The next morning brought rain and made the gathering of stores difficult. King Lomen had ordered for a year's supply of food to be gathered and prepared as necessary. Animals were to be slaughtered, and the meat dried, brined or preserved in vinegar. Herbs were to be collected from the fields and dried to make medicines. The same methods that were used to supply armies on long campaigns would now sustain the people if crops should fail. Everything would be strictly rationed. It was vital that dry stores stay dry, and for this reason firewood was also being piled high so that storehouses could be heated and aired. The most unpopular edict was for all barley to be stored for food instead of being brewed into ale.
"That alone could begin an uprising!" said Drayhus laughing as he greeted the King.
"And you are preparing how?" asked the King dourly
"Me? I'm......leaving, actually. Setting off this afternoon. Just came to say goodbye"
The King's eyes rolled upwards and he shook his head.
"Well, I appreciate your faith and solidarity." he muttered sarcastically.
Drayhus laughed out loud.
"After my council was.......set aside.........." said Drayhus almost to himself, but then he directed his parting gift to the King.
"I'm leaving you in good hands. Gonah has been initiated by my hand, he is your Priest now, of course he is busy on other projects......"
The King had seen Gonah leaving with Ilhan early in the day, and they had yet to return.
"Yes," said the King dismissively "He does seem favored by our friends from the East."
At the shore small boats were landing in the driving rain and sacks and boxes were being offloaded. but Gonah wasn't there to carry cargo. Ilhan took him back to the largest of the ships and led him below. In a large crate appeared to be great treasures, trays of sparkling stones. With the assistance of the ship's healer each of these was held up to Gonah's eyes in turn. After some time weeping was heard, but the men who stepped outside were not sad.
In the village Visha, the King's daughter, was helping a group of older women repair cloaks and blankets. This was why she was so loved by the people. She was one of them, not a typical aloof, haughty, useless Princess. She fetched and carried, and sewed, and when food and drink was prepared to refresh them, she sat on the floor and ate from a simple wooden bowl along with her co-workers.
"Oh my Lady, I hope our efforts are enough. I'm so afraid!" said a small plump woman with red hair.
"If any people can survive such a trial we can," said Visha "Look at how wonderful you are! What bothers me is loss of morale. If we believe we can weather this, we can. We must support our man Felgi, we must be there for them."
"Aye Lady, I know what you are saying. My Attu hardly slept last night. They're so used to providing for us, protecting us. They'll face any enemy but this one is not to be seen. How can they face an unseen enemy?"
How indeed, thought Visha. Her thoughts strayed to her dear friend Gohna, for whom all enemies were unseen, and who seemed the least afraif of anyone. As if summoned by her thoughts he came into the hut and called for her.
"Gohna! Where have you been......and why are you smiling on such a troubled day?"
"Well, because you are here" he ran his hands over her hair "But also because I saw the mountan!"
Assuming this was a dream of vision of good fortune Visha hardly reacted. She was used to his mystic language, it was part of his magnetic appeal.
"Come with me Visha, I need you to take me to the armory."
This was an even stranger request, but as it was a place in the village she knew he rarely visited and would not be able to find his way to alone, she readily agreed.
Repairs to weapons were underway, everything was to be in perfect condition. Gohna asked to speak to the smiths. Visha was totally confused.
"You work in bronze Leff?"
"Yes, simple things, buckles and hinges"
"Helmets?"
"Yes"
"And the helmet is based on a band round the head?"
"Yes"
"Do you ever adorn these bands with decorative items?"
"Yes," said the smith looking more and more perplexed at the interest in his ceremonial work by a blind man who should have more important things on his mind. But Gohna handed him two flat, roughly triangular stones that sparkled in the firelight.
"Can you fasten these to a headband so that they will cover my eyes?"
The smiths exchanged looks at each other. They examined the pieces, picked up a bronze strip that would fit around his head, and began hammering. Visha told Gohna she had much to do and would return later, but he asked her to stay.
"It shouldn't take them long."
But it took the rest of the day.
Gohna and Visha left to eat with the King while they worked. Gohna was unusually quiet at his meal, and finally Visha could stand it no more.
"It is nothing to do with me, surely, but what are you having them make? A mask? Is it ceremonial? Are we to appeal to the Gods for mercy?"
"No, no, it is a.......tool. I cannot explain, you will have to see.."
So they returned to the armory, where the smiths were finished and ready. Ilhan too, was waiting.
"The moment of truth Gohna!"
With some trepidation he placed the band upon Gohna's head like a crown. The expression on the young man's face was like none anyone had ever seen before. He turned to Visha and smiled. Even though she no idea what was going on, Visha was accutely aware that something was different. Gohna could see her. He held his hands out to her and she rushed to him.
Alone together by the fire Gohna was transfixed by the beautiful face of the King's daughter and was unable to think of anything else. Visha however had a head full of ideas, not least that perhaps now her father would allow Gohna to escort her officially, with his blessing.
