Quest for the Sun Gem (13 page)

Some days the sea was kind and their nets were filled to bursting. Other days the sea was mean, and those nights they would go home with empty nets, to empty pots and empty bellies and children with big hungry eyes.

‘Dolphin starboard,’ cried one sailor, pointing to the right. Toomas pulled the tiller to the left to swing the boat in the same direction as the surging dolphin. Another dolphin surfaced, then another and another. The pod of dolphins played alongside the boat, racing it and chasing it, diving under the prow, leaping out of the water and splashing back under again, showering the fishermen with brilliant droplets.

The dolphins led the fishermen straight into a shoal of large fish, flashing silver in the inky sea. The dolphins surged back and forth, feeding in glee. The silverbacks leapt from the water trying to escape, and fell back into the ocean like a glittering fountain. The hunched-over fishermen scurried and bustled, setting nets and securing knots.

Saxon helped to haul in the bursting nets, his muscles searing. His feet slipped on the slick deck and his hands burned from the rope. The sun beat down. At last the wildly wriggling nets were safe in the boat, filling the hull.

Toomas grunted in satisfaction. The crew scampered over the boat, securing the nets, adjusting sails and bailing out excess seawater.

‘Can you feel that, young Saxon?’ asked Toomas, gesturing broadly out at the vast blue ocean.

‘What?’ Saxon asked curiously.

‘T’wind. It’s changed,’ Toomas replied, nodding sagely. ‘Sun Lord draws t’wind from t’land in t’early dawn. Then in t’heat of t’day, Sun Lord changes t’wind to blow us safe back t’land.’

True enough, the wind was soon blowing strongly back towards the land.

The boat no longer flew eagerly across the sea, instead seeming tired and slow but happy after a good day’s work. Toomas showed Saxon how to tie a variety of fishermen’s knots on a spare length of rope.

The lookout called softly as he spied another shoal of fish. As the boat came closer Saxon saw some larger creatures circling the shoal hungrily.

These were not playful dolphins. Their triangular fins cut through the water like a dagger through silk. These creatures were menacing.

Toomas shook his head. ‘We have enough fish today. Besides, t’sharks do not share t’fish like t’dolphins. Stay away from sharks.’

The sharks attacked the shoal and in a moment the calm sea became a thrashing, churning, frenzied maelstrom. Toomas steered the boat away from the lethal whirlpool and the crew deftly adjusted the sails.

Their arrival back at the beach at Mereworth was again greeted by a crowd of excited children, donkeys, and fishwives with baskets. Saxon watched the whole routine unfold once more with tired satisfaction. This time Toomas handed him a large basket of fish of his own to take home to Saira.

‘Coom any time, young Saxon,’ Toomas grinned, his brown face crinkling. ‘You worked well today and brought us luck.’

Saxon trudged up the hill, his face and arms burnt red from the sun, his muscles aching and his heart singing.

The four children felt sick with anxiety about their parents and the young prince, but everyone realised they had no choice but to rest and recuperate. Ethan recovered almost completely within a few days but Saira insisted he continue to have plenty of rest and wholesome food.

After three days, Lily was able to get up and sit outside in the warm spring sunshine, with Aisha resting at her feet. After five days she could hobble around the garden, and after a week she could walk as far as the village to see for herself the festivity of the afternoon fleet homecoming. Saira finally removed the stitches from her leg and arm. Lily had two ugly, red, puckered scars, but both wounds were healing well. The healing power of young bodies was quite miraculous, Saira told her.

Saxon and Roana kept themselves busy helping Saira, in return for her generous hospitality.

In the mornings Saira woke Roana and Saxon early. The mornings were a busy whirl of feeding and caring for animals, collecting eggs, preparing meals, collecting timber, weeding the vegetable garden, cleaning the house and stables and gathering herbs. Saxon repaired a number of things around the farm and built new herb drying racks for Saira.

In the afternoons, Saxon spent hours down with the fishermen, helping to tie knots and mend nets, and learning the rudiments of navigation. He went out fishing with Toomas again several times, and Saira was always pleased with the basket of seafood he brought back.

After lunch, Roana usually accompanied Saira on her rounds of the nearby villages, visiting the old and infirm, giving advice to new mothers and helping tend to injuries and ailments. Roana was shocked by how the villagers lived, many in tiny cottages housing huge families of children, parents and grandparents all sleeping in one or two rooms.

She helped Saira dole out draughts and infusions, and learnt some of the basic herbs and what their properties were. She learnt that often what the villagers needed most was some sympathy from a friendly ear, along with rest and nourishing food.

After their cottage visits, Saira set Roana to work again on the evening chores. At night she fell into her hard, narrow cot, exhausted, and slept better than she had ever slept in her ornately carved four-poster bed in the palace, with its pretty drapes and deep, soft mattress.

All three children took turns to sit with Lily and read to her, or tell her stories about the village doings. Ethan was forbidden to help with the chores so he enticed Aisha away from Lily’s side and took her for long walks, chatting to the locals to learn more about the Sedah’s whereabouts.

Of this there seemed to be little news. Several distant villages had been pillaged and burned.
Humble Mereworth and the other tiny villages nearby had been ignored, probably because they were too out-of-the-way or of no strategic importance. However, the rumour was that the Sedahs would be back soon, with more soldiers, once Tira itself was secured.

The village elders began making preparations – fortifying the village, hiding food and meagre valuables in the hills, and practising their fighting skills. The young children held mock battles in the roadways, using sticks for swords. Some of the young men slipped off in the night to join the bands of rebels who were said to be gathering in the forests.

This news made the children anxious to make some decisions about their future. Should they join the rebels in the forest? Go to their aunt’s? Or ride to Tira?

On the ninth night, there was no moon and the darkness outside was thick and deep. A wild wind sent huge clouds scudding across the sky and howled around the cottage, causing the timbers to creak and groan as though the house were alive and moving.

Lily was almost completely recovered, although still a bit pale. Now she shivered despite the rug wrapped around her and wriggled closer to the fire. She felt for the Merrow pearl at her throat and rubbed it thoughtfully. A picture of the Merrow maid and chubby sea baby flashed into her mind.

‘What a wild night,’ she cried. ‘I am glad we are cozy in Saira’s cottage, and not sleeping out in the forest. Look at Aisha – she is so close to the fire it’s a wonder she hasn’t singed her whiskers!’

Aisha opened her eyes and grunted at the sound of her name, but was soon sound asleep again, her head on her paws almost in the cinders of the hearth.

The others laughed. Saxon rubbed his belly in contentment.

‘Another fine meal,’ he grinned. ‘Saira is definitely a wonderful cook. I could stay here forever!’

‘Not so fast, young man,’ interrupted Saira from the kitchen door. ‘The last thing I need is a big lazy lump of a boy always underfoot in the kitchen and eating everything in the house. Oh no – I think it must be time to be getting you all on your way.’ Saira’s affectionate smile belied her harsh words.

‘Admit it, Saira, you will miss us when we go,’ laughed Saxon, sprawled on a cushion on the floor.

Saira’s green eyes twinkled in agreement.

‘Well, perhaps just a tiny bit,’ she smiled. ‘But I think tonight might be a good evening to learn some more about your journey and what you need to do.’

All the children sat up immediately, burning with curiosity.

‘First, young Saxon, I think it’s your turn to do the dishes,’ Saira teased. ‘When the kitchen’s spick and span, then we can ask the crystal what is in store for you all and for Tiregian.’

Saxon leapt to his feet at once. Ethan jumped up too.

‘I’ll help you so it’s finished faster,’ Ethan cried.

‘Me too,’ added Roana eagerly.

Soon all the dishes were washed, dried and stacked on the shelves of the dresser. The pots were scoured and gleaming by the hearth, the table was scrubbed and the floor swept.

When all was finished, Saira stood up without a word and left the room. She returned in a moment, carefully carrying a round object covered with a silk cloth, intricately embroidered with tiny suns, stars, moons and strange mythical animals.

Placing the object on the table, she sat and ceremoniously removed the silk covering.

Sitting on a wooden base was a perfectly round cloudy pink crystal, about the size of a small melon, veined with white streaks. Saira invited them all to place their fingertips on the crystal.

‘Tis Rose Quartz,’ Saira murmured. ‘It helps to clear the thoughts, calm the mind and lift the veils of time.

‘Listen carefully to what I say when the trance comes upon me, for I may not remember anything after it is finished,’ Saira continued softly. ‘Take close heed of what the crystal reveals and memorise it well. The message may seem confused or unclear, but remember that eventually the crystal will be shown to be true.’

The four friends nodded nervously, mouths suddenly dry and fingers sweaty on the smooth stone.

Saira completed the circle as the fifth pair of hands. At her touch, the crystal seemed to flicker in its cloudy depths. Saira gazed deep into its pink heart, then closed her eyes, breathing out with a sigh. Nothing happened for what seemed like hours, then Saira began to chant in a low singsong voice.

Saira’s voice rose to a powerful chant, then fell into silence when the verse was completed. The words shimmered in the air and seemed to brand themselves magically into each of the children’s memories.

Saira shuddered and her head slumped forward onto her chest. Her fingers fell from the crystal. Slowly her eyelids fluttered open. Ethan, Lily, Roana and Saxon stared at her in awe.

‘What does it mean?’ asked Lily excitedly. They all began talking at once, trying to analyse and decipher the strange verse.

They talked and talked, getting louder and louder, and going around and around in circles.

‘Enough talk,’ Saira interrupted. ‘It is late and you need to sleep. We should all think about the crystal’s foretelling and we can discuss plans later.’

The next morning Roana woke early, the strange verse which Saira had chanted over the crystal last
night ringing in her ears. Roana shook her head in disbelief.

Of course it probably means nothing at all
, Roana thought sceptically.
As if a polished piece of rock could reveal the future!

At breakfast, the children talked incessantly about the strange verse which Saira had told them the night before and tried to puzzle out its meaning. Roana still thought it was probably nonsense but she enjoyed the sense of belonging with the others. The thought of a quest thrilled her with a strange sense of excitement and adventure. She was soon joining in with the others, guessing its possible meaning.

Saira came in from the garden, carrying a mixed bunch of herbs. The pungent fragrance of the freshly cut herbs permeated the kitchen.

‘Well, it is nice to see Lily looking so well,’ declared Saira, smiling widely. ‘I will check you over carefully once more but I think you are now well enough to continue on your journey. A few more days rest would be ideal but, from what you have told me and what the crystal has revealed, it is probably best if you continue your travel tomorrow.’

Lily flushed with relief. Everyone whooped with excitement. Aisha barked loudly, joining in the elation.

‘That is fantastic news,’ grinned Saxon. ‘I think we should have a feast to celebrate tonight, and for once Saira is having a night off.
I
am going to cook a meal you will never forget.’

‘I think I’d better help you, Sax, or you might kill us all with food poisoning!’ joked Ethan.

‘No, my boy,’ replied Saxon with a mock sniff. ‘You and Lily are banned from the kitchen too. Roana can help me!’

‘Oh, great,’ groaned Ethan, rolling his eyes. ‘We’ll definitely all die then!’

‘Well, thanks a lot,’ snorted Roana, hitting Ethan with a rolled-up cloth, pretending to be cross. ‘Perhaps you’d rather starve!’ But secretly Roana was pleased to be part of the joking and teasing.

The others all laughed loudly, excited at the thought of starting their adventures again.

Saxon was true to his word, shooing Saira, Ethan and Lily from the kitchen and locking the door.

Ethan and Lily busied themselves with making preparations for the journey ahead of them, writing lists, checking their equipment and packing. Lily enjoyed poking through Saira’s stillroom, playing with her herbs and potions.

Saira helped them with supplies – a pile of her homemade beeswax candles, a couple of ropes from
Toomas, transportable food for the journey and a fresh supply of bandages, ointment and herbal tinctures.

Together Roana and Saxon planned a feast, searching through the cupboards and garden for ingredients and deciding what to cook. Roana made suggestions from remembered palace banquets and, while she was not an experienced cook, she had spent many hours as a small child playing in the palace kitchens, watching the cooks and kitchen maids preparing huge mounds of food.

Together they killed and prepared a chicken from the yard, basting and stuffing it with preserved fruit and rosemary, before slowly roasting it in the oven. Potatoes were boiled and sliced, mixed with diced onions, flecks of bacon and thick yellow cream, sprinkled with salt and thyme then baked. Fresh green lettuce, dainty spring cucumbers, dandelion leaves and meadow herbs were tossed in oil and vinegar. A light fluffy pudding was made, served with strawberries just picked from the garden, whipped through cream and sugar. Mouthwatering aromas wafted through the cottage.

It was a delicious change from the hearty soups and stews they had been eating at Saira’s or the dry
bread and cheese they had lived on in the forest. Roana and Saxon set the table with Saira’s best cloth and crockery, fresh candles and a jug of pretty wildflowers.

Saxon called everyone to the table while Roana tossed the salad. Saira cried out with pleasure when she saw the feast being served.

‘This calls for some of my best apple cider,’ she pronounced. ‘Come and help me with the barrel, Ethan!’

When the plates were loaded with hot, steaming food, Saira filled the mugs and made a toast.

‘Thank you all for a very interesting stay,’ Saira called, holding up her mug. ‘I have really enjoyed your company and am looking forward to sharing this delicious meal with you all. Thank you, Saxon, and thank you, Roana, for cooking this feast, and thank you for your very hard work during your stay. I will be enjoying the benefit for many months to come.’

Saxon and Roana flushed with pleasure.

‘Thank
you,
Saira,’ chorused Ethan and Lily. ‘Without you we might easily be dead!’

There was much laughter and conversation over dinner. The mood was one of exhilaration and anticipation. When the last morsel was eaten and
everyone felt as though they might burst, Saira pushed away her plate and looked carefully at each face in turn.

‘Delicious, stupendous,’ Saira murmured quietly. ‘And now to something of great consequence – your quest. Tomorrow you must leave here and seek the answers to the riddle.’

Everyone glanced at the others around the table. Their stomachs contracted with fear, nerves and excitement.

‘What does the riddle mean?’ asked Ethan, his eyes shining. He recited the verse again slowly and clearly.

‘Well, the five travellers are us, with Aisha, I guess.’ Lily began tentatively. ‘The princeling, of course, is Prince Caspar, who has been imprisoned somewhere.’

‘Somewhere snowy, in a tower, which must be far to the north – but where?’ Saxon added. ‘Fire, plague, sea and snow must test … that means we will have to face many dangers along the way.’

‘And what is the significance of the sun and the moon and the stars? Do you think it means the king is buried in Tira?’ Ethan glanced quickly at Roana in sympathy.

She flinched. A vision came to her of the last time she saw her father – the great royal Sun Sword of Tiregian being passed up to him by the priestess Ostara, the beautiful ruby flashing in the dawn light. Then the arrows flying through the air, the screams and shouts and her father’s long, slow fall into the mud.

Roana shuddered, banishing the image from her mind. Lily rubbed her gently on the arm in empathy.

‘The Sun Sword,’ Roana muttered. ‘Perhaps that’s it! When the king, my father, was killed he had just taken the Sun Sword from the priestess Ostara. It is always part of the dawn ceremony before the hunt for the white stallion at the vernal equinox. The Sun
Sword is reputed to have great significance, perhaps even magical powers, although I am not sure I truly believe that.

‘On one side of the hilt is a great ruby, which is surrounded by carving to resemble the sun. It is known as the Sun Gem. On the reverse side of the hilt is a great round pearl, which symbolises the moon – the Moon Pearl. Smaller diamonds represent the stars around it, and they are called the Star Diamonds. Perhaps the verse means that this sword must be found and restored to the royal family.’

‘That could be it, Roana,’ shouted Ethan loudly, his brown eyes burning with excitement.

‘To fetch sun and moon and blade so the bright magic is whole again made.

The sun is dimmed under Tira to seek

The blade is hidden in the caverns deep,

The moon and stars under sea lost their power,’ he recited slowly.

‘It sounds like the gems have been removed from the sword and hidden under Tira and under the sea,’ Saxon mused. ‘But why would the invaders hide them? Wouldn’t you think they would take them back to Sedah or flaunt them here as symbols of their victory over us? And the blade – hidden in the
caverns deep? That could be anywhere!’ Saxon cried in despair.

‘There are caverns under Tira,’ Roana said slowly. ‘Secret caverns and a maze of tunnels. There is a secret tunnel from the palace down into the caverns and then out to sea. They have not been used in many years, but I have been shown the hidden entrance at both ends, and taught a map. It was a secret escape route for the royal family if ever the city and the palace fell to enemies.’

‘Bad luck for everyone else who lived in the city,’ snorted Ethan.

Roana blushed but continued. ‘Perhaps the Sun Gem and the sword are hidden in the caverns under Tira.’

‘And Roana can show us the secret way into the caverns,’ Lily crowed.