Richard Tuttle - Island of Darkness

“Do you want me to talk to her?” asked StormSong.

StarWind gazed at StormSong and shook her head as she laughed. “I think it would be more appropriate for you to beat some sense into Mistake,” she chuckled. “I am sorry StormSong, but I can’t picture you as a mother hen with MistyTrail.”

“Good,” laughed StormSong. “Beating Mistake does sound like more fun. It would be challenging, too. Both of them move so swiftly. Seriously, if I can help in any way, please let me know.”

“I will,” smiled StarWind. “The funny thing is how much alike they are. While MistyTrail has holed up in the temple, Mistake has refused to leave her room. If I did not know that Mistake has mounds of provisions in her pack, I would become concerned for her health as well.”

“They will work it out,” soothed StormSong. “It must be quite an adjustment for both of them, but they are so much alike. I cannot imagine them in any relationship but one of loving sisters. They just need time to sort things out.”

“I hope you are right,” sighed StarWind. “I will give them another day before I bring the matter to Lyra’s attention.”

* * *

The Sakovan caravan rolled through the gates of Alamar. The Imperial Guards gave a brief glance into the wagons and muttered cheerfully when they saw the contents. They happily waved the wagons through the gate.

SpringThaw led the three Sakovan wagons through the streets of the Omungan city. Beside her on the lead wagon, FalconEye gazed far into the distance as he searched for the intersection they were instructed to turn at. A few minutes later, FalconEye grinned and tapped SpringThaw’s arm three times. The driver nodded her understanding.

“The people seem friendly enough,” remarked SpringThaw. “Some are even waving to us, and I doubt they know what is in the wagons.”

“Our troubles have never been with the people of Omunga,” replied FalconEye. “It is the government that seeks to destroy us. Is this your first trip to an Omungan city?”

“It is,” nodded SpringThaw. “I was supposed to go on one earlier, but that was when the incident with Alazar happened. Lyra cancelled all educational trips to Omunga. I find it exciting. I am surprised that I was chosen to lead this historic trip.”

“You do well enough with the wagons and our men,” complimented FalconEye. “You are also smart enough to be cautious in what you say. Others might develop an attitude about giving our food to the Omungans. That would defeat our purpose.”

“How can we begrudge food to others?” questioned SpringThaw. “We have an excess, and these people are starving. It is what Kaltara would expect of us.”

“You are correct,” smiled FalconEye, “and yet we need to be aware that we are trespassers here. Some Omungans will not look upon us so kindly. It will take the proper attitude to sway their minds. I believe that is why you were chosen to lead this caravan. You will represent the true feelings of the Sakovans as few others could do.”

“Don’t you feel the same way as I do?” questioned SpringThaw. “Do you think we are making a mistake by giving up our food?”

“Not at all,” FalconEye shook his head, “but other thoughts cloud my mind. While I agree with our policy of sharing our food, I also am wary enough to expect trouble in return for our kindness. I believe that is why I was chosen to accompany you.”

“So you are to watch my back in case of trouble?” asked the driver.

“Exactly,” nodded FalconEye. “My mouth will remain closed while we are in the city. Yours will be the voice of Sakova while we are here. Turn here.”

SpringThaw turned to the left and traveled along a lesser street. She looked back to make sure that the other wagons followed and then concentrated on navigating the narrow street. Several blocks along the street, FalconEye signaled for another turn.

“There it is,” pointed FalconEye as a new building came into view. “That will be Temiker’s new school. We will stop there to find out where we are supposed to deliver this food.”

SpringThaw angled her wagon towards the left side of the street. She smoothly brought it to a halt in front of the magic school. The mage, Temiker, was already standing outside the building. He waved cheerily at the caravan.

“You made good time,” greeted Lyra’s uncle. “Take a short break and have some food. Then I will take you to the Imperial Guard.”

“What about the food?” questioned FalconEye. “Someone might steal some of it while we are inside.”

“And what if they do?” smiled Temiker. “These people are starving. If some should get a few handfuls before the others, it will not matter in the long run. Go inside and refresh yourselves.”

The six Sakovans jumped off the wagons and hurried inside the school. When Temiker turned to join them, he saw a brown streak separate from the last wagon and dash into the alley alongside the school. His brow creased with curiosity. Quietly he stole along the street to the corner of the schoolhouse.

After the fire that had burned the last schoolhouse, Temiker had purchased a larger portion of land to build his new school. Park-like lots adjoined the school on each side. As Temiker peered around the corner of the schoolhouse, he saw a small figure darting from tree to tree as it made its way towards the rear of the building. He smiled inwardly as he cast a spell towards the swift-moving person. He was rewarded with a cry of surprise.

Temiker turned the corner and hurried towards the captured figure. He chuckled to himself as he saw MistyTrail frozen from the neck down. He was just about to release her from the spell when a pall of confusion fell across his face. The captured person was not MistyTrail.

“Who are you?” he asked as he stepped in front of the diminutive woman.

“Let me go, wizard,” snapped the woman. “Let me go, or you will rue this day forever.”

“You are in a poor position to make demands,” chuckled Temiker. “When someone sneaks into Alamar onboard a Sakovan wagon, I think it is my business to find out who you are and what you are up to. I will have answers before your are freed.”

“I think not,” the woman said adamantly. “Who I am, and where I go is none of your business, magician. Release me at once, or I will scream loudly.”

“You will scream, will you?” laughed the old mage. “You obviously don’t know an awful lot about Omunga. The Imperial Guards would answer your cry in a heartbeat, but they will not be so gentle with their questioning.”

The woman pouted and refused to speak. Temiker’s eyes narrowed as he studied the face of the young woman.

“Are you related to MistyTrail?” he asked. “You look so much like her that I mistook you for her when I first saw you.”

“You know MistyTrail?” gasped the young woman. “How is it that an Omungan knows a Sakovan?”

“I know many people,” smiled Temiker. “MistyTrail is a dear friend of mine.”

“I don’t believe you,” spat the young woman.

“That hardly matters,” frowned Temiker. “If you will not speak to me, I shall have to contact Lyra and find out what is to be done with you.”

“You know the Star of Sakova?” frowned the woman. “Who are you?”

“I am Temiker,” declared the mage. “Lyra is my niece. She will instruct me as to what to do with you.”

“Wait!” called the woman as Temiker turned to leave. “My name is Mistake. I will tell you what you want to know. Just do not tell the Sakovans where I am? You must promise.”

“Promise?” echoed Temiker. “I cannot make such a promise to you. If you have wronged the Sakovans, I am duty-bound to hold you until they come to retrieve you.”

“I have done nothing wrong,” Mistake insisted. “Please let me go. All I did was run away from them. I don’t want to be with them any longer. I did not even take anything that did not belong to me.”