The falcon's daughters

Chapter 33

With Arrad in the lead, Lace and Y'zora along with the hundreds of soldiers rode into the city of Carr'Ino. He stopped outside the well-known inn The Three Goats and jumped off his horse.

- We’ll stay here tonight. Tomorrow we’ll reach Laniro.

He handed the reins to one of the soldiers and two others took care of Lace’s and Y'zora's horses. The buzz inside the inn was silenced for a few seconds while the guests observed the newcomers before continuing their small talk.

- Arrad!

The man who shouted happily and approached the trio was tall and powerful. The large stomach characterized that he had eaten a bit too much food for too many years and drank plenty with jugs of beer. The half-length thick red hair was gathered at the neck with the help of a black leather cord. The smile on his lips strained his glossy cheeks and sparkled his brown eyes.

- Arrad, your old sea bass.

He wrapped his heavy arms around the narrower Arrad and lifted him off the ground.

- It's nice to see you too Mallak. Can you put me down now?

Arrad coughed up the words as the hard embrace made it hard for him to breath and Mallak let out a thunderous laugh.

- Staying on land for so long has made you weak.

- There is no one on either land nor sea who is strong enough against your arms my friend.

Arrad smiled when he got firm ground under his feet again and he gave the large man a friendly clap on the shoulder. Mallak's gaze lit up appreciatively when he saw Y'zora and his smile grew even wider.

- And what do we have here?

He bowed chivalrously over her hand and kissed it lightly.

- I'm Mallak. Captain of the Muir Ban-righ. The finest ship in the Black Seas.

- The lady is above your class old friend. Lady Y'zora, Lace. Mallak is an old friend of mine. Mallak, this is Lady Y'zora and Lace.

- A pleasure to meet you Captain Mallak.

Y’zora smiled warmly at him and Mallak gestured towards a table nearby.

- Please come join me.

They settled down at a round table and Mallak ordered beer and food for them. Arrad exchanged a few words with the innkeeper before he took a seat.

- Well, Arrad. Do you still work for that youngster?

- Prince Leerian? Yes I do. What are you doing so far from the sea?

- We had a severe storm a few months ago. The Queen is currently in dry dock being repaired. In the meantime, I thought I would seek out some new crew. People inland are strong and resilient. Just what the Queen needs.

- So business is going well?

- Couldn't be better. That ship has made me so rich that I don't know what to do with the money.

- I guess you're a good sailor then?

- The best Lady Y'zora, if I may say so myself.

- Then maybe you can help me?

- Anything for a lady. What is it you need?

- In a few months, I need passage to Dragon Island for myself and two more passengers. Can you take us there?

Mallak nodded thoughtfully and took a drink of his beer.

- The sea of storms is not to play with in the spring. Many ships do not survive this passage, but for the Queen and me there is no problem. We have made that trip many times before. The repairs will take about two more months. Arrad knows where to find me when it's time for you to travel.

- Thank you Captain Mallak. I appreciate that. And now if the gentlemen will excuse me, I will withdraw for the night.

She rose and Lace pulled back his chair to get up. 

- I think I’ll do the same. The past few months have taken a hard toll on this old body.

- The innkeeper said we can take the first three rooms on the right side.

Arrad prepared to get up, ready to escort them both to their rooms when Y’zora put a hand on his shoulder and he sat down again.

- We'll find it ourselves Arrad. I'm sure you and your friend have a lot to talk about.

- As you wish Lady Y'zora.

The clouds quickly passed by in the pale sky. The wind blew in his hair and he looked out over the valley that spread out in front of his feet. Two panthers were playing amongst the trees and a soft voice whispered in his ear. He looked up and saw a face form in the clouds. The joy shone in Sol's green eyes.

- Lace. I found her. She is doing well and was waiting in the valley just as you thought. We got an unexpected surprise. The man she has been traveling with is Lee's brother Cadenor. We will be in Laniro in a few weeks.

Her face faded with the wind and a sense of peace filled his mind.