Horses and Hammocks

Belboz entered the cave with the hot springs first, with a smirk and half-closed eyes. He seemed quite satisfied with himself. Astra followed a deferential five steps behind Belboz, carrying clothing and darting her eyes nervously amongst her beloved, Fred, her master, Belboz, and her master's target, Checkers. Fred lolled in the middle of the pool. The warm water soothed his nagging wound, and he was quite happy that Belboz had taken him to this wonderful place. He had only a hazy view of Astra and Belboz. Checkers, now perched in the shallows of the spring, could see them more clearly, and knew something had happened. Had the two argued about something, and Belboz had gotten the better of it? With the master-slave relation between the two, Checkers thought of all sorts of uncomfortable possibilities. She still ached from her work.

"I am still feeling the strain from the digging. I still have pains in muscles that I did not even know that I had," she said.

"You were very diligent. I think that you underestimate your ability," replied Belboz. Whether he was referring to the physical work of building the pit or the turning of the pit's surface to silver was not clear.

"Believe me, I would not want to have to do that again any time soon. That was grimy work."

"Well, not everyone can create the Pillar of Light on her first try. You seem to have the touch of a craftsman, or perhaps an artist."

Checkers nodded and said nothing more, as she took a towel from Astra and dried herself. She refused to be drawn out.

"Well, Fred, how do you find the spring?"

"Most excellent. If you have a featherbed up your ample sleeves, then that would make the perfect touch."

Belboz chuckled. "I like your imagination, Fred. I have something not quite as grand, but servicable nonetheless. I have a number of hammocks. I think that you would find them surprisingly comfortable."

"After that dash in the rain, I would find the bare floor to be equal to the king's bed. A hammock sounds splendid. I might be here for a while."

"Fred, I have given that some thought. It is unlucky that you lost the horse. We shall need some more. Once the squire arrives, would you be able to go to southern Allaria and get some more? I am afraid that Aqualaria is too distant, and Checkers and I would not have the influence required to get the best deal."

"I would be more than happy to help out. I wish that I could bring at least one of you along, but the horses would tire sooner, and delay our journey to Aqualaria. With good luck, I might find suitable horse within three or four days ride of here, and be back soon."

"You are due some good luck, Lord Fred! I think that is a sound course to take."

Fred had waded to the edge of the spring, and accepted a towel from Astra. Checkers had fully dressed, and asked, "Where are these hammocks? If it were not for the little aches I am feeling, and the nerves from my digging in the rain, I would have been asleep long ago."

1. Meanwhile, outside the caves, a man arrives with a brace of horses.
2. The four go directly to the room with the hammocks.
3. Belboz says "Catch", and tosses the medallion lazily in the air, toward Checkers.

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