Jay - Ahern's Burden

Jay woke often thinking about Ahern and their inevitable rendezvous. If Quinn hadn’t filled the store with the scent of fresh-baked bread, he might still lay prone under his sheet.

The day was young, but Allon and Barclay were sitting downstairs when Jay arrived. Allon was spreading jam on his slice and Barclay was passing the different utensils around the table. Quinn had finished baking and was putting her goods away in the back room.

“Good morning, Jay,” Quinn said, coming out of the pantry. “Are you rested?”

“Yes,” Jay lied.

Allon turned to him and nodded. “Have some bread while it’s still hot.”

Jay sat next to Barclay and cut a large slice.

Quinn wiped her hands and sat in the empty chair, content that everything was in order. “Oh,” she said. “I need to leave Shar a note.”

“Who’s Shar?” Barclay asked.

“She’s a young girl who helps me every other day,” Quinn said, removing some scrap paper. “I’ve been teaching her for a few years. She’ll mind the store while I am gone.”

“How far is Etheral?” Jay asked.

“It’s the most northern city of the Chaldrian Empire,” Allon answered.

“I’ve heard of the city,” Jay said, “but I’ve never been there.”

“The landscape is unique,” Allon explained. “The city of Etheral is close to the sea, but to the north, Point Yeath rises and comes to a point high above the sea.”

“It’s based on the legend of its founders,” Barclay said. “Twin brothers were born on a ship in high seas. The strong waves ripped through at one point and pulled the boys out to sea before they could make land.”

Jay saw Allon gently nod.

“The legend claims,” Barclay continued, “the parents traveled to the farthest point where the land reached out, and watched the sea hoping for a miracle. They visited the point enough that they settled there and built a home in the lower regions in the current city of Etheral. Over the years, others joined them and began fishing the waters, and the town grew into the largest fishing port in the region.”

“Legend says the land has moved farther out to sea,” Allon added.

“Because of the desire of the parents to be with their lost children,” Quinn finished. “The point is quite beautiful with its steep cliffs. People come to the point to pay tribute to others they have lost to the sea.”

“Point Yeath is a sanctuary,” Barclay said. “The city is something different.”

Allon nodded. “The city has a reputation.”

“It’s not a bad city,” Quinn said.

“No,” Allon admitted. “It’s not dangerous, but it needs order.”

“What does Kel do?” Jay asked.

“He’s a fisherman,” Quinn said. “In the same way I’m a baker.”

Jay nodded and finished the rest of his bread.

“Oh,” Quinn said. “Eat up while I write Shar a note. I’m going to bring a few loaves. Get your bags and you’re welcome to bring what you can carry.”

The men cleared the fruit from the table and put the remaining utensils and bowls out of sight.

Quinn placed the note in the center of the table and a few coins to keep it there. She then opened a thin cabinet and removed a decorative bow and sheath. She placed both over her shoulder.

Barclay leaned over to admire the craftsmanship.

“She’s very good,” Allon said.

“Jay, Allon,” Quinn said, extending her hands and ignoring Allon’s compliment.

Barclay grabbed onto Jay’s arm before he reached her.

“Ready?” she asked, and they popped out of the store when she heard no objections.

They were met with heavy rain which darkened the morning. Jay had vivid flashbacks of the storm he encountered in Taq and almost teleported back to the dry shop. The darkness helped to further conceal their arrival. Tall trees grew along the back of Kel’s house, complimented by several large hedges. They used the spot every time they traveled to Etheral. Barclay and Jay followed Allon when he walked around the hedges towards the front of the house.

Quinn stayed behind.

Allon knocked three times. “Kel?” After a pause, he knocked again. “Kel, are you home?”

Jay and Barclay saw two figures passing them to the right of the house. The weather made it difficult to make out their features.

“Good morning,” an old voice called out.

Allon leaned towards the greeting, peering through the rain.

The two old ladies walked through the rain towards the sea. The one closest to Jay nodded her head and he returned the gesture.

Allon stepped off the porch and waited until they were out of earshot. “Kel must be at sea. Quinn?”

Jay heard footsteps inside and the latch on the door unlock. The door opened with Quinn standing inside.

“We can wait in here until he returns,” she said standing back.

Jay and Barclay looked around and followed Allon through the door.

Quinn locked them in.

The quaint cottage was full of small knickknacks. There were spears of every size hanging sideways on the far wall and various fishing hooks to catch every size fish imaginable. A heavy netting system began in the center of the peaked ceiling and spread to every corner, ending in a heap on the floor.

“Kel is at sea,” he said, handing Quinn a note that confirmed his previous assumption.

Quinn handed the note to Barclay and headed for the table.

“He’ll return tomorrow,” Barclay said, under his breath.

“We’ll be safe here,” Allon said. “We have many friends here, and they won’t find it odd that we are staying in Kel’s home while he is away.”

Quinn emptied her bread onto the table and the others followed suit. “We should be well enough until he returns.”

Jay let the adults worry about their rations and turned his attention to the numerous decorations. He removed a large hook with two sharp barbs under the point, and two more along the shank. He tapped on the point to test the sharpness and nearly cut his finger.

“Careful,” Quinn said, standing beside him. “They are sharp.” She handled another, smaller hook with a different shape.

Jay placed the hook back on the nail.

Barclay removed a long spear from the other wall. He felt the balance and tested the stiffness of the metal. The point was shaped from the same metal as the shaft but sharpened to a fine point. He placed the spear back on the wall and admired the other types. There were metal and wooden shafts and others that had multiple heads.

“He collects them,” Allon said.

“Impressive,” Barclay responded. “Some are generations old.”

“Jay, Barclay, you can stay in here,” Quinn said from one of the two doorways. “There are many blankets if you need them.”

“Will we stay more than one night?” Jay asked.

“It depends on when Kel returns,” Allon said. “I know he will want to leave when he returns.”

Barclay entered the room and removed his bag.

“Relax,” Allon said, sitting at the table. “We’re not going anywhere until the rain stops.”

In the early afternoon the storm loosened, and the sun broke through. Allon opened the door to relieve the stuffiness and they were greeted with a blast of salty air.

“There’s the ocean,” Barclay said, taking in a deep breath.

Allon moved to the porch and leaned against the post. A few clouds emptied their remaining supplies on the distant hills and a few drops sprinkled the sand in front of the house.

Jay and Quinn covered their eyes. The sun was strong, and they felt its warmth immediately.

“I love it when the sun hits the rain,” Quinn said.

Barclay nodded and watched the thick fog remaining over the city. Slowly it crept away to their right and exposed the surf. The gentle waves rubbed against the shore leaving bands of white foam before returning to the sea.

“The rains are gone,” Allon said as the last drops hit the sand.

“Who’s up for a walk?” Quinn asked.

“I am,” Jay answered, wanting to get out of Kel’s house and explore.

“To where?” Barclay asked.

“The beach,” she answered.

Barclay watched Jay and looked to Allon.

He shrugged, seeing no issue with taking a break.

“To the beach,” Barclay said.

Quinn grabbed Jay’s hand and led him to the water.

“It’s going to warm up,” Allon said. “You should leave your coat.”

Barclay agreed and draped it over the porch rail.

“Wait,” Quinn said. “Take your shoes off.” She leaned against a boulder and pulled off her own. She waited for Jay to do the same. They hurried the rest of the way and ran through the shallow waves.

Allon sat on a small rock next to where they removed their shoes and Barclay sat on top of the boulder.

After a few friendly splashes, Quinn and Jay calmed down and spent a while skipping rocks and collecting shells.

Jay found himself transfixed by the ocean. The smells reminded him of Taq, the gentle breeze reminded him of Boon, and he loved when he stood in ankle deep water how the ocean would bury his feet. He looked over the crystal water and saw a few small fish let the waves push them around.

The fog purposely rolled farther away from shore. Its movement revealed more clear water as far as he could see. It also revealed Etheral and Point Yeath. Allon’s description was a poor attempt. Etheral was a level city and spread out away from and wrapped around the base of Point Yeath with three wharfs that reached deeper waters. Jay picked out meandering stairs coming from the city, switching back and forth as they climbed higher and higher towards the top. Jay watched men aboard a ship prepare it for departure. The Point did rise away, but the steepness at which it rose and how far it reached out to sea was incredible.

“There’s Point Yeath,” Allon said, standing beside Jay on dry sand, “just as I told you.”

“Yes,” Jay said, with a hint of sarcasm. “It’s how you described it.”

“The end of the point extends more than a quarter mile away from Etheral.”

“How high are the cliffs?” Jay asked.

“More than four hundred feet,” Allon said.

“Can anyone go to the top?” he asked.

“Yes,” Allon said, eyeing Barclay as he joined them, “but not today. It takes most of a day to reach the top and return. The sun would set before we reached the midway point.”

“We have tomorrow,” Jay stated. “Kel’s note said he wouldn’t return until tomorrow evening.”

Allon looked at Barclay and tilted his head to his shoulder. “It’s up to you. If we leave early, we could make it back before mid-day.”

“The cliffs are more brilliant in the sun’s rays,” Quinn said, joining them.

“Have you traveled to Point Yeath?” Barclay asked Quinn.

“A few years ago,” she said nodding. “Why?”

“Can you teleport us to the top?”

“You want to go to the Point?” she asked.

“Jay does,” Barclay answered, “but I would prefer saving our energy.”

“I can take us there,” she said turning around. “But it’s still foggy at the Point.”

“We’ll need to try tomorrow,” Barclay instructed. “How long does the fog stay on a normal day?” he asked Allon.

“Not long,” he answered, “usually before mid-day.”

“Tomorrow then,” Barclay proclaimed. “We’ll stay by the house today.”

The remainder of the day and the following morning were spent indoors. Kel had a decent collection of books that everyone perused. After breakfast Jay inspected the weather and found a perfect day waiting. The fog burned off early and the four reached the top alone. A swirling wind whipped the remaining low clouds off the edge, leaving an awesome view.

“Here,” Quinn said, pointing to a stone. “There’s an inscription.” In the middle of the highest, flattest part of the Point laid a single flat boulder. “Long ago someone wrote a tribute for those whom they’ve lost.”

Jay looked at the wording but could not read the old symbols. “Can you read it?”

Quinn nodded, but before she could speak Barclay interrupted her, quoting the message. “In life we loved. In truth we praised. In strength we fought. In honor we died. Never forgotten. Never forsaken. Within us the hearts of the fallen live on.”

Barclay turned around when he finished. “My father taught me.”

Jay looked at the illegible symbols one more time before walking next to Barclay. They took a moment and looked out over the water.

“He was a seaman,” Barclay explained, his eyes far off. “He brought me here many times.”

Allon stood beside Quinn and looked at the inscription once again. Quinn leaned towards him and he put his arm around her shoulder. The Point tugged at the emotions of the living towards their kindred deceased. Allon and Quinn’s parents were dead as well as Barclay’s. And for all Jay knew, his parents were as well.

“I joined my father when I turned seven,” Barclay continued. “I loved the sea, the ship and all its mystery, and the salty air. Seamen are a rough bunch. I had to grow up quickly, and I had to defend myself often. My father let me fight my own battles. I watched my father sacrifice his time and strength for others. Many men were killed over trivial matters. The sea can become a prison; that’s why most call it a final destination.”

He turned and looked at Allon and Quinn. “I don’t mourn the dead.” He looked at Jay and then again out to the sea.

Jay didn’t know what he meant. How could he not mourn for loved ones he’s lost?

“My thoughts linger on the living,” he said, looking halfway towards Jay. “The living struggle and manage the consequences in place of the dead.”

Jay kept his mouth closed. He knew Barclay cared if he or his family lived or died. When they had a private moment, he would ask him to explain.

The four sat alone, watching different ships cross the sea in the distance. One ship sailed perpendicular from the others and moved in a perfectly straight course away from the Point.

“Where do you think they’re headed?” Quinn asked.

“I don’t know,” Allon responded.

“The Northern Rim,” Barclay said, with sadness.

“Where?” Jay asked.

“The Northern Rim,” Barclay repeated.

“Have you traveled there?” Quinn asked.

“Only once,” he replied.

“It will take a ship that size more than six days,” Barclay explained, “if that is their destination.

“Six days,” Quinn said, watching the ship fade against the horizon.

“What’s at the Northern Rim?” Allon asked.

“Madness.”

“Madness?” Allon questioned.

Barclay nodded. “The Northern Rim turns a good man into a nightmare.”

“You returned with your wits,” Allon suggested. “Why will the men on that ship differ?”

“I was eight,” Barclay explained. “My innocence saved me.”

Sensing he needed to explain further, he continued.

“Men travel to the Northern Rim for wealth and glory. They will find wealth, but not one has returned with glory. The Rim is cursed. Its beauty hides a presence that I cannot explain. I watched the men of my ship fight and slay each other and forget everything and everyone they knew.”

“The treasure exists?” Allon asked.

“More than fifty of those ships, twice their size could not carry all the wealth off the Rim.”

Allon and Quinn looked out to the last discernable part of the ship vanish.

“Maybe those men will be different,” Quinn suggested. “Maybe they will return safely?”

“That ship will not return to port,” Barclay said. “No one will ever see them again.”

Silence washed over the group and they sat with their own thoughts. The early morning turned into mid-day and they were still alone on the Point. Quinn walked closer towards the edge and sat alone. Jay thought about going back to the beach, Barclay lay on his back, watching puffy clouds stare back. Allon sharpened his ax next to the inscription.

Jay reached his arms up and stretched when he heard Quinn make an odd noise. He looked up to see her jump to her feet and run towards him.

“It’s Kel,” she said grabbing his arm, “he’s back.”

Together they ran to the edge.

“That’s Kel’s ship,” she said pointing to the left.

Jay squinted at the inbound vessels.

Allon and Barclay joined them.

“It’s the biggest one. It has two sails with blue borders,” she explained. “He docks on the other side of the Point.”

“Is that him?” he asked, pointing at a different ship.

“No,” Quinn said. “He’s turned into port. It’s hard to make him out but he’s about to dock. Let’s surprise him.”

Barclay raised their hands.

“I see many people on the docks,” Barclay said. “Do you have a discreet place for us to arrive?”

“I know the perfect place,” Quinn said smiling, “and it’s not far from the docks.”

“If you’re sure,” Barclay said, extending his hand.

“Ready?” Quinn asked after everyone grabbed hands.

When Jay opened his eyes, he didn’t find anything odd about the building Quinn chose. They were alone, and after casting his eyes out the window he saw how close they were to the sea.

“Where are we?” Barclay asked, moving to the door.

“A brothel,” Quinn said, “No one’s here at this time of day.”

Barclay closed his mouth before he could ask how she knew the inside of the local brothel.

They exited between buildings and joined the people moving down the street. The road turned into wood planks and Quinn led them straight to Kel.

They arrived to see Kel toss a line to a young man standing on the docks. The man quickly tied down the front and hurried to the back to do the same. Quinn led them along the planks while the sails quickly lowered and all movement on the ship ceased. After a few moments Kel walked onto the main deck and turned towards his unannounced welcoming party.

Quinn started waving when the sight of them stopped him cold. “Welcome back, Kel.”

Kel walked to the edge of his ship and looked over the odd quartet. Allon had his arms folded with his tattered shirt flapping in the breeze. Quinn hadn’t stopped smiling or waving and her outfit needed a good washing to remove the baked goods staining the fabric. And then there were two others flanked by Allon and Quinn. Their dress was modest, if overdone for the warm climate. He knew who they were but expected to have had time to wash up before they arrived.

He smiled back and hopped over the rail.

That’s a seaman, Barclay thought.

Kel had a soft but dark weathered face and dozens of tiny wrinkles beginning at the corners of his eyes and spreading towards his ears; the unintended result of fighting back a bright sun on the open sea. His hands were large and callused, and his shoulders broad and steady. His wet clothing dripped on the edges onto the dry wooden planks.

“Quinn!” he said, hugging her tight. “Allon,” he said, nodding around Barclay. “And you must Jay.”

“I am Barclay,” he said, with a slight nod, “and as you guessed, this is Jay.”

Kel extended his hand and when Jay took it, he brought his other to hold Jay’s hand tight. “It is an honor.”

The compliment embarrassed Jay but he nodded back in respect.

Kel let go and stepped back. “When did you arrive? I trust you saw my note?”

“We saw your note,” Allon confirmed.

“We arrived yesterday morning,” Quinn said.

“I do apologize,” Kel said. “I knew you were coming, but I had to complete an errand.”

“You knew we were coming?” Barclay asked.

“Oh yes,” he replied.

Jay remembered Quinn using the same words when they met her.

“How did you know?” Barclay asked.

“Jay told me,” he answered.

“I did?”

“Yes,” he said, “Let me see your ring.”

Jay held up the hand.

“The rings we wear were each cut from the same stone,” Kel explained. “When you accepted yours,” he continued, “mine, ours, gave off light. We knew you were on your way.”

Jay looked at his ring and to the others. It made sense.

“Did they not tell you?” Kel asked, looking at and Quinn and Allon.

“It was never a point of discussion,” Allon said in his own defense.

“I was too excited,” Quinn said.

Kel smiled. “No matter, you are all here, and we can move on.”

“I can take us back quickly,” Quinn suggested.

“If you don’t mind,” Kel said, “I would prefer to walk. I need to remind my legs how to move on land.”

Jay and Barclay shared a look. “We’ll walk.”

“Thank you,” Kel said, starting off. “I would love the company.”

Allon looked at Quinn and shrugged.

“Should we unload your catch before we leave?” Barclay asked.

“My ship is empty,” Kel said over his shoulder. “I unloaded my cargo yesterday.”

“I need to wash before we go,” Kel said when they reached the house. “I will be quick.”

“If you don’t mind,” Barclay jumped in.

Everyone turned to hear his urgent message.

The sun would set in a few short hours and Kel needed to make a fire to warm the water. He had no indoor hearth.

“I have felt an uneasiness regarding my family,” Barclay explained. “I know they are safe but feel something is amiss. While you prepare to leave I would like to visit with them and update them on our journey.”

Kel looked to the others.

“It may also ease their worries,” he added.

“I see no reason for you not to go,” Kel said. “When you return, do so in the same location when you first arrived.”

“Thank you,” Barclay said. “We will hurry.”

Jay walked to Barclay and grabbed his forearm.

“Be safe,” Quinn said.

Jay smiled back. “We will.”

Barclay scanned the area before he hurried to the staircase. “Nuvi?” he called, when he began to descend.

“Barclay?”

“It’s me,” he said, entering the cave. A few candles burned against the far wall, leaving the rest of the corridor dark.

Nuvi came to the doorway and stopped. She and Barclay made eye contact and leaped towards each other.

Jay had stayed up top to give Barclay time with his family. He knew they would call him down.

“Are you done?” Nuvi asked. “Are you here for good?”

Barclay held her tight, not wanting to answer.

Arina came out of the room and for a moment the three shared a long embrace.

“Where’s Jay?” Arina asked when she let go.

“Jay?” Barclay called out in a brief panic.

“Yes?”

At the sound of his voice, Arina ran up the stairs. When she reached the top she jumped into his arms.

Jay wasn’t ready for the leap and she knocked him over. The two rolled backwards and stopped beside each other on their backs. They made eye contact and began to smile. Their smiles turned into laughter and they went to their knees.

“What are you doing?” Jay asked, pulling her closer.

“I couldn’t help myself.”

Jay gave her a tender hug and she returned it with an even better kiss. When they finished they pulled away to look at each other and she leaned in to lay her head on his shoulder.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” Arina said.

Jay closed his eyes, unable to tell her the truth.

“Arina, Jay?” Barclay called. “Come here.”

“Coming father,” Arina said and landed several more kisses before letting Jay go.

Arina’s smile washed away when she saw her mother’s expression. “What’s wrong?”

Nuvi was crying and Arina knew they were not tears of joy.

“Arina,” Barclay began, “we have not finished our journey.”

Arina looked at Jay and to her parents. “You’re leaving again?”

Jay nodded. “We’ve followed Ahern’s instructions and we’re going to see Ahern tonight.”

“Can you come right back after you meet Ahern?” she asked.

Jay looked at Barclay.

“I don’t know,” Barclay said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen after we meet Ahern.”

Nuvi stepped next to Barclay and leaned her head against his shoulder. She didn’t like the idea of them leaving again but she knew what they had to do.

“Come here,” Barclay said, waving Arina towards him.

Nuvi stepped back and Barclay held his daughter. “I don’t want to leave, but we’re not done.”

Arina began to sniff.

“Tell me what you and your mother have done in my absence.”

Arina backed away and Barclay looked at Jay.

Ignire, Jay thought, sparking the mixture of dozens of candles and torches along the corridor.

Nuvi looked around and held her tongue.

They went into the study and moved the chairs into a circle. Barclay ignored his promise about a quick return. He would not allow anything to remove him from spending time with his family.

Arina’s hesitation faded with help from her mother. For the next several hours the family forgot about their separation. No one spoke of the battle at Condle Bridge or the ship scouting the island. They simply spoke and laughed and had a wonderful time. But, eventually, and with a reluctant heart Jay and Barclay said goodbye. They shared another round of hugs and kisses, winning a round of heavy glances from Nuvi and Barclay.

“I’ll come back as soon as I can,” Barclay said after Jay took his arm.

“I know,” Nuvi said.

Arina could only smile, but that did little to hold back the tears.

Jay smiled back before they left the cave.

Nuvi and Arina walked in different directions and found their own corner to be alone.

Before long, Nuvi walked up the corridor and extinguished all but two candles in her bedroom. She had risked the light to disguise her concerns about a ship surveying the island.

Arina met her mother’s eyes as she stood in the doorway and ran into her arms.

“We’ll be alright,” Nuvi said, stroking Arina’s hair. “We’ll be alright.”

Arina nodded and walked to the stairs. “Can I watch the sun set? I won’t leave the stairs.”

Nuvi nodded and went into the bedroom.

Arina slowly walked the curved stairwell and poked her head over the top rim. The sun had yet to kiss the horizon. Arina leaned against the wall and looked around the best she could without taking another step.

“Mother?” Arina called.

“Yes Arina?” she answered, from the bedroom, still trying to regain her composure.

“The ship is back.”

“What?”

“The ship is back,” Arina repeated.

Nuvi hurried through the door and up the stairs. “Where?”

Arina didn’t have to point. Nuvi could see the inbound ship heading directly towards them.

Arina looked at her mother and she could see her regret at not telling Barclay.