Benjamin Ashwood Series: Books 1-3 (Benjamin Box)

by AC Cobble

  Rhys continued walking. “It was…uncomfortable. People noticed and thought it was strange. Folks I’d grown up around suddenly treated me like I was a monster or, even worse, like I was some sort of god.”

  “Can you stop it?” asked Ben.

  Rhys nodded. “Of course. Anyone can stop living if they want to. All you have to do is give up. Being a long-lived, it’s not much different in that respect. You let go of your control and nature’s course will take back over.”

  They walked together in silence until Ben found the courage to risk another question.

  “Can…Can you teach me,” he stuttered. “Can you teach me how to be long-lived?”

  Rhys smiled. “What do you think I’m doing?”

  Ben blinked in surprise.

  “The sword practice, the Ohms, even what Towaal is teaching you,” explained Rhys. “That is skill. That is control. You gain enough skill, you become better than anyone else at your chosen vocation, and then you can live forever.”

  9

  By the Moonlight

  After two weeks of training and conditioning at the farmhouse, they got back on the road. It was three weeks travel to Northport, and they all sensed that if they didn’t leave now, it could be too late for Issen. Towaal grumbled about how they weren’t ready. They would have to be, thought Ben.

  They were well provisioned now with smoked ham from a wild pig and fruit from an overgrown orchard at the back of the farm. Simple fare, but it was all they needed.

  Instead of the river road, which Ben thought they would take, they took several winding paths and ended up on a narrow track only wide enough for a handcart. Trees and abundant mountain laurel bushes pressed in close. The breeze barely stirred the air in the dense forest, and when it did, it carried the thick scent of vegetation.

  “Are you sure this is the right way?” Amelie called to Rhys, who was leading them.

  “The river road is certain to be watched,” answered Rhys. “That’s how Tomas caught you, right? This route isn’t exactly a secret, but if they have limited resources, they may not be watching it.”

  “And if they have unlimited resources?” rejoined Amelie.

  “Then remember what Towaal showed you and be ready to draw your sword,” drawled Rhys.

  Amelie stumped further down the road, brushing a low-hanging branch aside. “This doesn’t look like the right way,” she grumbled.

  Rhys smiled and tapped the side of his head. “All up here, my lady.”

  Three days down the narrow, tree lined path and they reached a small village.

  “What is this place called?” asked Amelie.

  “Not sure,” responded Rhys.

  She stared at him. “I thought it was all,” she tapped the side of her head. “Up here.”

  “A lot, I should have said,” he answered impishly. “A lot is up there. All might be an exaggeration.”

  She rolled her eyes and they started toward the village. Ben was expecting Towaal to steer them through the town and keep going like she did on their earlier journey, but instead, she directed them to a quiet-looking inn. It was a bit smaller than the Buckhorn Tavern back in Farview. The town itself was smaller.

  Inside, early afternoon sunlight streamed through open windows at the front of the building. A fire was sputtering in the hearth. It had been bells since anyone tended to it. With the open windows, the fire did little to fight the chill autumn air in the room.

  “Are you sure we should stop here?” protested Amelie, waving a hand toward the empty room. “We’ll stand out like sore thumbs in this place.”

  “If any watchers are in this town, they already saw us as soon as we turned the bend in the road,” argued Towaal. “For a small town like this, any stranger is noteworthy, even more so if they pass through without stopping. Correct, Ben?”

  He affirmed, “People saw us as soon as we saw them. In a place like this, word will have already spread.”

  A small tin bell sat on a table near the doorway. Towaal gave it a sharp ring. Heartbeats later, a portly, red faced man bustled out of the back calling, “Welcome, welcome. Please, take a seat. I am Master Perrod. What can I help you with? Food, drink, lodging?”

  “Let’s start with a drink,” suggested Rhys.

  The inn didn’t have a name that Ben could determine, but Master Perrod and his wife made them feel right at home. They bustled in and out of the kitchen, describing what they had to offer and making extra efforts to please their guests. After the first round of ales, they found out why.

  “Three silvers for the four of us!” Rhys coughed, ale splattered the table. He wiped at his mouth and stared incredulously at the innkeeper.

  Master Perrod bowed slightly and raised his hands apologetically. “We don’t get many travelers this way, sir. For us to make ends meet, we must charge a steep price.”

  Rhys mumbled something about finding another inn under this breath.

  “Sir, the next inn is in Weimer,” remarked the innkeeper flatly. “It’s a four-day journey, if you’re walking quickly.”

  “Shush, Rhys,” placated Lady Towaal. “Master Perrod, we’ll pay the silver gladly for a fine inn like this. I wonder if there is something you can do for me though.”

  The man nodded eagerly.

  “I have a small list of items we could use. Is there a general goods store in town?” she asked. “Maybe you could send someone over with the list and collect some items for us?”

  “Absolutely!” Perrod smiled, obviously happy to please his guests and collect his coin. “I will go myself and ensure you get what you need at the very best prices! Master Reynold, he adds an ungentlemanly mark up for foreigners.”

  “I’m sure he does.” Lady Towaal smiled. “If you have a scrap of paper, I can jot down what we need.”

  The man scurried off.

  Towaal turned to the group. She primly stated, “When negotiating, there is always more than one way to win.”

  “I see your point,” agreed Rhys nodding. “Very deftly handed.”

  Towaal gave him a suspicious look but didn’t comment.

  When the innkeeper returned with a small sheet of parchment, Rhys tipped up his ale and asked for another.

  Perrod returned and Rhys casually inquired, “Master Perrod, as you can tell, I am a thirsty man. I hate to bother your wife in the kitchen while you are a way at the general goods store. Do you have other staff we can call on for a refill?”

  Perrod glanced back at the kitchen and grimaced. His wife was likely in the midst of starting dinner for the evening crowd and couldn’t be bothered every few minutes to refill a mug of ale.

  The innkeeper appeared distraught and finally answered, “Sir, you appear to be a trustworthy type.” Ben almost laughed out loud but managed to hold it in while the poor man continued, “Please feel free to refill your own ale. I am confident you’ll leave me the correct amount of coins.”

  A broad catlike smile broke out across Rhys’ face. The rogue didn’t even bother to hide it. “Certainly. Two coppers a mug, right?”

  The innkeeper nodded then accepted the scrap of paper from Towaal. He barely glanced down at it before rushing out the front door. The sooner he got their goods, the sooner he’d be back to keep watch on his ale keg.

  Rhys dug two coppers out from his belt pouch and took his time moseying over to the keg.

  “Really, Rhys?” called Lady Towaal.

  Grinning, he filled up his mug, pausing toward the end for the foam to settle down then opening the tap again to fill to the very rim.

  Lady Towaal stared at him disapprovingly.

  Meeting her eyes, he ducked down, took a big gulp, and topped it off again at the tap.

  Towaal threw up her arms and exclaimed, “Oh please! That is just ridiculous and petty.”

  Ben and Amelie burst out laughing. Rhys sauntered back to the table, two copper coins sitting on the bar behind him.

  That evening, Rhys stacked the pile of coppers high.

  Ben con
tributed his fair share as well, but when he started feeling lightheaded and caught himself loudly, and unnecessarily, debating a topic with Rhys, he slowed down and only had one more ale. When he passed on the next round, Lady Towaal flashed a small smile then stood.

  “I think I shall get some rest,” she stated. “Amelie, are you coming as well?”

  Amelie nodded, standing up from the table.

  Rhys frowned. “Everyone is abandoning me?” he asked pitifully.

  Amelie sighed and returned to her chair. “I’ll stay while Rhys finishes this ale. I don’t believe that sad look for a second, but I’m not very tired yet. I’ll be quiet when I come up.”

  Towaal nodded and swept down the hallway toward her and Amelie’s room. Ben and Rhys were sharing a room also. Ben figured he may as well stay with Rhys and Amelie while Rhys finished the ale.

  It didn’t take long. Rhys gulped it down quickly then declared, “If none of you are going to be any fun, I will turn in too.”

  “I’ll get some fresh air first, and then I’ll be right after you,” said Ben.

  “Mind if I join you?” asked Amelie.

  “Don’t go far,” advised Rhys. “This town seems quiet, but you never know.”

  Ben nodded. He and Amelie stepped out the front door and Rhys went to bed.

  The street outside was lit silver from a three-quarters moon hanging low in the sky. The town was quiet this late in the evening. Two locals and Master Perrod remained inside the inn, but other than them, it looked like everyone else had already found their beds.

  Ben glanced around then led Amelie to the side of the inn. There was a long bench against the wall that looked out past the edge of town into the woods. The stars were starting to poke through and join the moon in the black blanket of the night sky.

  They settled on the bench and Amelie scooted close to Ben.

  “It’s getting cold now,” she whispered.

  Ben wrapped an arm around her and draped his cloak across her back. A draft of cool air chilled him, but her warm body felt good against his side.

  “We’ll have to find warmer clothes in Northport,” he replied back in a low voice.

  She shivered and burrowed deeper in his cloak.

  They sat like that silently for several minutes, watching the stars twinkle to life. They huddled next to each other. Together they stayed warm.

  A silver streak shot silently across the sky. They both tracked the shooting star until it disappeared behind the branches of a great oak tree.

  Ben breathed deep of the cool air then looked down at Amelie. She was looking back up at him. Moonlight painted her face like a beautiful doll that he saw at a shop in Fabrizo. Her lips were parted slightly and her eyes twinkled like the stars.

  He leaned toward her and she gasped and scooted away. A wedge of cold slid between them.

  “I…” Ben started.

  She silenced him with a finger on his lips.

  “It’s not that,” she said.

  He met her eyes and waited for her to continue.

  “This is not the right time,” she finally said.

  He nodded. “I understand,” he whispered, afraid to speak too loudly and betray the lump in his throat. He didn’t understand.

  “I hope you do,” she breathed. “Coming for me in the Sanctuary, risking your life, and sticking with me through whatever happens next. Ben, I couldn’t possibly ask for more than that. You’ve been more loyal to me than I deserve. I’ve been thinking about that, a lot.”

  He stayed still, letting her speak.

  “Then we were in Kirksbane again, and we saw the Curve,” she added.

  Ben swallowed uncomfortably. That night at the inn with the barmaid hadn’t been his most honorable moment.

  “No.” She sighed. “I am saying this all wrong. Ben, when we saw that place and I thought about that whore being with you…”

  He wondered how to unwrap his arm from her shoulder without being too obvious.

  “Ben, I was jealous. I still am,” she whispered.

  “I’m sorry, Amelie,” he responded painfully. “I know it’s not an excuse, but I was drunk. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  “I know that. I was mad then, but I am not mad anymore…as mad at least,” she said with a sigh. “Ben, I mean I was jealous because I care about you. I wanted what she had. Ben, I still want what she had. That morning after, I told myself I’d been stupid. I was a lady and I was going to be an initiate at the Sanctuary. That kind of thing wasn’t an option for me, I had other plans. It was foolish then, but, that’s not me anymore. That life is over.”

  He wasn’t sure what to do. That sounded like someone who wanted a kiss.

  “Amelie…” he started, yearning creeping into his voice.

  “But now is not the time,” she continued. “We have too much happening right now and too much danger to be distracted. We have to think about what we are doing and not…what we want to be doing. This town seems safe, but Rhys is right, we never know. We could be attacked here, we could be attacked anywhere. We have to stay alert.”

  “You’re right,” he replied, understanding finally but not wanting to. If they let their guard down, it could be fatal. They couldn’t afford distractions.

  Then she kissed him.

  Her soft lips, cold at first in the night air, warmed quickly when pressed against his. Before he could respond, she pulled away.

  “We should go to bed,” she said, breathing quickly. “Towaal and Rhys will be ready to get on the road at first light.”

  Ben stood with her and walked slowly back to the inn. He didn’t trust himself to speak.

  The door to his room creaked shut noisily. Rhys stirred under his blankets while Ben stripped off his boots and his outer clothes.

  A window was open and their room was cold. Ben buried himself under the rough blankets and tried to still his swirling thoughts. The meditation Lady Towaal taught them back at the farmhouse wasn’t helping at all now.

  “Hands above the blankets,” mumbled a sleepy Rhys.

  “What?” whispered Ben.

  “Keep your hands above the blanket.” His friend yawned.

  “What are you talking about?” Ben hissed in reply.

  “You just went for a moonlight stroll with Amelie but you weren’t gone long enough to really enjoy it. I hear you breathing over there like a farm boy who just saw his first naked woman. Well, you are a farm boy, but you know what I mean. Keep your hands out,” barked Rhys. Then he rolled over and started to snore softly.

  Ben stared at the dark ceiling.

  Sparkles of silver frosted the thatch roofs of the town. They crunched through the frozen morning dew on the way to the narrow road that lead back into the woods. Ben’s breath puffed out in a cloud in front of him. He rubbed his hands together to warm them up.

  “Are you sure we needed to leave this early?” he complained from deep within the hood of his cloak. “It’s cold.”

  Towaal answered, “The sooner we reach Northport, the sooner Lord Rhymer can send troops to aid Issen.” Before Amelie could speak up, she raised one hand. “You had to learn to defend yourselves against magic. If you can’t defend yourselves, then there is no point in continuing. Stopping was necessary. Sitting over a hot bowl of porridge by the fire and sipping a steaming mug of kaf is not necessary.”

  “Aren’t you from the mountains?” Rhys asked Ben. “Surely it gets colder than this in Farview. You should be used to it.”

  “It does get cold in the winter,” objected Ben, “but I’m smart enough to stay inside then!”

  “Well, I hate to ruin your morning, but we’re going to Northport, and it’s about to be winter. It’s going to get a lot colder.”

  Ben trudged on.

  The narrow path wound deeper into the woods and started climbing in elevation. Northport wasn’t in the mountains, but it was a significantly higher elevation than the City. They would continue at a steady climb along a low rise for another two weeks until they got
there.

  On the path, they saw hardly anyone.

  “Who uses this road?” groused Amelie one morning after running into a low-hanging branch. It was heavy with rain water from the night before. The cold water showered down on her when she tried to duck underneath it.

  “There are some mining towns further up,” answered Rhys. “That’s what Northport is known for—mining. Down here, it’s mostly fur trappers and the occasional farming community. It’s rough scratching out a field in these woods though.”

  Shaking off the water from the branch, Amelie stepped over a fallen tree trunk and kicked it in frustration. “Who maintains the path then? They are doing a terrible job.”

  “The people who use it,” Rhys grinned. “We can move that tree trunk if you like. Make this road nice and smooth for the next travelers. I don’t suppose you brought an axe or a saw?”

  Amelie glared at him.

  “Sooner or later,” added Rhys, “someone is going to come this way with heavy carts of iron ingots from one of the mines. They’ll clear the way as they pass through. After that, the vegetation will start the slow process of growing back.”

  “No lord claims this land?” asked Ben curiously. Aside from his hometown of Farview and Free State, everywhere they went seemed to be claimed by someone.

  Rhys shrugged. “Not that I know of. It’s been a few years since I last passed through this way. They seemed pretty independent then. It could be part of Northport, I suppose.”

  “Those Free Staters aren’t as unique as they think,” declared Amelie.

  Something else occurred to Ben. “Rhys, why do they carry the iron ingots in carts? Couldn’t they make their way over to the Venmoor River and barge it down? I assume they are going to Venmoor with it?”

  “Good question,” acknowledged Rhys. “I imagine they would have to cut a new road to get over to the river, and that is no easy task. And if they got there, they would have to locate a barge that would be willing to load heavy cargo off the side of the riverbank and not at a mooring. All of that is assuming they could find a barge at all. They might spend a significant amount of time waiting.”