“By the time they provoke us it’ll be too late. We’ll be in the thick of it. It’d be better to start it ourselves. Nilsa can hit that Shaman easily from this distance.”
“No, nobody’s going to release unless Eicewald orders it, or unless they attack us. Stay put and don’t make trouble.”
Viggo sighed. “Someday you’ll do as I say, and we’ll all be better off.”
“For the moment we’re doing pretty well without needing to listen to you,” Ingrid replied with a touch of irony.
Eicewald spoke calmly. “I know you’re not seeking to put an end to me here today, are you, my old friend?”
“That depends very much on you and your people.”
“I can assure you we have no hostile intentions. You know I value your people greatly.”
“That’s true, but the value might be overridden by reasons, or feelings, that are more important. You haven’t told me why you’ve come back to these islands.” The Shaman raised one bushy greenish-white eyebrow skeptically. “What is the reason for this surprising visit?”
“I need something. It’s very important.”
“The powerful Norghanian Ice Mage needs something from our uncivilized people?”
“That’s so,” Eicewald admitted with a look of resignation. “Not even the most powerful magi or the strongest kingdoms always have the weapons to solve all problems.”
The Shaman gave a slight smile, and his eyes shone as if he were enjoying a small victory.
“The Turquoise People have this weapon you seek?”
“Yes, Arrain, your people have it.”
“Then it must be a weapon of power.”
“So it is.”
“What do you need it for?”
“To save my people.”
The reply took the Shaman aback. He studied Eicewald for a long moment.
“The great and powerful realm of Norghana is in danger, and its Great Mage comes in search of help?”
Eicewald nodded. “That’s so. My King has sent me.”
“Now I understand your reasons, and I can understand better why you take the risk of coming back here. Your King will not accept your failure.”
“That’s right.”
“Knowing the benevolence of the monarchs of the North of Tremia, which is something you taught me yourself, failure will cost you your life.”
“Once again, you’re right.”
“So, you find yourself in a very complicated situation. Failure in Norghana means your death. Coming here practically means the same thing.”
“Here, I have a chance. There, I don’t. Will you take me to your Queen?”
The Shaman thought about this. “Have you brought any gift of great worth to present to her?”
“I brought it, but unfortunately the sea has taken it.”
“Our Mother the Sea Goddess is sometimes capricious.”
“And temperamental,” the Mage added.
“She is within her rights when man sets foot in her realm,” the Shaman recited, as if it were a dogma.
“Mother Sea took away our offerings and threw us on these rocks.”
“You were always a daring man, but this time I think you are going beyond what your luck allows you. To come back here and request an audience with the Queen without even having anything of value to offer her goes beyond what is sensible.”
“I know that, but I have no choice. Not now that I’ve come this far.”
Arrain studied the Mage, then Lasgol and the other Rangers.
“Very well. Let us see whether you have gone beyond the limits of your luck, my old friend and daring traveler. I will take you to the Queen, I will request an audience. I wish you luck. You are going to need it.”
“Thank you, old friend. I hope Mother Sea will grant it to me.”
The Shaman gave him a smile which was crooked and not in the least encouraging.
“May she protect you.”
Eicewald nodded. “If you don’t mind, I’ll bring a small escort with me. There are only half a dozen of them. They won’t cause any trouble.”
“Ice Magi? Too dangerous.”
“They’re not Ice Magi, they’re Rangers. Like your Island Trackers.”
The Shaman meditated his answer for a moment. “If they are not Magi, and they are Trackers … an escort for a Great Mage is acceptable. They can come with you, but I must warn you, you will be answerable for their actions with your life.”
“I understand. They won’t cause any trouble. They have my complete trust.”
Ingrid elbowed Viggo in the ribs. “You see, you numbskull?”
“Yes, my mermaid, I see.”
“What d’you mean, mermaid?”
“It’s this paradisiacal environment we’re in, it goes to my head. I’m sure there are mermaids here.”
“There’s certainly a great idiot here.”
Nilsa shushed them. “I can’t hear Eicewald.”
Viggo smiled and said no more.
“Get into the canoes,” the Turquoise Shaman ordered, with a wave of his staff.
Eicewald turned to Lasgol and the team. “Take your weapons and equipment. We’re going with them. Don’t try anything, and be very careful not to create a situation. The Turquoise People are quite savage in the way they understand life. They’re not as civilized as we are, and don’t forget that.”
“We’ll be very careful,” Lasgol assured him.
Ingrid looked Viggo in the eye, and her gesture clearly said be very careful. Viggo’s gesture in response said who, me? accompanied by an innocent expression. Ingrid rolled her eyes and gave him a shove to start him on his way.
“What about us?” Olsen asked. “What do we do?”
“I fear they’re going to leave those guards on the beach,” Eicewald said. “Don’t leave the ship until you have no other choice. And when you do, try to explain to them why you’re doing it, and don’t confront them. They won’t attack you if you don’t pose any threat to them. I’ll try to persuade the Queen to help us repair the ship, but right now, that looks very complicated.”
