Qarmatians

Medieval 5: K and Y 16 Going Again, part 4 of 4

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Yasmina

“So, why did the Sharif let us go?” Aisha asked.

“I believe he had no choice.” al-Rahim answered. “He let us keep our weapons, which the Qarmatians did not expect. That saved our lives. He was probably threatened into turning us over to them, while at the same time, he figured if word got back to the Caliph that he was cooperating with the Qarmatians, he would probably lose his position and possibly his head.”

Yasmina interrupted. “This way, he can honestly tell the Qarmatians he gave us to their representatives, and we escaped because the Qarmatians were incompetent. At the same time, he can tell the Caliph that we are safe and sound and not in Qarmatian hands.”

“We suffered some injuries,” Aisha said.

“We don’t count,” al-Rahim told her. “Certainly, her guards Harun and al-Asad don’t count. Only Yasmina matters. They want her to marry one of al-Jannabi’s sons in order to have a legitimate claim on the holy cities that they already destroyed.”

“I don’t want to go back to a destroyed city,” Yasmina protested.

“Don’t worry,” al-Rahim said. “We are going down into Egypt.”

They traveled through Aqaba and crossed over to Suez where they picked up a caravan headed for Fustat. The merchants were kind to the young lady, her maid, and the three men hired to protect her on her journey. The merchants assumed that was the case, and they never told the merchants otherwise.

At this time, Yasmina began to come out of the protective bubble she had lived in her whole life. She began to talk to her guards Harun and al-Asad as individuals rather than appendages of al-Rahim. She watched the cooks as they prepared the meals. She learned a thing or two about cooking and even accepted one of the cooks as something like a friend. She learned how to saddle her own horse and generally began to show an interest in things other than herself.

“Are you feeling all right?” Aisha asked one day.

“I’m trying to grow up if that is what you mean,” she answered. “I have no home, nothing to go back to. My parents are gone. I could easily live in self-pity, crying all the time and feeling sorry for myself, or I can learn to be an adult and make a good life for myself. I dream about Kirstie. When she lost her parents, granted, she had a hag to worry about, but she did not give up. She had her house rebuilt, got some animals for her farm, got some laborers to keep the farm, and sailed off on adventures. She is so capable and confident. I am nothing but a spoiled little child.” Yasmina lifted her pendant which she wore all the time. She rubbed the amber in the middle and let a few tears fall.

Months later, Yasmina and Aisha came down the hall whispering to one another. Yasmina said, “He has been very kind to us to let us hide among his women.”

“The governor is older, and so are his women. You are young and fresh, and I think he is conflicted about what to do with you.”

“Why should he do anything with me?” Yasmina asked, and Aisha looked at her like she went stupid.

“You are young and quite beautiful. I see the smile on his face every time he looks at you, even if you don’t see it.”

“I assumed he was just a jolly old man.”

“Seriously? And you think seventeen is all grown up?”

“What?” Yasmina asked.

Aisha huffed in a very Yasmina way. “He would marry you, but he does not know what the Caliph may be thinking concerning you.” She stopped Yasmina in the doorway to the hall of the governor and tried to explain. “He is facing the Fatimids in the west where their leader, al-Mahdi, claims to be the true Caliph. The Fatimids have twice invaded Egypt and been beaten back. The Emir needs the support of the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad for him to be able to hold the line against the Fatimids. He may have written to Baghdad suggesting he marry you to reclaim the holy cities, but his resources are limited to retake the holy cities as long as the Fatimids are pressuring him from the west.”

“What about the Qarmatians? They are east of Egypt,” Yasmina asked.

“Exactly,” Aisha said, then she explained a bit more. “The governor knows he cannot fight a war on both sides of Egypt. He needs the Caliph to fight the Qarmatians so he can stay focused on the Fatimids. The princess of Mecca and Medina, the sole surviving heir, is a delicate problem. The governor does not dare do anything that might anger the Caliph, if you follow what I am saying.”

“Oh,” Yasmina said, and turned to the door with another whisper. “You think I am beautiful?”

“You are every man’s dream of a true Arabian princess.”

“Thanks,” Yasmina said too loud though her smile. She had a second thought and frowned. “Makes me feel all Disney.”

Al-Rahim was already in the audience chamber, down on his knees before the throne. Harun and al-Asad knelt behind him. Aisha went straight to her knees. She sat on her feet, placed her hands in her lap, and looked at the floor. Yasmina remained standing, but she did bow before she spoke.

“My lord governor wished to see me?”

The governor, Takin al-Khazari looked at her and sighed. Given what Aisha just said, Yasmina imagined he might have preferred to see her without her veil and naked. He sighed again before he began to speak.

“Yes, my dear. We have a problem. You see, I am surrounded by enemies. In the west, the Fatimids have twice invaded the land, and though we drove them back, they are becoming stronger. South, the Aksumite empire, and other Christian kingdoms have limited our ability to move freely up and down the Nile and they have disrupted trade in the Red Sea and beyond. In the north, the Romans continue to resist the true faith, and they have a powerful navy and an army to contend with. And now, in the east, the Qarmatians are in the Hejaz and eyeing the riches of Egypt. You, my dear, pose a problem. I have written to the Caliph. I sent three separate letters with the hope that one might get through. That was months ago, and I have heard nothing in return.”

“Nothing?” Yasmina asked.

The governor shook his head. “Not nothing. I know that at least one of my letters was intercepted by the Qarmatians. They have sent emissaries. They have demanded to have you. I am to turn you over to them, or they say they will come and get you.”

“What can we do?” Yasmina asked, worried. “Those Isma’ili fanatics intend only evil. They are the Satan. They steal, kill, and destroy.”

“Do not worry, child,” the governor said. “I have no intention of giving you to them.” He waved to the side, but unlike the last time, instead of a half-dozen Qarmatians, one black man, probably a sheik, stood there smiling. He waved as the Emir spoke. “Mubarak is an Egyptian merchant whose caravan is ready to set out. I know only that he has contacts in the south, in Palestine, and in Alexandria and several cities on the north coast. I have not asked where he is going. I have written several letters to various cities, local lords, sheiks, and sharifs that answer to me, so wherever you end up, you should be treated well. But this way, when the Qarmatians ask where you have gone, I can honestly answer that I do not know. I can tell them you heard that they were asking about you, which you have now heard, and you left with a caravan headed for an unknown destination.”

The governor held out the letters and al-Rahim got up to accept them. Aisha also stood and took Yasmina’s arm. Yasmina said, “Thank you,” to the governor before she turned on al-Rahim. “What about our things?” They began to walk toward Mubarak who bowed to the governor before he turned to lead them.

“Come on boys,” Aisha said to the guards who came behind them.

“Your things are already packed, and the horses saddled with the bags full. We took care if it while you were walking the garden.

“But I need to go back and look,” Yasmina complained. “What if you missed something or forgot something?”

Aisha tightened her grip on Yasmina’s arm ready to drag her if necessary.

Medieval 5: K and Y 15 The Norman Hag, part 3 of 3

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Yasmina

Al-Rahim found an out of the way farm in Petra that he could rent for some work in the fields. As he explained to the princess, “It just would not be safe staying in territory that was controlled by your father.” Yasmina said she understood.

Al-Rahim bought a few older slaves for the bulk of the work and hoped to come out about even by the end of their time there, however long that might be. Two men worked in the fields, and the guards helped. One old woman took responsibility to cook and clean for the house. Aisha planted a garden and helped keep the house as well. Al-Rahim spent much of his time cultivating spies among the old Nabataeans and Ghassanids that populated the province. He did not want events to catch him by surprise.

They all told the princess that she did not have to do anything, but Yasmina got bored very quickly. She helped Aisha in the garden and did not kill all the plants. She learned something about cooking, cleaning, and even learned to sew, though she was not very good at any of it. At least she rode about every other day, and Aisha and one of the guards always rode with her. She also practiced her swordplay and her archery skills when she was not riding, so both she and her horse got plenty of exercise. Mostly it was something to do.

After some months, when the Caliph appointed Sharif of the territory heard about the strangers in the old lingering town of Petra, they were called to an audience to give account for themselves. Al-Rahim made them pack everything like they might permanently leave that place. “I hope we will be able to return here, but we cannot count on that,” he said.

“Maybe the Sharif will provide a better living arrangement,” Aisha suggested.

Yasmina thought, Maybe the Sharif will throw us in jail, but she did not say that out loud.

On the way, al-Rahim explained.

“Petra used to be a great city, a trade center for the whole region.”

“Honestly?” Yasmina asked.

“That was maybe five or six hundred years ago.”

“It looks like it fell apart five hundred years ago,” Aisha said.

“Our house looks like it was built six hundred years ago,” Yasmina agreed.

“The fall apart happened slowly over the years,” al-Rahim continued. “Palmyra in the Syrian desert eventually took over the land trade from the east. Caravans met in Palmyra as the only safe way across the Syrian desert to go to the coastal cities like Antioch or in Lebanon. Meanwhile, trade from Arabia, the Hejaz, the coasts of India and Africa began to come up the red sea, to Aqaba, if they were headed into Palestine or the port of Gaza, or to Suez if they were headed into Egypt or to Egyptian ports. Petra slowly died to the point where it is hardly a town, and one struggling at that.”

“Why did you bring us here?” Yasmina asked, honestly curious.

“I thought we could hide and not be disturbed. No one cares these days what goes on in Petra. People are leaving here, not coming here.”

“But now you are not so sure,” Aisha suggested.

Al-Rahim shook his head. “I did not expect the Sharif to notice, much less summon us to an audience.”

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Aisha said.

“As do I,” al-Rahim agreed.

“Me too,” Yasmina said, and they both looked at her wondering when she began to pay that much attention to anything. But then, Aisha knew the Kairos had resources even al-Rahim would not believe.

Al-Rahim spoke when they arrived for the audience. He gave his name, Muhammad al-Rahim and so on. Yasmina really did not listen until he introduced her as the Princess of Mecca and Medina and Aisha as her maid servant.

The old Sharif looked at them carefully before he spoke. “I understand why you came here. The Qarmatians sacked Mecca and Medina even as they despoiled Syria and Mesopotamia some years ago. They are mad men, fanatics. But they will not come here. We are too strong for them.”

“As you say. We must wait until the Caliph can raise enough men and arms to retake the Holy Cities. Then we can return home, but not before.”

“I heard they took the black stone from Mecca.”

“No…” Yasmina could not believe it. “My father would never let them despoil the holy relics.”

The Sharif looked sympathetically at Yasmina, but al-Rahim waved off whatever the Sharif was about to say. The Sharif said instead, “Child. You have nothing to fear. You will be married and have plenty of wonderful children, I am sure.” The Sharif waved and several men came from behind a curtain. “It is a small price to pay for peace in this territory.”

“Qarmatians,” al-Rahim yelled. He and his guards all drew their swords, but two of the six men already went down from Aisha’s arrows. Al-Rahim and his guards made quick work of three more Qarmatians who were not prepared for any real resistance, like maybe they expected the Sharif to disarm his guests before holding audience. The last man grabbed at Yasmina, but she called defender which appeared in her hand, and she stabbed the man in the arm. Then she called for her armor. as the angry man tried to hit her. He hit chain mail and probably broke his hand, though he knocked Yasmina to the floor. Aisha stabbed that man in the back and Yasmina called for Defender. The long knife vacated the man’s arm and flew back to her hand.

One guard had a cut in his hand. The other had a cut in his thigh. Al-Rahim and Aisha were untouched. Yasmina only had a sore butt. She landed hard. Al-Rahim spoke to the Sharif. “You did your job. Too bad the Qarmatians sent such incompetent men.” Al-Rahim gave slight bow and turned them all to the door. The Sharif played with his beard. He said nothing. His own guards around the room did not move and did not try to stop them. They ran to their horses which were still in the courtyard. They rode off into the west. No telling what the Sharif told the Qarmatians, or if he would remain Sharif for long.

“A bit slow on calling to your armor,” Aisha pointed out.

“Don’t rub it in,” Yasmina said and rubbed her hurting behind. She took that moment to get a great idea. She traded places with Greta, the wise woman and healer from Dacia.

Aisha asked with her eyes.

Al-Rahim, who noticed everything, and also happened to be glancing back in case of pursuit saw the blonde hair and said, “Kirstie?” He did not blink or raise his voice or anything, like he already figured something like this was inevitable.

‘Greta.” she gave her name. “I know how to ride, and I am a healer. When we stop, I have a couple of guardsmen to look at. Besides, Yasmina hurt her butt.”

“Greta,” Al-Rahim said. “Even more complicated than I thought.” Greta and Aisha both nodded but said nothing as they all concentrated on getting out of town.

It was not until after they stopped, and Greta fixed up the wounded as well as she could, that Yasmina came back and added everything up in her mind. She got teary eyed and looked at al-Rahim. “My mother and father are dead?” she asked, but it was said like a statement.

“I’m sorry Princess,” al-Rahim responded softly. Then he hugged her and let her cry.

Kirstie

Jarl was not happy with Kirstie, to say the least. He had some good silver, so the crew had no complaints on that score, but they grieved heavily for the loss of their friends. Kirstie and Yrsa were right there grieving with them, and while she was at it, Kirstie cried for Yasmina and the loss of her parents.

“Now she is an orphan like me,” Kirstie said, and Yrsa cried with her.

As close as Jarl and Kirstie came to an understanding after that was just before they docked in Bremerhaven.

“What?” Kirstie asked. “You knew going after a hag would be dangerous. I am as upset as you are. They were my friends too.”

“I think I became too obsessed with the amber and the ivory and getting rich.”

“In the end, they are only commodities like anything else we carry, and they are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them. Sir Waldo, and Bremerhaven have farm tools and only offer a bit of silver. Honestly, the farm tools are worth much more than some walrus tusks and tree resin.”

Jarl sighed and mostly nodded.

Captain Otto hugged Kirstie. Sir Waldo also hugged her and said, “I believe Lady Kristina is determined to make me rich.”

Tulip, the fairy queen who appeared in her big size said, “Rich is nice, but better is living a life worth living.”

Tulip and Sir Waldo hit it off and Tulip asked if Kirstie would mind if she visited the man from time to time.”

Kirstie just hugged her and told her to follow her heart.

************************

MONDAY

Kirstie need to pay attention to her home but soon enough she will need to sail to Northumbria to confront Abraxas himself. Until next week, Happy Reading

*

Medieval 5: K and Y 12 Time to Go, part 2 of 3

M G Kizzia Leave a comment

Yasmina

Yasmina mounted and wiped the tears from her own eyes as they walked their horses to the main gate. Al-Rahim led the procession through the streets with Ahmed beside him. Yasmina and Aisha rode side by side, and the two from the harem guards followed. After that, some thirty regular guards from the palace came two by two. That was most unusual. Normally, regular guards were not allowed anywhere near the women. In this case, al-Rahim left most of his contingent in the harem to do their duty.

As they moved slowly through the town, Yasmina saw fear on many faces. The people were not yet in a panic, but near enough. The Qarmatians laid siege to the city, and when they could not break in, their leader, Abu Tahir Sulayman al-Jannabi demanded entrance to the holy city as is the right of all pilgrims. Yasmina’s father felt he had no choice but to comply, though he had every intention of getting his daughter safely out of the city first.

Al-Rahim picked a gate where the enemy was most thinly arrayed. “Walk the horses,” he commanded. “They claim to be peaceful pilgrims. Let us give them a chance to prove it.”

The enemy stared at them in disbelief and uncertainty but made no move to stop them until the end. Someone started shouting in Persian. Aisha translated. “They are ordered to stop us.”

“Ride,” Al-Rahim shouted, and they began to gallop along the rugged path. A couple of arrows followed them, but they missed or fell short. When they got to the top of a rise, Al-Rahim stopped and turned to look back. It did not take long for the Qarmatians to get their own horses and follow. “Ahmed,” al-Rahim said and pointed. Ahmed nodded and began to shout orders. Al-Rahim started down the other side of the rise without another look back. Yasmina and Aisha followed with the two harem guards behind them.

Al-Rahim made them ride hard for an hour before he let them get down and walk their horses for a half-hour. Even without any sign of pursuit, they mounted and rode hard again. This became a pattern, and by the end of the day, Yasmina’s horse and her feet were worn out.

The guards set up a tent in the wilderness, out of sight from the path. Al-Rahim supplied them with cold food and said, “Bundle up. No fire tonight.” Honestly, Yasmina did not care. She found two blankets. She laid down on one, covered herself with the other, and fell asleep before Aisha could finish tying the tent flap closed.

In the morning, moving at a more even and humane pace, they joined the regular road to Medina. Yasmina tried hard to not say anything when she was told it would take them ten or twelve days to get there. At least they did not have to gallop the whole way.

Al-Rahim always managed to find them food, even when they camped in the wilderness. They passed some pilgrims over those days, though the pilgrim business had slimmed way down since the Qarmatians began attacking pilgrim trains. They also passed some merchant caravans. When they camped near a watering hole one evening, though not too near for fear of the wild animals that might come and water in the night, they got invited to supper by one of those caravans. The merchants were anxious to hear the news about the road ahead. They could not tell the merchants much, but they all enjoyed the little feast, so it was a good evening.

They stayed in a few villages along the way where there was a bed for the princess. Yasmina greatly appreciated that, especially since Aisha knew a spell that would cause all the insects to vacate the bed and stay gone for at least twelve hours. They also passed many farms, though they only stayed one night in a man’s barn. No one told the man who Yasmina was, and the guards had taken to wearing plain cloaks over their armor, so they looked like ordinary hired men, no doubt hired to safely escort the two women to Medina.

When they finally arrived in Medina, Yasmina sighed her relief. They went straight to the palace, and though they were a surprise visit, the servants in the palace made them welcome. Yasmina got her mother’s room and Aisha got the pick of several beds in the big room that were for Mother’s maids, or the little room beside Yasmina’s room where Mother’s personal assistant stayed. Aisha chose the single small room and invited two of the older ladies to move into the dormitory-like room so they would be close to hand if needed.

It was a relaxing time, and Yasmina played pilgrim, or maybe tourist and saw all the special places that connected to the Prophet in the first days of the faith. Sadly, it was hardly a week before al-Rahim came rushing in.

“Time to pack,” he said.

“What?” Yasmina wondered what was up. “We just got here.”

“The Qarmatians are a day out from the city. Two at most. They sacked Mecca, and I have no doubt they plan the same for Medina. Get packed.”

“But where will we go?” Yasmina shouted after the man, but he was already headed toward the stables.

“Come on,” Aisha said. “Just bring what you did last time and let’s get going.”

Yasmina changed into her riding clothes and then called for her armor. The virtue of that was when she called for her regular clothes, she would be clothed again in her riding clothes, just in case. Yasmina grumbled quietly as she changed. “But my feet haven’t recovered from the last time.”

“You will toughen up,” Aisha answered, of course having heard with her good elf ears. “Kirstie and Yrsa used to row with the men for hours.”

“I could do that. I got muscles,” Yasmina said. She showed her skinny little arm and Aisha chose not to respond.

Kirstie

Kirstie had to wait three weeks for the little ones in the far north to collect six walrus tusks and bring them to Strindlos. They also brought a polar bear skin, one expertly taken from a large animal that finally succumbed to age. They also reported seeing some frost giants in the area, which did not sound good.

The bear skin was a good addition because it made up for the fairies who could only offer one large pot of honey with the wax. That was very kind of them to offer any honey at all since honey was a big part of their diet. Buttercup insisted and Mariwood supported her. Lord Bjork grumbled, but Lady Bellflower was glad to do it, so the fairy king did not argue.

Lord Amber was the only one that teased Kirstie. “I heard you say this was a one-time deal.”

“Father!” Yrsa scolded her father with the word, but her father smiled.

Kirstie also smiled when she said, “So this is another-time deal.” She paused a second before she said, “I sound like a dwarf.” Alm laughed.

Lord Amber agreed. “It does sound a bit like dwarf logic,” he said, before he handed over a second basket of amber. “Good thing I saved the second basket.” So, all got settled and Kirstie got ready to go.

Kirstie felt reluctant to ask Yrsa to accompany her on this trip. She and Alm were so happy, and still like newlyweds, though Kirstie understood that newlywed phase for elves might last a hundred years. Yrsa interrupted Kirstie’s thoughts when she asked, “So when are we leaving?”

“Are you sure you want to go?” Kirstie asked. “I was just thinking what a great mom you will be. Don’t you want a little Yrsa baby?”

Yrsa looked at Alm and he smiled, but then she turned right back to Kirstie and spoke plainly. “We talked about it. A baby would be wonderful, but right now you are still my baby. I need to come, and help you in any way I can, and be the wild she-bear you once called me, to watch over you. I know it will be dangerous, but I have my bow and I think I’m getting pretty good at it. So, when are we leaving?”

Kirstie rolled her eyes at the thought that Yrsa was only getting pretty good with her bow. Yrsa could fire three arrows in the time it took her to fire one, and she could hit the bullseye with all three. But Alm spoke next.

“We talked about it,” he repeated Yrsa’s words. “But right now, I have two boys like sons, Oswald and Edwin. They need to be watched and taught many things before they will be ready to take over running the farm. Besides, I have a handful of dwarfs to mess things up, and a mostly troll to keep fed. The glamour we managed around Vortesvin helps, but he still looks like a giant. Not anything we can do about that.”

Kirstie nodded. “We go the day after tomorrow. Right now, we need to get Booturn, Bucket, Toodles, Buckles, and Tiny to help carry the things to the ship.”

“Vortesvin might help,” Yrsa suggested, but Kirstie shook her head.

“The whole village knows I have a giant helping on the farm. Some have seen him rip boulders and whole tree stumps right out of the ground. It is one thing to know there is a friendly giant in the distance, but it would be quite another to have him parading through the streets. Alm, I leave it to your judgment, but I think it might be best for him to avoid direct contact with the humans of Strindlos. The dwarfs at the blacksmith’s shop are bad enough.”

“Understood,” Alm did not disagree. “Besides, he is completely enchanted by Fiona. He hardly wants to let her out of his sight.”

Kirstie threw her hands up. “I don’t want to hear about it,” she said.

Medieval 5: K and Y 12 Time to Go, part 1 of 3

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Kirstie

“Rune. Captain Stenson, Sir, it is time to go back to sea.”

Captain Stenson shook his head. “I’m still spending what we got on the last trip. I’m not like Harrold. The sea has no hold on me. It is a tool, to make money and trade for the things we need. My ship is in drydock right now. Maybe in another year.”

“But I have to get to Normandy today, yesterday.”

“I have heard you say Normandy before. Where is that?”

“The north coast of France, east and west from the mouth of the Seine River. It is a place where many from Norway and Danish lands are going to settle. I suppose it is not called Normandy yet, but it will be soon enough because it is where all the Northmen live.”

“Ah, yes. I think I know what you are talking about. What is so vital about that place?”

“There is a hag there that needs to be overcome.”

“Like the one at the king’s house?” Captain Stenson pulled back from that idea.

“Like the one in Bremerhaven,” she said before she remembered. “Oh, that’s right. You and Frode were off talking to the guild masters while the rest of us were fighting for our lives.”

“Yes, well. I can’t help you. Frode and the crew are not ready for the next adventure. Captain Jarl is in town, you know. He has been home for nearly six months. He might be ready to try his luck in Normandy. Why don’t you ask him?”

She did.

“I’m thinking about it,” Jarl said. “But I don’t know about the Norman shore, as some call it. There is still too much fighting going on there. Rollo the Dane and the King of France are not getting along well.”

“We would not have to go near any of the fighting.”

“No way to guarantee that. Besides, there will be fighting if you are going after another hag. I saw what the last hag did to Chief Birger. I would not wish that on any member of my crew.”

Kirstie let out a wry smile. “I am sure you don’t want me to go to Oglo to buy a ride to the Norman shore. When they ask why the men of Strindlos refused to take me I will have to say because they were all afraid. Not to suggest that you are all cowards. I would never say such a thing.”

Jarl frowned. He thought to change his direction of attack. “But look at you. You are what, seventeen? Eighteen and unmarried?”

“I’m sixteen,” Kirstie said. She was just tall for a girl.

“And very pretty. Very well developed to be a wife to some man. It is a long time at sea, and some men can only go so long without getting ideas.”

Kirstie called to her armor which covered her with weapons of all sorts. Jarl blinked. “They can think all they want, but you should know, if they try something, I may have to kill them.”

“And your friend, Yrsa.” Jarl did not quit. “She would just compound the problem.”

“Yrsa can take care of herself, and better than you can imagine. She is an elf of the woods, and I am only telling you that because you are the captain of my ship and I do not wish to keep secrets from you. Besides, Yrsa can speak whatever the local tongue is and get better results than you and some town elder yelling at each other.”

Jarl rubbed his chin. “There might be some benefit in that.” But then he shook his head. “It takes time to get enough furs and hides to make a trip worthwhile, and I have been to Brittany and once to Iberia, but I have avoided the Norman shore and have no experience in France, well, Flanders, but that really doesn’t count.”

Kirstie decided she would have to play her hole card. “How about if I buy my way aboard your ship. Same as Rune. Fairy picked honey and wax, ivory tusks, and amber. These things can make you some real silver.”

“Are you bargaining?”

“If I must. I prefer to think of it as purchasing a ride there and back again. That must include Yrsa if she chooses to come.”

“The elf?”

“To make sure the goods don’t get stolen.”

“I think we can do that, but we can’t leave instantly.”

“No, we can’t,” she reluctantly agreed. “I’ll need a few weeks to gather my goods.”

“Leif,” Jarl called. Leif, Jarl’s navigator and skipari came from the back room where he had been listening in. “I think we have a deal.” Leif just grinned.

“Sneaky,” Kirstie said. “But probably safe. I just dropped a couple of dwarfs off at Svend’s shop. They are already talking about tearing down the furnace and building a new one.” She walked to the door. “I’ll tell you when I’m ready.” She called to her dress which instantly replaced her armor. Jarl blinked again, and Leif stopped grinning.

“We will be ready when you are,” Jarl managed to say.

On her way home, she imagined Jarl bargained like a nobleman. He told her every reason why she could not come and would have kept it up until she came up with the trade goods. He already planned on taking her, he just wanted to make sure he got his hands on some amber and ivory first.

He should be the earl—the Jarl of Trondelag. Then we could call him Jarl Jarl, she thought. Maybe Jarl Jarl Binks.

Yasmina

Aisha came bounding into the room with a small bundle of things to take. “I’ve hugged my mother and father and said good-bye to everyone. Are you ready?” She asked because Yasmina already had three bundles on her bed, and they were not so little.

Yasmina continued to rifle through her trunks, drawers, and closet, fingering everything and thinking about it. She felt like she might need everything. She wanted to take it all with her.

“Get your riding clothes on,” Aisha said. Yasmina grumbled but complied while Aisha went through her bundles. Yasmina protested at everything Aisha removed. “I need that,” she said several times.

Someone knocked loudly on the door. “I’m not ready,” Yasmina yelled in an automatic response she gave since she was six.

“Come in,” Aisha yelled to the door.

Ahmed came in. Two soldiers waited in the hall. “Princess,” Ahmed spoke. “Al-Rahim has requested that you wear your armor. There is no way of knowing in advance what kind of response we may get from the Qarmatians outside the gate.”

Yasmina huffed and called for her armor. It replaced her riding clothes and came as previously adjusted with the lengthened skirt and the long sleeves. It also came with the Cloak of Athena that al-Rahim insisted be called the Cloak of the Owl. The hood of the cloak remained up and she remained veiled which was vital for going out in public. Aisha made Yasmina carry two of her own bundles, and they went to the stables.

Yasmina’s new and younger horse was already saddled and ready to go. Aisha stuffed Yasmina’ bundles and her own bundle in the bags that hung from the back of the old Roman-like saddle. Then Yasmina’s mother showed up crying for one last round of hugs and tearful good-byes. When she would not stop hugging her daughter, al-Rahim coughed and spoke.

“We must go before the Qarmatians begin to enter the city.”

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MONDAY

Kirstie and Yasmina both need to get going, but sometimes it takes time and effort just to get ready. Then there are delays and interruptions that cannot be foreseen.  Until Monday, Happy Reading.

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