Kalo turned back to the table when he felt Ty nudge him. The man with the buckle scooped several coins from the pile before him and dropped them into a small leather sack. “Nice doing business with you,” he said. He handed the sack to the one who had opened the door and was still standing. The doorman passed the bag to Ty and motioned the two boys out with a dismissive wave of his oversized hand.
Ty did not answer, but a smile crossed his lips. He stepped through the door in a single motion, Kalo in tow, and they stood in the shadows of the alleyway. They waited for the door to shut and latch behind them, and then Ty emptied the silver coins into his hand. Even in the gloom, with only the faint light from the window, he could see that they had been well paid.
Ty’s smile faded instantly as he looked up to see the two men who had been seated on the stools inside now standing in the alleyway, blocking their path. In the other direction, the alley dead-ended at the ancient timber wall.
“What’cha got there, boy?” the larger of the two asked as he rubbed his hands together.
“Nothing you’ll get your hands on,” Ty replied, doing his best to sound bold.
“Well, we’ll see about that,” muttered the shabby man. Slowly, the two rag-covered men stepped forward. The light of the moon glinted off something in one of their hands, and Kalo felt a quick pain in his stomach.
He knew this had been a bad idea, and now here they were, outmatched and soon to be beaten by these thugs. There would be no bargaining with these two. It just did not work that way. He knew it, and so did Ty.
“You’re not getting this from us,” Ty spat vehemently. “We earned it.” He stepped back, trying to create more space between them, while Kalo moved slightly to the right. Perhaps if they separated their attackers, one of them could make a dash for freedom. These men had done this before. They ignored Kalo and focused on the bag of coins. Besides, Kalo was not a threat to them, being much smaller than either of the men.
Kalo stepped farther to the right and nearly stumbled over the hunched form of the dog. He looked down at the animal and connected immediately with her mind. The link was instant and familiar; the dog was still afraid of the men, and desperate. Kalo fashioned an image for the animal that reflected his own fears. Fight for your life!
Without forewarning, the dog leapt from her haunches and burst upon the nearest man. She seized his leg in a death grip and brought him down with a sharp twist. The man shrieked in pain and lost hold of his blade as he fell to the ground. Ty sprinted forward and snatched the free blade. He crouched low and pointed the small knife at the man’s throat while the dog held a firm grip on the shredded leg, twisting back and forth and slowly dragging the man along in the alley.
“Leave us be. We don’t want any trouble.” Ty looked up into the other man’s face. There was a look of astonishment more than fear in his eyes. He backed up and raised his hands while Ty moved closer to Kalo.
Kalo shared his thought with the dog: leave this alley and never return. Immediately, the dog released its grip and disappeared down the street into the night. The two men stumbled back toward the old shop to join their companions, the injured one moving slowly. The two young thieves from Riverlok surveyed their surroundings without speaking. They were alone in the alley. Their bodies relaxed.
Then, as though the frightening encounter had never happened, Ty said to Kalo, “Could you find this place on your own?”
Kalo looked about and nodded. “Probably,” he said, though he hoped he’d never have to.
“Good,” said Ty. “Now, can you find your way back to the Kingfisher?” With that, he turned and bolted down the dark street. Kalo was startled at first but quickly chased after his older friend.
Their feet padded along the dirt street as they darted around corners, retracing their trail under the pale moonlit sky. Ty’s long legs pulled him into the lead, but Kalo was determined to keep him in sight. He desperately needed to, because he had not thought to study the way into this hole. He was relying on Ty to find the way out. Ty was pulling away slightly. Not only was Ty faster, Kalo also had the burden of carrying Nikki in his shirt. Ty hurdled a barrel and nearly lost his footing. Kalo clutched the ferret against his chest and sprinted harder, seeing an opportunity to gain a few steps. Kalo was within a few strides of Ty, and he could hear his older friend’s heavy breathing. Ty seemed to be slowing his pace. Perhaps he was tiring, thought Kalo. With a surge of energy, Kalo lunged forward to pass his friend. Shoulder to shoulder they raced toward the bridge. Ty looked over at Kalo and let out a shrill of laughter. With renewed strength and a powerful sprint, he bolted ahead.
Dogs were alerted as the two rushed by; their bays and howls cheered the boys on, spurring them to race even faster. Ty’s distance grew, but now Kalo could make out the silhouette of the Northgate Bridge and his anxiety about getting lost in the West Bank disappeared. He released his hold on the ferret in his shirt and slowed to a comfortable pace.
Ty reached the ramp to the bridge and continued his sprint up to the gatekeeper’s shack. He called out, “Captain, it’s me, Tythan Pree!” He slowed but did not stop. He could see the gatekeeper coming to door of his shack with a lantern. “Just returning home, Captain.” Then Ty looked back down the bridge to the West Bank, from where he had come, and a slight smile crossed his lips. “I think that stable boy might be following me, sir.”
Chapter 3
Kalo could faintly make out his friend ahead on the bridge. He heard him call out to the gatekeeper but could not hear what was said. He slowed to a walk at the foot of the bridge ramp, then stopped. He realized that without Ty, crossing the bridge would be difficult. He walked to the edge and looked over into the slow-moving Green Provide. He had swum it once before, and he could do it again if it came to that. He much preferred crossing over the bridge, if there was a way.
He took Nikki out of his shirt and held him up. The small creature and his young master looked at one another in the dark moonlit night.
Then Kalo spoke. “Nikki, I need your help, little friend.” When Ty or others were around, Kalo rarely spoke to his little companion openly. But they were alone now, and Kalo spoke in words to the ferret although he had learned long ago that it was through his thoughts that he connected with the creatures of the land. Sometimes he believed that if he spoke his thoughts, his intentions would form more clearly.
“I need your help.” He reached out his mind and connected to the small mind of his ferret. Kalo felt calmness and friendship there. “We need to cause a distraction. Can you do that?”
The animal jumped from the boy’s arms. He ran across the foot of the bridge to the other side and up to the bridge railing. He looked back at the boy, seemingly understanding what was needed, then began his run along the railing that was the nightly roost of the hundreds of Northgate ravens.
Kalo lost sight of him, but in a moment, he heard the familiar squawk and flutter of ravens. For a moment, Kalo considered connecting with the birds, but he was certain Nikki’s presence was enough. Soon, a smile came to the boy’s lips and he broke into a soft run up the opposite walkway of the bridge. As Kalo neared the peak of the bridge and the gatekeeper’s shack, the sound of screaming ravens filled the air. Kalo could see the guard frantically thrashing at the swarming flock, completely oblivious to anything else happening on the bridge. In a matter of seconds, Kalo slipped by the guard and was on his way.
He felt exhilarated as he crossed into the city unnoticed. As he came off the bridge, he caught a glimpse of his ferret racing beside him. “Nikki!” he called, and the ferret jumped up his leg and into his shirt. “Good boy, Nikki,” he said, grinning.
Kalo felt free and alive, like nothing could stop him. The cold night air whipped across his face as he sprinted into the darkness. His brow felt cool as the gentle breeze brushed against the faint sweat glistening on his forehead. In the distance, the old sign of the Kingfisher Inn loomed under the bright lamplight.
When he reached the inn, he collapsed o
n the front steps. Red-faced and sweating, but with a beaming smile, he leaned back, breathing through his mouth. Ty appeared out of the shadows and dropped to the steps beside him. “I’m sorry, Kalo! When I crossed over the bridge, I told the gatekeeper that smelly stable boy was following me! I thought it was so funny when I said it. Then I realized how dumb it was, leaving you stranded.” He paused and reached out to playfully nudge the shoulder of his young friend. “I’m so sorry. How did you get by the gatekeeper?”
Kalo was still smiling. “Nikki and I are pretty resourceful. You should know that by now.”
The excitement of the race, their camaraderie, and the sheer joy of a forthcoming meal filled their hearts. The coppersmith’s buckle had provided enough silver for them to afford a meal far beyond what they were accustomed to. Ty would manage the money from the sale of the buckle for another meal or two later, but this one would be much more enjoyable.
Neither had the strength to say anything as they rose to their feet. Then Ty placed his arm about his young friend and through the doors of Kingfisher Inn they strode.
Kalo shook his head as they walked through the doors. “Are you sure we should be here, Ty?” he whispered.
“Don’t worry about it.” Ty grinned, shutting the door behind them. “Just keep that ferret out of sight.”
From across the tavern, the innkeeper immediately greeted them. “No free meals here.”
The two shabbily dressed young men stood in the doorway and inspected each other; their clothing was worn and unkempt, and streaks of dried sweat ran down their shirts. Kalo looked down at his feet, anxious to leave.
“We intend to pay,” said Ty with a broad smile as he held out a handful of coins for the innkeeper to see.
The innkeeper looked about the half-empty tavern and rubbed his hand over his thick beard, clearly won over by the prospect of a sale. He nodded and pointed to a table near the rear of the tavern, close to the kitchen entrance and well away from the other patrons.
Tythan Pree moved forward, forcing young Kalo ahead of him. Ty’s long black hair, tied behind his neck, danced freely from side to side. Keen brown eyes peered from beneath his brow, and he wore a perpetual grin on his youthful face. He was utterly fearless and brimming with energy, and his head darted back and forth in constant motion, scanning the inn for anything that might interest him.
A head shorter and a few years younger, Kalo shuffled forward at the prompting of Ty’s hand against his back. He tucked the complaining ferret deeper into the folds of his tunic as he fought to remain inconspicuous. He kept his eyes focused on the floor; their blazing blue color and slanted oval shape often drew curious glances from the townsfolk of Riverlok. His skin was tanned year-round, unlike Ty’s, which changed from light to bronze in the summer sun. Kalo’s auburn hair grew in full, thick strands of long curls, and he let it fall over his face. It parted naturally in the middle and he cut it just below his ears.
Kalo pulled the hood of his cloak well over his head as they passed by others on their way to their table in the rear. They were an odd pair, and Kalo knew his appearance often attracted attention. The men looked at him oddly, probably to discern the region of the realm from which he came. The women looked at him differently, often with a faint smile. Ty loved the attention, while Kalo endured it.
The Kingfisher was an old tavern built on a pier above the slow-moving waters of the Green Provide. Partially enclosed booths lined the walls, and small tables filled the interior. The floor of the inn was a decking of long wooden planks that creaked with each step, reminding patrons that they were resting on a dock fifteen feet above the river this time of year. In the spring, the rushing river could be heard only a few feet below.
The light in the tavern flickered from the lamps hanging outside the private booths, and the smell of burning oil mingled with the strong fragrance of roasting meat coming from the kitchen. Smoke from the lamps and the patrons’ pipes hung heavily from the ceiling. Kalo rubbed his eyes as he looked about the hazy room.
Their table was smaller than what would be found in a tavern nearer the heart of town. There was no booth behind them, only the walkway for the servers to the kitchen.
Before they could sit, a matron stood before them. She had been dispatched to quickly take their coin. She was a huge woman. Sweat rolled down her face and down her neck and large breasts into her apron-bound dress. She smelled of garlic and onion. Surprisingly, she looked kindly upon the boys, a manner they were not accustomed to.
“The price of two bowls of your best stew, Mum?” smiled Ty.
“Three coins, each,” she said, holding up three fingers.
“That’s not a problem,” said the still smiling Ty.
“Let me see ’em,” she teased, with one hand extended and the other placed firmly on her broad hip. He quickly rummaged through the small leather pouch, then dropped the coins one at a time into her open palm. She watched them fall one by one. When the last of the six coins had landed, Ty smiled broadly and held up both of his empty palms. She shook her head at his antics and smiled back.
“Be seated, gentlemen,” she said softly, bowing ever so slightly. She turned and nodded to the innkeeper far across the room as she departed.
Ty looked back at her and grinned. Charming women was his gift, or at least that was what he had told Kalo more than once.
Kalo pulled his hood off as he sat down. He slowly and methodically began to scan the Kingfisher. Without a word, Ty joined him. From their table, they could see the entire room, and the two thieves launched a quick study of their surroundings. They made mental notes as they both independently surveyed the interior, their heads slowly turning, drawing in every element and searching for any omen of danger. Most of the customers were either traveling merchants or local tradesmen.
There were two soldiers near the door, engaged in a lively conversation. The one doing the talking was dressed in the blue and gold of the Royal Guard from the King’s Retreat Compound on the edge of the city. His handsome companion wore the gray and yellow of the Realmsguard. His sun-stained face was fixed in a smile, and he was thoroughly engrossed in what he was being told. A closer look from the two young thieves revealed that the soldier was far more than a Realmsguard. He was a gava, a special breed of Realmsguard—one of the king’s own chosen messengers. He wore the unmistakable inch-wide leather collar as a ring about his neck. Ty pointed to his own neck for Kalo, raising his eyebrows. Gavas were not a common sight in Riverlok.
“A gava,” whispered Ty.
“I see him,” murmured Kalo, unable to conceal his annoyance at having the obvious pointed out to him. “What do you make of those two?” he asked, gesturing toward two bullish men dressed in black and scarlet, sitting at a small table. The two big men did not speak to each other. Instead, they sat silently, each looking into his own mug.
“I don’t know.” Ty glanced at the men and then back at Kalo. “Never seen their kind before.”
Kalo adjusted his seating posture unconsciously to allow the complaining rock ferret within his billowing shirt to find a more comfortable position. “Maybe they’re personal guards to someone,” he said, answering himself.
Ty shrugged and grinned at his young friend. Kalo knew Ty found a gentle pleasure in seeing him uncomfortable. Perhaps it was Kalo’s particular attention to detail that amused him. Kalo was overly concerned about their environment; he always had to be sure there was a response to every obstacle. Ty, on the other hand, was far less concerned with such things. He had told Kalo many times that he would rather depend on his skills and a little luck than a plan.
Ty’s eyes then moved away from his companion to a young dark-haired girl busily scrubbing table surfaces for the next patrons. His gaze followed her as she moved quickly through the tavern, tossing her hair each time she straightened up to search out the next table. She was entirely inconspicuous and unnoticed by most everyone in the inn. As she looked about the room for her next task, she suddenly snapped her head back an
d looked directly at Ty. She tilted her head down, and a faint smile crossed her lips. Ty stared back and grinned broadly. His face beamed so brightly that Kalo caught sight of him and turned to follow his stare. Seeing the target, Kalo quickly turned back.
“I thought we came here to eat,” he said.
Ty ignored him and continued to watch the table maid. Kalo noted his friend’s newfound confidence and a slight note of forthcoming mischief. He covered his face with his hands and leaned on the table. At that moment, Ty motioned to the girl and pointed to their own table surface.
Suddenly, the soft voice of the girl startled Kalo. “Excuse me, sir.” Her body brushed against his back as she cleaned the surface before him. The ferret moved at the sound of her voice. She turned around and left as quickly as she came, but not without a glance back at Ty. Her skin was white as if it had not seen the light of the sun in months, and her eyes had a glint like something made from the coppersmith.
“You’re going to get her dismissed,” said Kalo in a quiet monotone. It needed to be said, but he knew it would have absolutely no effect on his friend.
Ty shook his head, a smile still illuminating his face, his mouth slightly open as he watched her disappear through the double doors into the kitchen. “Did you see those eyes?” He took a deep breath.
Kalo looked about quickly and saw that Ty’s distraction no longer remained in the main dining hall. Yes, he had noticed her eyes, but he wouldn’t mention it to Ty, nor would he ever acknowledge that she had stirred his heart with the touch of her body.
In a short time, the big woman emerged from the kitchen and, without a word, served the boys a platter of roasted meat, cheese, mixed vegetables, and two large pieces of bread. It was a simple meal to most, but to these two, it was a grand feast. The smell of the cheese and cooked beef and vegetable stew floated over the small table. The rock ferret crawled out of the concealed slit pocket in Kalo’s shirt and sat on his lap, under the table and out of sight. Occasionally, Kalo would offer him a slice of radish or a chunk of cheese.
The Ruins of Melda Page 2