53 The Boatman

"My tent was dislodged by wind, and I hit my head," Aurora explained without relaying too many details. Some of them were still fuzzy, but the things she could remember were embarrassing. "I must have blacked out. When I woke up I was back on the beach with my tent and head mended. I do not know who helped me." Aurora tried to recall the voice from the night before, the one that had spoken.

"It was not me," Devrim said.

"Why didn't you come when I screamed?" Aurora was a little angry that her friend had not come to her aid.

"For the first time in weeks, someone else was standing guard. I trusted the selkies to alert us to danger. I slept very deep. Plus, I imagine this hard wind might have carried your screams in the wrong direction." Devrim reasoned.

His explanation made sense, and Aurora was in no mood to argue. Actually, part of her felt guilty that he was burdened down with keeping her safe. She wanted Junayd and Nurlan to return, and wished that she hadn't sent them away. Her lack of aid was her own fault.

In the middle of her regrets, Phoca swam up on the shore. "Hello dearies! That was quite a storm last night! I am glad to see you are well." Devrim flushed when he saw her and looked away. The selkie smiled. "I guess you were up past moonrise, my dear? How embarrassing! I did warn you." She winked at him. Looking at Aurora, her face grew serious. "What happened to your head?"

"I hit it on the rocks. I take it that you were not the one who bandaged me?" Aurora said.

Phoca shook her whiskery head. "Selkies don't carry cloth around. It is just us and our skins."

Aurora nodded. For now, her helper would remain a mystery. She turned to the lake. "Phoca, do we have to go around the lake to get to the ice barrier or is there a way to go across?"

"There is a way across, but we must walk to get there. Unless you prefer to swim?" Phoca asked.

"No, thank you. Walking will be just fine." The Empress answered politely.

————————

They walked for some time along the shore following Phoca, who was swimming in the water. The conversation was sparse and mostly consisted of asking Phoca questions. She was the first friendly magical creature they had been able to converse with, and they were thankful that she was patient with their curiosity.

"So magical creatures are allowed on this side of the barrier, but magic is not?" Aurora asked, wanting clarification.

"Not exactly. On this side of the barrier we 'Gifted' have to appear like humans or at least as something natural—like a seal— so that we don't confuse you 'Common' humans. You humans aren't supposed to see us use magic. At least that is the rule."

"Who enforces the rules?" Devrim asked, but he thought he knew.

"The Fates…though lately they have not been very active. Normally by now they would have intervened in our journey. A talking seal would confuse and mystify most humans. But I think that nothing about you two is normal. Am I right?"

"You could say that," Aurora confirmed. "I think the Fates are expecting us. Perhaps that is why they allow you to lead the way."

"That is good, because without the Fates' permission or a Gifted's help, you will never make it across into our land." Phoca told them.

Devrim squinted. "Phoca, where are you taking us?" In the distance a short wooden platform could been seen on the water with something floating next to it.

"We are going to the boatman. Some Gifted get special permission to live permanently on this side of the barrier, but only if they follow the rules. Others ask forgiveness instead of permission for being here. I am not sure which category the boatman falls into, but he is a useful fellow to know. He will help you get across, though he requires payment. Do you have gold or something precious to offer him?" Phoca asked.

"We do." Aurora answered confidently.

Phoca was pleased with her answer, "Very good! Make sure he does not know how much you have. The boatman is a greedy fellow." As they neared the dock, they could see a stout creature was reclining on a bench. When he saw them, he straightened up quickly and by the time they were within earshot, he had made himself look quite respectable. He had a wide brimmed hat on his head, a thick linen shirt and dark trousers that were curiously shaped. It took a moment for Aurora to realize that the knees of the boatman bent the wrong way when he walked.

"Hullo!" The boatman greeted. "I am Polymedes, but you can just call me the boatman if you like. Are you seeking passage across the lake?"

His nature was disarmingly friendly, and both Aurora and Devrim struggled to remember that Phoca had warned them to be careful. Aurora wondered if his charm was magic or naturally born, but of course did not ask. Phoca greeted him, "Good afternoon, boatman. These humans seek passage across the lake."

"Humans, eh? I thought as much. Pleased to make your acquaintance." He tipped his hat, making his horns and pointy ears visible on his head. The humans' eyes widened, and the boatman smiled mischievously. "Ah, my apologies. I am supposed to keep those hidden. I cannot look very human with horns, can I?" In spite of his words, he was clearly unapologetic.

"Are you a faun?" Aurora asked.

"What a clever human! You don't see many of those. Where exactly do you want to go, my lady?" The faun reached out and kissed the Empress's hand. Aurora blushed, which filled Devrim with jealousy. He stepped between the woman and the faun protectively.

"We would like cross the lake and get to the ice barrier," the man said firmly.

"Ah yes, I would be happy to help for a price." Polymedes kept his friendly tone.

"How much?" Devrim narrowed his gaze.

The boatman appeared thoughtful. "Depends. What do you have of value?"

"We have money," Aurora offered.

"Human money is no good up here unless it is gold." When they stayed silent, the faun's smile grew even wider. These humans were an excellent find! "One hundred gold coins for passage, fifty each," the faun said.

"We could never afford that, good sir!" Aurora sounded dismayed. She looked up at him sadly, and the faun appeared to be moved.

"Forgive me! I did not intend to be a burden. Perhaps I can take that necklace off your hands. It is far less expensive, but I do like shiny things." The faun motioned to the hint of gold peeking out from beneath Aurora's cloak. The Empress tucked her father's necklace back into her garment.

She smiled shyly. "I'm afraid I cannot sell that. It has sentimental value." In her head she thought, 'He is very sneaky! He must know the Fates made this.'

Phoca came up on the shore and shook her flipper angrily. "Polymedes, you thief! Do not try to cheat these two. They are Favored of the Fates. The regular price will be just fine."

The faun became serious, "Are you sure?" Phoca nodded, and he sighed. "For the Fates, ten coins each, but I am losing money."

"Thank you!" Aurora knew this was a good price. She handed him enough money for four fares. "There are two more men coming across behind us. Please get them to the barrier as well." She pressed the coins into the faun's hand and looked warmly at him. It had been a long time since someone had smiled at him genuinely.

"Very good, my lady. I shall do as you say." The faun escorted her into the boat and tipped his hat again. Devrim, still miffed at the faun's blatant disregard for him, pushed past and entered the small row boat as well. The faun took no offense. "When you get across, tell the boat to 'Go home' and it will come back here."

"You do not mean to row us?" Devrim asked.

"That would be work, my friend. I am a faun not built for hard labor." The faun looked sad, but Devrim rolled his eyes upward.

"How will we return?" The man wanted to know.

The faun opened his arms wide and kicked the boat into the open water. "That is a problem for another day. I only deal in the present. Who knows? It is possible that when you need a ride home, I may appear again! Goodbye!" He waved.

"Goodbye, Polymedes! Thank you!" Aurora waved back. Devrim grunted. "What?" The Empress asked. "I will not be rude!" The grey-eyed man got on the bench with the oars and began to row. Soon after, Phoca and another selkie sidled up on either side and pushed the boat to help its speed. Between the three of them, the little rowboat made ripples across the placid lake.

Polymedes watched them go, waving until they were out of sight. He dropped his hand to his side and the smile from face melted. "I may have charged you the Fate's price for my services, but I will make up the difference easily," he muttered to himself. Loudly he called, "Astor!" A hawk flew down and landed on his arm. "Take the message to the Gnome King. Ask him how much he will pay for information on two humans—a young man and woman— who claim to be Favored of the Fates." Astor cawed loudly and took to the sky.

Two hours later, the hawk returned with the answer: 'name your price'. Polymedes listened to the message and smirked, "Excellent…"