The Silver and the Green E-Book

Mari Collier

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

As Brother Amos grows to be the Teacher for all of Tonath, he must stand against the heresies of the Silver Institute in Anoth and the Green Institute in Greenland.

Jack Donald has returned to his birth planet, but cannot find proof of long ago documents. Venta Strauss struggles to provide a haven for the poor, and Grant Vidal is the Green Marauder, accustomed to taking what he wants.

These are the three people who struggle to find their way in a new part of their world. One will become the new Teacher, one will rescue the older, destitute women on the planet, and one will give his life to save the others. The leaders of the Mechams use the Silver Institute to spread their version of the Star Paths, and the Greenlanders use the Green Institute to spread their version.

This means there are fights, wars, raids, love triangles, and people fighting to survive.

Leseprobe

The Silver and the Green

The Chronicles of Tonath, Book 2

Mari Collier

Copyright (C) 2017 Mari Collier

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2019 by Next Chapter

Published 2019 by Next Chapter

Cover art by http://www.thecovercollection.com/

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author's permission.

Chapter 1: The Day of Burning

The Teacher staggered into the small cave overlooking the darkened prairie. The northwest skyline was a sea of orange-red flames dancing against a blackened sky

. He had fled from the fire raging at the Western Star Shift Institute. He turned to the north and saw the red and yellow glow emanating from the distant black resin wells and in the sky the Star Path of the Way to the Stars was gone. Tears flowed down his face to mingle with the sweat that poured down his face and chest.

His hands were bleeding from scraping the rocks, his cassock was tattered from his headlong flight, and his black skull cap lost somewhere along the trail. His breath came in ragged pants and he felt as though his chest was being crushed. It has to be here was the thought that drove him higher into the deepening, dark greening night towards the cave the old Teacher had told him about.

Upon reaching the opening, he sank to his knees and offered a prayer for the keeping of the Way. Then he removed the burden from his back and stood, his eyes trying to see in the darkness. Slowly he circled the inside of the cave and knocked his shins against the metal chest. He knelt beside it and put his head down on the chest to rest. His breath was improving in here where the green air had not completely penetrated. He opened the chest True Man had left. There was an old blanket, a metal cup, a pot, and a pan. No chickolet tea remained. A shame, thought the Teacher, a last cup would have been a fitting thank you to the man who had once saved Tonath.

He removed the wrapping from the outside of his bundle and put the contents into the chest. With luck, it would remain here until the next Teacher found it. If there is a new Teacher, the thought returned to haunt him. He had been remiss in not naming a replacement and writing out his predictions, but he had never believed he should have been The Teacher. When the old Teacher died of a sudden heart attack, the Brotherhood had elected him simply because he was so complacent. He knew it. He had no special talent and now the Day of Burning was upon Tonath. The Star Shift and the one thousand days of burning so long predicted had arrived. He closed the metal lid and laid the wrap over the chest. The silver embroidery that outlined the Way to the Stars was lost in the gloom.

The Teacher tried to stand and found he had not the strength. His breath was again the labored, ragged pants of green air. He crawled to the opening. He would open his arms to the Pathway of the Way to the Stars. At the opening, he lay prone with his arms outstretched and tried to chant, but his throat closed and he grabbed at it, trying, trying to pull away this force making his lungs compress.

At first nothing disturbed the bulk lying at the entrance. Then hunger drove the insects to inspect this possible food treasure. Some were able to dine, others were left hungry.

By the tenth day a green-brown, four-legged rodent was tearing at the clothes with his sharp teeth and taking clumps of rotted flesh in his mouth before scurrying back to his newly made hole and emerge again the next day to feast.

By the light of a green moon, a larger quadruped snuffled at the figure. The animal was consumed with doubt by the smell. It backed away and continued towards the mountains.

Time, wind, rodents and insects had their way and the bones turned to dust.

Chapter 2: Fort Outpost

Brother Amos opened the door to the tavern. Like the town, it was small and mean, but a fire and food were inside. The place was crowded and a smoky haze filled the room. Since he was a Seeker, appropriately dressed in the grey robe with a brown, rope belt, the townspeople might question him, but they would do him no harm. He pushed back the cowl and revealed a round face with a black stubble. The Brothers were clean shaven, but he had had no spare water for the last week.

There were people at every table. Was this a celebration of some kind? Or were the townsmen so prosperous? He had discovered the farther westward he went the dialects and customs changed, the days were counted differently, and the economy and living conditions more primitive. Men in rough, homespun clothing looked at him. Women in dresses cut far too low and hemmed far too high, showed no interest. A Seeker bearing the staff would not pay for extra drinks or for their bodies. One youngish woman at a far corner beckoned him.

“Brother, there is an extra chair here. Come and rest.”

“I thank you for your invitation.” He settled himself into the chair. “I am in need of food more than rest, however. Do they have any good sausages to go with their ale?”

Her eyes were a startling green color and her homespun butternut dress a respectable height over her bosom. Her tanned arms were bare and her brown hair was tied back. She looked to be about twenty, but it was difficult to tell. A small pinkish mouth opened to show small, well-formed teeth.

“They have both and they are filling.”

Brother Amos smiled at the girl and her male companion. The man was a masculine, taller version of the woman except his eyes were almost black in color. He looked to be a few years over twenty as wrinkles had started at the corners of his brown eyes set in an equally browned skin. He sported a fine mustache of matching dark brown hair.

Brother Amos dismissed the eastern tales of Halflings from the once Green World that existed before the Burning becoming mixed with the western Tonath populace. It was said that they could be recognized by their strange eye colors.

The man leaned forward and extended his hand. “I'm George Strauss and this is my sister, Venta.” In a lower tone he added, “Don't let them charge you more than two geldens for two sausages and ale.” Then he leaned back as the server approached.

“What'll you have?” Her voice was gruff and deep to match her height and girth.

“Two sausages, a loaf of dark bread, and a tankard of ale.”

She whirled away and delivered two tankards to the table next to them, picked up the empties, and headed for the bar area.

“The loaf will cost you another gelden.” George sounded a bit in awe. “I thought the Seekers relied on charity, if so you have picked the wrong table.”

Brother Amos smiled. “The last town I visited, a man was most charitable. I've traveled long and I thought I would share the loaf with two people who were kind enough to share their table. My name is Amos.”

“From where do you hail?

“Originally, the seacoasts of the Mechham's eastern section, then at their capital, Anoth, to study at the Silver Star Institute, but these last few years I have traveled over the eastern half of our habitable continent. I've yet to gain the courage to take a sea voyage to the other continents although they say the towns and cities of Partha and Landings are quite civilized.”

The server returned, her tray laden with his order and more tankards. Her brow was sweaty and the dark hair wet against her full, flushed cheeks. Brother Amos hurriedly laid the three geldens on the table before being asked. Her hand swooped out for them, deposited the money into the depths of her leather apron, grunted, and left.

“As you correctly guessed, I am what the world calls a Seeker.” He deftly plied his knife to the loaf and handed a slice to the others before slapping the sausage on one slice and covering it with another.

“Do you plan to journey far in your search?”

“I plan to visit the prairies to the west of here as there is now a straight, level way between here and Beltran rather than going through the Bergman Mountains. I would like to visit the other towns in Brennan Province, and perhaps continue on to Port Haven in Greenland to study at their Green Institute. In the old days, before the Burning, it is said the mountains were called the Bergen Range and separated what we call Mecham. The maps named the Brennan Province as a new land opened by the earlier Star Shifts.

George drank from his tankard and shook his head. “You can not go straight through now. Our Mech army is on this side of the border and the BR army is on the other side. They won't even clear people with papers or business dealings. Each side seems to think the other intends to start a war.”

Venta scowled. “Both sides are thieves. They'll start a war on their own and everything around here will be burned or confiscated.”

“They are still talking.” George smiled at Brother Amos. “We have another Seeker in town, but this one is a secular Seeker, not a Brother. He is to join us here.”

“Are you actively searching out Seekers?”

“No, but I do have a small shop with leather goods, canvas, and heavier clothing. This one claims he will go over the mountains if necessary to avoid being trapped here. It is folly, but my shop contains what you will need if you insist on going by that route.”

“It is said that some of the people over there are quite savage.” Venta took a sip of her ale. “Some claim they are descendants of Halflings while the Greenlanders claim they have the true Way to the Stars.”

Brother Amos had to break in. “That can't be. Halflings are something mothers use to frighten their children. If there ever were any such creatures from copula…, ah, merging between such creatures and Tonathians, it would have occurred long ago. I have traveled in the northern part of Greenland and talked with the people and Brothers there. They are just like us.”

“Brennan Province is an area where wild animals still roam and some of them are men. What else would you expect from BRs who work the mines and the oil wells and Greenlanders from the South?” Venta was adamant.

“Have you been there?”

“No.” She smiled at Brother Amos. “I'm repeating what the ones who went have told us.”

“They were probably drinking ale and impressing a young lady; and anyone else within earshot,” replied Brother Amos.

A lean, rough, clothed man carrying a stool stood at their table. “I see you gave away my seat so I've confiscated another.” He grinned at them, plunked down the stool, sat, and shoved his wide-brimmed hat back off his forehead. It was held by a leather thong wrapped around the hat as a band, the leather descending on either side of the face and knotted at the throat.

Brother Amos noted the new comer's normal grey-blue eyes and wavy, light brown hair bleached by the sun. He was lean, yet muscular, and must stand over six measures. A large, sheathed knife hung casually at his side. This one was an adventure hardened, perhaps dangerous, man.

As if scenting fresh meat, the server was next to him. “What'll it be?”

“A tankard and three sausages, darling.” He gave a brief smile and turned back to Brother Amos.

“I'm Jack Donald.”

“This is Brother Amos, Jack. Like you, he wants to go to the land between mountains and the ocean. We've told him how much of a folly that is.”

Jack laughed. “Now, George, just because the BRs' and Mechs' road closures have cut into your trade, you needn't take it out on wayfarers.”

Brother Amos leaned forward. “They tell me you are a Seeker. Why are you planning to go there?”

Jack looked at him. “Our family tradition states that we owned large land holdings not far from a Star Path Way Institute. I want to see if anything is left and if any records are still there.”

“If it wasn't destroyed in the Burning, the BRs would have stripped it out long ago.” George was as dismissive of the quest as he was of the journey. “They are like that black goo they are named after. Black resin is foul.”

Jack laughed and paid the serving woman with a smile and a mark, rather than geldens. “That's in case I want a refill. If not, it's yours.”

Brother Amos was puzzled. Why was this man so free with his money? Surely the owner paid her something.

Brother Amos took another slice of bread and asked before biting down, “How do you plan to cross the border if it is so strongly guarded?”

“I'm not going by roads. I'm going south of here to get closer to the old mountain trails. There should be remnants of an old roadway there.”

All three were staring at him, and he shrugged. “It's another old family legend that some sort of road for people and transporting goods went through the southern passes of the Bergman Range. They even passed down a map over the generations.”

“A map over a thousand years old? It would have crumbled.” Brother Amos as a Seeker knew about ancient relics. “Besides, any roadway was long ago covered by water, landslides, or dirt.

Jack remained unperturbed. “I didn't say it was the original map. When needed a new copy was made. I'm not even sure how accurate it is. The road doesn't go to the old Institute. It follows the contours of the mountains and pinpoints land several miles north of the old Institute. The road was supposed to be made of metal and may have withstood the elements.”

Venta's eyes had assumed a dreamy, far-away cast. “They also talked about a silvery building on a hill serving as a beacon to all who travel there.”

Jack looked at her as though trying to gauge the truth of her story. “Do you know anyone who has actually seen it? Or, perhaps are you just dreaming of a place of safety?”

“Not safety, no something more, something, oh, I don't know. Maybe I'm hoping that some of the old tales are true and that dreams come true. It would be worth the trip to find a place of peace and safety.”

“Why do you wish to venture into Brennan Province, Brother Amos?” Jack abruptly changed the subject.

“Like you, I wish to see if I can find a long-ago legend. In my case, the old Star Path Institute. The legends say it was larger and grander than the one that stood in the east. The Teacher and Brothers at the old Western Institute brought peace and safety to all that lived in Tonath. It is said that someday a new Teacher will discover the old Star Charts.”

“It's been well over a thousand years since the stars shifted and Tonath burned. It will be buried, burned, dismantled, or all of the three.” George was convinced they pursued dreams. It was better to dismiss such improbable legends.

“It hasn't been much more than a thousand years since the Burning stopped.” Jack finished his sausage and took a large swallow from the mug.

“Not many people are aware of that.” Brother Amos looked at him. “Were you once a Way Seeker?”

“No, not me.” Jack gave that engaging smile again. “I gave up studying ways to use oil in something besides lamps about three years ago when it became evident that the BRs weren't going to adhere to their treaty. Some say we Mechs were at fault,” he wisely lowered his voice. “Mendal Menchem tried to soothe the rhetoric, but both sides keep finding reasons to quarrel.

“Both will keep at it until they start the Burning all over again. We'll never discover how many of the old legends were true.” Venta's face grew grave and she seemed to be looking into the distance, not really seeing them or the others through the smoke in the room.

“You're wrong, dear sister. The Mech army is ready for them.”

“Does it matter?” Jack finished his sausage and ale.

The man does everything in a hurry, thought Brother Amos, but felt compelled to defend George's position. “Of course, it matters. We need to prove that The Way offered by the Silver Star Path Institutes preserved us for a long, long time.”

“That was then. This is now and the stars have not shifted lately as far as I can see.” Jack refused to consider the ancient Way.

“And no one has been able to predict anything that truly comes to pass. There's a group claiming the stars will shift in twelve more years, another says in five years, and another one says a hundred years. Anyone with a sane mind rejects all that jabbering.” George stood.

“Brother Amos, if you have no place to stay, I'll offer my stable. At least it is warm and keeps the wind away.”

Chapter 3: War

Brother Amos rose early and ate the rest of last night's loaf of bread. After taking care of his primitive toiletry there was still time to examine the rest of the town before the stores began opening. Last night's impressions had been correct. The town was small, the buildings small, and the goods from the eastern part of the country meager. The local people were dressed in homespun, leather, and an occasional worsted wool suited man would open a shop. There were, however, a surprising number of Mech soldiers wandering around at this early hour. He doubted if there were recent newspapers available, but the soldiers made one wonder if a border incursion was expected. Perhaps Donald's plan of finding the old road wasn't such a wild, improbable idea.

Soon he was able to enter the building that proclaimed itself a General Store to make his necessary purchases for a month's journey. He felt confident that the BRs or settlers from Mecham or Greenland would sell to a Seeker; if he survived the trek over the mountains or was permitted to traverse the road into the province of Brennan. Beltran was said to be a decent sized city. When he exited the store, he noticed the soldiers had disappeared. Were they slackers or had they returned to camp? Perhaps they had been on some sort of leave after a payday. Brother Amos was not certain of the day. He would need to ask George.

He was surprised when he entered the Leather and Supplies Mercantile that smelled of leather, polish, dust, and dyes to find Venta behind the counter. George was nowhere to be seen.

“Good morrow, Mistress Strauss, I had not expected you to clerk in a market offering leather goods.”

“Why not? Our father owned this store. I've been in here every day since I was a toddler. There is tack and clothing here too, or didn't you expect a frontier female to possess the ability to cipher?”

“My apologies.” Brother Amos noted the hostility in her voice. He had forgotten how independent frontier women could be. “It wasn't the mathematic ability, it was the nature of the goods, and the rarity of any woman working in a retail setting. I forgot about the other merchandise.” He smiled, hoping to see the light in her green eyes that was there last evening. He might be a Way Seeker, but he had taken no final vows—yet.

His words mollified her, and she gave a slight smile. “What could we interest you in today, Brother Amos?”

“I'm in need of a new tarp for covering the goods on one of my pack donkeys. The last storm I came through carried mine away. Do you have the ones that are coated?”

Now her smile was wider. “Of course, we do, Brother Amos. Our deliveries are much improved since the Mech Army arrived. It seems all manner of Easterners are eager to sell to them. When the traders have too much merchandise, they unload it on us.”

She led him towards the back and pointed to spot underneath a shelf stacked with men's work pants. “There are three different sizes. They are one, two, or three marks depending on which one you choose.”

Amos winced. Prices always rose the farther west one went, but this was verging on robbery. He was about to protest when gunshots and booming cannons could be heard in the distance.

“Is this the war you predicted last evening? Shouldn't we hurry and leave.”

Venta shook her head in annoyance. “No, this is their early morning practice. Both sides try to intimidate the other with a military show of fire power and accuracy.”

Brother Amos selected the medium tarp, held it up and looked at it. “Two marks seems to be unusually high. I'll pay one.”

“Then you'll take the smaller one.” She stood defiantly in front of him. “Our prices are lower than any other in town and the quality is better.”

Brother Amos grudgingly handed over the two marks. “No need to wrap it. I'll use it now for my purchases.” He knelt to enfold the packages inside the tarp. Perhaps it was the newness of hearing the weaponry, but the shots and booms seem to be closer and his uneasiness grew.

Venta was frowning and moving toward the back door when George ran in from the back entrance. His eyes were wild and he was panting.

“Quick, grab our supplies from upstairs. I'm saddling the horses. We've been attacked and the BRs outnumber our forces by the hundreds. Hurry!” He spun on his heels and raced back outside.

Brother Amos was stunned and then he moved as rapidly as the grey robe would permit. He gathered up the tarp and ran out the back door to the stable.

George was saddling two horses and had two pack saddles on the ground for two more horses. Brother Amos nodded and pulled his donkeys from the stall.

“I owe you for the night's rest and the hay.”

“Brother Amos, neither of us will live to spend it if we don't escape the BRs.”

Venta came running out of their store towing a large bundle by rawhide straps behind her. “I'll get the food,” she panted and darted back into the building.

“You were expecting this?”

“We were prepared. When both sides are trading insults for months, some fool is bound to make an error in judgment. We just didn't expect so many troops from the BR side. I suggest you leave now if you do not have a horse to ride. They take a really dim view of anyone that claims to follow the Silvers in any part of Mecham.”

“I have extra marks. Is it possible to buy a horse and saddle gear from you? I'll pay you on the trail.”

George looked up. “Get the horse. If you can't pay tonight, I'll take it back from you when we are over the mountains. Then I'll have something to sell or trade over there. The BRs or Mech soldiers will rip everything out of our store.” His words were bitter.

Brother Amos selected a roan and was busy putting on the saddle and bridle when Venta came out with another rawhide filled bundle.

She glanced at Brother Amos, but spoke to George. “I told you we would need the extra dried supplies.” There was a bit of triumph in her voice.

Brother Amos looked up puzzled and saw George frowning at Venta. “Just get your horse, Venta. I'll strap these on.” His voice was sharp as though giving her a warning.

This was, to Brother Amos, simply her brother reminding her that men lead in such things, not women. Of course, women could contribute, but always the man should lead.

They finished their hurried preparations and swung up into the saddles. Each one had a lead rope to a pack animal. George and Venta used their quirts to move men and livestock out of their way as they rode south out of Fort Outpost. People were emerging from their homes or hovels with their children and belongings piled onto wagons, carts, or their backs as they fled to the East and to the South.

Chapter 4: The Mountains

They pushed their mounts hard for the first two miles then slowed to a walk as the boom of artillery faded behind them. George pointed towards a lower ridge of foothills in the southeast.

“That is our direction.”

“Did the other Seeker have a chance to leave?” They had pulled up at a small stream running down the mountain to give their mounts a drink and Brother Amos was curious.

“He left shortly after sunrise,” replied George. “He was lodged at the rooms above the tavern we were at last night. His horses were stabled at our barn. I was up early this morning to collect my pay.”

“We'll probably find him this evening.” Venta looked southward. “He went this way.”

“How do you know?”

“Really, Brother Amos, look at the ground. Horses were here before us and not too long ago.”

Brother Amos's face turned red. To be spoken to in that manner by woman was an affront. Worse, she was correct. There were fresh horse apples strewn around. He'd seen them as they reined in their rides, but had not made the connection.

“Do you think it wise to be near an adventurous man like that? His voice seemed stiff even to his ears.

George looked at him. “I thought you wanted to go over the mountains.”

“Well, yes, but that kind of man can attract danger.”

“And that kind of man can be a big help if it comes to a fight. We don't know what we'll run into. A man like that might be necessary,” replied George.

“You two are going over the mountains? I thought you would go southward to more civilized areas. I've heard that the land on the other side of the Bergman Mountains is a no-man's land. It is claimed by Greenland, Mecham, and the BRs. Anyone of them might stop you from returning. By going south, you could return to your home when the fighting ends.” Brother Amos did not believe the Mecham army would be pushed back for long.

“Did you see the size of the BR army?”

Brother Amos shook his head no.

“I did. It is four or five times larger than the Mech's Fort Outpost contingent. They are not going to be able to stop them.”

“There will be nothing left of Fort Outpost.” Venta's voice was bitter. “They'll burn everything. Look.”

She had turned in her saddle and was pointing back towards the town. Steady columns of smoke were ascending skyward.

“By tonight we'll see clouds from the smoke. Whatever wasn't taken will be burned.” Her voice was choked. “Pity any woman or girl caught by the BRs.”

Brother Amos swallowed.

“Venta is correct,” said George. “The BRs will destroy everything and then spread out looking for any straggler that is heading southward or eastward toward the foothills. They won't expect anyone to head over the mountains. We can always set up a trading post over there, or at least pretend to. We can claim ignorance of any war.”

George turned and urged his horse forward. Their journey was renewed in silence. The rolling hills and flatter grasslands with an occasional tree or green and olive hued shrubs all combined into one continuous landscape. The road dwindled and became a pathway. Gradually the sun rose higher and distance obliterated the sounds of battle. The smoke remained a gray mass against the horizon. They stopped once to share a loaf of bread and rest the horses before continuing. Nightfall found them near a small streamlet running down from the mountain. High shrubs and clumps of willow, cottonwood trees, and ash trees grew along the banks.

“A good place to water our stock and make camp. It doesn't look like rain this evening. We won't need to look for shelter. The shrubs should be high enough to hide us from any chance encounter with another traveler.” Brother Amos was quick to advise them.

“I certainly don't expect any,” was George's terse reply.

The three set about giving the animals a drink, hobbling them, and looking for firewood. Venta pulled out a pot and tossed in two handfuls of lentils, the fast cooking legume, before filling it with water.

“All I have is salt for seasoning and I must use that sparingly,” she advised them.

“I have some also.” Brother Amos offered. “Your supplies are for two; mine for one. We should share as long as we are together.” He nodded at them before continuing. “Since night is approaching, and the lentils need to cook, I'll go study the emerging Star Pathways.”

The two looked at him. “I thought you were not part of the Silver Brotherhood.”

“I am not. I am still debating whether to take the vows with the Silvers. I have journeyed to Greenland also and studied there at one of their schools. Perhaps the Stars will have a message or a clear Pathway for me.” He turned and walked to a more open space.

“A religious nut. That's all we need on a trip like this. He'll be looking at the sky or dwelling on it when we are attacked.”

“You don't know that for sure, George.”

“Do you realize how vulnerable you three are in case of an attack?” Jack emerged from one of the shrubs.

Brother and sister stared at him.

“But surely the BRs followed the people fleeing to the East or to the South.” George was spluttering and red-faced. “And where did you come from?”

“Back there.” Jack jerked his thumb in a southeastern direction. “I could see your smoke. Your fire is way too large. Didn't Brother Amos warn you?”

Brother Amos heard Jack and returned, a frown etching his face. “I am a Seeker. None in the more civilized parts of Tonath would bother me. They know I have no worldly goods.”

“Your group has horses, two donkeys, equipment, and food. I doubt if your Seeker status will mean much to a BR patrol.”

“And just what do you suggest?” The scorn was heavy in Venta's voice. She was glaring at him.

“That you bank your fire. Better yet, you should destroy all evidence of it and move your camp farther behind these shrubs. Find a place where boulders and stones are easy to line up for a defense.” He looked at their bewildered faces and decided they needed help.

“Look, if the BR sends out patrols to “quiet” the countryside, they'll find you. Why not move everything to my camp. I've already located the boulders and the fire is steady. You can hang the pot over it. Tomorrow we'll find the pass through the mountains.”

“That way you would have three more people to defend your goods.” Venta was still suspicious.

He gave a quick smile. “No, Mistress Stauss, I'd only have you and George. I don't expect anything from Brother Amos. It's my understanding that Seekers are sworn to peace.”

“My name is Venta which you know full-well.”

“Do as you please.” Jack swung around and began to move into the shrubs.

“No, wait,” George called after him. “You are quite right. I forgot about the precautions the freighters take in new territory. It was your abrupt arrival that startled us. Joining forces will be mutually beneficial.”

Venta looked dubious, but they followed Jack's instructions to beat out the fire, cover all evidence of it, and then reload the horses to move closer to the mountains. Jack used a branch to wipe out the heaviest of their tracks.

“Does that really work?” Brother Amos was curious as he could see a disturbance where they passed.

“To some extent. If no one comes along for a couple of days it's possible that animals, wind or rain will obliterate the rest. They won't be able to see it tonight.” Jack grinned at him as he looked up and then resumed his task.

At the camp, Venta eyed the stone strewed ground and the stones and trees rearing to the West of them, but trees, brush, and boulders hid this camp. “How long will it take us to cross those mountains?”

A smile slashed Jack's face. “I don't know. I'm going to presume it will take at least one week, maybe longer if we cannot find the trail.”

A collective shudder seemed to go through the three. “I thought you, Brother Amos, at least, were a seasoned traveler.”

“I am, Jack, but I have never crossed mountains this high. I did not venture into the mountainous part of BR land. In theory, the BRs are aligned with the Silver Star Academy, but they also do a heavy amount of trading with the Greenlanders. I doubted if their philosophy would differ much from the Silvers. I found that the philosophy of the Greenland Institute was not much different either. They seem to quibble with each other over fine points such as what to call any new star and how much of the old legends are true. That has nothing to do with the proper Star Pathways.”

George coughed, Venta ignored the tirade, and Jack raised his eyebrows. “Well, we'll find out how long it may take in the next few days,” he said. “Just pray for a Pathway where it doesn't snow.”

In the distance, the sounds of a shots echoed through the air. Venta whirled and looked at Jack. “Are they fighting or hunting? There's nothing there but farms and sheep holds out in this area.”

”The people from Fort Outpost knew the farms and stations were out there; some may even be related,” replied Jack. “They probably thought that the BRs wouldn't follow them. The pickings would be too small.”

George looked back. “Perhaps we'd better go on before they decide to come this way.”

“No, George, night is coming. They'll camp too once they secure everything. Scouts won't come this way. The farms and holds are to the South or to the East. In the morning, we start upward.” Jack's voice gave them the confidence they needed.

* * *

They had paused for a midday rest. “Do you have any idea now about how long it will take to reach the other side?”

“I really don't know, Brother Amos.” Jack grinned. “The map doesn't tell me that, but like I said it could be a week more or less. It says water trickles down the sides as we move lower. I'll look for any pooled water for us and our animals; else we won't make it.” It was a grim assessment.

Venta shivered. George passed out a loaf of bread cut into thirds.

Brother Amos intoned his blessing and then asked. “Do we have enough supplies?”

“You can go back the way you came.” Jack's voice betrayed his annoyance.

“I was thinking of Venta. This type of trip really wasn't meant for a woman.”

“You'll find the Western women are resourceful.” Venta retorted.

Jack took a swig from his canteen. “I'll tighten the straps and we'll move on. Remember, just one swig now, and another in an hour.”

None protested. Where and how Jack had come by his knowledge of surviving on mountainous, inhospitable terrain, they did not question him. They had already seen the bones of one horse. Whether the animal was a stray or from a lost traveler or which direction it used to arrive there, they did not ponder for either way the horse had not survived. It was cooler up here and the wind brisk. That night it began to rain; cold sheets of wind blown rain that seemed to penetrate everything they possessed. They shivered together until morning and the rain stopped.

“Let's go. We'll eat the wafers for breakfast and hope I can find shelter this evening. It's either go on or go back. I'm going on.” Jack looked as soaked as the rest. Even the brim of his hat was soaked and drooping.

“We go on.” It was George. “Our home and business are gone. With luck, I'll be able to start another store and tannery on the other side.”

“You could be under the Greenlanders, the Mechs, or the BRs. No one knows who really rules there.” Brother Amos stated what the general opinion of the East was about the far Western province of Brennan.