“What of the delay clearing the straits?”
“If we were there today, we would manage. By the time we get there, a dependable crew will prove more important than arriving a week earlier. The season will be full upon us.” He studied Arutha. “Do you know why the passage is called the Straits of Darkness?”
Arutha shrugged. Amos said, “It’s no simple sailor’s superstition. It’s a description of what you find there.” He got a far-off look as he said, “Now, I can tell you about the different currents from the Endless Sea and Bitter Sea that come together there, or about the changing, crazy tides of winter when the moons are all in the worst possible aspect in the heavens, or how winds come sweeping down from the north, blowing snow so thick you can’t see the decks from the yards. But then. There are no words to describe the straits in winter. It is one, two, three days traveling blind. And if the prevailing wind’s not blowing you back into the Endless Sea, then it’s blowing you to the southern rocks. Or there’s no wind, and fog blots out everything as the currents turn you around.”
“You paint a bleak picture, Captain,” said Arutha with a grim smile.
“Only the truth. You’re a young man of uncommonly practical wits and cold nerve, Highness. I’ve seen you stand when many men of greater experience would have broken and run. I’m not trying to put any scare upon you. I simply wish you to understand what you propose to do. If any can clear the straits in winter in this bucket, it is Amos Trask, and that’s no idle boast. I’ve cut the season so fine before, there’s little to tell between autumn and winter, winter and spring. But I would also tell you this: before leaving Crydee, say tender good-byes to your sister, write your father and brother, and leave any testaments and legacies in order.”
Without changing expression, Arutha said, “The letters and legacies are written, and Carline and I dine alone tonight.”
Amos nodded. “We’ll leave on the morning tide. This ship’s a slab-sided, wattle-bottomed, water-rotted coaster, Highness, but she’ll make it through if I have to pick her up and carry her.”
Arutha took his leave, and when he was out of sight, Amos turned his attention heavenward. “Astalon,” he invoked the god of justice, “I’m a sinner, it’s true. But if you had to measure out justice, did it have to be this?” Now at peace with his fate, Amos returned to the business of seeing everything in order.
Carline walked in the garden, the withering blooms reflecting her own sad mood Roland watched her from a short way off, trying to find words of comfort. Finally he said, “I will be Baron of Tulan someday. It is over nine years since I’ve been home I must go down the coast with Arutha.”
Softly she said, “I know.”
He saw the resignation on her face and crossed to hold her. “You will be Baroness there someday, also.”
She hugged him tightly, then stepped away, forcing herself to speak lightly. “Still, you’d think after all these years your father would have learned to do without you.”
He smiled. “He was to have wintered in Jonril with Baron Bellamy, overseeing the enlargement of the garrison I will go in his stead. My brothers are all too young. With the Tsurani dug in for the winter, it is our only chance to expand the fort.”
With forced levity she said, “At least I won’t have to worry about your breaking the hearts of the ladies of your father’s court.”
He laughed “Little chance of that Supplies and men are already assembling and the barges ready to travel up the river Wyndermeer. After Amos puts me ashore in Tulan, I’ll spend one or two days at home, no more, then off I go. It will be a long winter in Jonril with no one for company but soldiers and a few farmers in that gods-forsaken fort.”
Carline covered her mouth as she giggled “I hope your father doesn’t discover you’ve gambled away his barony to the soldiers come spring.”
Roland smiled at her. “I’ll miss you.”
Carline took his hands in hers. “And I you.”
They stood in tableau for a time, then suddenly Carline’s facade of bravery cracked, and she was in his arms “Don’t let anything happen. I couldn’t bear losing you.”
“I know,” he said gently. “But you must continue to put on a brave face for others. Fannon will need your help in conducting court, and you will have the responsibility for the entire household. You are mistress of Crydee, and many people will depend upon your guidance.”
They watched the banners on the walls snapping in the late-afternoon wind. The air was harsh, and he drew his cloak about them. Trembling, she said, “Come back to me, Roland.”
Softly he said, “I’ll come back, Carline.” He tried to shake a cold, icy feeling that had risen within, but could not.