The Scarlet King (41 page)

Those of the Forest began a slow drumbeat as
the wedding couples ascended the beach and walked past all the
people to present themselves to the elders. When the elders arose
to accept the wedding couples, the drumming stopped. They spoke in
their native language, and the young priest stood with them and
translated for those of the Forest. They were asking the couples if
they understood the meaning and the commitment of marriage. When
the couples responded in the affirmative, the elders announced,
“Let the ceremony begin.”

The young priest was joined by the Listener
who heard the God of the Sea. Together they stood and asked the
wedding couples to come forward. The young priest went first,
reciting the standard prayers to the God of the Sacred Water that
the marriage of Rheon and Jason would be blessed. When he had
finished the prayers he asked the couple to step forward, and they
exchanged their acceptance vows. He then asked the couple to
exchange a kiss that would seal their marriage. Jason bent down and
very gently tilted Rheon’s chin up, giving her a long kiss. A great
cheer went up from all in attendance and the couple bowed in
appreciation.

When the applause had settled down the
Listener stepped forward and proceeded with the ceremony of Larby’s
people. His words were not translated but the meaning was obvious.
To those observing, the ceremony seemed nearly identical to the
other despite the different language. Again at the end of the
ceremony the bride and groom were asked to kiss and seal their
marriage. Again a great cheer went up. Larby awkwardly tried to
bow, but Betty just stood there and smiled.

The drumming started up again as the couples
began descending to the campfire that awaited below them. They were
showered with small pieces of the giant kelp plant, which was an
essential part of the life of Larby’s people. They were followed by
the elders, who stopped in front of Heather and insisted that she
precede them to the campfire. Heather handed their baby to Daniel
and did as was asked.

The drumming continued at a steady subdued
pace. Once the elders were seated, Jeremy and Edna began
distributing small containers of the ale he had found to all of
those who had traveled with them. Those of Larby’s people
distributed the beverage they made from the berries of the giant
kelp plant. Only after all had been given a little to drink were
the wedding couples served. They were then asked to stand, and the
drumming increased in intensity before suddenly stopping. At that
point all raised their drinks and a cheer went up honoring the
wedding couples.

Darkness was now complete and it was time for
the wedding dance. Daniel leaned over and whispered to Heather, “At
least Jason and Larby will not have to have someone hold them up
during the wedding dance.” Heather said not but simply squeezed his
hand.

Larby and Betty arose and entered the center
circle. The drumming began quietly and slowly and they danced a
slow promenade around the circle. Larby had some trouble with his
peg leg sticking into the sand. Betty, who never liked being the
center of attention, was happy when the dance was over and she
could return to the sideline.

When Jason and Rheon moved into the circle
the drumming again began slowly and quietly, and they repeated the
promenade dance that Larby and Betty had performed. When the
promenade was finished Jason turned to those gathered and said, “My
wife would dance the wedding dance of her peoples.”

A light applause went up and even in the
firelight the enjoyment on Rheon’s face was evident. The drumming
started again slowly and quietly, and she began a solo dance facing
her husband and ignoring all others. At first the drumming seemed
to dictate the speed of the dance, but soon it was obvious that
Rheon was leading the music. Her movements were fluid and graceful
as she drove the music forward. Both the tempo and volume continued
to increase, keeping up with her movements.

Those in the audience could not help but join
the music with their clapping. Then, with a vibrant movement of her
arms, she signaled the end of the dance and the music ended. She
bowed to Jason and accepted the hand he had offered. A great cheer
went out but Rheon responded not, taking her place at Jason
side.

Now the dancing continued with others taking
their turns dancing with the brides and grooms. Daniel found Rheon
to be as light as a feather and knew not how she had learned the
dances of the Forest. Heather danced with Jason and was surprised
at his ability and rhythm. She said, “I wish you and your bride
happiness. May the God of the Sacred Water bless you and Rheon.”
She then added, “If it is the will of the God of the Sacred Water
may you be blessed with many children.”

As the dancing wound down it was time for the
stories to begin. Jeremy rose and took command, asking Jason to
begin by telling of the rescue of Rheon. Jason began the story in a
very matter of fact manner without much enthusiasm in his voice,
for he was not a storyteller. When it came to the actual spotting
of the survivor, he became more animated and described in great
detail the actual rescue of the stranger who sat now at his side.
The story was well received and he bowed ever so slightly to the
applause.

Next it was the rescue of Larby. Jeremy
turned towards Daniel and asked him to relate the story. As Daniel
began telling the tale, Jeremy was forever filling in details and
adding to the suspense. Daniel accepted his friend’s interruptions
as if it was the most natural thing, which for them it was. It was
only when it came to a description of the leg amputation that
Jeremy took over. He spoke not of the surgery but of the stench and
sickness. Those of the Forest knew the story well, but Larby’s
people had heard only portions of it. When Jeremy had finished, the
applause and appreciation from Larby’s people was obvious.

Jeremy then asked if people would like to
hear of the wedding kiss of Daniel and Heather’s wedding. At first
few responded but after Daniel had complained that it was not an
interesting enough story to be told, yet again more and more people
joined the chant for the story. Daniel settled back and wrapped his
arm around Heather and their baby while the story of their wedding
was told. It was a well told story, and at the end Jason rose and
said, “I would wish to see such a kiss.” With this the chant began
for all wanting to see the kiss. Daniel and Heather arose in the
joy of those around them and exchanged a passionate kiss, after
which Daniel again slumped to the ground to the applause of
all.

The night was long with some dancing in
between stories, and the young and old had long since gone to their
beds. Heather whispered to Daniel that it was time for them to
depart also. The Scarlet King was also very tired and Daniel
offered to walk him to his tent. With Heather on one side and
Daniel on the other they made their way in the darkness. The
Scarlet King remarked in a mix of the languages, “I have never
before slept outside the palace. I had no idea that there were so
many stars. I find great comfort at night when I awaken to see
them, and leave the fly of the tent open so their light can calm
me.”

Daniel replied, “Those of the Forest have
always relied on the stars to guide us and remind us of the
vastness of the world. They tie all of us together.”

Chapter 20

Morning came but the breaking of the fast was
much delayed, for the evening had been long and the night had been
so short. After Heather had completed her morning ritual, she and
Daniel joined the others for a quiet breaking of the fast. Jason
and Rheon were the last to arrive, with Jason looking very tired
but Rheon sparkling with energy as always. Only after Jason had
finished eating did Heather broach the subject of their departure.
Jason was quiet for some time before responding, “I would not have
my adventure with these wonderful people end, but I expect you are
right and we must return.” He then asked, “When would you have us
leave?”

Heather responded, “On the day following the
morrow, assuming Captain Cook and the weather agree. Larby’s people
have offered us dried fish and kelp for the journey.” She asked
Jason, “Would you yet stop at the Island with the Flightless
Bird?”

Jason replied, “We have seen so much, but
yes, I would still like to see this flightless bird.”

“So it shall be. A few more days absent from
our homes should make little difference after so much time. I will
speak to Captain Cook.”

Heather had some of Larby’s people take her
out to the ship so she could meet with Captain Cook. He welcomed
her aboard and asked, “I would expect you are planning our
departure.” Heather but nodded in the affirmative, giving him one
of her small smiles. Captain Cook continued, “The ship and the crew
are ready but I would yet take on more water and more food if it is
available.”

Heather responded, “Larby’s people have
offered us dried fish and the dried seaweed that they eat and
store. It is time we go home.”

Captain Cook asked, “When would you
depart?”

“On the day following the morrow.” She then
added, “Jason would yet see the Island of the Flightless Bird.”

Captain Cook rubbed the ever present stubble
on his chin before replying. “It would be easy enough to think of
that island as a cursed place, but I guess it made us do what we
needed to do. I see no reason we cannot stop for a short time
assuming the weather is good.”

They visited for some time about their
journeys, and Heather told him how Jason was dreaming of trying to
sail around the entire world. Captain Cook listened intently and
said only, “It is a journey that needs to be made. Jason is at home
on the sea but he is not a captain. Who will serve as his
captain?”

Heather smiled her small smile and said,
“Only the God of the Sacred Water knows this. I would expect there
are few who would be as competent as you for such a journey.” They
visited some more and then Heather needed to depart, for she had
meetings with the elders of Larby’s people.

After those of the ship had dropped her
ashore she first checked on Daniel and their baby. Her beloveds
noticed not her standing in the shadows, as they played with the
ball made of the leaves of the kelp plant. Her Daniel appeared as a
young child rolling the ball to their baby with complete joy. She
disturbed them not and went on to meet with the elders about
possible trade and the supplies they needed for the journey.

They were assembled as before and Heather was
welcomed most graciously. She was understanding more of their
language, but still needed the assistance of the young priest to
fully understand the conversation. The elders were most concerned
about their claim on the ship they had recovered. Heather had
discussed this briefly with Captain Cook, who had advised that the
rule of the sea is that the salvage belongs to the one who first
claimed the stricken vessel. The elders received this news but then
asked of the black ships sunk in their harbor.

Heather thought before speaking. “In war,
captured supplies and equipment become the property of those who
captured them unless the peace agreement says otherwise. Our peace
agreement speaks not of the ships. I would therefore expect the
ships are rightfully yours.”

The conversation turned to potential trade
and one of the elders spoke up, saying, “We have not the timber to
fully restore the ships. I would we could trade with those of the
Forest for such timber.”

Heather nodded her head in agreement but said
only, “The trading guild of those of the Forest will need to make
this decision. I would assume they would be in favor but will speak
not for them.” The conversation continued until it was time for the
noon meal. Heather was treated with great respect and served prior
to the others. She waited until all were served and then began
eating the soup and bread she had been served.

They were not quite done eating when Daniel
appeared carrying baby Geoffrey, who was demanding to be fed.
Heather arose and said as she departed, “I look forward to our
trading agreements and the growth of your people. I feel you have
an important role to play in the future of all our peoples.”

It seemed the afternoon passed all too
quickly. Soon the campfire was lit and the evening meal was being
prepared. It was a simpler meal than the prior night’s celebration
but still far richer than their normal travel rations. There was no
ale or wine for the storytelling, but the campfire seemed to
suffice and Jeremy again led the way. Several of Larby’s people
joined in the storytelling with stories of their people in the
ancient times. Jason as always was very interested in the stories
of creation and how they compared, for a common thread seemed to
run through them all.

The evening was not so long as the prior
night, but Heather and Daniel had retreated to their tent long
before the stories ended. Morning came and again the breaking of
the fast was later than usual. It mattered not because the tides
dictated they could not leave until midday.

Jason and Larby spent time together
discussing the navigation to the island. Initially Larby tried to
describe how easy it was to navigate by simply feeling the
directional changes of the waves that the island produced. Jason
knew he had not that ability and was more interested in the angle
of the sun and the stars as a means of guidance. Only after he was
satisfied that his mental image was correct did he join the others
in moving aboard their ship.

Heather’s heart was heavy but she knew not
why until she realized that Betty was not dressed for travel. They
spoke not as their minds searched for meaning. Betty spoke first,
saying, “You need me not anymore.”

Heather could retain the tears no longer, and
through her tears asked, “What will you do?”