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Bulgarth pulled on a fresh pair of breeches then sat cross-legged on the floor. He put the cotton shirt aside, for he did not wish to wrinkle it in his sleep. A broadsword lay on his sleeping pallet. He lifted it up and was surprised at how light it was. Dunwood walked in carrying a blanket. “Oh, I see you had not lost your father’s pendant. I have wondered about it.” Bulgarth’s mind went blank for a moment, “Did you say my father’s pendant?” “Yes, of course. Why else would it be around your neck? He meant to give it to Baron Kwanbie.” “How did you know?” Dunwood rolled his eyes, “Of course I know, I made the key for him.” “Key, what key?” The wagon make gave an exasperated sigh, “That thing around your neck is a key. Don’t you know?” “No, I don’t know.” Now it was Dunwood’s turn to be surprised. He put the blankets down on the sleeping pallet and connected dots in the air with his fingers as he said, “If your father had given that to you, he would have explained what it was. Not explaining is too great an oversight for him. Then that meant he had not given it to you. Hence the mystery is, how did you gain it” Bulgarth answered, “There was an old man in the mine. He gave the pendant to me before he died.” “He said nothing to you?” Dunwood inquired. “No, his tongue had been cut out.” The wagon maker lowered himself to the floor, the idea of such malice too heavy for his feet to bear. Bulgarth broke the sad silence, “You knew what this key is for then?” “Yes, I made the chest for it. Your father sent the chest to Sillander ahead of the Baron’s trip home. Kwanbie wanted to make sure that it would not be tampered with so he asked me to design a special lock. The pendant was designed out of fun, because I might as well have made an actual key but the Baron was a man who loved contraptions.” “What was inside?” “I never saw the contents. If you plan to look for it, the thing is only a simple wooden chest.” “You said that you may as well make an actual key, what do you mean?” “Well, there is a catch in the pendant, if released, will open it up. Then what you do is open the parts all the way. Overlap the pieces together then push a small ring at the end of one part over these to keep them in place.” “How do I release it?” Dunwood gave an exasperated sigh, “You put it in something hot of course, boiling water, a small fire. This will melt the hard gel I use to keep the catch in place. Once the catch is released, the pendant will open. It will look like a flower in bloom. Then what you do is ...” “Open them the whole way and hold them together with a ring.” “Correct, that’s right.” Dunwood heaved a sigh of relief. “Oh, it is late, you should rest. We will continue our conversation tomorrow.” Bulgarth smiled his goodnight as Dunwood walked out. The young man lay down on the sleeping pallet, relishing the simple softness beneath him. He smiled to himself when he thought of Frad. Just to be save he tuck the pendant into his breeches. In the next few days, Bulgarth learned more and more about how much each girl had changed since the assault on Dew Valley Manor. Merlana and Sarah had taken to hunting in the woods and they were adept at catching wild pheasants or turkey which usually ended up in Hotpan’s oven. Juna helped Dunwood carve and paint the finer works for his wagons and she also made jewel boxes and accessories for sale in Monqui. He was pleased to note that she was no longer shy in airing her opinions and even had arguments with Dunwood over some of their designs. After a week with them, watching them happy and carefree, Bulgarth said, “I will have to leave soon.” Viggo, a frequent visitor, asked, “Why? It is safe here, you need not leave so soon.” Bulgarth explained “I need to find out what Baron Kwanbie meant to tell me.” Hymae asked, “Where do you plan to start?” Bulgarth said, “Dunwood told me that my father sent a chest to Sillander. This pendant is the key for that chest.” Frad with a pained look on his face said, “What? You already knew about it and you said nothing?” He turned to Dunwood, “Was it you who made it? I should have known it was you. But how did you do it?” Dunwood sniffed and turned his head away. Friend or not, he had no plan to give away the secret.
Merlana asked, “How will you get to see these people? I hear that Baron Kwanbie was a great nobleman.” Hymae said, “There may be a way yet. I met Talkent, he did not believe the accusations against you. He told me you did a large transfer of funds under Merlana’s name. Maybe you can make use of it. What we have now is enough to allow us to live comfortably, but not more.” Bulgarth shook his head, “I doubt if it is possible. Talkent said that only Merlana can take out the funds and she needs to show her birth document to prove that she is who she is.” Merlana jumped up ecstatically. “Then you are taking me with you. Sheorl moved out all the family papers and land titles from the manor after Juna came to stay with us.” Bulgarth felt a pang in his heart. Sheorl moved out documents proving his rightful ownership of Dew Valley. Baron Kwanbie passed him the key holding the secret of his father’s quest. Talkent and his associates could have reported on his funds and received an award for themselves, yet they did not. He had done nothing, but others had made it possible for him to follow his father’s trail. The young man sighed, he did not want to bring his sister with him, but he had no choice. Juna asked, “Can we come too? I have never been to Sillander, no one in the city would recognize us. We can walk around freely again.” That statement settled everything. All three women as well as Frad and Hymae insisted on going with him. Viggo and Dunwood opted to stay to keep an eye on the situation around Hallskein Castle. For the next few days the only thing they could talk about was how to get to Sillander. Going by road was too risky, for these were patrolled and Bulgarth had been marked as a runaway traitor for the pass three years. A boat would pose no such problem, unless they meet an inquisitive passenger. The women were easy to disguise. Sarah and Merlana looked tougher and darker than ever, Dunwood suggested that they travel as men. Juna agreed to go disguised as the wife of Merlana's character. Hymae asked, “What do you think us three men should go as Dunwood?” The recipient of the question answered. “It is easy to send Bulgarth out in public, because he looks so different from three years ago. Now you two will be a bit of a problem. I have some bleach and wood stains for your hair and beard, if you are so inclined.” Frad was thoughtful for a while then said, “I will use the bleach, it will lighten my hair somewhat. Hymae will look out of place in pink hair though.” Hymae scowled, he liked his red hair, “I will use the wood stain, as long as it doesn’t make my hair fall out.” The wagon maker chuckled, “No it will not. I’ve had to disguise friends in the pass with it, nobody ever complained.” Frad then had an idea, “Should we shave?” Dunwood answered, “Not a good idea. Your face is tanned; the shaved portions will look much paler than the rest of your complexion. You will look so dreadful you will attract attention to yourself.” Hymae turned to Bulgarth, who was studying a map he found in the same chest as his family documents, and asked, “What do you make out of that map?” Dunwood added, “I remember Sheorl once said that your father was planning to give it to the Baron together with those records on the pitiful work conditions of slaves.” Bulgarth stared down at the parchment, “I still can’t understand what it is yet. As far as I can make out, most of the areas marked are army garrisons in Netherweld. I wonder what father meant to do with it.” “Will you take it with you?” Viggo inquired. “No, it is too risky. If I am caught travelling with it and somebody recognizes me, it will become impossible to explain myself.” Bulgarth responded. Viggo stretched his legs out and asked, “Have you decided where to stay yet?” Dunwood said, “Hotpan suggested renting a townhouse from Braduin. But you will need to get your money first though, for he said that the rent is not cheap. I don’t know how you plan to go to the money handler as a man then present yourself as a woman, Merlana.” Merlana smiled cheekily, “I will find a way.” Bulgarth watched the face he loved so dearly. She had survived three years without him so he decided to trust her and leave the matter in her hands. On travel day, Merlana strutted into the dining room in the latest trend of curled hair and dandy clothes. The frivolous collars and cuffs of her shirt bloomed out of a red jacket that hugged her shoulders and waist then flared down to her knees. Dainty, bright buttons lined the side of her tan breeches until they stopped just above a black ribbon draped over the side of her high dark leather boots. She held an carved, thin white walking cane, although she had no obvious need for it. She raised the item questioningly, “What is this for?” Dunwood replied, “Oh you need it for beating common persons that comes too close, no gentleman would allow one of those near their expensive clothes. Remember to cover your nose. Walk carefully. Just pretend that you are trying to negotiate a field full of cow manure. You do not want to step into one of those.” Merlana blinked her eyes. Dunwood patted her hand, “Don’t worry child, you only need to pretend to be someone like that for a season. You can go back to your usual happy-with-everything self again after all this is settled.” Hymae and Frad strode in together. Frad’s hair was now as pale as Bulgarth’s, while Hymae's had turned so dark it was now almost black. The contrast with his pale skin made him look morbid. They stopped in their tracks when they saw Merlana. Hymae said, “I thought you were supposed to dress as a man?” Sarah and Juna twirled their way into the middle of the room. Sarah was in similar attire to Merlana, except that her jacket was navy blue. Juna, if it were ever possible, was more elaborate than her two friends. She wore a red gown, to match Merlana’s red jacket since it was the custom for husband and wife to dress in matching colors when in the public eye. The full billowing skirt accentuated her tight, latticed bodice, and her powdered hair and face made the men wonder how she managed to perfect the look. However, it was the wide and starched crescent-shaped collar round her neckline that made them gaped. Frad commented, “That should keep your head in place if you ever doze off.” Bulgarth found them laughing at each other when he came down with Viggo. He was wearing one of Sheorl’s leather jackets and a cream colored linen shirt with a broadsword hanging on the belt around his waist. He was travelling as the “genteel persons” bodyguard. Bulgarth asked, “Is this not overdone Dunwood?” which making Merlana raised an eyebrow. Dunwood scratched his neck as he answered, “No, actually you’d be surprise to learn they would be considered under-dressed in Sillander. I’ve arranged for Braduin to send a carriage to pick you up at the harbour. By the way, he is not to be trusted. That was why Hotpan suggested him.” Viggo scratched his head, trying hard to understand why someone would deliberately choose a person he could not trust. Dunwood explained, “He is well known in Sillander to be a selfish man. He will charge more than others, but don’t haggle over the price with him, just insist that you want the best. Anyway most good people are being watched now, so no sense in meeting you up with any of them.” “How do you know all these things Dunwood?” Hymae asked. “One of my smuggler friends dropped by two days ago, to send the clothes I ordered for our three ladies here.” Two bowed and one curtsied. “He told me that Palmeon, the king’s brother is paying people for information.” Frad dropped a sealed jar of paint as he packed his paintbrushes. He smiled up nervously and apologized as he returned the undamaged item into his sack. Viggo said, “Best be ready to board the ship. It will leave for Sillander at noon.” Dunwood added his last advice to the women, “Don’t socialize on deck, remember, everyone else is beneath you. Go to your rooms and stay there. Only come out for dinner. Drawl as you speak, this will disguise your voices. Now go.” He ushered them out with a sniffle. A fine oversized wagon hitched to four brown mares waited outside and next to it stood two saddled steeds. Frad and Hymae mounted the saddles and rode off first, one galloped while the other trotted a slower pace. Bulgarth called out from the doorway at the wagon driver, “Good morning Quon, I am glad to see you accompanying us.” “Anything for you master Bulgarth.” The middle aged man smiled back showing stained teeth. Sarah and Merlana jumped on the back. Juna’s bodice was too tight and Bulgarth had to assist her, though his hands lingered for longer than necessary on her waist. Juna turned her eyes away as he looked up. Immediately he let go, feeling like a fool. Their trip to the pier was uneventful. In true arrogant form, Quon drove the wagon all the way to the side of the ship. This was not allowed, but he had to keep up the pretense of driving a group of important people. The harbour-men gave way to the wagon grudgingly. Juna stared wide-eyed at the white ship that stood out like a white lilly against the dark river ramparts, which marked the borders of Netherweld and Merlk in the middle of the river. The ship was a good two hundred feet from bow to stern with four large round paddles, two to each side. When the ship sails, twenty mules below deck moved round and round a gear at a leisurely pace to turn the paddles. Above the deck were two carved and polished levels of expensive cabins and sitting rooms, while green and yellow banners fluttered in a row on the portside. The blue of a Netherweld flag flew above the crow’s nest of the Water-Damsel, which was the largest and most beautiful passenger ship to travel the Muse River. Merlana and Sarah alighted from the wagon then the elder girl turned and assisted Juna, after which she pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and covered her nose. They maneuvered with extra care up the gangplank. One or two men, dressed in the black uniforms of the ship's crew, made half hearted attempts to assist them but in true genteel form the ladies lifted up their covered noses. Hamina watched their approach from the deck with pleasure. She signaled for the captain to introduce her to them as he made his way to the top of the steps to greet his new passengers. Hamina almost smiled with pride at the thought of dressing her son, Hamlin, like them. Merlana however, loathed meeting with Hamina and she thought to use her arrogance to get out of the situation. In a lazy drawl she said, “This is most tiresome Captain Thornes, we are all tired from our travels as it is. I cannot understand why my Uncle would think that this round the kingdom trip would be good for my education. I find it extremely dull.” Bulgarth did not think that it would be wise to upset Hamina, “Pardon me, Squire. But I do believe that the Lady Hamina is a great person in Monqui. You may yet show your Uncle that you have made an important acquaintance during the trip.” Merlana looked down her nose at the taller bodyguard. “You speak too freely Bryce. If I wish for your opinions, I would have made you an advisor.” Bulgarth bowed. She turned her nose back to the captain, “Lead the way then, no one shall accuse Oswald of Melpast and his cousin Wilfred of Melbyne of being rude. My wife Drucilla will at least have company for the trip.” Thornes was relieved to hear him introduced himself and his companions, though he had never heard of Mailpest or Mailbain. He led them to the first class deck and bowed in his best city manner when they reached Hamina’s side. The two parties nodded their heads at each other, noses were lowered a little but not so much as to appear friendly. Hamlin stared openly at Bulgarth, trying to recall why he seemed so familiar. The recipient of his gaze kept his face down. Sarah noted Hamlin's interest and turned her attention to him with a lazy drawl, "Are you also planning to go to Sillander?" Hamlin fidgeted with his collar as he answered, "Oh, yes. There is some business that we need to settle there." Sarah said, "Ah, I've always wondered what it is like to do business on your own. My father insists on employing administrators for his trade." Hamina gave her son a sidelong glare, "Ha, ha. Your father would obviously insist on signing his own documents as we do. I also have another reason to visit. It is the height of the social season right now in that great city. I thought that it was about time for young Hamlin here to find a wife for himself." A shocked Hamlin turned to address his mother just as a sharp heel jabbed into his right foot. He almost howled but quickly covered his mouth and released instead a very rude burp. Juna laughed prettily. Hamlin blushed to see her amused as his antics, yet her attention pleased him. Her laugh reminded him of another woman from his past. Then this lovely creature fanned herself with a handkerchief. Her breathing lifted the tight-bodiced bosom most enticingly. "Oh dear, it is getting warm. Forgive me my lady, I fear I need to retire to my cabin before the heat gets the better of me." Merlana took her friend’s arm before turning her gaze to Hamina, "I beg your pardon Lady Hamina. I fear I need to escort my wife back to the cabin. Shall we meet at dinner tonight?" Sarah balked at the question. Surely not, for that would be carrying the disguise a little too far. Hamina on the other hand was trying very hard not the smile wider than the required custom, as it would make the porcelain finish on her face crack. "Of course we will. I believe we will all be dining with the captain." And she turned a meaningful gaze at the flustered man, who could only manage to bow in response. They bid each other good day, until the evening. Then a deckhand showed them the way to their cabin. He led them up the exterior stairs of the second level and opened a door which led into a dark green carpeted corridor where the doors were few and far in between. The man opened the second door to their right and showed them into their cabin, which had a sitting room and two bedrooms. The furnishings were plush and everything was in different shades of green. Partially opened long curtains covered wide windows showing a view on the portside. After the man left, Sarah locked the door and they each took seats closest to them. Merlana turned to her brother, "How do we contact either Hymae or Frad?" "Leave that to me," her brother replied, "I will attract no attention." Sarah said, "Be careful though, I noticed that Hamlin took great interest in you." Juna’s voice trembled as she said, “There is no need to leave the cabin Bulgarth. We will have one of the deckhands bring food for you.” A strange warmness filled Bulgarth’s heart, but he disagreed with her plans. "I will sit at the common table for dinner tonight. Hymae and Frad will be eating with me. We will pretend to be strangers who have only met. You are the ones I am worried about." Merlana gave her cheeky smile. "Don't worry brother. Dunwood and Frad had taught us well. Did you see how Sarah handled Hamlin? I swore that he almost choke on his own tongue. Still, almost is not good enough Sarah my dear." Evening came sooner than expected. Sarah put on a grey evening jacket, while Merlana and Juna selected deep violet for their colour. A dinner gong echoed over the waters then they composed their postures right before Bulgarth opened the cabin door. Standing outside and about to knock was the first mate. He introduced himself as Patrion and said, “Good evening Squire Oswald. The Captain asked me to escort you and your company to his table.” “Thank you,” the pretend-Squire answered, “Lead the way.” Patrion bowed, turned down the corridor then down a narrow and steep flight of stairs. Another corridor carpeted in green greeted them. They walked all the way to the end and found themselves standing on a balcony above a deck filled with white dinner tables sprouting different coloured blooms. Farther down the deck were wooden benches now filled with common passengers encircling long dining tables. A little away from the staircase they descended was the captain's table. Thornes got up and bowed to his guest, “Good evening sirs and madam. I hope that your rest this afternoon was pleasant.” “Yes it was Captain.” Merlana answered on behalf of the rest of them, “The cabin was very comfortable.” Bulgarth took his leave and Merlana graciously waved him off. The captain invited them to be seated. Merlana sat to his left and Juna took her seat next to her pretend husband while Sarah sat next to her. Thornes exchanged pleasantries with his guests. Soon the first mate appeared again, this time with Hamina and Hamlin in tow. The lady had on a gown of golden yellow, while Hamlin was in bright blue. Hamina was offered a seat to the captain’s right and Hamlin next to her. Patrion then took his leave and went off to host another table. Dinner started with a light salad and sweet fruits. Then two servants in white uniforms served slices of beef and turkey with rich white sauce. After that came grilled fish with more salad, followed by soup and cakes. While those wonderful food was being served at the first class tables, the diners at the common tables had bread and roasted meat or a choice of cheese and butter. Bulgarth and his two friends introduced their disguised selves to each other in public. The pale looking Haim, was a tutor who traveled the land, while Floyd, was an artist who painted buildings. Their table roared with laughter all through dinner. Although disguised, Frad continued to be boisterous and led a few old traders to song.
The howls of laughter that permeated from the mob made Hamina sniffed. The poor captain chuckled apologetically. After dinner, he led them to the promenade where the first class passengers could mingle freely amongst their own kind. Drinks and finger food were served by more liveried servants. Hamlin took the opportunity to ingratiate himself to Lady Drucilla. “You look lovely tonight my lady.” “Thank you, and you also look very grand sir.” She answered. Hamlin’s chest puffed visibly. Squire Oswald was in conversation with his mother, though looking their way every now and then. A jealous husband no doubt, Hamlin thought to himself, but what man wouldn’t be with this delectable creature here. Juna squirmed under his attention, but Sarah was within hearing range, talking with another passenger. The proximity to her friend made her feel a little more confident and she asked, “You mentioned that you and your Aunt were going to Sillander for business? Of what nature may it be?” Still fresh from the memory of being slighted by Squire Wilfred that afternoon, Hamlin answered, “We deal in many things, although for business concerning sums of over a certain amount, my Aunt will need to be present.” “And you are the one to sign on the documents?” Juna inquired sweetly. “No, not I.” Suddenly a great desire to impress her took hold of him. “Yet I will be a lord one day. My stepbrother Hastire is gravely ill and without an heir. But then the man is quite incompetent, his estate will fare much better under my care.” Juna’s ears perked up. She said, “The woman you choose in Sillander will surely be very fortunate.” He shrugged boyishly, “Well, I do not just go for any woman. She will need to be worthy of being my wife. For you see, the king’s brother, Prince Palmeon himself is a friend of my family.” He noted that the Lady Drucilla seemed very impressed and interested in the turn the conversation was taking. He continued, “The prince shows great concern in my family’s fortune. My mo..., I mean my Aunt, had done him much service in the past. He had also profited much from her. In fact we will be in Sillander to help him over a certain small matter that he could not get resolved.” “Why you must be a very wise man indeed for the prince himself to seek your counsel.” “Well yes.” He coughed into his fist, as his eyes watched her young, soft bosom pulsate within and above the tight bodice. “His Highness is having difficulty in getting the judges to publicize his rights over a certain estate. There is also of course our matter to settle.” Hamina appeared next to them with Squire Oswald. In a domineering voice she spoke, “It is late Hamlin, I wish to retire. I suggest the same for yourself too, we will need to rise early tomorrow.” Hamlin almost jumped out of his skin, so guilty was his conscience for having confided their secrets to that woman. He bowed to Juna and she curtsied her good-night.
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