It must belong to Connell; he thought such a horse would suit him.
He found his saddlebags lying on the bed. Pushing them aside he collapsed atop the stained quilt and fell asleep in moments.
Night fell and the city grew silent as the shopkeepers closed their doors and returned home. The temperature dropped and the evening grew chill as a thin fog rolled through the streets from the waterfront where it was thickest.
Casius awoke in near total darkness only the faintest light from a few stars shone through the window. He lay silently in the darkness for a moment not sure if he had actually heard something.
Straining his ears he slid from his bed, his hand searching the floor for his gear. He found his short sword and slowly slid the sharpened steel free of its scabbard.
Casius jumped backwards as the door to his room suddenly opened. Blinking against the candlelight from the hall he was relieved to see Connell.
“You’re up,” he said looking at the sword Casius held. “Gather your gear and get dressed quickly we’re leaving.”
“Now?” Casius asked blinking the sleep from his eyes. “It can’t be passed midnight.”
“Closer to three actually,” Connell whispered. “Now get dressed,” he added with more urgency. “It would seem your friends are more influential than I had thought possible. They have somehow enlisted the aid of the entire Senatum Garrison. As we speak they are searching every Inn and boarding house in the city.”
Casius pulled on his boots, “How will we get passed the gates? They are closed and guarded at this hour.”
“There are ways in and of this city other than the gates.” Connell answered with a grin. “This will not be the first time I have traveled those paths.”
Casius finished dressing and shouldered his saddlebags. His clothing was still slightly damp and only added to his discomfort. “It would have been better for you if you had only looked the other way.”
Connell shrugged, “The past is done and nothing we do now can change it.” He led the way to the rickety stairs. “Besides this is more fun.”
For a brief instant Casius doubted his benefactor’s sanity. Then he realized Connell was making light of the situation in an attempt to put him at ease.
At the foot of the stairs they were met by an irate Turlott wielding a meat cleaver. “What the hell are you two up too?” he said softly trying not to wake his other guests. “I thought you were thieves skulking about in the dark.”
“We are leaving,” Connell replied shouldering past the man. “It would go well for you if you forget we have been here.”
Turlott followed them out the back door of the Inn. “What nonsense is this?” he demanded stopping in the small yard near the stables. “There is a curfew in this town and the guards will…”
“The Senatum is searching in every inn for us at this moment.” Connell hissed interrupting the man.
“The Senatum,” Turlott stammered the blood leaving his face. “Be gone you fools!” He rushed past them fumbling with the latches securing the stall doors in his haste. “Damn you Connell for bringing this ill fortune down upon my household.”
He stepped aside as Connell’s horse stepped forward. “I must ready your rooms so that none may suspect that any have slept there.” He fled back into the Inn his arms waving in agitation.
They saddled their horses quietly; Connell cut a saddle blanket into four squares. He tied these about the horses’ hooves to muffle the sounds of their passage on the cobblestone streets.
Connell’s mount took this in stride having been subjected to such treatment before. Casius’s horse cared nothing for this treatment and it took them several minutes to sooth the irritated beast.
“Stay close, and remain silent.” Connell said slowly swinging open the wooden gate that led out into the street. He stood in the opening for several moments ensuring the way ahead was clear. Without a word he led the massive horse out into the thin fog.
Casius followed closing the gate behind him. Several blocks up the street he could see dozens of torches burning brightly in the dark. Their bearers stood outside one of the many Inns along this avenue.
Casius only spared a moment to watch the heavily armored men forcing their way into the building. Angry shouts and the sounds of breaking glass reached his ears from the distance.
Connell led them into a narrow alley, one of many that formed a virtual labyrinth throughout the city. The alleys were narrow and treacherous. Littered with refuse, the buildings leaning over them blocking out all but a trace of starlight. They were forced to walk with care, trying hard not to breath too deeply for the stench of the confined spaces burned their throats and made their eyes water.
Casius believed Connell to be witch sighted, the man guided them through the maze in near complete darkness. How he knew where and when to turn was a mystery to Casius. By now he was totally lost and doubted he could ever find his way out again even in daylight.
On occasion they were forced to cross one of the more traveled streets. Here they would crouch in the deepest shadows, as a patrol of searchers would pass by. Even the Senatum knew enough not to venture into the alleys at night.
An hour passed in this fashion. Casius was growing sick to his stomach. The smells of urine and other wastes assaulted his senses. He seriously doubted that he could ever get his boots cleaned of the filth. From the way his horse tossed its head he knew it was only a matter of time until it bolted free of the reeking confines.
The alley they followed was narrower than most and led them to the very edge of the river. They emerged into the open well away from the quays and flotilla of moored boats. The docks were bustling with activity even at this hour, with a curfew in place the merchants raced to unload their wares. The city guard seldom bothered them if a few coins changed hands.
“Can you swim?” Connell asked stepping close in the darkness.
Casius shuddered looking at the slow moving oily water. “If I could not I would have drowned when I jumped from G’relg’s boat.”
Connell chuckled, “Behind the warehouses the city wall ends in a high tower. There is a small strand of beach at its base when the tide is out. It is there that we will make our escape. If we are spotted we take to the water and make for the distant shore.”
Casius looked off into the darkness, he knew the river was close to a mile wide at this point, he doubted they would get very far with all their gear. “Is the tower guarded?” he asked not wanting to consider the prospect of such a swim.
“There are guards enough, but I doubt they would be looking inward for danger. By the time they spot us we will be on horseback and riding away, well ahead of any pursuit they could mount.”
“Lets hope our luck holds then.” Casius held his horses reins firmly while Connell cut the bindings that kept the cloth tied about its hooves.
They moved cautiously along the shore, keeping close to the sides of the warehouses. Litter lined the muddy bank, discarded crates and rotting timbers.
The tower rose fifty feet above the bank. The light from torches burning behind the merlons illuminated the fog rolling in off of the river. Through the haze the guards were visible as they slowly walked their rounds. As Connell had predicted they paid little if any attention to the city interior. The soft sounds of laughter reached them from the towers top.
Connell patted his horses flank, “They’re tossing dice.” He smiled, “It appears that our luck is holding. Move quietly should anyone look in our direction stand still. The light of their torches works against them.”
Casius nodded his understanding and together they moved out into the open. The tower loomed over them the ground about its base was soft and wet. They sank deeply with each step.
Connell stopped directly beneath the tower, the laughter above them continued unabated. Casius’s heart hammered in his chest so loudly he was sure the men above could hear it.
Beyond the tower, a mere stone throw away, the night swathed landscape of low rolling g
rassland faded quickly away into darkness beyond the towers feeble light.
“Our goal lies a mile to the northwest,” Connell whispered. “There stands a thick grove of trees lining a hilltop.” Connell stopped speaking as a thin stream of liquid rained down from the tower top nearby. It splattered loudly on the ground and ended as abruptly as it started. “Let’s go before he decides to relieve himself further.”
They charged the horses out from beneath the tower. They had gone several hundred feet when shouts broke out from the guard.
Casius hunched low in the saddle, he had never felt so exposed in all his life. He expected to feel the stinging bite of an arrow at any moment.
The horses tore into the night grateful to be free of the city and its constricting buildings. Connell’s mount was surprisingly fast for a horse of such size. He led them due north and once they were well beyond the sight of the guards he veered northwest, slowing to a stop when they came to the edge of the wood.
Connell sat in silence listening, “They are not pursuing,” he said with a grin. “But that will not last long, word will spread and the Senatum will know we have escaped. We can not linger here long, they will search far and wide.”
Connell swung the mount eastward and they raced along the woods edge. Casius gripped the reins tightly as they moved along, a low stonewall appeared out of the gloom. The horses leapt it easily and now ran through a field of green wheat. The stalks thrashed at their legs as they passed scouring most of the offensive mud from their clothing.
On their right a small grouping of huts flashed past. A dog barked in the distance followed by the angry yells of a man who was not happy at being awakened at such an hour.
Connell kept the pace brisk until the sun was beginning to break the horizon. They came to fallen oak its bark long gone and the wood bleached white by exposure to the elements.
Connell dismounted and reaching into the shadows beneath the trunk he pulled out a heavy satchel. Reaching in once more he withdrew a bow of black horn and a quiver of arrows.
“You sneak about often?” Casius asked dismounting and stretching his back.
“More than I would care to admit,” Connell answered pulling on the shirt of mail that was in the satchel. “It suits my lifestyle.” He donned his cloak and picked up the bow slinging the quiver over his shoulder. “We walk from here,” He said using the bow to point to a game trail cutting into the wood. “The boughs hang low and the horses need the rest.”
They spent the morning walking through the quiet wood. The only sounds were the rattle of their equipment and the soft sighing of the wind as it rustled the leaves above.
They left the wood before noon and passed down into a land filled with the patchwork of farmer’s fields. From the distant houses they could see men moving about busy with their labors.
Crossing several fields they came to a rutted road running northwest between low walls of dry set stone. Connell allowed time for them to rest the horses and eat a quick meal of dried fruit and a loaf of bread he had taken from the inn.
Casius ate in silence he was too weary for conversation. He knew it was going to be a long day, they had to put many miles between themselves and any pursuit coming out of Elk run.
After what seemed only a few minutes, Connell got them moving again. They pushed their mounts hard and by nightfall they had covered many miles. As the sun disappeared below the horizon they came to an isolated farmstead. With a few copper coins Connell convinced the farmer to allow them to hold up in his barn for the evening.
That night it rained until Casius thought that the barn would surely float away. He was grateful for the shelter the thatch roof offered. Once the horses had been tended, Connell took the first watch while Casius slept.
After two days of hard travel the land had risen gently until they reached the western most ridge of the Carec Mountains. Unlike their brethren further east these were far less imposing. Little more than a line of steep faced hills cloaked with a mantel of thick woods.
The road they followed climbed one of the gentler slopes, switching back and forth until it disappeared within the trees. They spent the night within the ring of broken stones that had once been a watchtower built long ago upon the hills summit.
The following morning they descended down out of the hills and Casius was once more out on the vast sweeping grasslands of the greensward. Mile after mile of waving grass that stretched to the distant horizon, appearing to touch the very sky. Through this emerald sea ran the road, arrow straight into the distance.
The sky remained clear and the weather fair as they journeyed. On their fifth day a messenger riding hard from the south overtook them. He passed them by his eyes lingering on Casius.
Connell reigned in looking on in disgust at the foam-lathered beast whose flanks had been switched bloody by its rider.
“He’s going to kill that animal,” Casius exclaimed in disapproval.
Connell stared at the man’s retreating back. “ He bears urgent news indeed to ruin such a horse.” Standing in his stirrups he looked back the way they had come. “We’ve lingered on the road too long, from the way he looked at you I fear he may be spreading word to other garrisons. These Raiders have far more influence than I would have thought possible. There will be an ambush awaiting us in South fork.”
Casius cursed, “How are we to cross the Brae River then?” He asked. “The only crossing is at South fork.”
“There is a place that will suffice for our needs.” Connell said turning eastward out onto the trackless grasslands. “I know of a ferry man who will bear us across, he asks no questions and remembers little.”
Casius frowned, he knew of no other crossings within a hundred miles. “Lead on then Connell, I know little of this land.”
Connell laughed, “You will learn much before our trek is done.”
They rode far into the trackless land, with neither road nor markers Casius was beginning to wonder if Connell was lost.
With an hour of sunlight left Connell stopped and dismounted. They set up a cold camp, “Firelight travels far on the plain.” Connell had warned him.
“Once we reach Haven,” Connell said while dolling out the last of their food, “There we will purchase supplies enough for our journey.”
“Haven?” Casius asked. “I do not know of any town by that name.”
“As you have said Casius, your knowledge of these parts is somewhat lacking.” Connell reminded him. “Tomorrow will be a long hungry day but by nightfall we will be dining at an old friend’s hearth.”
“Why are there no roads leading into this Haven?”
“Not all men who live in Lakarra care to draw attention to themselves. Haven is exactly that, a refuge.”
“A town of rogues and outlaws, you’re leading us into a den of vipers!” Casius said hotly.
“Not so, a rogue in Lakarra is someone who defies the king and the Senatum. They live in secret to prolong their lives.”
“Then how do you know of this place?” Casius asked still somewhat skeptical.
Connell smiled, “For I am counted among their number. I have been marked for death by the crown for fifteen years now. The price on my head would make a man wealthy.” Connell stood and slid his sword from its scabbard. “Come draw your blade.”
“What?” Casius asked surprised by Connell’s actions.
“I did not take you all the way out here to kill you.” Connell said with a grin. “I would know where your skills lie ere we enter battle for real.”
“My skill is poor,” Casius said coming to his feet. “In fact non existent to be exact.”
“Never the less draw your blade.” Connell smiled at Casius’s hesitation. “Humor me in this, I vow not to draw any blood.”
“What is the word of a rogue worth?” Casius asked drawing his short sword.
Connell shrugged, “Not much these days.”
Casius drew his blade, the metal shining brightly as it reflected the red light of the setting
sun. “I was afraid you would say that.”
Connell stood at ease the point of his long sword resting on the toe of his boot. “Attack me.” He said.
“I cannot, you are not ready.” Casius replied.
“In real life men are seldom granted the luxury of being ready. Attacks come swiftly, more often than not when unlooked for. Often with surprise a man can kill where his skill alone would not suffice.” Connell nodded in encouragement. “Attack Casius, I would not be much of a swordsmen if I let you injure me.”
Casius took a half hearted overhand swing aimed for Connell’s head.
There was a flash of silver and Casius’s sword flew through the air.
Casius jumped back holding his hand. Connell had struck his knuckles a sound blow with the flat of his blade. He massaged the injury glaring at Connell hotly.
“I said attack,” Connell said ignoring the anger in Casius’s eyes. “You came at me as if you were swatting a fly.”
Casius retrieved his sword, “You are at an distinct advantage Connell. Your blade is twice the length of mine.”
“A short sword is a good weapon for close in work Casius. In properly trained hands it is as lethal as the weapon I hold in mine. Out here, in the wilds however you will find most of your opponents prefer longer weapons. It is against these you must learn to defend yourself.”
“Then I should get myself one,” Casius said looking at the weapon in his hand.
“Even with a longer sword your opponent may have some sort of an advantage. He could be taller, faster, stronger, or more skilled. Sometimes it may be that his luck is with him.
“Instinctive fighters rarely better one who uses his head as well as his arm. If you think fast enough you will see an opening and be able to use it to your advantage. Outwitting your foe is as important as your swordplay.”
“Mastery of the blade takes years, Connell.”
“A lifetime, Casius. I will teach you if you wish. You will find me long on criticism and short on praise. It will not be easy and you will rue the day that you ask this of me. But I will enable you to defend yourself, even against the likes of G’relg.” Connell sheathed his sword in a single fluid motion.
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