The Prince of Ilios

Eight

A week had passed since Ellora had almost killed herself at Dead Man's pit. She stood on the bay watching the boats come in from a morning of fishing. There was no point in fishing in the middle of the day, it was too hot. Her everyday clothes were perfect for this weather, a strapless top and a wrap skirt that reached her knees. Her mother had made the skirt for her years ago after her last growth spurt, but it was easy to move around in and free flowing. Everyone dressed similarly. The men were mostly shirtless and wore a form of short billowy pants that cut off at the knee.

One of the boats that docked today was unfamiliar. It was flying a flag, white with a lightning bolt on it. Ellora grabbed the rope that the sailor tossed to her and tied off the small sailboat. A man in formal tails lunged onto the wooden dock, practically collapsing. She watched him as he kissed the wood enthusiastically.

"You don't sail much, do you?" Ellora had a hard time keeping her laughter in check.

He looked up at her and bolted to his feet, immediately straightening his tie and dusting his suit, "No. I get sick." His mouth formed into a thin line. He wiped his thinning hair down with one hand. It formed a crown around the outside of his head, bald in the middle.

"I'm Ellora, eldest daughter of the Chief." She held out her hand to greet the guest, "What brings you to the Southern Isles, Mr..."

"Mr. Laquan." He bowed, instead of taking her hand, his face pink with embarrassment, "I apologize, Lady Ellora. I have a message for the Chief from the King, and must speak with him directly."

She raised a brow at the word "lady." Unsure of what to make of the stranger, but she knew he was most-likely not a threat. They could always just put him in the brig of a boat if they needed, "Come then." She turned on her heal and headed to the Tent of Meeting. It was only set up on Council meeting days, and today was one such council. The man in the fancy attire and tails seemed to have a hard time keeping pace with her. His hands were always moving nervously. It put Ellora on edge just watching him.

She called out to the attendant of the council as they approached the temporary meeting place, "Euri, I have an urgent messenger for the Chief. Will they be breaking soon?"

Euri waved the greeting that the people of the tribe only gave the Chieftain's family, as a sign of respect, "They will be breaking soon, Miss."

Ellora turned to the man. He was flapping his coat, clearly unprepared for the heat, "Please, wait here. I will return with some cool water for you."

"Oh, no, my Lady, I would not dare to inconvenience you." The man bowed again.

Euri grabbed the man by his lapel, ready to land a blow.

The nervous man raised his hand in defense, "I'm sorry, what did I do? please do not hurt me!"

Ellora stepped in before Euri could swing, "Euri, Mr. Laquan is from the Mainland. He does not know our customs and did not mean any harm."

Euri still glared but set the nervous man down.

Mr. Laquan scurried back a little, looking questioningly to Ellora to explain, he wouldn't dare speak again until he found out why he was so shamefully greeted.

"Mr. Laquan, 'my lady' is only used for intimate settings and a sign of disrespect. Such as when one is talking to an adulterous woman." Ellora's face was turning pink, just from having to explain.

The man was thoroughly horrified with himself, "I am terribly sorry. I meant it only as a sign of respect, my... er, uh..." He stumbled over his words.

"Miss, is fine." She remained patient, smiling at the silly man.

"Yes, Miss. We use the phrase for any woman in a position of royalty. My deepest apologies." He bowed low.

Ellora shook her head, chuckling to herself at how odd the man seemed to be. The Mainland must certainly be different from the Isles. If she were honest with herself, it piqued her interest.

"What's all the commotion?" Alyn peeked his head out, looking first to Euri and then to Ellora, then to the timid man before him, then back to Ellora.

"Yes, Alyn, we have a visitor, Mr. Laquan, for the Chief. He says he has an urgent message."

"I must speak with him directly, Sir." Mr. Laquan looked as though he were waiting for Euri to grab him again. When the giant made no move he exhaled, his hand on his chest.

"Ellora, bring the poor man some water. I will take him in to speak with Father." Alyn opened the tent more so that Mr. Laquan could get through.

Ellora moved quickly to get the water from the spring. When she came back she was met with stares and astonished faces.

She looked around at those gathered in the tent, wondering if she had something on her face, "What?"

Her Father sat at the head of table. It was short enough for everyone to sit in the sand and still be able to reach over it. Her mother was to his left and Alyn to his right. The other council members took up the other prepared seats, which were fluffed cushions. The Chieftain and his family never sat on the cushions as a symbol that they were there to serve the people.

She glanced at the council members. Miss Sue was the oldest, known for her wisdom and ability to care for the sick. Her great grandchildren were almost ten years old now. She sat next to Alyn. And then there was Apollo, a gruff middle-aged man, who spent most of his time on his boat, hunting treasure. Lastly, there was Condor, Raven's father, and he was a farmer.

The Chief was the first to speak, a grim look firmly on his face, "Ellora, please, show Mr. Laquan your water skill."

Ellora was confused, but knew better than to question her Father when he was in front of the council. She looked down at the water in the pitcher that she had brought for their guest. She set it down and quieted her heart. As she waved her hand the water danced in an elegant ribbon. She wound the small stream of water around the room until it reached Mr. Laquan. It spun around him, not dripping a bit on him. His finger reached out to touch the ribbon as it passed him. She ended with a flourish as the water settled quietly in his glass, as though she were near him pouring it herself.

He smiled in amazement and began applauding her. The council did as well. Her Father smiled and nodded as though he were dismissing her.

She had never had to entertain a guest before, Ellora knew there must have been more to the story. "I apologize for my impertinence, Chief, but was there something else that you needed me for?"

Alyn looked as though he were trying to tell her to drop the subject. Her Father sat solemnly, his jaw set in a way that Ellora had never seen it before, "My daughter, there is nothing else. I will see you later in the day. Please go and make the necessary preparations for our guest."

"No, that is not necessary. I will be taking the boat back now that I have given you the King's message." Mr. Laquan stood, bowing to the Chief, he took his leave.

Ellora watched him go.

The Chief nodded to the council and they were dismissed for the day, "We will reconvene at dawn, I know you all have many questions, but I must speak with my daughter first."

Ellora froze in her spot as the council emptied the tent.