by Dan Decker
“I don’t know.” Tere touched his fingers to his lips completing the prayer. If the others noticed, they didn’t comment. He slowed his horse to a stop and looked down the hill at the town. “Neberan is small. Three armed men will be noticed right away, where one might avoid attention.”
Larae would like this morning, Tere thought as he closed his eyes imagining he was back home, sitting on the porch eating eggs and toast with Larae cuddled beside him as Sharu played nearby, having shown no interest in her breakfast. After several long seconds, he reminded himself Sharu hadn’t been that small for almost two decades.
There had been a time when that memory warmed him, but now it was just an empty husk. The years of watching Sharu grow to a woman were past, and even though he had made regular return visits to Rarbon, it was never long after arriving before Rahar Abel insisted that Tere leave again to chase some other rumor of Adar.
At first, every day Tere had spent away from his family was a bit heavier than the last, but that had changed. The gulf between Larae and him had grown until Sharu was the only connection they had remaining.
These days it was better for him to be away because Larae had taken a lover. Tere didn’t have proof, but at times there were words that his wife and daughter exchanged that left him puzzled. He’d refused to ask questions or give much thought to the matter. What was the point? He couldn’t blame her because duty had become his mistress.
Melyah take the Rahar! Rahar Abel claimed that his grandson Jorad must be found to protect Rarbon, but he said many things that Tere had long since stopped believing, it was mere duty that caused him to continue the search. He had, after all, his oath to obey.
“If you find Adar you’ll want us with you,” Tarner said. “You can’t kill him alone.” Perhaps Tarner did want to come.
“I should go,” Lous Liup said, startling Tere. The man spoke so infrequently that Tere was never sure if Lous knew what went on around him. “Adar doesn’t know me.”
Tarner snorted. “I’d give you ten minutes before you forgot why you were there.”
Lous just shook his head and didn’t answer as Tere closed his eyes again and wished the sun would melt away the pain. It didn’t matter why they were still looking for Jorad. What mattered was that Abel still believed Jorad could be found.
“I’ll go alone.” Tere noticed Tarner hide a smile and realized that must have been what he’d wanted from the beginning. Tere almost changed his mind just because he didn’t want Tarner to think he could be controlled, but he relented. Tarner and Lous could both use the extra rest, and it would be better for Tere to scout out the city alone. If by some remote chance Adar was here, they didn’t need to announce their presence.
Chapter 6
Jorad sat beside Soret on a fallen log and did his best to think of the right words to say. They were on the outskirts of town and had a good view of Vigorock as it shined in the late morning sun. Oh, how he wished that he had more time to puzzle out its secrets. The key to the ancient weapons could be right in front of them and because they didn’t know what they were looking for they would probably just pass it by. How much more efficient would it be to get Vigorock to work now rather than spending an unknowable amount of time trying to get into the Portal only to be faced with similar questions if he was successful?
Several small children with huge grins ran by, and he watched them as they passed. The smallest lagged behind and was calling to the others to wait. As Jorad stared at the children, he wondered if there was anything he could do to help them. He and Adar had agreed to warn everybody they could before they had to leave, but he knew that their efforts would be futile. Even if he somehow found the parents of these children, it would not be an easy task to convince them that they were in danger.
Adar had mentioned something about going to see Mayor Keeret and Jorad wished him luck. The mayor was a prickly woman and didn't particularly like Adar. Melyah, even if she liked Adar, a story about the Hunwei wouldn't go over well.
Jorad yawned. He and Adar had arrived at the boarding house in the early hours of the morning and gone to bed. He had done his best to sleep, but the stress of returning to Rarbon kept him tossing and turning. He'd finally managed to doze only to be awoken by Adar a few minutes later. They decided to leave Zecarani in the early afternoon after Adar tied up a few loose ends.
Jorad's first thought when he awoke had been for Soret. He'd grabbed a slab of bread from the kitchen and scarfed it down on the way to the Tedenhel Store. The return of the Hunwei had at least solidified his decision about her, his concerns about her parents seemed trivial in comparison to the days ahead. Luckily, when he had arrived at the store, Barc and Hira weren't around. It took some doing, but he'd managed to convince Soret to come with him on a walk.
“Ruder was right,” Jorad said, not knowing how to start. He couldn't afford to have this conversation go badly, but there also wasn't much time before he would be leaving. He needed to convince her to leave Neberan by either coming with him or by going somewhere safe and hiding.
“Ruder is crazy,” Soret said, her eyes bored into him, but he held her gaze. She was wearing brown trousers, a green blouse, and had her hair back in a ponytail. She might have thought she looked prettier when she had dressed up for the wedding, but she was just as beautiful now. He could smell the hint of the shampoo she used this morning.
Jorad shrugged and recounted to her the events of the last day, his certainty that the Hunwei had returned and that he was going to Zecarani to help Adar find a way to fight them. He left Rarbon out of the explanation for now.
“I can't believe you're trying to convince me the Hunwei are real.” Soret shook her head while standing up. “I need to return to the store. I promised dad I’d make some deliveries. I don’t have time for this.” Soret stalked away with her back straight. He’d seen that walk before and knew that she was furious. He would have liked to give her time to calm down but didn't have the luxury. He chased after her.
Somebody called his name from behind as he ran, but he ignored it because Soret turned. “Is this your plan to trick me into marrying you? You’re not the first man to try something like this on me. My dad won’t give me a dowry if I pull a stunt like that. So if that’s your plan get it out of your head now.” She stood in the middle of the road. Several people were passing by on either side, but she didn't seem to notice the strange looks she was getting.
“Soret,” Jorad began, but before he could continue, Erro Paler pushed between them and Jorad almost lost his balance. Erro was the same height as Jorad and reeked of cologne. His gaudy sword hung at his side, and he wore a triumphant look.
It took everything Jorad had not to punch the idiot. He didn't know for sure if Erro had been spreading lies about him, if he did, it would have been much harder.
“Here’s the man you want,” Erro said.
Several of Neberan’s town guard had approached as well. Jorad recognized Thon Reaver, who nodded, but without his characteristic friendliness. Thon was a decent fellow, who stood a head taller than Jorad and had broader shoulders. The man always reminded him of an ox. Instead of the open smile that Thon usually wore, he was tight-lipped and scrutinizing Jorad’s face. His thick sword that was more club than sword was strapped to his back.
Thon looked like he was trying to decide if Jorad had done something wrong. Erro was doing his best to hide a smile. What was the fool grasping at now?
Jorad clenched his fists. The last thing he needed to do right now was get in trouble with the town guard watching. He made a commitment to himself that the next time he had trouble with Erro that he was going to give the fool a thorough beating.
“Erro—” Soret said.
Erro interrupted her, and she scowled. “It’s not about you,” Erro said. “Jorad is wanted for murder.”
That got Jorad's attention. At least Erro had decided to make accusations to his face now. The treatment Jorad was getting from Soret's parent's made more sense with this little tid
bit coming to light. He tried to refrain from sneering, but he only half succeeded.
“I’m not a murderer,” Jorad said. “Keep this up, that could change.”
Thon smiled, and the other guard—Sein wasn’t it?—laughed. Erro pulled a folded piece of paper from his coat pocket. It was old and creased in multiple places. Jorad tried not to look anxious, hoping it wasn’t what he thought.
How had that followed them here? Colonipo was half a continent away, and it had been several years. Would that afternoon ever stop haunting them?
“You go too far,” Soret said.
Jorad agreed, he’d been too patient. Erro was spoiling for a fight and maybe it was time he obliged. Thon continued to stare at Jorad, at least that made sense now.
“Here, let me see that little paper again.” Thon took the paper and held it up, comparing it to Jorad, who smiled toothily.
Jorad hoped he never ended up on the wrong side of Thon, who was a dangerous enough man without a weapon. The thick sword just made him all the more formidable. Jorad had seen him practicing with it several weeks ago. The man moved it with the ease a normal sized man handled a regular sword. Thon passed the paper to Sein, who switched his staff to his other hand so he could take the paper and hold it up for comparison. Jorad continued to smile. Let them see this doesn’t bother me.
“This has been a waste of time,” Sein said, handing the paper back to Erro. For his part, Sein looked relieved. There was a visible relaxing of his narrow shoulders and the grip on his staff lessened as well. “That drawing could be anybody. Even you Erro.”
“You’re right,” Thon said. “Sorry for the confusion Jorad. Just a mistake, that’s all.” He put out his hand to Jorad, who took it. “Enjoy the rest of your morning.”
“But it’s him!” Erro held the paper up so that Soret could see it. “You deserve to know the truth.”
Jorad relaxed. It wasn’t the one he’d been thinking of, if they’d had that one, Thon and Sein might not have been so easily convinced.
“I’ll never come back to you,” Soret said.
Erro choked on his words as his jaw clenched. “He’s a murderer.”
“If Colonipo wants him, they can come get him,” Thon said. “Until then this piece of paper isn’t enough to ruin a man’s life.”
“You can’t just let him walk free.”
“He’s killed nobody here,” Thon said. Erro grabbed the paper back from Soret and stuffed it into his pocket before leaving.
Jorad turned to talk with Soret, but she was already stalking off again. Cursing, he ran to catch up with her. What was it that Adar said? Some women took it as their purpose in life to make men work hard for their affections. Jorad shook his head as he ran after her. This was a matter of life and death. He needed her to pay attention to him so he could help her survive the days ahead.
Chapter 7
Tere spent the day scouting Neberan, which despite its small size was dusty from all the traffic. The biggest buildings were a boarding house, an inn, and a one-room schoolhouse. He was surprised at the number of shops in town, but he assumed that meant most of the farmers in the surrounding area did their business here.
At least there was a school. Most towns this far away from major cities didn’t have one and children were educated only if there was nothing better for them to do. In contrast, all the towns surrounding Rarbon had at least one school and several teachers, even those that were small enough they barely qualified to be called such.
Tere had made the right decision to leave Tarner and Lous. The people he passed refused to make eye contact with him and when they thought he wasn’t looking would stare at his sword. Three armed men would have been a cause for concern and news of their presence would have spread like wildfire. As it was, one stranger with a sword would be enough to cause gossip.
Instead of asking questions right off, he looked around and told anyone that asked—there were few of those—that he was passing through on his way to Zecarani and needed supplies. He wasn’t expecting to learn anything that way but knew people would clam up the moment they felt unsure about him. However, if a merchant thought that he was interested in buying something; a casual question could elicit useful information.
Tere was in the middle of a conversation outside a leather merchant's shop about a new coat he didn’t need, when he noticed a tall young man that had a familiar look to him. Tere couldn't quite place what made the man stick out. Was it his build, sword, light brown hair, or the way he walked with an arrogant confidence? His fifteen-year search had already been a long enough road that he didn't trust the feeling of familiarity. He'd experienced the same thing many times in his hunt for Adar, and it had always led to a dead end. Tere's eye began to itch, and he did his best to wipe the dust on his face away from his eyes, but he only succeeded in making both eyes water.
The kid must have noticed him because he stared back at Tere. He was with a woman who looked like she was angry about something. Tere frowned, he’d seen that same expression on Larae many times, and it had never meant anything good. Poor lad would have a terrible time dealing with her while she was like this.
The leather merchant, Timor, noticed Tere looking at the couple. “That leather coat on Jorad? Best work I’ve done. I could make you one like that for three juen of silver.”
Tere’s heart must have stopped, but he managed to cover his surprise. Jorad had his sword strapped to his back, like a Radim and it was one of the few swords Tere had seen today in Neberan.
Jorad wasn’t a common name in Rarbon, but this far west it wasn’t uncommon at all to find two or three men in a village named Jorad. In the early days of the search when they would ask for anybody named Jorad, they’d get half a dozen leads. They hadn’t asked after the name often. Adar would have stopped using their real names, or so Tere had assumed. Maybe Adar was slipping.
The lad seemed surprised to see Tere. Had he recognized something about Tere or something from Rarbon? Jorad had known Tere as a small boy, but that was long enough ago that Tere wasn’t worried he'd be recognized. Tere doubted the boy had recognized anything from Rarbon because he’d been careful to dress in clothing that didn’t proclaim him to be anything other than a man with a sword. He'd even covered the hilt of his sword with cloth, hiding the distinctive marks.
The young man Timor had indicated, looked like Adar and seemed to have something of Nelion in him as well, but that could just be Tere’s imagination playing a trick on him. Searching for something for so long made it easy to see things that didn’t exist.
Jorad walked faster, and the woman that he’d been chasing now ran to catch up to him. Tere thanked Timor and left but not before he mentioned that he might be back for the coat. It was best to keep up appearances, even if it might not be necessary any longer.
What were the chances of Tere finding a man named Jorad, who carried a sword in a place where most others didn’t, that had recognized something about Tere?
Once he mounted his horse, Tere had to restrain from galloping out of town. Now that he had found them, he didn’t want to mess up. So as much as it bothered him, he continued at a walk on the road out of Neberan. With every passing moment, he became more anxious and worried. This was the best lead since Adar had disappeared and Tere’s men were half a mile out of town. It had seemed a small thing to leave them, but now Tere cursed his decision. He’d become careless. He smiled at some of the people he passed, but they didn’t return it and looked straight ahead pretending not to notice. So much for the rumored hospitality of the west.
Tere alone might be a match for Adar, but together with Lous and Tarner, they should be able to take him. Even though it had been years, Tere was certain that Adar would still be in shape. The man had been diligent about his training even when he was going through the trials. He wouldn’t have become lax now.
Tere snorted. Adar had always been driven as though somebody was cracking a whip over his head. Tere doubted that Adar lacked the motivation to continue
his training. Living life on the run would be reason enough.
Tere reached the edge of town, made sure no one was around and urged his horse to a gallop.
Chapter 8
Soret was a step ahead of Jorad, and the street was crowded with people so he had to strain to hear her words. The dust kicked up from all the traffic was sticking to his sweaty face. Using the back of his hand, he wiped off his forehead. It came away grimy, so he cleaned it on his pants. He wanted to take a few minutes to rest and calm down but couldn't afford the luxury.
His blood was still racing from the encounter with Erro. If Erro tried something again, Jorad would give him the beating he deserved, whether the town guard was there or not. He didn’t know what else to say to Soret about the Hunwei. At least Erro’s poster hadn’t seemed to faze her.
Jorad couldn’t blame her for her anger and confusion about the Hunwei though. Ruder hadn’t been able to convince him, Jorad had needed to see it for himself. He wished he had evidence to show her, but all he could do was tell her what he'd seen.
“Save your breath, I’m not coming with you,” Soret said when he caught up to her. “Not for something like this.”
“Once I leave, I won’t be coming back, Adar is adamant about getting to Zecarani as fast as possible.”
“He wants to get that weapon or whatever, right?” Soret looked like she was thinking of slapping him. “Why the rush now? It sounds like he’s known about it for years.”
“It won’t be the first time we’ve tried, but this time is different. He’s not going to leave without it now that the Hunwei are back.”
“And where will you go after that?”
“I don’t know,” he lied. Much as Jorad hated to admit it, Adar’s logic made sense. If there was even a slim chance that something in the Portal could help, it was worth Jorad making the effort to access it. Assuming, of course, that Rarbon hadn't already been taken over by the Hunwei.