Chapter Nineteen - "A Letter to Home"

" Can you scribe, Eder ? " the Captain asks.

" Yes, Captain. But I thought you could also write. "

" I do not have the inclination, and I find it hard to think and scribe at the same time."

" As you wish, Captain. I will send for a Scribe"

"No, Eder I do not wish my words to be known to any I do not fully trust. Call for parchment, quill and ink, I wish you to write for me."

" Yes, Captain." Eder calls for writing materials, takes them from the slave as she brings them and prepares to note the Captain's words.....

• " To Tikarl, Merchant of Ar:  From Kragus, Guard Captain of Caravans:

  Greetings, It is with regret that I have to inform you that I have sustained a wound at the Crossroad of the Silent Kajira, which will prevent me from leading the caravan to Ar. I will place command in the hands of one of the guards, who has demonstrated some initiative on the journey. As I have been paid only for the outward leg of the journey I will take the balance to which I am due from the travelling funds. We have lost two guards on the way and there is sufficient remaining to provide both food and shelter for the caravan and the men for the remainder of the journey.

  I do not know how long it will take for me to recover from my injuries, and there is some doubt in the mind of the Healer about the extent to which my shield arm will regain full function. Should the Priest-Kings allow I will return to employment as soon as I am able.

  I will leave you to determine the additional bonus you will pay for the men for early delivery as the Caravan is currently ahead of schedule.

  I wish you well..."

The Captain adds his mark to the foot of the parchment and asks Eder to seal the letter and call Damrus the Guard to attend him.

Eder is pleased with the choice, the only one of the guards who shows any sense of responsibility and who demonstrates interest in things other than paga and slaves.

Damrus arrives and, after asking after the health of his Captain, accepts both the letter and the charge of the caravan. He turns to Eder ...

" Warrior, will you resume your journey with the caravan ?, we are now three men down and your swords will be useful. We leave within an Ahn."

" No. I will not be accompanying you."

The Captain eyes Eder with surprise and curiosity, but remains quiet. He dismisses Damrus, handing over a pouch of coin for the expenses of the remaining journey.

The Guard salutes the Captain and leaves the room, turning at the last to wish good fortune to both the Captain and the Warrior. He closes the door as he goes.

" Why are you not continuing to Ar ?" The Captain asks.

" Who says I am not ?"

" Do you intend to continue to travel alone ? Is that not dangerous ?"

"Perhaps, if I intended to travel alone, which I do not."

"You will wait for another caravan, then ?"

"No. I will not. I will wait until you are fit to travel and we will journey together."

The Captain blinks in surprise...

" And just what makes you think I will travel to Ar with you, Warrior? "

" Because you wish it, Captain."

The Captain grins and bursts into laughter, wincing as he pulls at the stitches on his chest.

" I am no longer Captain, I am Kragus. I will journey with you when I am well, but satisfy my curiosity if you will. Why do you expect me to agree ?"

" I believe you to be a man of honour, Captain. There is a story I wish to tell you, if I have judged correctly it will intrigue you as it has intrigued me. Anyway, you have no employment, what else would you do ?" Eder smiles, as he adds " In any case the Healer has ordered you to rest, what better way to pass the time than to listen to a story..."

Eder pulls up a chair and begins .....

" There was a poet, a scribe by the name of Ornoth, from the City of Thentis.........."