Mapmaker, p.39
Mapmaker, page 39
“Of course, Tessa,” Iolena responded. “They are welcome and have them bring your brother also.”
“Thank you, my--” Tessa caught herself. “Mom,” she smiled, and Iolena smiled back at her.
“Excuse me, Your Highness,” one of the guards came up and addressed Tanya Joy. “There is a little girl here who claims she is a friend of Crown Princess Tanya Joy. I can send her home if you wish, but I thought I would let you know.”
“Lila? By all means, bring her in. She is definitely a friend of mine and Princess Tessa.” The guard left the room and returned quickly with the young elf girl. “Lila, what can I do for you?”
“I just,” the girl stammered, “I just hoped that I could see you again Princess TJ. You and your, your uncle’s wife,” she paused, “with the red hair.”
“Of course, Lila. I have two questions to ask you, if that’s okay?” The girl nodded shyly. “Would you like to have breakfast with us and meet my father and mother, King Lochlain and Queen Shannon?”
“Really? I could meet the King and Queen? Really?” she repeated.
“Absolutely, and you can have breakfast with them too. My other question was, does your mama know that you’re here?”
Lila shook her head. “No, she had to go to work. Since my Adda died my mama has to work hard to take care of us. Sometimes she leaves me with friends, but sometimes they’re too busy. Today was a day like that.” As she was speaking, Shannon and Lochlain approached them.
“Lila, my name is Queen Shannon. I’m Tanya Joy’s mother.” The little girl bowed deeply. “Lila, what happened to your daddy, your Adda?”
Tears formed in the little girl’s eyes. “He was killed in the battle against that Weggar. He was my hero, a soldier.”
Lochlain knelt down by the little girl. “Lila, I was listening to your conversation with my daughter and my wife. I’m King Lochlain Wynfarin.” She started to bow but he stopped her. “That’s okay, sweetheart. You don’t need to bow. Where does your mother work?”
“She sews at the milner on Delebar Street. She works very hard, your Majesty.”
“I’m sure she does. Why don’t you enjoy some breakfast, and I’ll have her come here so we can talk with her, okay?”
“Okay. Thank you, your Majesty,” Lila replied.
Lochlain turned to the guard who had escorted Lila in. “Go to the milner on Delebar and ask Lila’s mother to come with you. Stress that she is not in any trouble and compensate the owner for her time.”
“As you wish, your Majesty.” The soldier saluted and left the dining hall.
“What are you going to do, Lochlain?” Shannon asked.
“Let’s talk with your mother, the greatest seamstress in the Nine Worlds,” he smiled, “and see if we can find a place for a full-time seamstress here at Gewellyn Castle.” Shannon smiled and nodded.
“Why do I get the feeling that you just found your own Lona?” Tessa whispered to Tanya Joy as Lila ate her food.
“What would be wrong with that?” Joy smiled. “My cousin may be unique in the Nine Worlds, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other little elflings that need the same sort of boost. I think I’ve found one.”
“At the point in the east where the Aerielands, Gewellyn, Hevanok, and Bolandria come together, there is a mountain. It is called Wilyamil in the tongue of our people,” Queen Maeryn explained. It is so high that the snow never leaves the summit, and no one has ever reached its peak. The legends say that Aen, the ancient god of elf-kind, resides there. It rises from the Plains of Arn in what is called Aeries End, the last point of our lands.”
“Why do you believe it to be a Thin Place, Tia Maeryn?” Nathaniel asked.
“Because, Nathaniel, Aen lives there.” She smiled and continued before Nathaniel could speak. “Of course, we know that Aen is a myth, but none approach that mountain and not feel the power that comes from within it. The feeling of a powerful presence.”
Nathaniel and Tessa faced the rest of his family. “What of this place in the west that Anders sent word of, Llyn Llydaw?”
Skye McDonagh, who had come at Anders’ request, had only been paying partial attention to the proceedings, turned suddenly. “What did you say, Natty?”
“The letter you brought from Anders talks of a place in the Far Westlands, beyond Beldar, called Llyn Llydaw. Why?”
“Llyn means lake in Welsh. Lake Llydaw is reputed to be the home of the Lady of the Lake, Nimue, and the place where the knight Sir Belvedere cast King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, as the king was dying. Llyn Llydaw is in Wales in Britain.”
“He included a rough-sketched map for us to work from,” Tessa handed the paper to Skye. “This Llyn Llydaw is bordered on one side by the land of the Uruks, and the other by the Durglad. It’s very rugged, mountainous country.”
“The Gaere Swamp sits to its east,” Sage added. “I wish that Anders could have brought this letter in person to explain this better, but there is a high ridge that separates the lake from the swamp. Its wall is sheer and over 1000 feet high.” He looked at Tessa and Natty. “If you tell me to go, I will, but I have severe reservations. Even by airship, it will take weeks of preparation. We will have to wait until after Lion’s Day.”
“It sounds like there are numerous hazards and challenges to be overcome in either direction,” Lord Thallan commented. Nathaniel’s uncle, the Lord Adjudicator of the Aerielands, had arrived with King Tlannatar and Queen Maeryn. “It is not a decision to be taken lightly and without adequate preparation. The hour is late. Let us adjourn this discussion until the morning when we can approach it with rested minds and viewpoints.” He rose from the table.
“I agree with Thallan.” Lochlain told the family. “Most of you have traveled long and far to be here today. Let’s pick this up tomorrow morning. I will send pages round when breakfast is ready.” He and Shannon stood, as did the remainder of the group.
“Don’t worry, Natty,” Shannon told her brother. “We will work this out tomorrow. I promise.” She hugged each of them and left with the king. One by one the others said their good-nights, and left the room, with Nathaniel and Tessa leaving among the last with the rest of the Starduster’s crew.
“You’re not asleep, NinMel,” Natty said to Tessa as they lay in their bed in the Wing.
“No,” she replied. “Neither are you, my love. Why?”
“I get the feeling that my family, however well intentioned, is trying to control the narrative here, to tell us what they think we should be doing next. They went through this with Fiona a few years back.”
“Part of me wants to disagree with you and see what they have to say, but my heart knows that you are right, Natty.” Tessa rolled into her husband’s arms and looked into his grey eyes. “What do you want to do?”
Natty kissed her. “You know.” He rolled out of bed and reached for his clothing. After a moment, Tessa did likewise. “I don’t think we can ask the crew to do this, especially the protection detail. They could be court-martialed. It’s you and me and Mr. Senter if he’ll join us.”
“We need a Chief Engineer. Do you think he will?”
“You heard him. We may own the Starduster, but it’s his airship. He’s a privateer from Desara’s pirate days, so he isn’t part of the Navy. I’m hoping he will. I mean, he pretty much lives on-board.”
“I hope he’ll stay.” She stopped gathering their clothing and looked at him in the candlelight. “Natty? Is this the right thing we’re doing?”
Nathaniel nodded. “It is, as long as we do it together.” He fingered his wristband.
Tessa smiled. “Together, Nathaniel and Tessa together.”
Tessa opened the door and started out into the sitting room, then stopped so suddenly that Natty walked into her. There, seated on the sofa were Ciliren, Lianeth, and Sinead, Lianth’s head resting on Ciliren’s shoulder, dozing. She opened her eyes as the doctor started to speak.
“You are not doing this alone, Tessa and Nathaniel Clark. If you’re stealing off in the dead of the night, we’re stealing with you.”
“You’re both Majors in the Naval Rangers, and Sinead, you’re a Cook’s Mate First Class. We can’t ask you to risk court-martial for us,” Natty told the women.
“You didn’t ask,” Ciliren responded. “It was our decision. We’ve resigned from the military. All of us. Our resignations are all out on the dining hall table.”
“All of you?” Tessa marveled.
“Everyone that needed to,” Cil replied. “Thea, Kara, Pipia, Orlal, Wwyn, and Mira went out to secure the ship. Salvo, Sarek, and Skerit are already on-board with Mr. Senter. Sage will meet us at the Wicker’s barn, and Landon will join us next time we come to Sailinto. Of course, we couldn’t ask Lona.”
Tessa nodded, a hint of sadness in her smile. “I know, but she’ll be fine, and Sinead can keep working with me on the maps. How about Kipper and Esse?”
“We’re right here, Princess Tessa. You are not going anywhere without your other bestie and her beau.” She held out an envelope to Natty. “We found this on the table when we submitted our resignations.” Enesneth gave him the envelope bearing the names “Nathaniel and Tessa” on the front, in Iolena’s beautiful handwriting.
“Thanks,” he said, tucking it in his jacket pocket. “I’ll read it when we get to the ship.”
“Hey,” Sage startled everybody as he came from down the hall.
“I thought you were at the Starduster?” Natty queried.
“I was,” Sage answered. “Then I realized that this party was getting so big that we couldn’t take it through town without attracting attention. If you’re ready, follow me. I know a back way, so to speak.” He led them down a hidden flight of stairs and into a tunnel. “If you can do light balls, light ‘em up. We have a two-mile hike to the east wall.”
They emerged from the tunnel and moved through the darkness quickly and quietly until they reached the Wicker farm. Sage stopped the group in the woods and let out a bird-call, which was answered by a similar tune. He led them forward to where they encountered Kara.
“Where are the Sheriff’s guards?” Natty asked.
“We told them we were assigned to take their places,” Kara explained. “They’ll probably be in trouble in the morning, but we can let Shannon know it wasn’t their fault. Let’s get everybody on board and get going before somebody realizes we’re all missing.”
The crew climbed the gangway, and Kip and Sage pulled it shut. “Senter?” Natty asked Thea.
“He’s ready to go at your command, Captains,” she replied.
Natty nodded. “Any doubts or change of heart, nobody will hold it against you. Last chance.” Nobody responded. “Okay. Mr. Senter?” Natty spoke into the intercom.
“Captain?” came the reply.
“Silent running, get us up high enough to get over Linnrock Rim, and then cruising speed to the west.”
“Aye, Captain. Silent running to altitude.” The airship rose from the mooring.
“We’re in this together, Tessa Clark,” He told his wife.
“Together, Natty.” Tessa looked around at the crew. “All of us, our friends,” she stopped, tears forming in her eyes. “Not just friends, you are our family, together.”
“Kipling, you have the con. Take this airship west, away from the city, and then to StarFire Island,”
“Aye Captain. StarFire Island, steady as she goes.”
Chapter forty-two
Epilogue
Connor and Iolena watched as the Starduster silently emerged from the far side of Gewellyn City’s outer wall, rising above the height of the Linnrock Rim.
“They’re all on board?” Connor asked.
“All but one,” Iolena replied. “They had to leave one of their team behind.”
“No, Amil,” Menta Kai came up onto the parapet with her parents. “She’s on her way. I couldn’t say no anymore. My little elfling is finding her way in the worlds, and her future father, her best friend, and my little brother are part of that.” They watched in the dawn’s light as the Golden Falcon raced across the sky, her Guardian Eagle following in her wake. “By the way, Lona said that Tessa left this for you, Adda.” She handed her father a roll of paper. He unrolled it and smiled.
“As fast as that young woman works, I shouldn’t be surprised.” He showed the paper to Iolena and Menta Kai, the plans for the interior of the second house at the Juncture.
“Hopefully, they’ll be back in time for Christmas,” Iolena wished.
“If Fiona has anything to say about it, Amil, they will be.” Kai wrapped her arm around her mother’s shoulders. “He will be okay, Amil. They both will. The only couple that I know who that are as closely bound to each other as Natty and Tessa,” she looked at her parents, “are the two of you. Our watchwords are, ‘Family First, Family First Always.’” Their watchword is, ‘Together.’”
“What does the letter from your mother say?” Tessa asked Nathaniel.
Natty chuckled. “In all honesty, I haven’t even opened it yet. I guess I did get distracted.” He tilted her chin up and kissed her. “It’s addressed to both of us. Do you want me to read it to you?” She nodded.
My dearest Nathaniel and Tessa,
Some members of our family will not agree with the decision you’ve made, but it is the right choice. I know this, because it is the choice that your father and I would have made in the same situation, and actually have made in different circumstances. Your crew, your Starduster family, are all very loyal to you. I know you do, but I will remind you to treat them well and take care of them. That kind of loyalty is rare. Every one of them is with you because that is where they want to be.
Tar Partida, Ciliren’s mother, has counseled with Hrodebert, my cousin Thallan, and Grayhaven Stormbringer. In principle, they agree that the images that you found in the cave on StarFire Island show two very distinct things. For your father, Menta Kai, and myself, the images represent the fulfillment of the prophecy, the rising of Kai Lee, the Kaia Leora and of her Princess. For you, Nathaniel, and your younger sister, Fiona, there is a similar yet unique message. The rise of the Kaia Leora and An Bhanríon while tied together, are separate events. Connor, Kai, and I want to know where the maps lead. Fiona needs to know where the Thin Places are in order for her and Ard Bhanrionsa Abilynn to take their rightful places in Eyru’s Lands. The Council believes that is why the images of you and Fiona are separated from ours. Your continuing mission will not only find and note the Thin Places where Creator draws closest to Creation, but will also provide us with the information we need to complete the calling He has given us. There will be hazards and challenges to be faced, but they are not insurmountable as long as you have faith; faith in each other, faith in the people that work with you, and faith in our Creator in Heaven.
I am proud that all four of our married children have such strong relationships (and I’m pleased that Kai Lee and Sage are headed in that direction also) but your father and I both admit that we have never seen a couple who have been so completely drawn together as the two of you, Nathaniel and Tessa. You give each other strength, hope, love, and courage. Where one of you is weak, the other gives strength. What one may be lacking, the other makes up. In our twelve years together, your father and I have developed that same kind of relationship. With the two of you, it started even before you were married and has grown even stronger in the almost a year since. Your father and I are very proud of you, and we love you to the stars and beyond. Take care of your friends, your crew, and take care of each other. I will be praying for you every day.
All of my love forever,
Your mother, Iolena
“Captains, you need to come up on deck, sir, ma’am,” Kip called on the intercom.
“On our way,” Natty replied. “Let’s talk more about this later,” he folded the letter and handed it to Tessa. “You know where to put it to keep it safe,” he grinned. Tessa smiled and slid the envelope down the front of her blouse.
“Safe from everyone except my husband,” she teased. “Let’s go see what Kipper wants.”
Tessa led the way up the steps to the bridge, a big smile grew on her face as she stepped onto the deck, seeing her best forever friend there with her Guardian Eagle. “Welcome home, Crown Princess. We are so glad you’re here.”
Lona smiled back at her BFF. “Actually, Captain, from this point forward it’s Acting Ensign. The Crown Princess is who I am back there.” She gestured over her shoulder. “Up here, I just want to be part of this crew.” She looked at her Guardian Eagle, who was currently in elf form. “And so does Zedra.”
“Well then,” Natty responded, “welcome back, Zedra. And you, young Lady, it’s no longer ‘Acting Ensign.’ This is our ship, our mission, our decision; you are promoted to Ensign Lona Yaleria, with all the honors and responsibilities that come with the rank of full Ensign. Congratulations.”
“Really?” Tessa and Natty both nodded. “If that’s the case, can I relieve Mr. Kipling at the con?”
“You may,” Tessa told her.
“Sir, I relieve you,” Lona said and saluted Kip.
“Ma’am, I stand relieved. Congratulations, Ensign.” Kip returned the salute.
“As the first noncommissioned officer to salute you, Ensign, you’re supposed to give Yeoman Kipling a gold piece,” Nathaniel advised.
“Really?” Lona asked.
“Really?” Kipling asked, simultaneously.
“It’s a naval tradition, Lona,” Natty told her. Lona searched through her pockets.
“I’m afraid I don’t have any gold on me,” the newly commissioned Ensign said, looking at her commanders. Natty flipped a gold coin in her direction, and she deftly caught it.
“That’s a loan, Lona,” her uncle advised. She handed the coin to Kip who saluted her again.
“Do I have to give them a gold coin every time he salutes me?”
“No, Ensign, just the very first time,” Natty assured her. She smiled and returned Kip’s salute, then he turned and went down toward the crew’s quarters, as Lona assumed her place at the wheel.
