Whill of Agora

Whill nevertheless accepted hugs from the Eldonian women. Most were dressed in long, hooded robes due to the morning chill, but some wore only cloths covering their genitals. The men carried long, thin spears, and some brandished swords.

The Eldonians insisted that Whill, Abram, and Tarren join them in a celebration meal. What Whill had expected to be a small breakfast turned out to be a grand feast and celebration that lasted late into the day. By the time they were ready to leave, the sun was beginning to set. The four surviving men and the chief walked them back to Old Charlotte, followed by what seemed to be the entire island population. As they approached the ship, the chief spoke.

“Once again, thank you for returning our people. We are forever in your debt and at your service. If ever you are in need, please, think of Eldon as an ally. You are welcome here eternally.” With that he bowed, as did the rest of the people of Eldon. Whill, Abram and Tarren bowed in return and made their way onto their ship. As they set sail once again with Abram at the wheel, Whill and Tarren watched as the people of Eldon waved happily after them. Night began to fall as the three companions sailed toward Sherna.

The deep blue sky made way for a blackened one and the stars awoke. They shone brightly in their heavenly realm, untouchable diamonds of the night. With the appearance of the stars also came a chill that rode on the whispering winds and clung to Whill’s bones like a long-lost love. Carrying an oil lantern, he went below to fetch his wolf-hide coat. It hung above his cot, which was now occupied by Tarren. The boy slept peacefully, a slight smile at the corner of his mouth. But to Whill he appeared too peaceful, too still, as though death had come back to reclaim him, to fulfill the fate which Whill had altered. He nudged Tarren on the shoulder, and to his relief the boy rolled over, mumbling something inaudible.

Satisfied, he pulled a blanket up to Tarren’s chin and took his coat before silently returning to the deck. Above, Abram was still at the wheel, sailing steadily east. Whill joined his friend and for a while they stood in comfortable silence, sailing by moonlight. They were lucky; they seemed to have the benefit of a full moon. Abram seemed mesmerized by the moon’s reflection upon the water. To Whill he looked more at peace than he had in a great while.

Noticing Whill staring at him, Abram simply smiled. “Is Tarren sleeping soundly?”

Whill turned his gaze to the water once more. “Out cold, He did have a long day.”

Abram laughed. “Didn’t we all. You should get some rest, Whill. You didn’t sleep last night. You must be tired.”

Whill shook his head. “No, I’m not, I’m wide awake. I guess having slept for two days has left me with plenty of energy for a while. I’ll take over for a bit, Abram. You haven’t slept, either. I’ll wake you at dawn. If this wind keeps steady we’ll be in Sherna well before noon, I’ll rest then.”

“Alright, Whill.” Abram gave him a pat on the back and stretched with a great yawn. Then he started for the sleeping quarters.

“Wait,” Whill said. “What do we do with Tarren? We can’t see him safely back to Fendale personally.”

Abram turned at the stair. “Do not forget, we have a wealth of diamonds. Once in Sherna we will find a good woman to look after him until we return from the mountains. Then we will go to Kell-Torey to meet with the king. He will see to it that Tarren finds safe passage back to Fendale. Worry not, Whill.” With that, he disappeared below, and left Whill alone with the moon and stars.

Whill took the wheel and once again let his mind drift with the waters. He thought of Tarren, and how amazing it still seemed that he had healed him. Only the elves had the power to heal with energy. If Whill was not of elven blood, then what could the explanation be? Also, if he could heal, what other powers did Whill possess? Could he also use his abilities to fight, to manipulate energy, as they did? The ocean held no answers. Only within the mountains would Whill find any revelation.

As he sailed steadily east, the sun began to rise. The blackness of the night sky was replaced slowly by a dark blue. As the stars disappeared, the heavens became a light blue. The horizon glowed orange with hints of radiant pinks, reds, and purple. When the sun finally showed its face, it gleamed down upon the world with a magnificence and splendor of a god.

Whill secured the wheel and quickly went below and woke up Abram. Though he meant not to, he woke Tarren also. Soon the three friends were enjoying a simple breakfast of lobster and crab, gifts from the Eldonian women. They passed the remaining time of their journey mostly answering Tarren’s candid questions.

As high noon approached they could see the harbor of Sherna come into view. As the harbor drew closer and the mist parted, Whill saw the distant, snowcapped mountains beyond. The sight made his chest swell with excitement. Soon all his questions would be answered, all secrets revealed.

With Tarren’s help, Whill lowered the sail as Abram steered the ship into the small harbor. There were only seven vessels docked, six fishing boats and a small royal ship. Off the coast the mother ship could be seen rocking lazily with the waves. It was a battleship of the Eldalon navy. Whill could now see over a dozen Eldalon soldiers waiting on the dock. As Old Charlotte eased next to the dock, Whill threw a line to one of the soldiers, who quickly secured it to a worn post.

Abram lowered the small ramp and greeted the soldiers. “Beautiful day, no?”

The guards showed no expression. One stepped forward. “What business do you have in Sherna? Are you merchants?”

Abram’s usual patience seemed to desert him. “We are not merchants-we have no cargo but ourselves and our personal items. I am Abram, and that lad there is Tarren. The man next to him is Whill, whom I’m sure you’ve heard of, or vultures don’t eat red meat. We have had a long and tiresome journey from Fendale and seek only a good day’s rest.”

The guards looked at one another, and the first man spoke again. “That man there-you say he is Whill? The one who beat Rhunis? But he is barely a man!” The guards all began to chuckle.

Whill went down the ramp, wearing a slight smile. Facing the guard, he looked him in the eye and let his smile fade. “I am a man by the same measure that you are a fool. It is true I beat Rhunis and I have the diamonds to show for it, not to mention the king’s leave to travel all of Eldalon freely. And the man you see next to me, Abram, has not three days ago slain the menacing Captain Cirrosa-a feat that the great navies of Eldalon have failed to accomplish for a decade.”

The guard stared in wonder. Whill let his smile return. “Now would it be so much to ask for us to go on our way without more pestering? We have much to do and little time. Don’t get me wrong, I respect and admire the fact that you soldiers are far from your homes, serving your king, protecting these lands. But we are not enemies of Eldalon-we are forever its allies.”

The guard was left speechless. He simply looked Whill in the eye as if trying to sense whether he were lying. At last he said, “You say that Cirrosa is dead. Do you have proof?”

“Our only proof is in our word. No longer will the Black Dragon be a menace to the great seas of Eldalon. Believe me or not, as you will, but it would be unwise to call me a liar.”

The guard eyed Whill, who stared at him straight-faced. Finally the guard smiled. “It seems as if you bring good news in bad times. The king will be very pleased to hear of this. As you must know, there is a large bounty on Cirrosa’s head.”

Abram spoke up. “I will tell the king personally soon enough. But I wonder, good sir, could you tell us what has happened within Isladon as of late? Has war started there?”

The guard’s face became solemn. “No one has been able to enter Isladon yet. The Arden navy has claimed the waters surrounding the coast. This may be something better discussed when you see the king. I am not at liberty to speak of such things to-excuse the label-strangers.”

Abram nodded. “I understand. Thank you.”

With that the guards returned to their posts, and Whill, Abram and Tarren unloaded their things from the ship and went in search of lodging.

Beyond the harbor the town spread out upon a slight hill. It was a relatively small town, with a butcher, a blacksmith, a town hall, and stables. A few small stores could be found on the main street. The buildings, including the homes, were made mostly of logs. Beyond the main street, rolling hills spread out as far as the eye could see. Many homes were built into these hills surrounding the main part of town.

There were not many people about the street, and those who were either nodded as they passed or gave no notice whatsoever. The town smelled like most port towns did; the sweet smell of the ocean was everywhere.