The White Road - Lynn Flewelling [79]
"I don't suppose I can talk sense into any of you?"
"No," said Alec.
"Well then, how do you mean to go about it?"
"I know a good man with a good ship, who happens to be at my beck and call."
Alec grinned. "Captain Rhal. I hope he still has that sighting charm nailed to the mast."
"He does," the wizard told him. "I dined with him a month ago, aboard the Lady, and he had me make certain the magic was still in place on it."
"So tell me, Thero, where is that ship of mine?" asked Seregil.
Micum and Alec shared an amused look. Seregil knew it was at his expense.
Thero climbed onto the bed and sat cross-legged in the middle of it. "Give me a moment." He closed his eyes and pressed his palms together, pointing away from him. After only a moment he opened his eyes. "He's in Nanta harbor."
"Damn," muttered Seregil. "It will take him a month or more to get here, this time of year."
"Indeed." Thero paused a moment. "There is another route you could take, though it's not an easy one. Do you know of Tamir's Road?"
"I know the queen's name, but I didn't know she had her own road."
"It goes through the central mountains of Skala from near Rhiminee to Ero," the wizard explained. "It's said to be the route Tamir the Great and her army took to outflank her usurper cousin for their final battle. Rhiminee was built on that same battlefield."
"And it still exists?" asked Micum.
"It's actually more of a trail than a road," Thero explained. "The mouth of it is hidden, but I can show you. I've been down it with Magyana."
"And it comes out at Ero?" asked Alec. "I thought that city was destroyed back in ancient times."
"The city was," Seregil told him. "All that remains of it are some ruins up on a hill, and bits of the city wall. There's still a little village down at the harbor, though, called Beggar's Bridge. I've been there a time or two. Rhal can meet us there."
"Is the trail even passable this time of year?" asked Alec.
"It should be. The passes aren't that high," Thero explained.
"I've heard that some strange folk live up in the mountains," said Micum.
"Yes, though you're not likely to see any along the road. They avoid travelers."
"How long will it take us, do you think?" asked Micum.
Thero thought a moment. "Ten days--maybe two weeks to Beggar's Bridge, if the weather doesn't slow you down."
"All right then. Tamir's Road it is!" said Seregil. "Send word to Rhal to meet us there."
Thero cast a message spell and a little point of light sprang to life in front of him. "Captain Rhal, Lord Seregil sends word that's it's time to honor your bargain again. Please be at Ero Harbor by the first day of Klesin." He looked up at Seregil. "Anything to add?"
"Wait for us there and have someone we know keep watch for us at Sea Horse Tavern."
Thero nodded and sent the light speeding off to the east. It disappeared through the window and was gone. "That gets you to Plenimar, but how can you take Sebrahn there? You three might be able to blend in, but he won't."
Seregil nodded. "I haven't worked that out yet. Do you have any suggestions?"
"Not that I can think of. And what about you, Alec?" the wizard asked, reaching out to tug the end of Alec's braid. "This hair of yours is like a beacon."
"Do it."
"Red or brown?"
"What? Oh--brown."
Seregil gave Thero a strand of his hair and Thero performed the transformation spell, leaving Alec's the same dark brown, then did the same to Sebrahn's and used the pouch of brown powder to restore the color of his skin. "There. It makes you both look almost full 'faie. I only hope it holds long enough this time for you to do what you need to do."
Alec held up his braid. "Changing the color may not be enough. I think it's time to cut it."
"I'm afraid so," Seregil said with a pained look. "I'll ask the innkeeper for a pair of shears."
Thero shook his head. "I don't know why I'm helping you. It's pure madness."
"There's no help for it. Aside from Ravensfell--where we would most assuredly be killed--where else are we going to find out how to manage Sebrahn?" asked