“Just another day to Trendle,” Illan tells him as he comes to stand next to him.
“Good. I’m tired of riding,” he admits.
Miko gets down and has the last of his tarts in his hand. James can’t believe he’s still eating them. Last night they seemed a bit off but Miko wasn’t swayed by the chance of food poisoning. James tried to explain it to him but the concept was simply too far beyond his understanding. He couldn’t see how something which doesn’t smell or taste bad could be. So James just shrugged and hoped for the best.
“James, look,” Says Miko as he points across the street.
A woman walks along the far side of the street with a small girl behind her. His eyes widen and a smile comes to his face when he sees the little girl carrying what has to be one of Tersa’s teddy bears. He nudges Illan and nods in their direction.
“Guess you really had something there,” he says.
“I’m going to go find out where she got it,” James tells him as he steps into the street. Making a beeline for her, the mother soon becomes aware of his approach and stops. She puts herself in front of her daughter as he comes close.
“Excuse me,” he says and then points to the teddy bear, “but could you tell me where you got that?”
Visibly relaxing, she replies, “Argoth’s down the street has them.” She then points to the right.
“Thank you,” he says and gives her a nod as he leaves.
“Be right back,” he hollers over to the others as he makes his way to Argoth’s. He barely takes four steps before Fifer, Qyrll and Miko join him. When he looks questioning at them, Fifer says, “Illan doesn’t want you out alone.”
He glances back to see Dave standing with Illan, a sullen expression on his face. “Very well then.” They continue down the street until they see a store with a large window. Four of Tersa’s teddy bears are displayed there. He grins to Fifer when he sees them.
Walking in, he finds a portly man organizing small pouches into a neat pile. As they enter, he turns to greet them. “Good day to you gentlemen,” he says with a warm smile. “How may I help you today?”
James gestures to the teddy bears in the window and says, “I saw a woman with a little girl who had one of those and wanted to find out about them.”
“We just got them in a few days ago,” he says. “At first I didn’t really think they would do much, but so far I’ve sold half.”
“People really like them?” he asks.
Nodding, he replies, “The kids do. The trader lady who sold them to me suggested that I give one away and just see what happens. I thought that a rather foolish thing to do so before she left, she gave one to a little girl. After the girl left, she said, ‘If you sell all those in a week, you pay me for the one I just gave away.’ Of course I told her I would, but I didn’t think it would work. But sure enough, I sold three more that day just from people whose kids saw the little girl with hers.”
He looks to James and asks, “Are you interested in buying one?”
Shaking his head, he says, “No. I was just curious. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” the shopkeeper says as they turn to leave.
When they’re back outside the shop, Miko asks, “Why did you want to know about them?”
“Just doing a little market research,” he says. He smiles at Miko’s blank look of not understanding. Who would have thought Mr. Edward’s class on economics would have come in handy here. Unable to stop himself, he breaks into a short laugh.
The others look at him a bit oddly.
Back at the inn, they find Jiron has already arranged for their rooms. Taking their horses around back to the stables, they get them settled in for the night before returning to their rooms.
Later on when they convene in the common room for their evening meal, they take a large table off to one side. The room begins to fill as other travelers as well as locals come to have their meals. A bard sets up and begins playing by the time the server has brought them their food.
“I doubt if they’ve given up yet,” Jiron suddenly says.
“Who?” Fifer asks.
“The people who were interrogating Dave,” he explains. “It still bothers me that one of them got away.”
“True,” agrees Illan. “But if we stay together and keep alert, we should have no problem.”
“Wish they would just stop,” says Miko.
Dave gives a short laugh at that.
Turning to him, Jiron asks, “You got something to say?”
Giving Jiron a sardonic look, he replies, “They’re never going to stop! They will keep at him until they have what they want.” To James he says, “Would it be so bad to give it to them if it would mean living without the fear of being attacked at any moment.”
Jiron gives him a look of barely disguised disgust.
Shaking his head, James says, “Never. They could give me no guarantee that I would believe. Besides, giving it to them may prove more disastrous than the possibility of continued attacks.”
Face turning into a frown, Dave glances at the others and can see them united against the idea of returning the Fire to the Empire. Getting up, he says, “I’m going to my room and go to sleep.”
“Be careful and lock the door,” James tells him.
“You needn’t point out the obvious,” he replies then begins making his way to the stairs and up to the room he and James share.
“Coward,” can be heard though James not sure which one of them said it.
Turning his attention to the others, he says, “You guys should cut him a break.”
Jiron looks at him with a serious look on his face. “Are you sure he’s the type of person you want around? Things are afoot and he’s just a liability.” Around the table others nod their heads in agreement.
Sighing, James says, “I know. But where would he go? What would he do? I’m almost as lost here as he is.”
“But you’re handling it well,” Fifer interjects. “And you sure don’t back down from a fight.”
Shaking his head, James says, “Given the choice, I wouldn’t fight at all and would avoid any conflict to the best of my ability.” He sighs then continues, “But I am not given that choice. I know what’s right and I do it even though sometimes it pains me. He’s just gone through a bad time, worse than any I can imagine. Maybe he’ll find his niche here, but until then, he stays with me.”
“As you will,” Jiron says. “I just wanted you to know how we feel.”
“I understand full well how much you all dislike him,” he replies.
The rest of the evening they sit and enjoy the music and tales the bard relates. When James finally can’t fight off sleep anymore, he heads up to his room. As he clears the stairs and begins walking down to the door, it opens and a girl comes out.
He freezes for a moment as she makes her way toward him and then moves quickly down the stairs. Muffled sobs can be heard coming from her and tears dot her cheek. Confused and speechless, he stands there as she disappears down the stairs.
Moving quickly, he comes to the door to his room and opens it. Dave is lying in bed and turns to look at him as he enters the room. “What happened?” he asks his friend.
“What do you mean?” replies Dave.
“You had a girl in here,” he says.
“So?” replies Dave. “Just because you’re happy being a virgin doesn’t mean I am. Relax, she got paid.”
“She was crying when she passed me by out in the hall,” he says accusingly.
Shrugging, Dave says, “Don’t know why, she enjoyed herself well enough earlier.” Lying back on his pillow, he says, “Now if you’ll excuse me I’m quite tired.” Closing his eyes, he lies there quietly.
James stays standing by the door staring at his friend for a minute then moves over to his bed and undresses before getting under the covers. With a final glance over to his friend, he blows out the candle and tries to go to sleep. Sleep is long in coming, the memory of the sobbing girl keeps hi
m awake.
The following morning, they head out early. “Should reach Trendle by the time it gets dark if we keep a quick pace,” announces Illan as they leave the outskirts of town.
“That would be nice,” James says with a grin.
Breaking into a fast trot they take the road to the northwest. Three hours out of town they come to a crossroads and take the northerly direction which will take them through Osgrin on the way to Trendle.
Ironhold. James ponders the significance of that lone word Ellinwyrd had inscribed on the scroll. What significance does it play? Where is it? He hopes Ceryn will be able to help him in discovering the answers.
Shortly after noon the party makes it to Osgrin where they find an inn to have their lunch. During the meal, Jiron suddenly says, “Wonder if there’re any assassins here?”
The others with him chuckle at that, all but Qyrll, Miko and James. Qyrll doesn’t understand, but Miko and James do all too well. “Enough of that,” James scolds him.
“Sorry,” he replies. The last time Miko had been here he overheard what he thought was an assassination plot aimed at James but which in fact was a betrothal party on their way to a wedding. The others still give him a hard time about it now and then despite James’ efforts to get them to stop. At least it’s fairly harmless jesting and Miko doesn’t seem to mind as much as he had.
After leaving Osgrin, they continue north, next stop hopefully will be Trendle. Illan informs them it’s still many hours away but that they should be able to make it by dark if not before.
As it turns out, they reach the outskirts of Trendle just as the sun hits the horizon. The people on the streets pause as they see him ride through, some offering greetings or well wishes. He returns them and continues on.
Passing the Squawking Goose, the favored inn of most of the townsfolk, they see young Devin coming out in the company of his family. His face turns pale as he sees them riding toward him.
“Why James,” Mary says once she sees him approaching, “thought you were out of town for awhile?”
“I was,” he replies. “I’ll be in town for a short while before I have to be off again.”
Illan is eyeing Devin who’s withering under his gaze. Obviously he isn’t supposed to be in town.
Corbin notices Illan’s gaze and says, “Today’s Devin’s birthday. We went out to your place and asked Yern if we could take him into town to celebrate. He said it wouldn’t be a problem.”
Illan’s face softens slightly as he says, “Just return before too long.”
Relaxing with relief, Devin replies, “I will sir.”
“I wish we could stay to share your celebration,” James says. “But we’ve been on the road for several days and are extremely tired.”
“I understand,” Corbin says. “Nice to have seen you again.”
“You too,” he says. Then to the two girls he adds, “You two, too.”
They just giggle and cast him shy glances.
Kicking his horse into a trot, he heads down the road out of town and to The Ranch. The shack for the guard stationed at the end of the lane leading to The Ranch has been completed. A lit lantern hangs from a post nearby to shed light on any who approach.
“Ain’t you a sight for sore eyes,” Jorry says as he steps from the guard shack.
“How’ve things been?” James asks him.
“Quiet,” he replies. “Still get the curious every now and then but it seems to be tapering off.” He notices Qyrll there but the darkness prevents him from being able to see his features well.
“Good,” he says.
“How did things go in Cardri?”
“Tell you later,” replies James. “I’m for bed.”
“Good to have you back,” he says as he returns to the guard shack.
Heading down the road, he sees Errin and Aleya sitting on the front steps fledging arrows. When they see him coming down the lane, Errin bolts to her feet and rushes into the house. Shortly, Roland and everyone else come out to greet him.
“Welcome back,” Roland says as James and the others come to a stop. He casts a glance toward Qyrll but doesn’t comment. James can see the others taking in his tattooed visage in uncertainty.
Errin and Caleb come to take the horses. James hands Errin his reins and says, “Can’t tell you how glad I am to be back.”
To Errin and Caleb, Illan says, “Take the horses to the barn and get them settled in.”
Taking the reins from him, Caleb says, “Yes sir.” They then lead the horses to the barn.
“Let’s go inside and I’ll give you a brief rundown of what happened,” James says as he makes for the door.
“Something wrong?” Yern asks.
“You could say that,” replies Jiron.
Everyone moves inside the house and takes their usual positions in the front room for when they have the evening gathering time. After settling into his chair, James gestures to Qyrll and says to everyone, “This is Qyrll. He’s a Parvati from a land deep within the Empire. Fierce fighters but loyal to their friends.”
Launching into what happened at Cardri, he as well as the others relate the events which ultimately culminated with the rescue at sea. When he’s done, Yern just shakes his head and says, “You can’t go anywhere without something major happening to you.”
Turning toward him, James sighs and replies, “It looks that way.”
“What are they going to do now?” Tersa asks from where she sits with her brother. She sits next to him on one side while Aleya sits on the other.
“Who?” he asks.
“Cardri,” she clarifies.
“I doubt if they’ll do anything,” he explains. “After all, they did as requested and handed me over. As much as that upset me, I don’t hold any ill will toward them. They only did what they did to insure peace. I can understand that mentality. From their point of view, what happened on the open seas is none of their concern. I don’t think we need fear any reprisals from them.”
“What about the Empire?” interjects Jorry.
“That’s an entirely different matter,” he says. “I expect them to continue in their efforts to do me harm. Since the political maneuver didn’t work I think it’s likely they will try something more direct again.”
Nodding, Illan adds, “I agree.” He then looks around to the others, “We need to be more vigilant from here on out. Assassins or another kidnapping plot may be in the offing.”
“What should we do?” Tersa asks nervously.
“Don’t go anywhere alone,” replies James, “unless it’s close to The Ranch. And by close I mean within sight. If someone goes into town, they take another with them. Tomorrow I plan to go see Ceryn early in the morning.”
“I’ll come with you,” Jiron says.
“Fine,” he says. Suddenly a big yawn escapes him. “Any questions?” He can see they have questions in their eyes but none speak them. “In that case, I’m heading to bed.”
“Good night James,” Tersa says.
“Good night to you all,” he replies and then heads to his room. After he leaves the front room he can hear them beginning to talk in greater detail about what went on as well as the events in Willimet. He finally makes it to his room and closes the door. Getting undressed quickly, he wriggles under the covers and is soon asleep.
Chapter Eighteen
_________________________
The following morning finds Illan out with the recruits putting them through drills. Ever since he moved the practices from outside of James’ window, he has been able to get a good night’s sleep.
Getting out of bed, he puts on his clothes from yesterday and goes to the kitchen to have breakfast. Ezra has a plate ready for him and he takes a seat next to Arkie who is in his high chair. “Has Dave come out of his room?” he asks her.
“Haven’t seen him sir,” she replies. While they were gone she had Roland fix an oversized pantry with a pallet for Dave. She felt the master of the house shouldn’t have to share his
bed.
He’s worried for his friend. The last few days on the way back, he had been quiet and moody. He continues to think on his friend until something wet and soft hits him in the side of the face, the side facing Arkie.
He turns to see Arkie there with a big smile on his face and another handful of his breakfast arched back and aimed at James. “Don’t you dare,” James says to him, amused.
“Arkie!” his mother cries just as he throws it at James.
He ducks but not fast enough and a handful of squishiness hits him in the head just above the ear. Arkie lets out with a jubilant squeal as he reaches for yet another handful.
Ezra rushes over to him, intending to punish the boy for treating the master of the house in such a manner. She begins talking to him rapidly in the Empire’s tongue and the smile on his face quickly disappears. Grabbing the arm which has the handful of food poised to hurl at James she slaps his hand.
Dropping the food, he looks to his mother, eyes beginning to well tears and lets out with a cry.
“I’m sorry sir,” she says to James.
“It’s okay,” he replies, more amused than upset. “I was going to head out for a bath anyway. Don’t be too hard on him.”
“He has to learn right from wrong now,” she says. Giving her son a stern glare, she sees him reaching for another handful of food. She brings her hand close to the one reaching and holds it over his hand as she gives him that look. The look all mothers give their kids when threatening a punishment if they don’t stop what they’re doing. Obviously Arkie hasn’t learned the subtle nuances of facial expressions yet and takes the handful.
Slap!
Her hand comes down and strikes his hard. Not hard enough to hurt, just hard enough for him to know he did wrong. “No!” she says sternly.
After getting the food mostly out of his hair, he hurriedly eats the remainder of his breakfast as he watches mother and son out of the corner of his eye.
Crying, Arkie looks to his mother, hurt and upset. His bottom lip is out and tears stream from both eyes. He begins reaching for another handful and her hand again moves to hover over his.
The Star of Morcyth: The Morcyth Saga Book Five Page 22