They moved into a small vale and found the patrol held up by something ahead. The last man in line motioned them for quiet. They moved to the head of the line, and Laurie looked around for a quick exit route should there be any trouble. Hokanu said softly, “I thought I heard something, but there has been no sound for several minutes.”
Kasumi nodded. “Then move forward. We will wait until you have crossed that open area ahead, then follow to the woods.” He indicated a stand of trees, on the other side of the clearing.
When the patrol had reached the center of the open area, the clouds parted and shafts of moonlight lit up the area. “Damn!” Kasumi swore under his breath. “They might as well light torches now.”
Suddenly the trees erupted with motion and sound. The ground trembled as riders came charging forward, out from the trees that hid them. Each wore heavy chain mail and a full helm. Long lances were leveled at the surprised Tsurani soldiers.
The Tsurani had barely enough time to ready a rude line for defense before the riders were upon them. Cries of horses and men filled the air, and the Tsurani fell before the charge. The riders rode over the Tsurani and re-formed at the end of the vale where the two fugitives hid. They wheeled about and charged again. The Tsurani survivors of the last charge, less than half the men, moved quickly up the west side of the vale, where the trees and incline of the hillside would counter the horsemen’s ability to charge.
Laurie touched Kasumi’s arm and motioned to the right. It was evident the Tsurani officer was barely holding himself in check from joining his men. Suddenly Kasumi was off, hugging the edge of the trees as he ran low. Laurie followed and spotted what appeared to be a rough path heading eastward. He grabbed Kasumi’s sleeve and pointed. They turned their backs to the fighting and moved off.
—
THE NEXT DAY found two travelers moving down the road to Zūn. Both wore woolen shirts, trousers, and cloaks. Closer examination by a trained eye would have revealed that the material was not really wool, but something like it. Their belts and boots were made from needra hide dyed to resemble leather. The fashion was Midkemian, as were the swords they wore on their belts.
One was obviously a minstrel, for he wore a lute slung over his backpack. The other looked to be a freebooter mercenary. Any casual observer would have been unlikely to guess their origins, or the riches carried in those backpacks, for each had a small fortune in gems tucked away in the bottom of his pack.
A northbound troop of light cavalry passed them on the road, and Laurie said, “Things have changed since I was last here. Those men in the forest were Royal Krondorian Lancers, and those who just passed wore the colors of Quester’s View. All the forces of the Armies of the West must be marshaling here. Something seems to be in the air. Perhaps they have somehow gleaned your Warlord’s plan for a major offensive?”
“I don’t know. Whatever is happening does not seem to indicate that things are as stable as we have been led to believe back home. Alliances are very uneasy since the death of the Lord of the Minwanabi and the emergence of new forces in the Great Game. The Warlord may be more desperate than my father judged. And the concentration of troops here makes me think the Warlord’s victory may not be easily won.” Kasumi was quiet for a moment as they walked along the road. “I hope that Hokanu was among those who reached the trees.” It was the first time he had mentioned his brother, and Laurie could think of nothing to say.
—
TWO DAYS LATER, Laurie, a minstrel late of Tyr-Sog, and Kenneth, a mercenary from the Vale of Dreams, sat in the Green Cat Inn in the city of Zūn. Both ate with hearty appetite, for they had lived on soldiers’ rations—cakes of grain and dried fruit—for two days.
Laurie had spent over an hour negotiating with a less than reputable gem broker for several smaller stones’ value. He had settled for one third their actual worth, stating, “If he thinks they are stolen, he will not be too quick to ask questions.”
Kasumi asked, “Why didn’t you sell him all the stones?”
“Your father has given us enough to retire on for the rest of our days. I doubt if all the brokers in Zūn could raise the gold to pay for them. We will sell a few as we travel; besides, they weigh less than gold.”
Finishing their meal, the two men paid and left. Kasumi could only just refrain from staring at all the metal he could see everywhere, a lifetime’s riches on Kelewan. Just the cost of the meal in silver could support a Tsurani family for a year.
They hurried along one of the city’s business streets, heading to the south gate. Near there, they had been informed, a reputable trader in horses would sell them mounts and tack for a fair price. They found the man, a thin, hawk-beaked fellow by the name of Brin. Laurie spent the better part of an hour haggling with the horse trader for two of his better mounts. They left him expressing concern over their ability to sleep nights after cheating an honest businessman out of the money he needed to feed his starving children.
As they rode through the gate that put them on the road to Ylith, Kasumi said, “Much of this land of yours seems odd, but as you haggled with that merchant, I was reminded of home. Our traders are much more polite and would never think of raising their voices in such a manner, but it is still the same thing. They all have starving children.”
Laurie laughed and spurred his mount forward. Soon they were out of sight of the city.
—
SOUTH OF QUESTER’S View they passed more troops on the road, this time Kingdom regulars and auxiliaries trudging along on foot while their officers rode. Laurie and Kasumi had stopped to untack and graze their horses while the column moved past. The fighter watched the soldiers passing with an expert’s eye. Red-uniformed soldiers marched in tight formation, while the more ragged auxiliaries still managed a look of organization. The baggage train moved in good order, experienced cart drivers keeping the animals in proper intervals. When they passed, Kasumi said, “Those soldiers are better than any I’ve seen so far on your world, Laurie. Those in red look like professionals. They march well. And those others seem experienced, despite their motley look.”
Laurie nodded. “I recognize the standard. That’s the garrison of Shamata, in the Vale of Dreams. They have had their fair share of fighting Kesh’s dog-soldiers and are a veteran outfit. Those others are auxiliaries, Valemen mercenaries; a less tender band of lads you’d be hard pressed to find.” Laurie started to resaddle his horse. “They’re as seasoned a force of men as your countrymen will have faced, in truth.”
When the horses were tacked up, Laurie and Kasumi remounted and rode on. Soon they could see the Bitter Sea, as the road rounded the hills of Quester’s View.
Laurie pulled up his horse and stared out to sea. “What is it?” asked Kasumi.
Laurie shaded his eyes. “Ships! A whole fleet of them sailing north.” He sat for a moment watching, and at last Kasumi could see dots of white upon the blue of the sea.
“Where are they bound?” Kasumi asked.
“Ylith is the only major point north of here. They must be carrying supplies for the war.”
They resumed their ride. A sense of urgency descended upon them both, as everything they saw pointed to an intensification of the war, and the longer they tarried, the less likely the success of their mission.
—
FOURTEEN DAYS LATER, they reached the northern gate of Krondor. As they rode through, they were regarded suspiciously by several guards dressed in black and gold. Once beyond earshot of the gate guards, Laurie said, “Those are not the Prince’s tabards. The banner of Bas-Tyra flies over Krondor.”
They rode slowly for a minute, then Kasumi said, “What does it mean?”
“I don’t know. But I think I know a place we can find out.” They rode through a series of streets bounded on each side by warehouses and commercial enterprises. Sounds from the docks, several streets away, could be heard. Otherwise the district was quiet. “Strange,” remarked Laurie, as they rode on. “This part of the city is usually busiest at
this time of day.”
Kasumi looked around, not sure of what he expected to see. The Midkemian cities, compared to those of the Empire, seemed small and dirty. Still, there was something strange about the lack of activity here. Both Zūn and Ylith had been teeming with soldiers, traders, and citizens at midday, even though they were smaller cities than Krondor. As they rode, a feeling of disquiet visited Kasumi.
They entered a section of the city even more run-down than the warehouse district. Here the streets were narrow, with four- and five-story buildings hugging closely to either side. Dark shadows abounded, even at noon. Those in the street, a few traders and women going to market, moved quietly and with speed. Everywhere the riders looked, they could see expressions of caution and distrust.
Laurie led Kasumi to a gate, behind which the upper part of a three-story building could be seen. Laurie leaned over in the saddle and pulled on a bell rope. When there was no answer after a few minutes, he pulled again.
A moment later a peek window in the door slid aside, two eyes could be seen, and a voice said, “What’s your business?”
Laurie’s tone was sharp. “Lucas, is that you? What is happening when travelers can’t gain entrance?”
The eyes widened, and the peek window slid shut. The gate swung open with a creaking protest, and a man stepped out to push it wide. “Laurie, you scoundrel!” he said as he admitted the riders. “It’s been five—no, six years.”
They rode in, and Laurie was shocked by the condition of the inn. Off to one side was a dilapidated stable. Opposite the gate a sign hung over the main entrance, depicting in faded hues a parrot of many colors with wings spread. They could hear the gate close behind them.
The man called Lucas, tall and gaunt, with grey hair, said, “You’ll have to stable the animals yourself. I am alone here and must return to the common room before my guests steal everything there. I’ll see you and your friend inside and we can talk.” He turned away, and the two riders were left to tend to their mounts.
As they removed the saddles from the horses, Laurie said, “There is a lot happening here that I don’t understand. The Rainbow Parrot was never a showplace, but it was always one of the better taverns in the Poor Quarter.” He quietly rubbed down his animal. “If there is any place we can find out what is truly going on in Krondor, this is it. And one thing I have learned over my years of traveling through the Kingdom is when gate guards are watching travelers closely, it is time to stay somewhere they are not likely to visit. You can get your throat cut quickly in the Poor Quarter, but you’ll rarely see a guardsman about. And if they do come, the man who was trying to cut your throat will more than likely hide you until they are gone.”
“And then try to cut your throat.”
Laurie laughed. “You learn quickly.”
When the horses were cared for, the two travelers carried their saddles and packs into the inn. Inside they were greeted by the sight of a dimly lit common room, with a long bar along the rear wall. On the left stood a large fireplace, and on the right a stairway leading upward. There were a number of empty tables in the room, and two with customers. The newcomers were given a quick look by the guests, who then returned to their drinks and quiet conversation.
Laurie and Kasumi crossed over to the bar, where Lucas stood cleaning some wine cups with a less than clean rag. They dropped their packs at their feet, and Laurie said, “Any Keshian wine?”
Lucas said, “A little, but it is expensive. There has been little trade with Kesh since the trouble started.”
Laurie looked at Lucas, as if weighing the cost. “Then two ales.”
Lucas drew two large tankards of ale and said, “It is good to see you, Laurie. I’ve missed that tender voice of yours.”
Laurie said, “That’s not what you said the last time. As I recall, you likened it to the screeching of a cat looking for a fight.”
They chuckled over that, and Lucas said, “With things so bleak, I have mellowed toward those who were true friends. There are few of us left.” He threw a pointed look at Kasumi.
Laurie said, “This is Kenneth, a true friend of mine, Lucas.”
Lucas continued to regard the Tsurani for a moment, then smiled. “Laurie’s recommendation counts heavily. Welcome.” He extended his hand, and Kasumi shook with him, Kingdom fashion.
“I am pleased at your welcome.”
Lucas frowned at the sound of his accent. “An outlander?”
“From the Vale of Dreams,” said Kasumi.
“The Kingdom side,” added Laurie.
Lucas studied the fighter. After a moment he shrugged. “Whatever. It matters not a whit to me, but be wary. These are suspicious times, and there is little love wasted on strangers. Take care who you speak with, for there are rumors that Kesh’s dog-soldiers are ready to move north again, and you are not far from being Keshian.”
Before Kasumi could say anything, Laurie said, “Is there to be trouble with Kesh, then?”
Lucas shook his head. “I can’t say. The market has more rumors than a beggar has boils.” His voice lowered. “Two weeks back, traders arrived with word the Empire of Great Kesh was again fighting far to the south, seeking to subdue their former vassals in the Confederacy once more. So things should stay quiet for a while. They learned the folly of a two-front war over a hundred years back when they managed to lose all of Bosania and still not beat the Confederacy.”
Laurie said, “We have been traveling for a very long time and have heard little news. Why is Bas-Tyra’s banner over Krondor?”
Lucas quickly looked around the room. The drinkers seemed oblivious to the conversation at the bar, but Lucas motioned for silence. “I will show you a room,” he said loudly. Both Laurie and Kasumi were a little surprised, but picked up their belongings and followed Lucas upstairs without comment.
He led them to a small room, with two beds and a nightstand. When the door was closed behind, he said, “I trust you, Laurie, so I’ll ask no questions, but know things have changed greatly since last you were here. Even in the Poor Quarter there are ears that belong to the Viceroy. Bas-Tyra has the city under his boot-heel, and it is a foolish man who speaks without seeing who is listening.”
Lucas sat down on one of the beds, and Laurie and Kasumi sat across from him. Lucas continued, “When Bas-Tyra came to Krondor he carried the King’s warrant naming him ruler of Krondor, with full viceregal powers. Prince Erland and his family were locked up in the palace, though Guy calls it ‘protective custody.’ Then Guy came down hard on the city. Press-gangs roamed the waterfront, and many a man now sails in Lord Jessup’s fleet without his wife or children knowing what became of their old pa. Since then, any who speak against the Viceroy or King simply vanish, ’cause Guy’s got a secret police listening at every door in the city.
“Taxes increase each year to pay for the war, and trade’s drying up, except for those selling to the army for the war, and they’re getting paid in worthless vouchers. These are hard times, and the Viceroy’s doing nothing to make them easier. Food is scarce, and there is little money to pay for what there is. Many farmers have lost their farms for taxes, and now the land lies fallow for want of someone to till it. So the farmers wander into the city, swelling the population. Most of the young men have been drafted into the army or the fleet. Be careful you aren’t picked up by the guards, for whatever reason, and be wary of the press-gangs.
“Still,” Lucas said with a chuckle, “things got lively around here for a time when Prince Arutha came to Krondor.”
“Borric’s son? He’s in the city?” asked Laurie.
A twinkle of pleasure showed in Lucas’s eyes. “No longer.” He chuckled again. “Last winter, as bold as bright brass, the Prince comes sailing into Krondor. He must have taken the Straits of Darkness during the winter, or he never would have reached the city when he did.” He quickly told them of Arutha and Anita’s escape.
Laurie said, “Did they return to Crydee?”
Lucas nodded. “A trader
in from Carse a week ago was full of news of this and that. One thing he heard was some Tsurani were acting up around Jonril, and the Prince of Crydee was ready to come down to help if needed. So Arutha must have made it back.”
Laurie said, “Guy must have been fit to burst at the news.”
Lucas’s smile vanished. “Well, he was, Laurie. He’d tossed Prince Erland into the dungeon to get his permission to marry Anita. He kept him there after he heard of Anita’s escape. I guess he thought the girl would come back rather than let her father stay in a damp cell, but he was wrong. Now the word’s on the street the Prince is near death from the chill. That’s why the city’s in such a state. No one knows what will happen if Erland dies. He’s well liked, and there might be trouble.” Laurie looked at Lucas with an unspoken question. “Nothing like rebellion,” Lucas answered. “We’re too dispirited. But a few of Guy’s guards may turn up missing at muster, and there’ll be many inconveniences getting supplies to the garrison and palace and the like. And I wouldn’t wish to be the Viceroy’s taxman when he’s next sent into the Poor Quarter.”
Laurie considered what he had heard. “We are headed east. What about conditions on the road?”
Lucas slowly shook his head. “There is still some traveling done. Once past Darkmoor, you should have scant trouble, I’m thinking. We hear that things in the East are more as they used to be. Still, I’d move carefully.”
Kasumi asked, “Will we be troubled leaving the city?”
“The north gate is still the best way. It is undermanned, as usual. For a small fee, the Mockers can see you safely through.”
“Mockers?” asked the fighter.
Lucas raised his brows in surprise. “You are from a long way off. The Guild of Thieves. They remain in control of the Poor Quarter, and the Upright Man still has influence with the merchants and traders, especially along the docks. The warehouse district is their second home, after the Poor Quarter. They can get you out, if you have any trouble at the gate.”
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