Quee Quaig's Coffin, Book Two (part 1)

Quee Quaig's Coffin

Thatch Colón

Book Two (part 1)

For the Geese

It was a productive day, puttering in my garden, and I was ready to greet my guests at sundown.  None had availed themselves of my guest room, and I awaited them in my chair, the fire still laid from the night before.  Over the next few minutes they all came in, sat where they had sat the night before, and handed over beer and pork.. Toss a coin to your Witcher, I thought smiling.  

I picked up a sandwich, and was pleasantly surprised to taste Prosciutto, an all time favorite.  

The trip back from the island was quick, the Wind Goddess had decided to bless them, and they sailed under a steady breeze, to the port.  Disembarking, they put the boat up for sale and found a tavern, run by Dolya Winter Sky named the Dog and Pony.  They did not serve dogs mind you, but the special was something called a “Hot Dog”, a thin tube of, what they were assured, was the finest pony meat.  They were good but small, both men stopped after five, wondering if it would be enough, and deciding it would be.  

Spicy coarse local, mustered, Pickled cabbage, the taste was good, but Both Carl and Que Quaig became Lords of the winds, by the end of the meal. 

 Prayer, candle, and a night time talk, Carl answering all the questions he could that his friend asked, telling him tales of the Sea Goddess, her love for her children, the cruelty of other Gods.  Que Quaig blew out the candle, 

Good Night Sausage, or should I say Hot Dog? And they both fell into a deep restorative sleep.  

I could tell you of the trip to the Land of the Fae, but it would be a boring account of days of walking, some treasure hunting, assorted work.  But I won't bore you, I will take us to the gates of the Lands of the Fae, and the story shall unfold from there.  

Visiting the Kingdom of the Fae is to enter another world.  The Fae clustered around them, asking questions nonstop.  Carl had warned Que Quaig not to respond to the Fae, no matter how sweet their promises were.  Down that road lay a terrible madness. 

The Fae would gain permission to a man's body, and command him till he died of thirst or hunger or other more terrible things. 

 They both kept their eyes downcast, and spoke not a word.  Eventually they came to The Queen Iolanthe.  They prostrated themselves, Introduced themselves, and asked for an audience.  It was granted and they rose, and sat in chairs across from Iolanthe.  

And how May I help the Noble Warriors? She asked. 

I am no Warrior Queen Iolanthe, said Carl, a humble servant of the Sea Goddess.  

Ah a powerful druid, I see antlers and strong legs around you.  And you Half Elf, what brings you here.  

My Queen, Que Quaig started

Please Iolanthe

Iolanthe then, 

Ahem Queen Iolanthe

Of course, Queen Iolanthe, we, WE, convened a counsel of the Gds to settle the tension and save our world.  They have all given their unbreakable tasks, and If you and I can work together, one of them may be granted.  

And what should an Iolanthe have to do? Asked The Queen,

Queen Iolanthe, Carl said, would allow her Fae Warriors out of her gates and off to the land of the Elephants.  Kings are warring, and it will be bad for all kinds if they continue.  I have heard legends of the Fae as peacemakers and ambassadors.  I am hoping you will be able to do this for me, for all of us.  

What you say is true, said Queen Iolanthe, we are known for our diplomacy and peace brokering.  I shall give it thought, I do not want to send my army off on a wild hunt, just to upset the Gds further.  Eat, Sleep, I will give you my answer in the morning.  

Thank you Queen Iolanthe, both Carl and Que Quaig said, and did what she commanded.  The next morning they awoke, and after breakfast were met by The Queen Iolanthe.  I have given much thought, and consulted with my most trusted advisors.  I will do as you say, my army will travel to the land of elephants and broker an everlasting peace.  Then they shall return home.  I will call you, at some time, under your unbreakable oath to do me and the Fae Folk a service.  I cannot see through the mists as to what it will be, but it will be important and will need to be done quickly.  Do we agree?

By my, and my fathers unbreakable oath we swear it, both answered.  

And so it shall be, Heroes, I will see you at a later time, go with your Gds.  There are still two tasks to complete, and I do not think they will be as easy as this one.  Que Quaig is a silver tongued devil, he could talk the jewel out of an Elephant lands Sultans Turbain.  He is the reason we agreed.  He is a good friend of Carl, do not betray him.  

What? Never, Never would I betray my Brother in the Sea.  

I know you would not, Carl, but when Gds dice, worlds change.  Go now, good luck, and thank you.  

You are welcome Queen Iolanthe they said and fell into a deep sleep.  

Refreshed they awoke outside the Gates of Fae.  Taking stock, they shouldered their packs and began the long walk to the nearest inn.  They came upon a place with food that smelled delicious, but had never seen.  Securing a room, they went to the Bar area for a meal.  There were fruits wrapped in thin, thin, ham, a dish of noodles and amazingly the red death fruits, with the flat fish in the shell.  Desert was a sweet layered chocolate and whipped cream confection.  Washed down with not ale, but wine, real wine, the dinner was delightful and filling.  Prayers and a candle done, they lay in their beds, candle out, and talked.  

Where shall we start? Asked Que Quaig, we have two quests, on either end of the world and we are exactly between them.  Do you have a plan My Brother?

I do, or at least a framework, confessed Carl.  We shall travel south to the land of fire, where we have to defeat a champion in Mortal Kombat.  This should make the second scroll true, and we will have to walk from the ends of the earth to make the third one an everlasting prophecy.  I fear this test.  I can only hope that our Lady of the Sea will grant me the strength and wisdom I need to serve her fully.  

She will, even as a new convert, I feel her love and protection of you.  It is stronger than any man or elf I have met.  It surrounds you like armor of light, and makes you a noble figure.  

There are many shallow graves, and high tombstones with the names of Noble Figures chiseled upon them.  We must be careful.  

Always My Brother.  I have begun to learn of your funeral rights.  Perhaps we should have kept the boat eh? I must keep you alive, because I cannot fulfill my vow to see you buried by your faith.  

Cold comfort my half elf friend, but your sense of duty to our Lady shines from the very pit of your tummy tum.  May it serve you as well as mine has served me.  With that? Good Night Kraken Slayer