Abuud: the One-Eyed God (38 page)

Bin-sol nodded at Master Khatama's words and asked, "Why does this bring you to my farm?"

"I am a friend of the three boys who are using Bin-lu's boat," explained Boris. "I would like to examine their horses."

"You cannot take the horses," insisted Bin-sol as his face darkened. "They are little compensation for the loss of the boat, but they are mine now."

"I do not seek to take the horses," corrected Master Khatama. "I wish only to verify that they are the mounts of the three boys that I am looking for. As for the boat, if it was my friends who took it, and it is not returned, I will compensate the owner for his loss."

Bin-sol brightened at the offer and smiled. "I will show you the horses," he offered. "They are very fine animals, and I care for them as if they were my own. Come."

The farmer led Master Khatama into the barn. Boris walked over to the three horses and stood next to Chaco. He laid his hand on Chaco's back and nodded.

"You are taking care of them well," smiled Boris. "I am called Master Khatama, and I am staying at the edge of the beach in Barouk. You can find me at the merchant's wagon with my name on the side of it. If Bin-lu returns, I am anxious to speak with him."

"Ah," beamed Bin-sol. "You are the one with the wondrous healing magic. I have heard what you and your wife have done for the people of Barouk. My home is open to you always."

"Niki is more like a niece," smiled Boris, "but your offer is most generous and welcome. Perhaps one day we may visit. Thank you for allowing me to see the horses. It does confirm that the boys I seek are on Bin-lu's boat."

"Actually," frowned Bin-sol, "it was my brother's boat. Bin-lu has not taken to fishing as his father did, so my brother left the boat to me. I have encouraged Bin-lu to take up his father's trade, but to no avail. I am afraid that he fancies himself as a warrior, but he never fights with anyone. I do not understand children today. These boys you seek, will they return the boat?"

"They are not thieves," assured Master Khatama. "Only if the boat is lost, will they fail to return it. Unfortunately, trips to the Island of Storms have caused the loss of many boats."

"Island of Storms?" cried Bin-sol. "I will never see the boat again. Only fools venture to the demon's island."

"Or those who must," consoled Master Khatama. "It is a journey that is required of them. They know boats well. Do not count it lost until they return without it."

"With you, I believe in miracles," Bin-sol smiled.

Boris smiled, nodded, and left the farm to return to the city. As he approached the gates of Barouk, he saw three riders being interrogated by Officer Tang-shei. He continued towards the gates and finally recognized one of the riders.

"Tanya," called Master Khatama. "Is that you?"

The riders turned to look at the approaching merchant, as did Officer Tang-shei. Tanya leaped off her horse and raced to Boris. She threw her arms around the old man and hugged him tightly.

"Careful, Tanya," chuckled Boris. "You will break an old man's back with your strength. Stand back and let me look at you."

Tanya danced backwards a few steps and beamed at her uncle. The other two riders and Officer Tang-shei approached.

"You are looking very fit," smiled Boris. "I see that your travels have agreed with you. Introduce me to your friends," he added as he looked at the other two riders.

Tanya's face grew puzzled as she glanced back at Alex and Jenneva and saw the soldier standing next to them. All three were within earshot.

"Certainly, Master Khatama," Tanya smiled. "I would like you to meet Garth and Kalina Shado. I have been traveling with them since I left you. They are wonderful teachers."

"Well," smiled Master Khatama as he strode forward and extended his hand in friendship to Garth and Kalina, "any friend of yours is a friend of mine. I am pleased to meet both of you."

Garth and Kalina exchanged the greeting, but their faces were visions of confusion. Neither one of them spoke. Officer Tang-shei walked close to Master Khatama.

"If they are truly friends," the officer whispered, "I will ready papers for them."

"That would be appropriate," smiled Boris. "Thank you for the courtesy."

Tang-shei returned to the gates, and Boris turned to gaze upon Tanya again. Garth and Kalina stood staring at the merchant.

"I cannot believe how fit you look," Boris smiled at Tanya. "You must tell me everything that has happened since you left. I have arranged for you to receive papers for travel within Lanoir. Your friends will get papers as well. When you enter the city, turn towards the beach. My wagon will be hard to miss. I will prepare a meal for everyone."

Tanya watched her Uncle Boris depart and pass through the gates. She noticed that the soldiers bowed politely to him as he passed and wondered why.

"What is going on?" Garth whispered to Kalina. "Am I missing something?"

"If you are," frowned Kalina, "then so am I. He acts like he has never seen us before. I cannot imagine that he would not recognize us."

"It has been a long time since he has seen us," shrugged Garth. "Perhaps he is going senile."

"I do not think he is capable of senility," retorted Kalina. "Perhaps it is just a show so that the soldiers do not know who we are. Tanya was quick to provide cover names for us."

"Yes," frowned Garth, "but she is also slow to explain how he is alive and his wagon is not burnt. I do not feel good about this whole meeting."

"I am deeply troubled about it as well," agreed Kalina. "Let's be cautious, but not paranoid."

Officer Tang-shei returned from through the gates and handed three sets of papers to Tanya. "You are cleared to enter Barouk," he smiled. "I hope your visit is pleasurable."

Tanya looked at the papers briefly and then handed two of them to Garth and Kalina. "You are official now," she chuckled after Tang-shei had returned through the gates. "I hope you don't mind my choice of names."

"You did well," responded Kalina. "Does your uncle know who we really are?"

"It did not appear that he did," remarked Tanya. "Have you ever met him before?"

"Perhaps someone who looks like him," replied Kalina. "Let us enter the city while we are still welcome."

The trio strode through the gates and turned towards the sea. Master Khatama's wagon was easy to find, and they walked towards it. Garth was the first one to spot Niki sitting at the side of the wagon reading.

"Things get stranger and stranger," remarked Garth. "Niki is traveling with Master Khatama."

"And he just happens to be in Barouk where the boys are heading," added Kalina. "I agree that something must be explained. Perhaps Niki can enlighten us."

"Niki," called Tanya as she approached the wagon. "I am surprised to find you here. I thought you were in Tagaret."

"Hello," Niki said dryly as she looked up and saw who was approaching. "The people of Tagaret are not quite ready for me yet. Being away from them for a while will allow them to understand how much they need me. What are you doing here?"

"We are searching for Arik and Tedi," Tanya answered cheerfully. "Have you seen them?"

"Nope," replied Niki. "I have been too busy healing the villagers here."

"That is wonderful," smiled Kalina. "I see you are reading the books I got for you, too. I am so proud of you."

Master Khatama had been on the seat of the wagon, but he got down and looked at Kalina when she spoke about the books she had purchased for Niki. He stared at her for a long time.

"You are?" Niki asked excitedly. "Oh, you would have been so proud of me. There was a big battle on the docks, and I healed all of the wounded. They thought some of them would die, but they are all healthy now. The villagers adore me."

"As they should," remarked Tanya. "Healing is a very impressive skill."

"Are you making fun of me?" frowned Niki. "Healing is very hard work. It is not like just swinging a sword and bashing people. Oh, you would never understand."

"Tanya spoke from the heart," Master Khatama said softly to Niki. "She has learned to appreciate the skills of all people."

"Oh," Niki responded. "I guess I didn't understand. Would you care for something to drink? Perhaps Master Khatama will make one of his meals for you. He is an excellent cook."

"You said that you were looking for Arik and Tedi," Boris said to Tanya. "They are with Wylan on the Island of Storms."

"Wylan?" questioned Tanya. "Who is he?"

"He is a fine young man from Southland," answered Master Khatama. "He has been with Arik and Tedi since Cleb."

"So you have talked to the boys then?" queried Kalina.

"A long time ago," replied Boris. "I was in Cleb when they arrived. They managed to get themselves in a bit of trouble up there. Wylan helped rescue them. He has been with them ever since."

"Why are they going to the Island of Storms?" asked Garth. "I thought their destination was Cleb."

Master Khatama looked curiously at Tanya, and she nodded back.

"They were searching for a precious gem," explained Master Khatama. "The gem was in Cleb, but it was imbedded in a statue of Abuud. In fact, it was the statue's eye. The statue was being portrayed as an ancient artifact that the god had given to the prophet Azmet. It was actually a forgery as is the prophet Azmet."

"The Diamond of Edona was the one-eye of the fake statue?" Kalina asked. "Why did they not take it?"

"Azmet has thousands of fanatical followers," sighed Master Khatama. "To steal the eye would be to stir a hornet's nest. I suggested that they could trade the real ancient statue of Abuud for the eye and avoid the unnecessary bloodshed of thousands of people."

"And the real statue is on the Island of Storms?" posed Tanya.

"Yes," nodded Boris. "I sent them to retrieve it."

"How do you know it is there?" queried Kalina. "Have you been to the Island of Storms and seen it?"

Master Khatama's eyes clouded with confusion. "I think so," he answered hesitantly. "I do not remember the journey, but I am sure it is there. I am afraid that my memory is not what it used to be. Perhaps I am getting senile. It happens at my age."

"How old are you?" inquired Kalina. "If you don't mind me asking."

Boris hesitated and shook his head.

"Such things are not important," Tanya interrupted as she felt Master Khatama's embarrassment. "What is important is getting to the island and helping Arik and Tedi."

"And Wylan," added Boris. "I would suspect that they would be on their way back by now. They left here several days ago. I am more concerned about Lotfi and the martyrs that left here yesterday in pursuit of the boys."

"Lotfi?" quizzed Garth. "Martyrs? What are you talking about? Are the boys in trouble?"

"Lotfi is one of Azmet's men," interjected Niki. "He is a magician, but I stopped his spells from hurting anyone. The martyrs are more Abuud fanatics. They want the statue to replace the fake one that broke somehow."

Garth felt a stirring in his breast pocket and swiftly wandered away from the wagon. Prince Midge emerged and stretched his tiny arms as he yawned.

"Where are we?" chirped Prince Midge.

"We have arrived in Barouk," Garth said. "How is your wing?"

"It feels fine," answered Prince Midge. "I look forward to testing it out with a fine acrobatic flight after I get something to eat."

"We have come across some old friends," warned Garth. "I want you to remain hidden from them until things become clearer."

"Who are the friends?" queried Prince Midge. "If it is Arik, I cannot comply with your wishes. I have sworn allegiance to him."

"It is not Arik," smiled Garth. "It is Niki and Master Khatama. Look over my shoulder."

"But that is the…" Prince Midge began as he looked a the group near the wagon.

"Master Khatama," interrupted Garth. "He is also called Boris."

"I do not understand," frowned Prince Midge.

"Nor do I," conceded Garth. "Jenneva and I are using the names Garth and Kalina Shado. Go eat and test your wing. There is something very important that you have to do, and it will require full use of your wings. You must be strong for this mission."

"Does it involve the Bringer?" asked Prince Midge.

"It does," assured Garth. "But only if you are up to it."

"Up to helping the Bringer?" chirped Prince Midge. "You will excuse me, Garth Shado, but I must go eat and test my wings. Fairies are always up to helping the Bringer."

Garth smiled as the tiny hero leaped into the sky and disappeared. He strode back to the merchant's wagon to join the conversation.

"How can they possibly transport such a large statue?" inquired Tanya. "Even if they manage to get it to Barouk, then what? Are you going to smuggle it out of Lanoir in your wagon?"

"If I can help the boys, I shall," nodded Master Khatama. "I do trust their judgment in things, though."

"We would be glad to escort you," offered Garth. "It is our goal to see that the boys succeed in their task."

A young man walked into the vicinity of the wagon and asked, "Who is Master Khatama?"

"I am," answered Boris. "Can I help you?"

The young man looked at the circle of people and nodded. "May I speak to you alone?" he asked.

Master Khatama nodded and led the young man to the front of the wagon. He waited patiently for the young man to speak.

"I am Bin-lu," opened the young man. "My uncle has requested that I speak to you."

"So you are safe," smiled Master Khatama as he gazed at Bin-lu's neckline. "That is good. Where is the necklace that Tedi entrusted to you?"

Bin-lu hesitated and his face burned with color. "The Emperor has seized it," he finally said. "I was powerless to stop him. If I refused he would have had me killed and taken it from my body."

"I understand," Boris said sympathetically. "I just had to have it confirmed that Tedi no longer wore it. I fear for the boys' safety. The Demon's Cauldron is boiling after so many years of inactivity, and I have no way to locate them."

"There are things that I learned in Ongchi that are important," Bin-lu confided. "Do you know of Tedi's mother?"