Dragons of the Valley - Donita K. Paul [80]
Bealomondore collapsed on a large boulder near Tipper. “Our country is not prepared for war. We have very few military institutions, a skeleton army trained to keep civil peace, and a navy that rescues stranded fishermen more than anything else. I think occasionally they intercept ships carrying off slaves.”
Librettowit pinched his upper lip and tugged at his mustache. “You have magistrates and a justice system.”
“Lightly used,” said the tumanhofer native of Chiril. “Our populace, for the most part, are good neighbors. Thievery brings down shame on the entire clan. It’s disgraceful to cheat. Until now, the disappearance of young men and women along the coasts has been the most distressing problem for those in authority to deal with.”
“And what measures are taken against this foul business?” asked Librettowit.
“Slave trading comes from outside our borders and is an atrocious abomination claiming everyone’s attention. But for all the talk, nothing much is done. Young people are urged to be alert and cautious.”
Tipper watched Paladin’s face during the exchange. The sorrow there caused her heart to weep.
“What can you do?” she asked the young leader.
Paladin pounded his fist upon his thigh. “Nothing. King Yellat does not appreciate my interference. I hope to be of help behind the scenes.”
Wizard Fenworth spread his arms wide. “The panoramic view. What do we see when we envision the entire country as a whole?”
Librettowit nodded. “Quite. A country attacked from within and without. The statues being separated caused a rift in nature. Abnormalities sprang up as they did the first time. They have not had time to heal since Fenworth joined us.”
Tipper turned to be included in the conversation. “It seems to me that the deterioration happened at a faster rate.”
“Decidedly,” agreed Librettowit. “And the deterioration went deeper. The citizens of Chiril suffer from a malaise. Those not sitting around in a stupor grumble and quarrel with one another. The geographical disturbances were well noted in the first onslaught before the statues were rejoined. The mental aberrations were not. That does not mean they did not exist, only that the condition was not of such an extent to cause alarm.”
Paladin scowled. “And this emotional turmoil of the populace compounds our problems.”
Bealomondore rubbed his palms over his knees. “We have a weak army, backed by a disheartened people, and complicated by short tempers and bickering.”
“Hopefully we can get the statues set up in a safe place and eliminate the dismal mental state of our people. Unfortunately there is more,” said Paladin.
“Well,” Librettowit growled, “let’s have it.”
“Chiril can’t transport goods from one area to another. Some parts of the country are without staples that are usually brought in from neighboring provinces. Those who should be sitting in seats of authority, helping to minimize the problems arising from shortages, are missing … gone.”
Wizard Fenworth clapped his hands together and then spread his arms wide again. “Panoramic?”
Tipper had no idea what he meant, but Librettowit spoke up. “Put the statues together now. That will ease the disruptive influence of those who do not care to stir themselves and of those who would rather quarrel than work toward solutions.”
Fenworth clapped his hands together again, but this time kept them clasped. Bees buzzed around his head for a moment before forming a swarm and leaving the campsite.
“Someone, fry these fish. Librettowit, see if you have some books with you on architecture. Paladin, you shall be useful. Of this I’m sure. But for now, entertain Tipper. She’s broken her foot, you see, and can’t do for herself.” He turned away. “See if you can do for her. Perhaps add your healing touch to Rayn’s?”
Librettowit and Hollee followed the wizard. Bealomondore, Taeda Bel, and Maxon headed to the fire. Paladin came to sit beside Tipper.
She reached out a hand, and he took it.