Of Fog, and Fire, and Ice by JW Warner

Author:JW Warner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing
Published: 2022-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN:

PREPARATIONS

As the Kotidor made their way through the town from the city baths, they noticed a raised stage built in the central square.

“An acting company?” Aqqa wondered. “I didn’t think they would travel so far from the big cities.”

“I imagine the citizens of the port welcome anything out of the normal routine,” Tov replied. “Although I agree, I have never seen actors perform in Nanisab and seldom even in a town the size of Fish Arm. They prefer places where they can entertain a different audience each evening. More revenue that way.”

Aqqa asked a port official if the actors planned to perform that evening.

“No, Lady Kotidor,” he replied. “I believe they mean to rehearse several more days. However, they might allow Lawkeepers to watch them practice.”

“May we do that, Tov? I saw ‘The Widows of Wodor’ when posted in the Capital. I love watching plays!”

“You know actors attract thieves?” Tov responded.

“I know some people say actors are basically criminals,” Aqqa responded.

“The presence of performers, even honest ones, brings out pickpockets and robbers who look for houses left empty while the owners attend the play.” He paused, “I don’t suppose there’s any reason we cannot ask to watch them rehearse. In the normal course of our duties, we would pay more attention to the audience than the actors.”

When they reached the Port offices, a fellow Kotidor greeted them. He introduced himself as Disark, even though Tov recognized the man. Johonark sent Disark ahead of them to spend the long winter preparing for their arrival. Now they reached Port Pyothor; he could return to The Stronghold. Disark seemed to Aqqa to be as upbeat as Tov was gloomy.

“You start with two dog sleds, seven dogs each,” Disark announced. “A heavy tent, harpoons, cookware, blankets, snowshoes, materials to start your fire, enough food to feed the dogs for seven or eight days, salted fish for your meals, plenty of supplies. Each sled weighs a bit less than seven hundred Albers. Generally, you want to keep your load to around one hundred Albers per dog at most. When restocking, better to err on the lighter side rather than weigh down your team on a long trip.

“All you will need to do is get your clothing together so you can depart in the morning. Oh, and look at this!” He showed them a scabbard of seal skin lashed to one of the handles of each sled. “You know how winter coats reach down to your thighs? I guessed you could not easily strap your Lawgivers into your belts. This way, your sword can be at your hand while you’re driving your team. A clever idea if I say so myself.”

“That is a wonderful solution,” Tov declared, smiling for the first time in many days. “Thank you, Sir Disark.”

After some discussion, the Kotidor decided to leave their chain mail armor with the Port’s military commander. While they would lose some protection, Tov persuaded Aqqa since they would go long periods without bathing, their armor would likely cause sores or abrasions from rubbing at their skin.

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