Journey of the Messenger Cycle 2 Part 5b

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The three of them lounged within the strewn blankets of the overly large bed, the room was pleasantly warm. Ijah thought it must be well into the afternoon. Desires had been sated, Ijah lay at her ease, her head resting on Roddarra’s abdomen. Elli reached over and picked up her lute, sitting cross-legged as she tuned the instrument. She played a melodic piece, Roddarra absently ran her fingers through Ijah’s unbound hair. None of them spoke for a long time. Elli played a few more songs, Ijah faded in and out on the verge of a nap, eventually their intimate interlude ended.

Roddarra sat up gently, allowing Ijah’s head to rest on her lap, “I think we should clean up and maybe pack up our belongings. It sounds like we’ll be coming into West Port fairly early tomorrow morning and I don’t imagine Lady Felitta will have much leeway before she has to report to West Fleet Headquarters.”

Elli muted the strings of her instrument and suggested, “It might be a good idea to open up the windows, drop more incense on the brazier and air the room out.”

With a reluctant sigh Ijah sat up, “Why don’t you two wash up first? I’ll make sure the room is aired out.”

They went about their various tasks, washing themselves, packing and cleaning up the room. By the time they had finished it was late into the afternoon, soon the sun would set. Ijah closed the windows and added more coal to the brazier, the three of them sat at the table.

Roddarra said, “Lord Nelleen’s manor is on the eastern plateau, just down from the old city walls. It’s located in a safe neighbourhood and should be a good place for us while we get our bearings and gather what news we can. Now, seemingly all of us are going to be mostly engaged on the west side of the city shortly thereafter. My understanding of the general situation is that the west side has become increasingly dangerous over the last couple of years. There’s been more than one Tannican uprising and there are thousands of refugees who have fled the advance of the Tannican armies.”

Ijah nodded, “The Kereshi enclave is on the west bank of the river, a district call West Low Town or just West Low.”

“West Low is one of the more dangerous areas of the city, from what I remember. A lot of poverty, spring flooding and more flooding during both of the sheering tides.” She turned to Elli, “Flooding is a serous issue in West Port, hundreds, sometimes even as many as a couple thousand, people die every year.”

Ijah added, “In theory my people have been working to improve the situation in West Low. To what extent they have been successful I’m unsure, but I’d imagine it will have been greatly improved over the past decade.”

“Do you know how much time you’ll be spending there?” Roddarra asked, “Are you likely going to have to locate yourself in the enclave?”

“Initially, very likely. Especially if we’re going to find someone willing to instruct Elli. There will be some negotiations to secure you a position with one of the demas.”

Elli gave a nod but remained quiet, Roddarra continued, “My own business will have me mostly around the West Gate, possibly in the outlying townships. So it seems unlikely any of us will be spending much time at the manor, outside of our first few days in West Port. I guess my next question is, do we want to secure mutual accommodations on the west side of the city? Or, should we expect to be too busy for such things?”

Ijah responded, “While I like the sound of that, I’m not sure about the practicality of trying to arrange that sort of situation. There’s the money, I don’t believe Elli or myself could reasonably afford that sort of cost. Especially as compared to having most if not all our needs met within the enclave. As well, you had pointed out that getting around in the western part of the city is likely to be more dangerous than usual.”

Roddarra nodded, looking disappointed. After a moment of consideration she said, “I guess we’ll have to wait until we see what the actual situation is. Either way, we might pick a spot to meet, somewhere between West Low and West Gate, we’d be able to send messages to arrange to rendezvous at said location.”

“That sounds more reasonable. My next question would be, do we really want to be dropped off on the east side of the river at all?”

Roddarra quickly pointed out, “We know Nelleen’s manor will be safe, while the situation on the west side of the city is much more tumultuous… I’m not in a rush to lose your company, Ijah. And the manor would be a good place to fall-back to should there be the need.”

Ijah smiled and took Roddarra’s hands within hers, “Your last point is the most salient. If the west side of the city is in a state of unrest or upheaval, having a place on the east side is a good idea. But, I think your second point is the one that is motivating you more than anything else. I remember you saying, when you first decided to travel with me, that you were in no rush to head home. Now we know that your home, family and people need you. Might you not just be delaying the inevitable?”

Roddarra’s eyes flashed with anger, but it was gone nearly as quickly as it had appeared, “No… I know what I have to do and I am resolved to that course. We are, however, going to be in the same city for the winter, there’s no reason why we should not make an effort to see each other during that time.”

Elli suggested, “Maybe we could invite Lady Felitta to sup with us this evening. Surely she has more information that may be relevant to us.”

The three of them looked at each other, Ijah gave a nod and Roddarra said, “That’s a good idea. I’ll go ask if she’ll be able to join us.”

When she left the room Elli looked to Ijah, “Do you really think she’s avoiding her responsibilities?”

Ijah shook her head,”No, not avoiding. But I think that she has not hardened her resolve to the task before her and I don’t want to be the reason she uses to distract herself from her duties.”

Elli held eye contact for a while, Ijah had the impression the other woman was trying to read her motivations. After a while she shrugged, “I intend to see her again, assuming my training allows the time for it. Despite the milder weather here in the south, it is still winter and neither of you will be leaving West Port before mid spring.”

“I also intend to see her again, Goddess willing… Let’s see what Lady Felitta has to say.”

It was not long before Roddarra returned and not much later the meal was delivered by the cook.

Felitta arrived a few moments later and was glad for the opportunity to have a meal with them. In fact, she even apologized for not having done so earlier. Given the layout of the ship the only private space that could accommodate the four of them having a meal together was in the room they had been assigned.

The food was well cooked but basic and Elli had apologized for not sharing some of the food that Lord Jostan had gifted them. Felitta was unconcerned about that and said, “I’d brought a few treats for myself. Besides, there seems to be plenty of wine and spirits. Does anyone mind if we have a bottle or two of wine with the meal?”

They ate and sipped wine. When the second bottle was opened Roddarra brought up their concerns, “- so I guess we were wondering if there was anything you knew about in West Port that might sway our decision one way or the other.”

She took a drink of wine before responding, “Truth is, there are a few things I know that may have an impact on your decision. Unfortunately much of that I cannot comment on… So, with that in mind, I might remind you that there have been three uprisings in West Port over the last two years. At least one of those was largely stopped by your people, Ijah. The last uprising, this past summer, was more protracted and even after the instigators were dealt with, there were riots and unrest for many eight-days following. In my opinion, having a secure location on the east side of the city would be a very good idea.”

A long silence followed her advice. Roddarra looked to Ijah with a questioning expression. Elli poured more wine for everyone, pointedly staying out of the conversation. Ijah gave a shrug, “I guess we should go to the manor first, then. We’ll worry about the west side once we’ve been able to gather some more recent news.”

Roddarra was pleased, “Thank you, Lady Felitta. Will you be able to be our guest for a few days?”

“I’m afraid not. The Bounty Fool will certainly be spotted as we come into the city. West Fleet Command will expect me to be reporting in, shortly thereafter. I might suggest we turn in for the evening. I’ll be up before sunrise and I’d expect the three of you will be up shortly after.”

They finished their wine, exchanged a few pleasantries, then Lady Felitta excused herself.

Although she had not pried, Ijah was curious about the things the young woman had not been able to say.

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