FreeHolds Adventure, Cycle 3 Part 8c
It was strange, waking to a quiet camp. Few folks were up, Mokha could hear Tipper’s voice and there were sounds from the kitchen, but most were still sleeping. It was the summer solstice. They had been given the day off, most of the crew were in no rush to be up and about.
It was their twenty-eighth day at Kaymere.
There had been no sign of Setta nor the expedition from the Arcanium. Mokha had thought they would have arrived by now and was disappointed that he and Setta would not be spending the solstice together. Tipper on the other hand was pleased by the Arcanium’s tardiness, she still hoped to find what she was looking for before they arrived.
Mokha stretched and sat up. It was still early in the day and it was already hot. That was fine. He stood, did a few more stretches, then went to the latrine. On his way there he saw that Adwin was cooking while Tipper and the women from Lekas were in the dining room. Everyone else appeared to still be sleeping.
When he finished his business he wandered over to the kitchen, “Good morning.”
Adwin gave a smile, “Beautiful day.”
“It is.”
“Plans?”
“Well, I’m going to clean up then get high. I haven’t put too much more thought into it than that.”
“I’ll have some food ready in a while, you should eat.”
“Yes, mother.”
Adwin laughed, “Right. It’ll be on the table by the time you come back up.”
Mokha waved to the women, gathered his grooming kit and went down to the spring where he bathed, enjoying the cool water and the warm sun. His thoughts kept returning to Setta, he missed her a lot.
Whyse came into the ruined building about the time Mokha had finished his bath, “Oh, excuse me Mokha, I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” She looked away, apparently embarrassed.
“That’s fine, I’m pretty much done anyway. Happy solstice.” He sat on a sun warmed stone and took up his comb, his hair was getting longer than he usually liked. He had shaved, but he had not wanted to cut his own hair. Whyse was taking her time about undressing, she glanced in his direction then blushed when she saw that he was watching her.
Mokha shifted a bit so he was not facing her or the pool, a moment later he heard her splashing around, she sighed. He glanced in her direction again, she had her back to him and was just relaxing in the water. After a while she asked, “What do you guys do for solstice celebrations?”
“Depends on where you’re from, really. There’s usually games and of course feasting. It’s a bigger day for those who follow the OldWays, ceremonies at dawn and dusk. Of course there’s music, song, dance. While most people coming from the Tannican tradition would spend much of the day in a church or cathedral, to them it is the Day of Light, a day of great illumination.”
“So no orgies or human sacrifice?”
Mokha laughed, “The orgies are usually a winter solstice thing. I doubt anyone here will be sacrificing anyone.”
“Oh, well that’s good.”
“What happens in Maldorn on the summer solstice?”
“For most people it’s just another day. There’s some, depending on the gods they follow, that would celebrate… though I’m not sure of any of the peculiarities.”
“So Maldorn has no festivals?”
“There are festivals, usually to celebrate certain events or people. National holidays. Not seasonal holy days. People are free to follow whatever gods they want, but in Maldorn the state and religion are separate.”
He tried to imagine what that might mean. In the freeholds they had many gods as well, but people worshipped some gods more than others in such a way as to be part of their everyday lives. While for the Church of Illumination, the only true religion according to its followers, faith in the Light was the Tannican way. Even in his home city and as far afield as GreensBridge; wherever there was a significant number of Tannicans, there was the faith. In most cases the state, meaning the Empress, was the embodiment of the Light. Church and State were one. “Adwin and I had talked about going to Maldorn, after we’ve finished giving Tipper a hand. How long do you think you’ll be travelling with us?”
“I’m not sure. Certainly until Adwin goes somewhere where I can report in. Or until someone catches up to us and I’m relieved.”
“Likely a while then.”
“I hear you and some of the others are planning on going to Janderton.”
“I have to see if my friend Shak is still there or if anyone knows where he is.”
“Tipper and Adwin plan to head east. Will you be rejoining us?”
“That’s the plan. Or part of it anyway.”
“I will miss the music.”
“We won’t be too long, I want to see what these Darners are going to do with their problems and Setta said she would help them.”
“Well, that’s good. I’m not a fan of this, to tell you the truth. I really can’t imagine what a drake is like. I’ve heard so many stories. How would I even protect Adwin from something like that?”
“I think the Darners intend to do the fighting. I’ve the impression there are a number of mage- born in their communities. Apparently they’re a remnant population of the Rovers, the half-men who once served the Eldra. I figure if anyone should be able to handle this drake, it’s them.”
“I hope so.”
Mokha finished his grooming and excused himself, it seemed the courier was not going to bathe until he left.
Back at the camp there were more people who were up and about. Adwin was sitting at the table next to Mokha’s food which was cold, but he ate it anyway. Adwin announced, “I figured I’d do the cooking today and give everyone a break, we’ll be eating roasted bleek deer tonight.”
Mokha replied, “I gathered that when they made the fire pit yesterday. Who’s cooking now?”
“Lilly, they’re making a traditional dish of some sort.”
“Oh? What kind?”
“I’m not sure, something called obdwa or odobawa,” He shrugged.
Sefla sat down across from them, cross legged, “Such a beautiful day. Happy solstice.”
Mokha smiled, “I’ve brought some Flow with me. After the feast tonight, let’s all take some… or, anyone who wants could have one. It’s a beautiful spot for it.”
“I’m curious.” Sefla said, “From what you’ve said it sounds wonderful.”
“Well, summer seems like a better time to do something like that than the dead of winter. It’s kind of like mushrooms?” Adwin asked.
“Way better.”
“Sure, I’ll give it a try.”
“Okay. Invite anyone you want, I have enough for everyone.”
Maradda came into the camp, “There’s a caravan coming up from the south, eight wagons, two outriders, some dogs. It’s a big enough group that it could pose a threat to us. I think they are merchants, though.”
“Where’s Tipper?”
“She left to do the patrol around the other side of the hill, it’ll be a while before she’s back.”
“Well, I’m going to ride down and talk to these guys. Anyone want to come with me?”
“I’ll go.” Sefla offered.
Chance came into the dining room, looking sleepy headed. “Did I hear something about merchants?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll come too.” Maradda added.
They quickly saddled a couple horses and headed towards the road, Maradda jogged along with them. The caravan was still south of the Kaymere Ruins, as they approached they waved and called out, Sefla stood in the saddle, trailing one of her long scarves behind her, it flapped wildly.
The caravan slowed to a stop before they reached it, the two outriders headed in their direction. They met in the grass, seventy paces from the road. Mokha called out, “Happy solstice to you good sirs.”
“The same, of course.” The man who spoke made an odd gesture. He sounded like he might be from one of the southern islands. He was handsome in a dangerous sort of way, dark haired and green eyed. “To what do we owe this unexpected delay? Surely you do not intend to rob us?”
Chance dismounted from behind Mokha, “Rux, I’m surprised to see you so far from Janderton.”
“Chance Delight, what are you doing out here?” He eyed the other two over appreciatively.
“Digging for treasure.”
“Ha! Did you find anything?”
“I brought some pots and dishes made from a magical metal. Might I assume some of these wagons are carrying cider?”
“You may assume such a thing, you would be correct, as it happens.”
“Do you have lamp oil, soap, preserves and grains, feed for the horses?”
“All but the feed, yes.”
“Is Shak still at the Papple?”
Taken aback by the sudden change in the conversation, Rux paused a moment before he replied, “He is so, when last I was there. Why, what interest to you?”
“It is of more interest to my friend here.” They looked to Mokha, “Pass me the pots.”
Mokha looked at Chance, surprised by the turn of events. He untied the sack and passed it over, then said to the southerner, “A year past, Shak and I had been heading east together, we were attacked by bandits and until recently I feared he had died.”
“You must be Mokha then. Were you ever able to find a way to extend your life?”
Mokha was further surprised, but not shocked. Still, this man must have spent considerable time with Shak to know these details, “Who are you?”
“Marshal Rux of Janderton. I own the Papple and am heading to Aramy to barter for some timber.” He took the sack of pots and dishes, rummaging through it. “We can do some business, though I’m likely going to be wanting some silver, aside from anything else we might come to an understanding on.”
“How is Shak?”
“His usual self, it seemed to me. How many kegs?”
Mokha was very happy to hear that Shak was safe and sound in Janderton, “Two I think, and whatever else my companions want. I have silver to add to any of that stuff you might take.” Mokha had the feeling the solstice was going to be spectacular.
Rux turned his horse around, “Come along, I’ll show you my wares.” He looked over to Sefla, “You know ladies, if you ever are looking for work, the Papple is hiring.”
Maradda gave a dismissive snort, “I’m a free woman. Why would I work for someone?”
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