“How far is it?” Jiron asks.
“Two, maybe three days,” he says. “There is another city just over a day or so to the east that has a temple, though it isn’t nearly as large as the one in Zixtyn. But if it should prove not to have one, it could complicate things.”
Jiron nods, “Not to mention the fact that we would waste time Tinok does not have.”
“I don’t think we have much choice,” James tells the others. “In the morning, we’ll make for Zixtyn.” Getting to his feet, he gives out with a yawn and says, “Best we get to bed.”
“We all could use sleep after what we went through today,” agrees Brother Willim.
They then return to where the others are already mostly asleep and find their blankets. Except for Jiron who has pulled the first watch, they are quickly asleep.
Early the next morning when they rise they are alarmed to see the Mists of Sorrow visible to their west. “It’s a good thing we rode as far as we did before we stopped,” Reilin says.
James turns to him and then gestures to the mist, “That’s why we did.” To Scar he asks, “How’s Stig doing?”
“Better,” he replies. Scar and Potbelly are sitting with Stig and sharing a quick breakfast before they get underway.
Stig looks up and says, “I’m sore. Those creatures really pack a mean punch.”
“You know,” begins Scar, “if they ever get the Pits open again, we could make a fortune if we could somehow manage to get one of them and put it in there to fight.”
Eyes lighting up, Potbelly exclaims, “Everyone would come to see it, and pay handsomely for the opportunity!”
Jiron turns on them and says, “Now all you have to do is go back into the mist and get one.”
Scar waves away the hand, “Details, details.” He and Potbelly begin working on a way in which they could make this venture a reality.
“They’ve got to be out of their minds,” Reilin comments to James.
He grins and shrugs. “It gives them something to do.”
They keep a constant watch on the Mists. It makes no move to either come closer or pull back, and nothing emerges from it. James was sure they would have kept up the pursuit, after all they had him and the others almost taken out as it was. The only explanation he’s been able to come up with is that the foes they encountered had the duty to prevent anyone from passing through the mist. And once they were out didn’t feel the need to continue the pursuit. Still, it doesn’t feel right.
Once everyone is finished with their less than satisfying meal, they get their horses ready for travel and are soon on the road. “We’ll have to head more to the east on our way to skirt around the other side of the Mists of Sorrow,” Perrilin states. “There’s a major trade route over there that runs from Cyst to Zixtyn.”
“But won’t they be looking for us after yesterday?” cautions Aleya.
“Possibly,” replies James. Taking out his mirror, he holds it up and adds, “I’ll be keeping a lookout for anything that we may need to stay clear of.”
“Besides,” adds Stig, “a major trade route will have heavy traffic traveling upon it which will enable us to blend in.”
“Hadn’t thought of that,” admits James. “Good thinking.” To Jiron he says, “You and Reilin take the lead. Head due east until we come to the road.”
“You got it,” he says. Then with a nudge into the sides of his horse, he takes the lead with Reilin right beside him. The others fall in behind and they make their way across the desert to the east.
It takes them three hours of riding before the trade route leading to Zixtyn comes into sight. Periodically during that time James uses his mirror to scan for hostiles in the area only to find it clear. Long before they come to the road, James finds it in his mirror. Many wagons, riders and people on foot are upon the road traveling in both directions.
After he tells the other what he saw, Perrilin nods and says, “It’s one of the main roads in the Empire. It’s the most direct way from the Empire’s southern territories to those in the north.”
“We shouldn’t have much problem getting lost in the crowd then,” James states.
When those traveling upon the road finally come into view, the others agree with his statement. Pressing forward, James and Reilin lead the others over to the road. As they approach, those upon the road give them curious looks. A group of riders coming in out of the desert, two of the horses having two riders upon their backs, all in all a rather odd occurrence for this area. None of those traveling upon the road do more than look however, and they soon leave them far behind.
During the rest of the day, Perrilin keeps the hood of his cloak tight about his face. It’s unlikely that anyone upon the road will recognize him, but you never know. When they reach the town of Hyrryth a couple hours before sundown, he tells them that they need to stop here for the night.
“Why?” asks Jiron. His anxiousness in reaching Zixtyn is written plainly upon his face.
“I need to remove Kir and don another face,” he says. “There is a shop here in Hyrryth where I can procure the needed materials.”
“Very well,” decides James. “Aside from that we can all use a rest.” Glancing to where Stig rides with Potbelly, he can see him drooping in the saddle. Although it’s true the Star healed him, such healing always takes a toll on the strength of the one healed. The magic of the Star uses in part the energy of those it heals, and only time and rest will replenish it.
Jiron acquiesces and when they reach the walls of Hyrryth, Jiron leads them through the gates and into the city.
“Best if I lead here,” Perrilin says. Moving past Jiron, he takes the lead. He continues down the street leading from the gate for several blocks before turning down a smaller side street to the left. Not too far down this street he stops before a two story building with a sign depicting a skewered scorpion.
Dismounting, Perrilin says “I’ll be right back.” He then goes up the stairs and in through the front doors.
“Shouldn’t he worry about someone inside recognizing him?” Reilin asks in a whisper to James.
“I would think so,” he replies. “But I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
A few minutes later, he emerges with another man. Both are talking in hushed tones as they leave the inn. They pause a moment just outside the door and Perrilin hands the man a small pouch, which from the sound it makes when it exchanges hands is filled with coins. The man glances to James and the others then turns and begins walking down the street.
When James makes to ask Perrilin what’s going on, Perrilin puts his finger to his lips and gives a slight shake of his head. Then he says, “Stable’s around the back.” Taking the reins of his horse, he leads the others down a side alley and then into the rear courtyard. Once they have the horses settled in for the night with a pail of oats the stableboy supplied for each, they leave the stable and make for the rear door to the inn.
Inside, they pass through the common room and then into a hallway leading to their rooms. “I was able to get six rooms,” he says. “I hope that will be enough?”
“It will be fine,” James assures him.
They each get settled into their rooms and then gather in James and Jiron’s room. “So who was the man you left the inn with?” asks Shorty.
“Just someone whom I’ve dealt with before,” he replies. “He went to get the items I need to remove Kir from the world.”
“Been here before I take it?” Scar asks.
“My journeys have taken me many places,” he tells him.
James looks at him and wonders just how far flung his network extends. Though Perrilin has never come right out and said it, he has to be a spy or something similar. After all he uses disguises, Lord Cytok who is the right hand of the Emperor wants him in a bad way, and things always seem to happen when he’s around. Someday he hopes to discover who he really is and what his agenda may be.
“Mind if we go down to the common room for a drink?” Scar asks
. When he sees that look come to him that usually means an argument is pending, he adds, “We promise not to get into any trouble.”
“Very well,” agrees James. “Just be sure you don’t.”
Taking Reilin with them, the pit fighters head down the hallway to the common room. James watches them go then turns to Jiron, “You’re not going?” he asks.
Shaking his head, he says, “Aleya and I will head down in a little bit.”
“Oh?” he asks.
Jiron gives him a grin and says, “Nothing like that.”
“If you say so,” James tells him.
Then with Aleya on his arm, he leaves the room and escorts her down to her room.
“They make a nice couple,” Brother Willim states.
“That they do,” agrees James.
A short while later the man whom Perrilin sent for the items he requires returns and gives him a package. Perrilin thanks the man and then adjourns to his room where he will begin to work on removing all traces of Kir. The man leaves once Perrilin has the package and is heading for his room.
“I think I’ll stay here and read more of the Book of Morcyth,” Miko says. Brother Willim offers to remain with him and he accepts.
Having nothing else to do, James takes his leave and makes his way out to the common room. Finding Scar and the others at a table off to one side, he heads over and joins them.
The food here at the Skewered Scorpion is rather good and after they have finished with their meal one of the traveling bards shows up. At first James thought this may be Perrilin in disguise, but when he began singing his first song, knew that it wasn’t. The man wasn’t even in the same league as Perrilin where music is concerned. Still, the bard’s music was enjoyable.
Two hours after James joined them, Perrilin makes his appearance. His skin is again back to its normal color and his hair is very dark, all in all looking quite different than he did when he was Kir.
“Looking good,” he says as Perrilin sits down.
“Yeah,” agrees Shorty. “Hardly look like you did.”
“Well, let’s not talk about it if it’s all the same,” he says.
James nods understandingly. He then looks over to where the hallway down which their room lies opens onto the common room. Jiron and Aleya should have been out here by now. Not to mention Miko, he’s never been one to miss out on food.
“Sounds like you had a tough childhood,” Aleya says to him as she lies in his arms. Ever since leaving the others and coming to her room, they’ve lain on her bed. Doing nothing more than holding one another and talking, they’ve completely lost track of time.
“We did,” he replies. “If it wasn’t for the Pits, I don’t know how Tersa and I would have survived.” Then his stomach gives out with a loud growl, informing him of the lack of sustenance it holds. Glancing to the window, he sees that night has fallen outside.
A single candle burns on the room’s table, just when it had been lit he can’t recall. “Maybe it’s time we go join the others and get something to eat.”
She reaches her lips to his and gives him a soft kiss. “Sounds like a good idea to me,” she says. Another moment’s embrace then they get off the bed and leave the room.
The noise from the common room fills the hallway with loud raucous laughter and conversation. As they close the door to her room, Jiron notices light coming through the door to James’ room. Stopping next to it, he puts an ear to the door.
“…not sure I can do this,” he hears Miko say.
“Who else is there?” responds Brother Willim’s voice. “Do you think you are to be the only priest Morcyth will require?”
“But, I don’t know the first thing about training other priests,” he states.
“Isn’t it outlined in the book?” Brother Willim asks.
“Well, sort of…”
Jiron removes his ear and gives Aleya a smile. “Brother Willim is explaining things to Miko that he hadn’t thought of before,” he explains.
“Like what?” she asks as they resume moving toward the common room.
Jiron gives her a chuckle and says, “I don’t think he understood the scope of the responsibilities a man in his position is going to have.”
Upon entering the common room, they pause and look around to see where the others are sitting. After scanning the room once, Jiron’s grin that he had at Miko’s expense disappears. Searching the room one more time, he doesn’t see James or any of the others sitting at any of the tables.
Aleya notices it too. “Maybe they returned to their rooms,” she suggests.
“Let’s hope so,” he says. Turning around, they hurry back and enter the room where Miko and Brother Willim are discussing things.
“Is James in here?” he asks as he opens the door.
“Haven’t seen him since he left to join the others in the common room,” replies Miko. Then he sees the worry upon Jiron’s face. “Why?” he asks with growing apprehension.
Not bothering to take the time to reply, Jiron leaves the room and begins checking the rooms of the others. One by one, he finds each of them empty.
“They’re gone!” he exclaims after checking the last room. Racing back down the hall to the common room, he looks around anxiously for any clue as to what may have happened. But everything looks to be as it should be. The bard is singing, the patrons are happy and enjoying themselves. Yet where are they?
He starts to enter the common room when Aleya takes him by the arm. “Don’t,” she says. “Let’s go back to the room and discuss it in private.”
Behind her he sees Brother Willim and Miko nodding agreement. Allowing her to take him back to his room, they enter and close the door.
“They wouldn’t have simply left and not told anyone,” he states. Then pointing in the direction of the common room he says, “Someone out there has to know what happened.”
“I am sure that is true,” Brother Willim states. “But if you go out there and begin questioning people you are going to raise suspicion.” When Jiron turns his gaze upon him he adds, “You don’t speak the language.”
“None of us do,” Miko says.
“Then what are we to do?” Aleya asks.
Jiron begins pacing as he thinks about the various courses of action available to them.
“Perrilin did say that he came here often,” offers Miko. “Remember when we first arrived, he entered and immediately left with someone?”
Halting his pacing, Jiron turns and asks Miko, “So?”
“So, it would stand to reason that the people who run this place also know him,” he replies.
“And may prove to be helpful in finding out what happened,” concludes Brother Willim.
”Very well,” he says. “The rest of you stay here and I’ll go find out.” As he turns to leave, Brother Willim puts his hand on his shoulder and stops him.
“I don’t think it would be wise for us to split up,” he says.
“I agree,” adds Aleya.
Nodding, he says, “Okay then, follow me.” Leading the way, Jiron leaves the room and returns back down the hall to the common room. Barely slowing down, he crosses through the tables and heads straight for the kitchen area. On the way he hunts for the proprietor that he saw earlier but the man’s no where to be seen.
At the door leading into the kitchen he pushes it open and barges right in. On the other side lies a large cooking area with a long table against the side wall where meals and other items are being prepared for their patrons. Not seeing the one he’s looking for, he ignores the stares of the workers and walks through the kitchen to the door leading deeper into the inn.
One man moves to put himself between Jiron and the door. He holds up his hand and says something in the Empire’s tongue which can only be ‘You shouldn’t be here’ or something to that effect. Jiron pushes the man out of the way and opens the door. On the other side of the door there’s a short hallway with closed doors on the right and left. The end of the hallway opens onto a room
that looks like it’s designed for receiving guests. Sitting at a table in that room, Jiron can see the innkeeper talking with another man whose back is to the hallway.
The innkeeper looks up in startlement as they leave the kitchen, and the man whose back is to them turns to look. It’s the man who had fetched the items Perrilin needed to remove Kir. Both men stand up as they pass through the hallway.
A voice hollers to the innkeeper from the kitchen area and he replies in a reassuring tone of voice. Jiron glances back and sees the man he pushed out of the way standing in the doorway staring at him with a grimace. The innkeeper hollers to the man again and he nods then closes the door.
“Come in gentlemen,” the innkeeper says in their language. Then adds, “and lady,” when he sees Aleya there with them.
“We need to talk to you…” begins Jiron.
“Yes, I know,” the innkeeper interrupts him. Gesturing to the vacant chairs at the table with him and the other man he says, “Please, won’t you have a seat?”
The innkeeper says something to the other man. Nodding, the man gets up and leaves the room by the other door to the right of the hallway they entered through. When he sees Jiron about to ask about the man, he says, “He’ll make sure we are not interrupted.”
“And why would he need to do that?” Miko asks.
Waving away the question, the innkeeper says, “There is little time. I had thought they took all of you. Thank the gods they did not.”
“Who?” asks Jiron. “Who took them?”
“An agent of a very powerful person here in the Empire,” he replies. “One whom it is unwise to openly stand against. He knew of Kir being here and wanted him. He made us drug the ale going to his table, and when they were all unconscious, several of his men came and took them.”
“They were after Kir?” asks Jiron. “I thought for sure they were…” He trails off, not finishing the thought. Turning to Miko he sees him nod, he too thought they had come for James. James simply happened to be in the wrong place.
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