Daxton - Episode 16
The 5th Compass | Tales of Stonehaven [1,666 words]
Daxton is the first book in the 6-book series, The 5th Compass, which takes place in Stonehaven. Released in serial form, two episodes each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The audio version is coming in the future for paid subscribers only. Visit the table of contents for a list of previously published and upcoming episodes.
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Captain Silverblade crept out of her room in the evening after Cripan assured her all the men were fast asleep.
“Where is the baby?” he asked her.
“Gone,” was all she could manage to give him for an answer. “Go along to bed Cripan. I need to be alone.” He obeyed and promptly went to his hammock which he set-up near her door to make sure no one tried to sneak into her room while she slept. He was so young but probably the most loyal friend she had when her captain’s and Wendynn left.
She thought of Wendynn the most these last nine months. Wondered if the son they made together would look like him? It was that reason alone why she couldn’t bear to look at him. If he did how could she part with him? It was hard enough for her to send Wendynn away.
She climbed the stairs to the helm where she was surprised to see Spire still there.
“I had a feeling you’d want to come out here. Being stuck in your cabin for months you must miss this.” He stepped from behind the wheel so she could take it for herself. She did so with caution but once the wheel was in her hands all the old feelings came back to her. She controlled a small channel of water, but she insisted on circling it as often as possible if only to feel the rush of wind in her hair every now and then.
“Where is Wendynn?” she asked, looking Spire in the eyes. He averted his before he could dare answer her.
“There was an accident. He didn’t make it.” Tears welled up in her eyes as she heard the words but refused to believe them.
“Where? How?”
“We followed the map as you directed. I’m afraid I can’t tell you anymore. You said so yourself, you can’t know where we’ve been.” Spire went to put his arm around her shoulders to comfort her, but she pushed him away. “Where is the child?”
“He didn’t make it either.” She looked up at the full moon which appeared so close felt as if she could reach out and grab it. She secretly wondered if, wherever her son was, he could see it and want to reach out for it too.
When Nelle got to shore on the small boat, she quickly went to work figuring out how to get as far away from there as possible. A horde of the kings army, on horseback, road out to the docks to await the return of Corwinn and the Paragon. Opportunity favored the hag as she waited for them to dismount their horses and tie them to a post kept just outside of the Serpent’s Head.
When they entered the Serpent’s Head, she took the best steed by the reigns and walked it a safe distance away. After she couldn’t walk any further, she mounted the horse, the baby held tightly in one arm, and spurred it forwards.
She rode the horse as fast as it would go and didn’t let it rest until she was satisfied that they were as far away from Gaspar and the surrounding cities as possible. Miles and miles of trees and dirt paths passed by her with the blink of an eye, and she slowed him down to a trot when she saw the Deadlands looming in the distance. She had reached the very edges of Gaspar and had an important decision to make. Would she adhere to her best friends request and take this child as far away from its mother as possible, or should she play a hand in destiny and stay where she was? She grew parched as the question weighed heavily on her mind and her nose picked up on the faint aroma of a stew. She let her nose lead her towards a nearby tavern.
“What am I going to do with you?” she asked, looking down at the baby as it continued to sleep peacefully. She saw a lantern swinging above the door for patrons to find the entrance. Her eyesight was not what it used to be ever since she was turned into a hag by the Paragon and she had to squint to read the sign next to the door which read; The Hogs Head. Before she could push open the door, she was forced back by a group of men who were leaving. They saw her immediately and worried that she may be carrying some infectious disease, gave her a wide berth when walking passed her. None of the men in this tavern looked like they had ever been near water let alone the ocean a day in their life. Covered from head to toe in dirt, Nelle thought they did more than just work with dirt. They looked like they lived in it. These were farmers. A menial profession that never could amount to much in terms of stature or nobility. These kinds of folks were just the answer Nelle hoped for.
She ignored the men who turned their noses up at her, entered this small tavern and found an empty corner table for her and the baby to rest, away from prying eyes. They were noticed when they first entered, but no one seemed concerned to see a woman bringing a baby here. Nelle couldn’t remember ever seeing a tavern that was family friendly, but as she looked closer at the patrons, some had their children with them. Granted, none were as young as the babe she had swaddled in her arms, but they were not old enough for their first tankard of ale either.
A barmaid approached their table. “What can I get for you?” She hadn’t yet looked at Nelle’s appearance, but when she did, it took everything she had in her not to look repulsed. “What a beautiful baby,” she replied, turning her attention to something much more pleasing to the eyes. “How old is she?”
“He is just a few months old,” Nelle lied. She did not want to raise suspicion by telling the truth, that the baby was just born, implying she had given birth and was now walking around with him.
“You’re lucky. I wish we could have one. But Ephram and I…” Her voice trailed off and tears started to form in her eyes. “I’m sorry. What did you say you wanted?”
“Just milk if you have got it?” The maiden nodded and quickly left their table before any more tears should fall. Yet again, it seemed opportunity or destiny was playing a role in the fate of the child.
Nelle remained at the tavern and waited until the maiden’s shift had ended. She then followed her to where she lived. It was a long walk and Nelle wished she had known so she could’ve brought the horse along. Now she would have to walk back and the thought of it hurt her feet more. Back when she was her young and beautiful self she could walk for miles and miles feeling absolutely no pain, but now, as a hag, she felt constant pain and no amount of magic she tried to use on herself would put an end to it.
Finally, the woman turned off the main road they walked upon and Nelle saw it, the most perfect little farm house she could ever have dreamed up for this little babe. She knew if Captain Silverblade were there she would approve. There was a barn nearby, where she heard cows mooing and chickens clucking. She had a feeling this woman would make a great mother and she pondered how many other eligible women she’d find who would want to take a child in? Probably none. This couple would have to do, but she had to see what the husband was like first.
She had to be sure he was not the drinking and cursing type, but loving and devoted. She got her answer the second the maiden entered the house. She was greeted with a large hug and lifted up off the ground. Witnessing all this through their window was enough of an answer for her. But she couldn’t just walk up to their house and hand over the baby. She’d have to leave him.
Their house and property were too small to go unnoticed if she got any closer than where she was, so she waited till they went to bed. While she waited, she conjured up a pen and paper, deciding to leave them a note trying as best to explain why he was left on their doorstep. She did not want to take any chances that they would attempt to find his parents or give him away. They needed to know he was special, destined for greatness.
She finished the letter and looked over her shoulder to see the last of their lanterns extinguished for the night. To write the letter she laid the baby down on the grass next to her and it slept soundly. She picked him up in her arms and crept up to their house. From within could be heard a rather loud person snoring and she bet it was Ephram as she placed him down in front of their door
She took the compass and placed it on top of the note which she tucked inside the blanket he was wrapped in. And finally, she took from under her cloak the sword which had been given to her by Adelaide. The little girl didn’t know it, but soon it would be used ensure the safety of both Captain Silverblade and this boy. She placed the sword next to him and backed away slowly.
She looked to the stars and asked the great God, Zoldir, to give guidance to this couple. And when the time was right, she hoped they would tell him about this day. Only then could he complete a destiny Nelle believed was already being written.