Call of Descent
Chapter Seventeen

Rimcaleft early the next morning. Reniko awoke to the soft noise she made as shegathered her things. When Rimca noticed that Reniko was awake, she hesitated.After a long pause, Rimca realized she was not going to talk and continued topack her things. Turning toward the entrance, she hurried out the door. Renikofollowed after her, leaving the rest of the occupants to sleep. Day was justbreaking as the two women stepped outside. The light was soft and pale, the sunnot even peaking over the horizon.

“You’renot going to say good-bye?” Reniko asked as Rimca began packing the things ontoher mare. The horse was light gray, the body unblemished. The black of the maneand tail were in stark contrast to the hide of the animal making thethoroughbred look almost majestic.

“Ihate good-byes,” Rimca mumbled, smoothing out the packs she had laid on Jia’sback. “I always leave like this.”

“Isee, well then –” Unable to think of anything else to say, Reniko turned backto the shelter.

“Takecare of Malik, won’t you?” Rimca asked.

Renikoturned back to the Le’a’to and smiled. “I’ll try. You take care of yourself,and thanks for doing this for us.”

“I’mnot doing it for you,” Rimca stated. She lifted herself onto Jia and sped awayfrom Mistfall. Reniko watched her leave and sighed. She headed back into theshelter when she could no longer see Rimca in the distance.

Whenshe entered the main room, the floor littered with bedrolls, she realized thatthe rest of her friends all planned on sleeping a lot longer. Wide awake andanxious to do something other than sit and wait, Reniko moved to Malik’s sideand shook him awake.

“Whatis it?” Malik asked.

“Readyfor more practice?” Reniko whispered to him.

“Whattime is it?” he asked, jumping awake.

“Sunhasn’t quite risen yet,” Reniko said.

“Soearly,” Malik groaned as he realized his entire body ached from yesterday’slessons.

“Themore active you are, the less sore you’ll feel,” Reniko said pulling Malik tohis feet. “Come on and get dressed. We have to train every day and it would bebest if we do this before the day breaks and becomes too hot. Besides, we haveto go into town today.”

“Allright, all right, just give me a few minutes to collect myself.”

“Fine,I’ll wait for you outside.” With that Reniko departed again, grabbing someprovisions from the table on her way.

Malikfollowed shortly after, a sombre look on his face.

“Whatwrong?” Reniko asked as he came into view.

“Rimca’sgone isn’t she?”

“Yes,she left earlier this morning,” Reniko said.

Maliknodded. “It’s just the way she does things.”

“Youshouldn’t take her for granted the way you do.”

Malikbegan warming up, working his sore muscles. “Let’s just get to work.”

Renikoshook her head and began her warm up, somewhat annoyed with Malik. It’s notreally my place to meddle in their relationship.

Theypracticed until mid-morning, until Malik was nearly exhausted. Reniko, who theprevious day had felt the throb of her wounds terribly, felt the pain less andless as their practice wore on, and by the time they had finished their lastset, Reniko again the victor, she barely felt them at all. Despite that, Renikostill felt uneasy about using her right arm, lest she do damage that couldn’tbe undone. Malik however, didn’t seem to mind that he was being let off easy.His stamina was not up to Reniko’s, and although he far outweighed Reniko inpower, her speed made up for the strength she lacked.

Aftereating the remainder of the provisions Reniko had grabbed before theirpractice, they decided that they should head into town and spend the remainderof the day replaceing the things that they needed for their trip to the Mistfallcaverns.

Penumbrathought it wise if he did not show himself in town. He felt terrible forcausing the trouble in the first place, even though Reniko assured him it wasnot his fault. She was positive Kruok would have found them regardless ofwhether they had avoided the town or not. She nevertheless agreed with Pen thata unicorn in town would surely cause a new quarrel and so Penumbra trotted off tobusy himself with other things.

Renikoand Malik arrived in town both seated on top of Blaze. They reached the townnear midday and found the streets crowded with people. New ships had come intoport that morning and new goods with them. The sailors had come into port,grateful to be free of the confines of their cabins and were all wanderingaround half drunk, chasing after the village girls.

Itwas the perfect day to come to town, for instead of the usual stores that werescattered through town, a marketplace had been set up in the town square. Asthey neared the market, the way became thick with people and Malik found hecould go no farther unless he abandoned Blaze. Malik and Reniko therefore setloose their gentle friend who darted away from the noisy centre to wait for hismaster at the edge of town.

Asthey pushed their way through the crowd, Reniko noticed an unusual sight, andpointed it out to Malik. No Rük roamed the streets. In fact, they had not seena single Rük since they had entered the town. One of the townsfolk, overhearingReniko’s words supplied an answer.

“TheRük don’t like when we humans mass together and such. They let us conduct ourbusiness when the trader ships arrive. They’ll be back near nightfall tocollect their things. These are the only days that those of us in Mistfall feellike smiling.”

“Ican see why,” Reniko said, thanking the old man before Malik pulled her throughthe crowd to one of the nearby stalls.

Theyspent the better part of the day in the market place and left behind as muchmoney as time. Lugging large packs of provisions, the two of them set off toreplace Blaze. As the two companions left the market place, they noticed that mostof the villagers were headed out as well. Malik noted that the Rük must becoming back soon and both he and Reniko quickened their pace. They returned toJarnen’s shelter shortly before sundown, relieved that the trip had beenuneventful.

Thenext morning they rose early to the sound of Jarnen’s panicked voice. “Get upquick you two, your ship is departing! We have to get you to town quick.”

“Ithought you said we had two days?” Reniko said packing her backpack as quicklyas possible.

“Yes,well the Rük are causing some trouble and the traders are leaving before theRük have a chance to keep them here. So unless you want to stay in Mistfall foranother month, I suggest you get packed and off with haste.”

Malikwas packing his things now, too, and aptly finished before Reniko.

“I’lltell Penumbra about the change in plans,” Malik said, as he hurried out of theshelter and into the gray morning.

WhenReniko came outside, her bags fully packed, Penumbra was there waiting withMalik who was already atop Blaze.

“Didyou replace a good way to get to the docks without being noticed?” Reniko asked.

Penumbrashook his head making his mane toss wildly. I can’t see any way around goingthrough town.

“Ifonly there was a way we could cover your horn,” Reniko said.

“Thebest we can do is avoid crossing paths with a Rük,” Malik said.

“That’sgoing to slow us down a lot, and if the boats are leaving –” Reniko let hersentence go unsaid. They all knew what would happen.

I’lltake you to the edge of town, Reniko. When you get there you ride with Malik onBlaze. I’ll replace a way to get to you before the boats leave.

“Butwhat if you don’t, Pen? I don’t want to leave without you.”

Youhave no choice in the matter. It’s more important to get you on the ship thanme. You’re the one trying to get home. I’m just trying to help you. So ifhelping you means staying here, then so be it.

“Youtwo decide something?” Malik asked not being privy to the conversation.

“Whenwe get to town, I’m to ride with you,” Reniko said.

“I’mfine with that. Let’s go. We can’t waste any more time.”

Renikoshrugged her pack onto her back and lifted herself onto Penumbra who took offat a run as soon as he was sure Reniko was secure. They arrived at theoutskirts of Mistfall in half the time it had taken them the day before, gladto see the ships were still harboured at the nearby port. Reniko slid offPenumbra’s back and gave him a farewell hug.

“I’llstall the ship as a long as I can, Pen, so hurry.” When he felt Reniko releasehim he fled with amazing speed at an angle away from the main road heading tothe heart of the city where the ships were birthed. Reniko quickly hoppedastride Blaze, and with as much speed as Blaze could muster with the extraweight, they sped into the city, taking a more direct route than theirinauspicious friend.

Thecommotion in the small town matched that of the previous day, the onlydifference being the amount of Rük that now roamed the streets, harassing asmany people as they could as the humans scurried past trying to go about theirbusiness as unnoticed as possible. Malik and Reniko shared the same feelings andtried to draw as little attention to themselves as possible. It was nearlyimpossible not to draw attention however, since the small band was in a hurryto get to port. Blaze went at a speed that moved them faster than the crowd.The continuous bobbing and weaving through the various people and carts beganto cause a stir amongst those few that were also in a hurry. In an effort toease the attention from them, Malik slowed Blaze to match the speed of themajority of the villagers.

“Penumbrais going to beat us to the ship at this rate. Do you think the side roads willbe any less crowded?” Reniko asked.

“Wecould try, though I don’t know this town as well as Rownie. We’d risk gettinglost.”

Renikoglanced around, watching the Rük pass by, pushing their way through withoutgetting harassed. An idea struck her suddenly and she leaned closer to Malik.

“Getup as close as you can to one of the Rük headed in our direction. They seem tohave no trouble getting through, so if we follow –” she let Malik’s thoughts supplythe rest.

“Greatidea,” he said and headed casually in the direction of a nearby emerald greenRük. Their progression suddenly turned from slow to lightning fast. Their onlytrouble now was from the Rük who now stood a chance of noticing their tactic.

Malikseemed a natural at it. With an ease Reniko felt she could not muster, Malikfollowed the Rük at a flawless distance. Not only were the crowds stilldispersed but also any casual glance in their direction from passers-by wouldnot cause a general stir. To Reniko’s surprise, when the Rük turned off thepath to the docks, Malik slid right in behind a new Rük with as much ease as hehad captured the rhythm of the first. In no time, the duo was at the docks.

Withthe boat within arm’s reach, Reniko hesitated and dismounted Blaze lookingbehind her for any signs that Penumbra was on his way.

“It’sno use looking for him right now. Let’s board the ship. At least then we have achance of delaying departure,” Malik pressed as he saw the hands on the shippreparing to disembark.

Renikonodded, still worried about her comrade. Hurrying behind Malik who was stillastride Blaze, they headed farther down the dock and closer to the loadingarea.

“Holdyou two, where do you think you’re headed?” a nearby sailor asked, haltingMalik’s passage.

Maliklooked at him with a reassuring smile. “A friend of ours arranged for us tohave passage aboard this fine vessel,” he said, gesturing to the ship docked tohis immediate left.

“Captainsaid that we were to be taking on some passengers, just the two of you and yourstead here?” the sailor inquired.

“Anotheris on the way, he got delayed and when we heard that the ship was preparing toleave he thought it best if we came on ahead to make sure we weren’t leftbehind.” Reniko interjected.

“Wellhe best hurry, we are about to leave any minute, and I doubt the Captain willwant to wait much longer. We were hard pressed to wait for you,” the sailorsaid.

Maliklooked past him and saw the truth of the man’s words. As they spoke, the lastof the cargo was being lashed into place on the deck. In truth, he thought thatPenumbra was not going to make it in time.

“Canwe take this matter up with your Captain, sir? It’s very important that myfriend not get left behind.” Reniko asked breathlessly, looking behind her forsigns of Penumbra.

Thesailor gave a sigh and headed up the gangplank. “Well come on then,” the sailormuttered and to his fellow he said quietly. “Evith, please take this man’sbeast below. Make sure it’s quite comfortable.” The boy, Evith, who had beenscrambling across deck with matters of his own, gave a scowl as Malikdismounted and handed Blaze’s reigns into his care.

“We’lltake good care of your mount, my lord,” the first sailor said as Evithdisappeared deeper into the ship with Blaze in tow.

Maliknodded. “Yes, now to your Captain,” he said, stepping up the gangplank withReniko right behind him. The sailor turned reluctantly back toward the ship andstepped onto the deck.

Renikotook one last glance behind her, her face alight with relief as she saw acommotion starting up behind her. A group of children were squabbling over whatappeared to be a very disgruntled looking horse. It was Penumbra, Reniko wassure of it, yet where his horn stood a wooden cap extended instead. It wasnearly an exact replica of his real horn only this looked to be sloppilypainted by the hands of children. When they came closer, Reniko realized thatthe children causing Penumbra so much annoyance were in fact Jarnen’s.

Itseems that they followed us into the city. Penumbra saidas he bent his head into a nearby building feigning an attempt to get rid ofthe wooden horn that looked to be crudely attached to his head.

Renikonodded and took a step down the plank. Astride Penumbra was one of thetriplets, Mattus stood at his side pulling at his clothes trying to force himoff the back of Pen.

“It’smy turn Ados. I want to ride the unis,” Mattus said using the villager’sword for the elegant creatures.

Itwas the children’s idea. Penumbra added to the noise that waserupting around Reniko, though only she heard. The dock was abuzz withcommotion, all of it turned in the direction of the four children. Renikohurried to the centre and took hold of the reigns that were draped withchildlike grace over Penumbra.

“Tobias,Ados, Orus, and Mattus, what do you think you are doing?” Reniko said calmingthe growing noise that the boys were making. “You were supposed to bring himstraight to the docks not dawdle and make my mount look the fool.” Reniko grabbedat Penumbra’s reigns, jerking his head down so that the horn was level with herchest. Penumbra tried to turn away.

Whatare you doing? He asked with alarm. Reniko just looked at him andwithout a word Penumbra lowered his head and waited patiently.

Grabbinghold of the wooden horn that had been carefully placed over Pen’s real one shegave a mighty tug, which to everyone watching proved fruitless.

“Adoswhat on Vespen did you use on my poor beast’s head?” Reniko asked, annoyancelacing her words.

Adoslooked stricken and then relaxed. “It wasn’t me it was Orus’s idea. He was theone that stuck the horn on, honest.”

Renikolooked toward Orus who was pulling lazily at Penumbra’s tail. “I used fornnousblossom, mum had some in the pantry.”

Renikotried to hide the puzzlement, but by the looks of exclamation on the onlookers’faces she could guess a good response.

“PoorPen,” Reniko said smoothing the hair on Penumbra’s muzzle. Turning a ferociouslook on the boys who were now huddled together behind Orus, she spoke: “Get onhome. You’ve caused enough trouble for Pen for one day. You better tell youmother what you’ve done, or else when I come back I’ll give you more punishmentthan she will.” The four boys stood straight and bolted. The crowd gave a jollylaugh that subsided as a few Rük joined the huddle. This caused the crowd todisperse nearly as fast as the four troublemakers had only moments before.Penumbra acted his part beautifully, starting as an emerald and a yellow greenRük neared. Reniko caught at his reigns and whispered into his ear, “Tell thoselovely boys thank you. I owe them a great debt.”

Theyreally did use fornnous blossom you know. It’ll take the entire voyage beforethis wooden thing can be shed. The worst part is it itches something fierce.

Renikosuppressed a smile and nodded curtly to the Rük. As they neared, she turnedaway from them and headed to the outbound ship. The yellow green Rük stiffenedat this lack of respect and reached for Reniko’s arm. Malik intervened.

“Sorry,milord, she meant no harm. She’s not from these parts.” Malik said bowing lowbefore the towering creature.

Renikofelt the grasp on her arm lessen and, turning, she bowed alongside Malik. “Iforget my manners sometimes, milord.” The Rük just sneered and hurried past,too busy with other matters to care much for a slighting by a peasant. Renikosighed with relief and turned to Malik, apologetic.

“I’mnot used to this subterfuge, especially when it involves doing obeisance to thelikes of them,” she whispered as she guided Penumbra up the gangplank.

“Watchyour words, we’re not at sea yet,” Malik said, just as covertly.

Imyself am just glad that we can be rid of this vile place. No wonder I neverleft the woods before, there is nothing inviting about this cold misty world.

Renikonudged Penumbra’s neck as she guided him into the belly of the ship, chucklingas his words, the adrenaline fleeing her body.

“I’mglad you made it in time, Penumbra,” Reniko said just as their sailor friendemerged with the Captain. Reniko glanced in their direction, slightly puzzled,before she realized that she had requested his presence moments before.

“Sosorry Captain, my friend was not as late as we expected,” Reniko said grinning.The sailor at the Captain’s side gave a scowl and turned to leave.

TheCaptain gave a laugh and called him back. “Jessup, it’s all right.” Turning toMalik, Reniko and Penumbra he smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I guessthis is the friend you were eagerly awaiting, miss?” He said gesturing toPenumbra. Reniko nodded still smiling.

“Hemust be a very special horse, to cause my lady so much concern,” Jessup addedwith annoyance.

Penumbraturned with and looked at Jessup with a murderous glare that the sailor did notcatch. Reniko gently caressed Pen’s muzzle trying to calm him. “Very. If youwill excuse me Captain –” Reniko halted waiting for the Captain to supply herwith a name.

“Deressy,”he said amused.

“Deressy.I should make sure Penumbra here is comfortable before the ship sets sail.”

“Asyou wish, milady,” Deressy said, nodding his consent. Reniko disappeared intothe belly of the ship in search of Evith and Blaze while Malik remained on deckthunderstruck.

“Quitea handful,” Deressy said, coming up alongside Malik who was staring down intothe bowels of the ship.

“Idon’t understand women sometimes,” Malik said, still confused about how jovialReniko could be after such a heart racing morning.

“Welcometo the world of men, my friend,” Deressy said, giving Malik a slap on the back.“Go on down. Evith will show you to your quarters. It’s good to have passengersaboard, despite what Jessup thinks.”

“Thankyou, Captain, for everything.”

“I’malways glad to help a friend and Jarnen is one of my closest.” Deressy saidleaving Malik alone on deck. As he went, he shouted orders to his crew to pullup anchor.