Chapter 15

Taken

      “WHAT?”

     “Your brother has been kidnapped,” Arianna repeated.

     “I heard that, but WHO and WHY?” Ralem had jumped up and was pacing the room furiously, as if going fast enough would solve the problem.

      “I’m not sure, but it says on the note they are holding him for ransom. They say they want to meet you tomorrow alone in Sodom, with a rock,” she scrunched up her face, “Or your brother will get hurt.”

       “So they don’t know,” he whispered.

      “Don’t know what?”

      Ralem ignored her, his mind working furiously, “They are after Jaydon. They don’t know that he’s…” he stopped when he saw Arianna looking at him, her eyebrow arched in question.

       “I don’t have the rock,” he said simply.

      “Well then we have a problem,” Arianna said, “And how do you know they are after Jaydon?”

      “Well one thing is on our side. They don’t know about Jaydon, but we don’t have the egg.”

      Now Arianna was really confused, “The egg?”

       “The rock,” Ralem said quickly, mentally kicking himself, “I mean the rock. Which means we will have to make our own…”

       “Make our own?” Arianna was getting frustrated, “Will you please explain to me what you are talking about?”

       “I know what they are looking for. I used to have it,” his eyes lit up as he thought about the dilemma, “I know just what to do. We can get an ostrich egg and make it look like the ‘rock’. A few gems and some paint will get the job done. We will trick them by giving them the Ostrich egg instead of the real rock!”

      “You don’t think your actually going to go to Sodom alone! That place is full of…” she made an exasperated noise, “Everyone knows the place is as safe as the Leviathan’s Lair. You could get yourself killed! And do you think that these people will play nice? Do you think they will hand your brother back with a smile on their face and give you a tart to make it sweeter? You must be crazy.”

      “But it’s my brother we are talking about,” Ralem said, “If it was yours wouldn’t you do the same?”

      “No,” Arianna said flatly, “I’d let them keep him for free.”

      “Really?”

      “No,” Arianna admitted, “I would save him, if only it showed him that I’m…” she mumbled the rest under her breath.

       Ralem changed the subject “You should be fine here for a couple days. I’ll tell Jaydon to stay with you. If I’m going to make it to Sodom I better get going.”

       “I don’t think so!”

      “What?”

      “You are NOT leaving me again. Can I go with you at least to Gomorrah?”

      “No. That place is so close to Sodom. It would be too dangerous.”

      “So you think I can’t take the danger? In case you have forgotten, I was hunting in the woods, which is infested with monsters, for months- by myself! I think I can take the danger.” She crossed her arms and, for a moment, reminded Ralem of his sister.

       He sighed, “I know you are perfectly capable but you are still too weak to be traveling,” Ralem said, making for the door.

       “You know if you leave without me I’m just going to follow you,” Arianna said flatly.

      Ralem sighed again, his hand gripping the wooden knob angrily. He knew that she was going to follow him and that was just going to make things worse. He was used to having a “Yes, sir,” not blatant disobedience and it was frustrating him. “Okay,” he agreed slowly, “I’ll be back. I can go and get the Ostrich egg from a store in town.”

       “I don’t trust you. I’m coming with you.” Arianna pushed her tray off her lap and threw her legs over the side of the bed in a bundle of skirts (she had never gotten out of them) and quickly grabbed her cloak and threw it around her. She tried to look as fine as she could, walking delicately until she staggered and grabbed Ralem’s arm for help steadying herself. She took a deep breath and let go of him, straightening her posture, “I’m ready,” she declared, looking into his eyes as if daring him to contradict her. Ralem had his doubts but knew that he wouldn’t be able to convince Arianna otherwise, no matter what he said. So he led her out into the city.

      The stand was full of eggs. There was painted eggs with beautiful designs of creatures and flowers, eggs of all different colors died and natural, and eggs of all sizes. The prize was in the center in a transparent case. It was a huge pearly white egg, which was almost as large as Jaydon’s had been. The seller was sitting behind the stand, painting a large golden flower on a blue egg. She was a small dark woman, hunched over as she painstakingly drew the beautiful carnation.

      “Excuse me m’lady,” Ralem said. The woman grunted as she finished a petal.

      “Excuse me,” Arianna said, her tone demanding full attention. The lady looked up, noticing them for the first time, “Oh customers! What would ‘chu like?” Her voice was heavy and deep, like the bellow of an ox, the words seeming to roll in her mouth. It was surprising to hear a voice like that coming from such a small woman.

      “Could you paint the ostrich egg for us?” Arianna said, pointing to the egg.

      “Okay. What would ‘chu like on it? A eagle? Falcon? Hounds? A horse?”

      Arianna looked at Ralem meaningfully. He stepped in, “I’d actually like it green, like…” he picked up a small, almost round egg and pointed to the frog painted in the center, “this shade. With some swirls of a lighter green, almost like a fog.”

      “Dat will be purdy…” she said.

      “When will it be done?”

      “A couple of dem clock chimes.”

     “Thank you,” Ralem gave her a coin and left. The woman jumped up and started painting the ostrich egg furiously. “Dem crazy Vulnairians,” she laughed to herself.

      “First things first,” Ralem said, “I’m starving!” He steered Arianna to the first eatery in sight, which happened to be The Merry Nightingale. Over the door hung a plain-looking bird, its beak open in song. Music and delicious aromas oozed out of the open door, drawing Ralem in.

       The two walked in, enticed by the beautiful music. A woman was in the corner, playing the harp. Sweet music accompanied every pluck on the long strings, the woman’s hands moving swiftly up and down the instrument to pluck the right string. The steady drone of the crowd mingled with the music.

       A hungry fire burned in the oven on the other side of the tavern, making the place toasty. A large pig was roasting over it, creating the appealing smell. Arianna and Ralem sat down in quite comfortable wooden chairs. “I’ll have some pork and a pastry please.” He told the bartender, who turned to face him. Ralem was relieved when he saw the bartender’s chubby face was a healthy shade of red from the heat, not the pale, drawn look of a vampire.

      “Pigs not ready. I say, the pigs not ready,” the bartender whuffed, wiping his sweaty face.

     “Well then, what do you have?”

      “Sausage and cakes is the meal for the day. I say, the sausage is delicious. Tried it meself.” He beamed.

      “That would be great, I’ll have a large helping of it.”

      “I would also appreciate some of your sausage,” Arianna added.

      Ralem looked at her incredulously, “You’re still hungry after all the food you ate?”

      Arianna just smiled mischievously and nodded her assent to the bartender, who shuffled to the back room.

      They listened to the harp for a few minutes before the bartender hustled back, faster than they both expected. He was carrying two large plates of smoking sausages and iced scrumptious looking cakes. Ralem’s mouth watered as he looked at the delicious treats and he had to stop himself from stuffing it in his face.

       “Excuse me sir, but may I have a fork and knife please?” Arianna asked.

       The bartender frowned, “Then what are the God given utensils you have for? I say, use your utensils that God gave you.”

        “But I am a lady,” Arianna protested. Ralem scrutinized her closely. Never before had she been fussy about eating with utensils. Or being a lady. But the bartender just nodded and handed her the fork and knife, staring at her dark garb for clues of her class. Arianna ignored him picked up her fork and knife and started cutting the sausage meticulously, no trace of her previous feeding frenzy left. She looked like a duchess, except for the black cloak that seemed to never leave her. Her back was rod straight, even her facial expressions changed when she was in public. She seemed more reserved and aloof.

      The sausage was delicious. It had some sort of spice in it that brought out the smoked flavor with zeal. Ralem ate with his hands. He didn’t care that much about eating right.

       On a particularly juicy bite, Arianna knocked his arm and the sausage went flying and hit someone next them in the head. The offended person yelled, then reached up to find a sausage hidden in his bushy hair. He smiled and promptly stuffed the rest of the sausage in his mouth.

      “Hey! That…” Ralem began, until he saw the look on Arianna’s face. He shut up immediately and leaned his head near hers so she could tell him what was up. “They’re here,” she whispered, her voice level, but he could sense the fear she kept hidden. Ralem nodded, his face serious. Arianna slowly got up, making slow and deliberate movements so as to not attract attention. Ralem followed suit, getting up after her and walking straight behind her to shield her from prying eyes. He looked around to try to find out who was trying to get Arianna. Then his eyes fell on armor that was as blue as the sky with an icy fringe. As the knight wearing it turned his head, Ralem’s heart almost jumped up his throat. It was the knight he had dealt a blow to on the head! He vaguely remembered hitting a knight with the butt of his sword. He was glad the man was alive… but at the same time anxious that he wouldn’t have to fight again. Not to mention the possibility of them turning him in, which would, quest or no, make him gallows meat. He gulped and looked away, almost tripping over Arianna as he fought to make a quick escape. “Go slower,” Arianna hissed as her foot was stepped on, “You’re attracting attention to yourself.” Ralem fought his panic and surprised himself by stepping calmly onto the street.

       They walked a while downtown before Ralem let out a deep breath. He had evaded them, if only for now.

      Arianna spotted the Carnival’s festive colors first. “The Carnival!” she exclaimed, “I’ve always wanted to see it! They never went as far north as my country. Let’s go! They are already set up for their first show!”  

      Ralem really did want to go, so he let himself get pulled along by Arianna and before they knew it they were seated in the Royal Amphitheatre. The anticipation of his first Carnival experience had chased the icy blue knights out of his mind like a wind blowing away dead leaves. It was no small place, with many rows of seats, most of them filled with the wealthy. The Queen herself sat at the very front, a maid waving a fan to protect her from the heat, for the theatre had no roof.  This was the opening day, so they were to do an act.

       Arianna sat straight up, her hands on her lap as she waited for the show to begin. Earlier she had extended her hand for a knight to kiss her in greeting. A lot of the soldiers were watching her with far too much interest than Ralem would have liked. He had steered her to a seat before her hand would drown in kisses. Everyone had automatically assumed they were a couple, and the thing was, Ralem was surprised when he didn’t mind too much. Arianna didn’t care, she was so excited for her first Carnival.

      It opened with a flourish of people in entertaining costumes. They sang, danced, and the acrobats did some really amazing tricks. Both Ralem and Arianna spent most of the time laughing at the different masks the actors wore, or the fake battles they staged that looked more hilarious than dangerous. It was highly amusing and they were sad when it finished with a thundering applause.

     They started to stream out. “You remember that part when he was so mad…” she said, laughing.

      “And then he fell in…” Ralem started to finish, when something caught his attention. He had the strange hair-raising feeling that he was being watched. Oh no, what if the knights have found me? He thought. He searched the surrounding area before his eyes fell on a knight behind him. If looks could kill, then Ralem would be dead ten times over. The knight was glaring daggers at him, a colossal bump over his beady eyes made him look like a unicorn. “YOU!” he called over the noise of the crowd.

      Ralem gulped as realization hit him like an elephant had sat on him. The knight that Jaydon had almost killed- he was Sir Walter! Of all the knights Jaydon had to throw a punch and he picks Sir Walter, one of the most renowned knights of all the land. This was sure to mean trouble.

      Arianna stopped with him, a worried look on her face. She gave him a look that clearly said, what’s up now? Sir Walter shoved his way through the crowd, his face red as a tomato, several other people in his wake. When he was nose to nose to Ralem he yelled, “YOU! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU HAD THE NERVE TO LAY A HAND ON ME YOU…”

     Ralem could see where this was going. “There’s ladies here!” he said pointing to Arianna.  The knight seemed to swell as if he was going to blow up with all the obscenities he wanted to scream, but had to keep bottled up. He kissed her hand and whispered an angry sorry. Arianna desperately rubbed her hand on her cloak, her nose crinkling in disgust.

       Quite a crowd was starting to revolve around the group, hoping for some action. Sir Walter’s voice was deadly even now, “You have disgraced me in front of my comrades. Therefore, to redeem myself I must ask for a duel!” His beady eyes were focused intently on Ralem, mustache quivering in indignation at the very sight of his enemy. Whispers gathered like waves among the crowd, every eye intently on Ralem for his response.

       “A... a duel?” Ralem asked, completely at a loss for words. He was not used to being in the spotlight.

      “Yes, a duel,” Sir Walter said, “Are you getting scared now, you coward?”

       “I am not a coward,” Ralem said between clenched teeth, getting defensive.     

         Arianna put a hand on his arm, knowing the look in his eyes. “Ralem,” she whispered, “Watch it. Your eyes are getting really green again.”

        Ralem calmed himself, “I cannot accept that.” He knew that if he got really mad, even Sir Walter would not stand a chance. And he didn’t want the crazy battle frenzy that took over him to happen again.

      “Then you truly are a coward,” Sir Walter said, obviously relieved that it was that easy. The group was starting to dissipate with groans at not getting to see a fight, but stopped when Ralem spoke again.

      “I would like to suggest another contest.”

       “And what would that be?”

      “A horse race.”

      “A race with your own horse against mine,” Sir Walter laughed, “That will be easier than taking a bottle from a baby. I accept it. We race right now.” He snapped his fingers and a squire ran to fetch his horse.

       Jaydon, Ralem called in his mind, I need your help…

      The race was to start at the edge of the town, to a tree that stood, old and withered, almost a mile from the start, and back again.

      Sir Walter arrived on a proud white horse, it’s coat brushed so much it seemed to glow. It had a full mane and tail, glossy and shimmering. It pranced in place as if anticipating the race ahead of them. Its muscles rippled under its hide. It had long legs, and it looked lean from frequent exercise and training. It truly was a gem of a horse.

       When Sir Walter caught him looking at the horse he smiled, displaying his rotten teeth, “You having second thoughts, green eyes?”

      “No,” Ralem said, leading his own horse out. Firetail was a hand shorter than the other horse, but didn’t seem intimidated. Sir Walter’s mouth popped open when he registered that Ralem owned the horse, “You… own… that horse? That’s not possible!”

      “Why not?” Ralem said, mounting, “Ready?”

      The knight mounted his steed and smiled back coldly, “Yes.”

       Quite a crowd had gathered at the scene. Word seemed to travel fast in Vulnaire. Some were sitting in the grass, snacking as they waited for the race to begin. Finally Arianna yelled, “GO!”

      Both the horses surged forward, nearly unseating Ralem. Walter’s horse’s hooves ate the ground as it sped over the grass, its longer legs giving it the advantage. It wasn’t long until Ralem could only see the glossy white hindquarters of Sir Walter’s horse in front of him.

       Firetail was not going to be left behind. He gave a maniacal burst of energy as he sought to pass the bigger horse. But it was not enough. Walter was already at the tree and had started heading back. Firetail may have been a great horse, but he was no match for Sir Walter’s which was undoubtedly one of the best in the country.

       Time for back-up.

       Just as he approached the tree and turned around, Jaydon jumped out from behind the tree, creating a wind to drive his scent only to Firetail. Firetail screamed and his legs pounded the earth like frenzied drums as he sought to escape the dragon ‘bearing in on him’. It took all Ralem had just to hang on. The reins were almost jerked from his hands as he crouched in the saddle, holding on to the horn for dear life. Firetail galloped to the white horse’s side, his mouth foaming from the furious pace, breathing coming out in rasping gasps in his terror. Before he passed Walter Ralem turned and tried to look perfectly calm in the stallion’s flight, smiling, “Better luck next time.” Walter made a sour face and even his horse seemed bewildered.

      The crowd cheered, (except for Walter’s rather large crowd-which remained as silent as a group of statues) as Firetail lengthened the distance between himself and Sir Walter. Finally Firetail passed the starting line and almost everyone applauded. Sir Walter followed, looking like he had eaten a lemon whole. He pulled up beside Ralem, “How much do you want for that horse?”

       “He’s not for sale,” Ralem said, patting Firetail’s cream colored coat affectionately, promising the horse that he would get plenty of carrots for his trouble.

       “Are you sure?” Walter’s words came out in short puffs, like he had been running with the horse.

      “Yes. A poor peasant like me can’t just give away my old nag can I? I only have two of them,” Ralem said, a little cruelly.

      Sir Walter’s face reddened again, which had been red so long Ralem was starting to wonder if it would be permanent. “You watch yourself,” he said, sounding like he would like nothing better than to strangle him. Then with a flick of a lustrous white tail he was gone, his goons slowly trailing behind him, casting poisonous looks in Ralem’s direction. 

       “That was great!” Arianna said, walking up to him, “I thought you were going to lose at first. But you showed Sir Bearded, didn’t you?”  She ran her hand down Firetail’s forelock and his white star between his eyes. The horse snuffled and dug his nuzzle into Arianna’s other hand. His gasps were slowly returning to regular breathing as he forgot about the dragon scent. Arianna laughed and scratched his sweaty neck. Ralem, who had hoped the praise was directed toward him, jumped down from the saddle. Arianna took the reins and they walked back to pick up the egg from the woman.

       “Don’t use too many!” Jaydon protested as they stuck on some of his emeralds onto the egg, which was beginning to look eerily like the dragon’s egg. They had told him the whole story, which was the only way he would let them ‘steal’ the emeralds from his hoard. He wasn’t very happy about it, though. “Why does it have to be emeralds? Those match my scales the best.”

     Ralem glared intently at him.

      “I mean… I like those the best.” Arianna wasn’t listening (thankfully), she was too busy sticking on the emeralds in a way that would make the egg look beautiful.

      Besides, you wouldn’t be able to see them on you, Ralem said in his mind as he stuck on another gem, Your scales look just like emeralds, but shinier.

      Really? The dragon was pleased and stopped moping for a moment, I guess you’re right. My scales make emeralds look dull. Besides, it’s the diamonds that really make them look better.

      Ralem rolled his eyes and continued working. Soon the egg was completely done. “Does this look like your ‘rock’?” Arianna asked, holding it up.

      “Exactly like it,” Ralem said, “They won’t know the difference.”

      “Can I keep it?” Jaydon asked, “Once you are done with it, that is.”

      “If you can get it then sure,” Ralem replied.

       Arianna stood up, “How did you both get so much gems?”

       “Jaydon has a thing for jewels,” Ralem said.

      She picked up something from the boot, “Nice place to keep your valuables… You know you’ve got an ear ring in here?” She held up a large dangly ear ring, its small diamonds waving softly suspended by an almost invisible wire. Jaydon made a face. She laughed at him, doubling up, holding the ear ring for all to see.  Ralem couldn’t help but join in, the dragon totally not getting the joke sat stoic.

      “What?” he asked, “It’s a pretty diamond.”

       Which only made them laugh harder.