her eggs. She was so excited that she could hardly eat but Bron had insisted she finish. "You never know when or where your next meal comes from. Eat!"
A few minutes later Bron returned to their table and sat down. "Third ship on the south dock. He is short a hand so he will take us, provided we work. Keri will be scullery and help the cook. You and I will be crew."
"Perfect. And our cover?"
"I am your father. You are my eldest and Keri my youngest. Out of work mercenary and I warned him I am over-protective. He will have us bunk at the far end of the crew quarters so I can keep a close eye on you both. As soon as we are done eating, we are to report in to his mate." Bron finished off his breakfast and waited until Keri had finished hers. Winking at her, he smiled. "Come on. We have a ship to catch."
The trip to the Western Kingdom was uneventful. A couple of the younger sailors did try and make a pass at Keri but Bron stepped in and made it clear their interest was unwanted. Trying to impress Keri, one of them had taken a half-hearted swing at Bron. Bron didn't really hurt him but the fight was over so quickly that the other sailors left them alone after that. Bron had explained to the ship's Captain that his concern over his daughters meant they would disembark at the first port of call. The Captain smiled. "I have daughters myself. I understand and you have all worked hard enough that your passage was worth my while."
The first stop was at a small port in the deep southern part of the Western Kingdom called Alaketh. Sessailaine stone was traded for cloth and beadwork that would bring a good coin in Grale. Bron, Aeronwyn and Keri slipped off the ship during loading and made their way to the local stables. The selection of mounts was poor so Bron negotiated for a small wagon and two older but steady nags to pull it. "So where can I find some travel goods?" Bron asked the stable master, who pointed him to a nearby building.
"Not much here, but blankets, food and such can be had at the trade store. Usually they have some that the trade to any idiot that thinks there might be gold in the nearby mountains. Hopefully, that isn't what you are looking for, cause their ain't any!" The stable master had Bron pegged for a man hoping to make his fortune and Bron encouraged that belief.
Blankets, food, flints and even a small prospectors tent was supplemented by a couple hunting bows and arrows. They were all poor quality but the price was reasonable and Bron was happy to leave the trader with the same misinformation that the stable master believed. "More than one fool dead up in those mountains trying to get rich. Nothing there. Even the pass to Forsythe, where at least you might find gold, is farther north and no use to you for months. Ah well, it's your life. I just pity your two girls with daft father like you."
They left on the mountain road but as soon as they were out of sight of the port village, Bron turned the wagon north. After cutting across a field and pushing the wagon through a stream, they found what Bron was looking for - a pathway to the north that should, with any luck, lead them to the main northerly routes. Keri sat in the back of the wagon, which was pretty hard, so she tucked the blankets under her. When it started to get dark, Bron announced they would set up camp.
"You know," mused Aeronwyn, "it occurs to me that Keri needs to learn how to ride and how to use a bow. Maybe tomorrow we can get started on that."
"Ride? A horse? They're huge!" Keri looked at the two horses. She was terrified of them.
Bron laughed. "Huge? These nags are small! Good mountain stock but tiny compared to a plains horse. Besides, these horses are gentle and well broken. Learning to ride them will teach you how to control a horse and it is a skill you need. As for the bow, Aeronwyn and I agree on that as well. Starting tomorrow, before we break camp each day, you will ride for a half hour or so and when we stop for breaks you will learn how to use a bow. Its settled."
The next morning, Bron began her lessons by having her rub down the horses. "The first step is to learn that horses are intelligent creatures that depend on us. Caring for your animal well might save your life on day." Keri was relieved when the horses stood still for the brushing. She had to reach up to get their backs but they didn't move. Bron waited until she was done then walked over.
"No saddle. Today you just learn to sit on a horse." With that, he cupped his two hands together and said, "Put your left foot in her and swing your leg over the horse." Keri managed but she was clumsy. As she sat on the horse, Bron said "Use your legs to hold on, not too tight. If you sit straight up, the horse won't move." Bron held the horses bridle and looked Keri over. "Not bad. Relax though. The horse can tell you are nervous. You need to be in control. Believe it or not, the horse expects that. They have been trained for it."
When they were done, Keri was required to help Bron hitch the horses to the wagon. Aeronwyn finished cleaning up their camp and they were on their way. Keri decided to keep trying to make her use of fire almost automatic, as she had on the stairs in the temple. Aeronwyn turned at one point and saw Keri's hands with flame, then without, then flame again.
Two and half days after leaving the mountain trail they arrived at a rough worn road. The road had ruts that suggested wagons used it frequently. "I think this is what we are looking for," declared Bron. Turning the wagon north, the wheels fell into the ruts naturally. It was bumpy but the wagon was built for this sort of rough road. Keri was holding on to the side of the wagon in some spots are weather and wagons had conspired together to make the road as uncomfortable as possible.
Still, the scenery was incredible and Keri, who had spent her whole life in the dark enjoyed every second. I get to be with those who care about me and as a friend, not a drudge. What more could I ask? Keri decided that she was not going to complain.
