= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
When Elliot came out of the arena, his group of friends were waiting for him. Samuel was pleased, and kept thumping Elliot on the back, nearly knocking him over. As soon as he could, Elliot asked about Samuel’s completion. It turns out that Samuel finished second overall in the gauntlet competition. Meredith insisted the only reason the other person scored higher was because they had a smaller horse with a tighter turning radius. Samuel insisted it was a fair competition, and he was more than happy with the probability of getting a blue ribbon in the ceremonies the following day.
Partially in celebration, and partially so Ivy could join, the group had dinner at one of the many food booths within the midway. The one they chose this time was like a min tavern. ‘Oberon’s Luck’ had a small fence around it, separating the small building and the dining space from the rest of the midway. Tarps of various colors stretched between the poles and rafters without a roof, letting the evening light and cooling breeze down to the tables surrounded with both benches and chairs. They took a spot, and a waitress came by, to take their orders. While they waited for her to return, Elliot reiterated his adventure of the day.
Adina didn’t act surprised. “Huh. After meeting Luther, I’m not shocked that he and Jareth walk in the same circles. They probably struck up a friendship in the same gambling house, or the same brothel.”
Ivy groaned, rolling her eyes. “Can we please not talk about my ex suitor’s love of women. Please.”
Meredith laughed. “Sorry, hon. He made himself the topic of discussion. Anyway, you should be proud you didn’t fall for his wily ways.”
Ivy barely responded with a scoff, which caused everyone to smile. She was handling the teasing quite well, though Meredith and Adina knew she was secretly, honestly, appalled.
Samuel was smart enough to shift the subject. “But seriously, what would two of them be doing together?”
“I don’t know, but it seems fishy. Luther knew father would be at the main stadium watching your competition. Probably assumed I would be there for you as well. I don’t think he even knew Adina was competing there. He probably didn’t recognize you, between your competition outfit, and how high up we were. They were meeting in the one public place where they were least likely to be seen. It has to mean something. I just don’t know what.”
Meredith fidgeted at the table. “Can we please talk about something else? I’m horribly tempted to Look, and I don’t want to ruin my dinner.”
This garnered laughter, and the conversation was quickly interrupted with the delivery of massive amounts of food. They were mostly done with N’Yami wandered by. Meredith and Adina saw her, and waved her over to help finish the rest of the meal. Elliot hadn’t given it much thought, but as she sat with them, he realized she was probably the person he was being engaged to. He had not seen any other Deltans. He had to find out more information, to try and be sure.
“So, N’Yami, I haven’t seen any other Deltans here besides you, and the two gentlemen yesterday. Are there any others here?”
She shook her head. “Not that I am in the knowing of. The ‘gentlemen’ are my brother and uncle. Traveling this far is difficult, but they were the insistent that we come.” She paused to take a drink. “Travel from the Deltas to here is difficult. There are only three ways.”
“Two, actually.” Elliot was surprised he had cut in.
Ivy retorted. “No, there are three. The Great Pass, the Navaro river, and through the southern sea.”
“But the southern sea route is too dangerous. Those are coral filled waters. No ships have safely made the journey.”
“Not true.” N’Yami wiped her mouth with her napkin. “We traveled here by the Sea Route.”
Elliot was floored. “What? How?”
“It was very difficult. Our boats are shallow skimmers, they are not so deep as to hit the coral. I ride in front, feel the earth beneath the waters, and steer the boat.”
Ivy smiled. “I had heard that it had been done, but didn’t know how, myself. That is very impressive.”
N’Yami nodded in agreement. “We have made the journey three times. Once from the Deltas to Tardif, once from Tardif home, and one more from Delta to Tardif. Bad thing, though. Not worth the effort.”
“What? Why not?”
“If the waters are stormy, is not safe. Storms find us on the last leg here, only us three survive. Lost two other crew, and all supplies. Nothing to trade with when we get here. Also, take very long time. It is faster to use wagons over the trade roads, or take sail boat up the river.” She chewed some bread, thoughtfully. “Can only make the journey in the summer, when the water is calm and glass. It is too late in the year now. We must go home by other ways.”
"What about your boat?”
“Uncle sold it to Storm King, for money for passage back home. Then Sisterhood make call, ask us to stop here on our journey. Was good request.” She smiled broadly, her white teeth a beautiful contrast against her dark skin. “Made good friends, yes? Better than any trade.”
Elliot was momentarily lost in thought. He understood now why he was being sent to the Deltas by his father, to make sure that the sea trade route didn’t happen. If travel by sea was feasible, trade across the Great Pass would decline, and Tardif would easily become a bustling port town, instead of its current, ‘too far out of the way’ image.
Ivy raised her mug. “I propose a toast. To new found friends.”
Everyone happily joined in. “To new friends!”
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