Episode 11: Trouble in Calligena

"The princess Laesta has been kidnapped," the slop wagon driver told Petros as he was waiting for Gundar to finish unloading. "Snatched, she was, while she was baked solid in the mud. Nothing she could do but scream for help,and even that was only for a moment, until they stopped her mouth."

"Indeed," Petros said, his voice indifferent. "She will fetch a fine ransom from her father if they manage to hide her long enough."

"That be the third kidnapping in Calligena this year," the driver said. "But never one of such high degree."

Gundar slowed his work a little, the better to listen. Could this kidnapping have been the source of Lexa's uneasiness? If she had the gift of foresight, she had never made mention of it.

"Did no one have the balls to stop this outrage?" Petros asked.

"Three of her men and two women gave their lives, as well as a passing townsman. Basiliea Lexa was gravely wounded, and Archmage Arestasis has rushed to her aid with a squadron of Lord Gryphos' warriors to reinforce his own. They plan to remain there until they have discovered who is to blame for this outrage. The townspeople are clamoring to have a stop put to it before it drives away the tourists in search of rejuvenation."

The conversation became more animated as Petros pumped the driver for further details, but Gundar heard not a word. Lexa gravely wounded! His heart pounded frantically. What business did she have joining in a brawl in her weakened condition? He had no doubt that her Patrocule would heal her forthwith, and yet--
"I am going to Calligena first thing tomorrow," Gundar announced after supper.

"You cannot do that without your liege lord's permission," Petros said.

"He is in Calligena," Gundar said in his most confident manner. "I will seek his consent when I catch up with him."

"He will be sorely vexed," Petros said in a tone of foreboding. "If he loses patience, he may turn you into a pig."

"That is a chance I will have to take," Gundar said. "But I must see with my own two eyes how it goes with Lexa."

Petros' eyes softened. "If truth be told, I long to do likewise. But I have just returned from journeying there, and I cannot leave my work again."

"I will be your eyes and ears," Gundar said, taking advantage of the moment,"and bring you back word about everything."

"And I will go with him," Marcelle announced, "and show him the way."

"You will do no such thing, Missy!" Petros said sharply. "You are needed here,not gallivanting wherever your fancy dictates!" He turned to Gundar. "A squadron of soldiers is spending the night at the manor house and will be on their way in that direaction at sunrise tomorrow. If you are truly determined to go to Calligena,you had best join their train. But I warn you -- I will do nothing to shield you from your master's wrath if he objects!"

"However foolish it seems to you, this is something I must do," Gundar said. Petros looked at him shrewdly. "Is it love that compels you, or are you insearch of an excuse to fly the coop?"

Gundar considered the question and decided that neither answer would further his cause.

"Is there anything you would like me to bring you?" he asked.

Marcelle's eyes brimmed with tears, and Gundar realized that her heart was fullof longing, not for ribbons or jewels or fancy meats, but for a certain masculine smile. He kept his counsel for the moment, but was not surprised when she came creeping to his bed after her father was asleep to whisper in his ear that she would very much like to know how a certain Pier Drost fared.

"He was travelling in the princess' company with his master Prince Vogol," she whispered. "It is said that Princess Laesta's father, King Tantalos, would dearly love to forge an alliance with Prince Vogol's homeland. They producewondrous amber which produces both light and heat for those who know how to harness it."

"And now Laesta is gone," Gundar mused, wondering if the abduction hid a larger motive than easy riches.

"Pier Drost," Marcelle whispered insistently. "Do not forget that name. Pier Drost. If the opportunity were to present itself, perhaps you could ask him if he remembers me." Her voice broke, and she melted into the darkness.

Gundar slept little that night, but lay on his bed, speculating. Would he be able to find the means to persuade Arestasis to let him help with the rescue? How grateful he would be to get a break from the pigs! True to his promise to Lexa, he was working harder at his task of tending them, but he had discovered no joy or serenity in it. His blood sang day and night, yearning for the open road and a skirmish or two.

Before the stars faded, Gundar groped for his clothes, pulled them on, and eased himself out the door of the hut. Best to be on his way before Petros awoke and made trouble.

"Gundar!" Marcelle's soft voice called him back. Gundar paused and waited for her to catch up with him. "Provisions," she said, handing him a pack, "and a change of clothes."

She pressed a metal disk into his hand. "You may need this."

"Thank you," Gundar said, touched. In the darkness, he could not distinguish whether the coin was copper, silver, or gold, but whatever its value, he would feel more of a man with money in his pouch.

"We have no swords," Marcelle said, "but the Lord Arestasis gave Father your dagger for safe-keeping."

Gundar took the proffered weapon with a sigh of satisfaction. It was good to be armed with something more than a pigherder's staff. "Thank you," he said,kissing her hand lightly. "I will do my utmost to carry out your will."

"Pier Drost!" Marcelle called after Gundar as he strode towards the manor house. "Remember that name! Pier Drost!"