They were shown to a space near the barge s front where cushions and fur hides were laid out. Wynn made more seats out of their blankets. By the time the barge pulled into the river, everyone was situated, and the settlement slipped away behind them.
Their host's name was Kante-Spoken Word. Though the young barge-master seldom issued commands to his crew, two of four elves always stood post, one rear and one forward, while the other pair rested at the barge's stern, away from the passengers.
They floated down the Hajh both day and night, and Wynn passed the time watching a strange world drift by on the shores.
Trees of various make, flowers of wild color, a small waterfall, a bright flock of birds never ceased to pull her attention this way and that. Two fra'cise drank at the river's edge, until they saw the barge and began jumping and splashing in foolish antics. Parts of the forest grew dense and dim. Then the barge would pass a large meadow spilling its vivid green to the river's shore, where a herd of speckled antelope grazed. Once, Wynn caught a glimpse of a large silver deer with tineless antlers, the same as had bellowed at them the first evening in the forest.
But eventually she grew frustrated and then weary.
All the wondrous sights passed beyond her reach. Landfall was rare. They ate cold meals, with no fire but for the large lantern hung at the bow each night. The simple fare was plentiful-fresh or dried fruit and smoked fish. The river provided clean water for drinking and basic washing. But as Wynn continued to watch the shore slip past, she began to feel slightly dizzy.
Osha remained good-natured, though he sat day after day in the same position.
He explained that this barge was loaded with raw materials. Kante would unload some in Crijheaiche, trading with skilled craftsmen in the community. He would then fill his barge with other materials or goods-pottery, spices, tools, fabric, clothing, and more-for the journey to the bay. Some would be traded with the people of the city there called Ghoivne Ajhajhe-Front of the Deep-while the rest would be bartered with ships bringing goods and materials to and from other coastal communities.
While they spoke, a high-pitched yip carried along the riverside, and Chap looked over, whining softly.
The entire majay-hi pack bolted out of the forest to run along the reedy shore, paws splashing through the shallow water. Shades of silver-blue, steel, and inky gray moved in circles along the bank.
"Magiere, look!" Wynn said. "They are following us."
The white female barked once at Chap. He whined again, and Magiere reached down to scratch his head.
And still they floated onward four more days and nights.
Then as they passed an enormous sycamore with large roots reaching from the bank into the river, Wynn saw an archway in the base of its trunk. She almost missed it, mistaking its gray curtain for part of its bark.
"We are close to Crijheaiche," Leanalham said.
Wynn went numb. She did not know what to feel-relief or anxiety?
"How close?" Leesil asked, craning his head around.
Leanalham pointed to two broad elms.
Wynn saw more doorways as the barge drifted by. Soon, every other oak, cedar, and fir was larger than the last, and the spaces between them broadened.
Sgaile stood up when five long docks appeared on the shore ahead, with barges and smaller boats moored along them. Wynn caught a hint of joy on his face.
From what she understood, they would enter one of the largest communities in all the elvenTerritories. But Sgaile did not appear nervous. Was he not worried about their reception?
He put two fingers in this mouth and let out a long whistle.
Kante stood in the barge's prow and dipped his pole into the water. All four of his crew around the vessel did likewise, and the barge turned smoothly toward the docks. Where the docks met land, no trees blocked the view, and Wynn took her first glimpse of Crijheaiche.
The doorways in these trees were larger than those she'd seen elsewhere, and some trunks bulged to impossible size at their bases. She saw stalls of planked wood and shaped flora and colored fabrics. Inside these, occupants were busy at many kinds of work. One place appeared dedicated to the purification of beeswax. She heard rhythmic metallic clanks but could not spot anything like a smithy. There were fishmongers nearer the river, or the elven equivalent of such.
As the barge slowed in order to make harbor, a wild tangle of aromas filled Wynn's head. Beneath the scent of baked and roasted foods were rich spices and the powerful scent of herbs she had only known in the gardens of her guild on another continent.
For all the industry here, everything was still interwoven with the natural world.
Kante set his pole to stop the barge as four Anmaglahk trotted through the open bazaar and down the dock. Their long hair of sandy to white blond blew free in the breeze. None wore his or her cloak tied the way the few Wynn had seen beyond this land.
At first, only a few other elves turned and stared at the new arrivals, for barges landing here would be a common sight. From a distance, Leesil and even Magiere appeared to escape scrutiny. Perhaps their elven clothing obscured their true nature until an onlooker peered more closely. But a few eyes widened at Chap. Apparently, a majay-hl riding a barge was not a common sight.
The first of the four Anmaglahk to reach the barge's side was young, with blunt but prominent cheekbones.
"Sgailsheilleache, well met," he said in Elvish. "Frethfare hoped you would arrive by today."
He did not look at Wynn or Magiere. In fact, he seemed determined to cast his eyes anywhere but in their direction.
"Where is she?" Sgaile asked without greeting.
"With Most Aged Father," the young one answered. "I will tell her you have arrived."
"Has anyone seen En’nish?" Urhkar added.
The young Anmaglahk became rigidly formal at the sight of him and bowed his head in a reverent fashion.
"Yes, Greimasg'ah.She arrived two nights ago."
That one strange word eluded Wynn.A "holder" of something? Perhaps a title, as it certainly was not part of Urhkar s full name.
Sgaile nodded. "Have the quarters been prepared?"
"Yes, of course," the young elf answered.
Sgaile turned to Leesil, switching to Belaskian. "My caste has prepared a comfortable place for all of you. Please follow, but first… you must relinquish your weapons once more."
Leesil snorted. "You want to get us out of sight? Then where is my mother?"
"In truth, I cannot say," Sgaile answered and looked away. "You will soon speak to Most Aged Father, and he will answer in good faith. Nowplease, your weapons."
Wynn unbuckled the dagger, uncertain whether or not she was relieved to be rid of it. She was about to hand it to Sgaile, but turned instead to Osha. He took it with surprise and bowed his head as he tucked it in his belt.
"All right," Leesil said, unstrapping his punching blades. "But I want to see this leader of yours, and soon.Today."
He held out his blades and his stilettos. Sgaile took them with a hint of relief in his eyes. Once again, Magiere was last to relinquish her falchion, but she handed it over without a word. Leesil placed his hand on the back of her neck, combing his fingers through her dangling black hair.
Throughout the community up the slope, and across the other docks, numerous elves in bright clothing went about their business. Wynn noticed the Anmaglahk among them. They stood out like dark pebbles in a clear stream's bed.
Kante picked up Leanalham's bundle before she could do so and held it out to her. The gesture made the girl fidget nervously, and she would not look him in the eyes.
"You have my thanks…" Sgaile said to the bargemaster, but trailed off, unable to say more.