Just as he’s about to leave, the boy asks, “Don’t I get something for telling you?”
“I’m a bit short right now,” he says. “Sorry.”
“Sorry yourself,” the boy says derisively. When Jiron makes to move in his direction the lad runs off into the crowd and is gone.
“You didn’t have to scare him,” rebukes James.
“I know,” replies Jiron as he turns to glance at James. When no further comment is forthcoming, they make their way to the intersection and turn into the lane the boy had indicated. At the edge of town when the street comes to an end, they find a large complex of smelters with smokestacks belching black smoke.
A man is loitering around one of the buildings and James rides over to him. “Where might I find the owners of Renlon’s Iron?” he asks.
Indicating a building near the center of the complex, he says, “Most of the time you can find them in there.”
James gives him a nod and replies, “Thanks.” Leaving the man behind, they work their way through the complex until they come to the indicated building where James dismounts. “You stay here with the horses and I’ll see if they’re inside,” he tells Jiron.
Nodding, Jiron remains on his horse as James enters through the front door.
Inside he finds an office with several tables and many shelves lined with books. Behind one is the older gentleman from before. He looks up from where he was making notations on a piece of paper and sees him walk in. “Can I help you?” he asks. Then suddenly his face lights up as he recognizes him. Coming to his feet, he moves around the desk and asks, “James right?” Holding out his hand, he gives James a vigorous shake.
“That’s right,” he replies. “I wasn’t sure if you were going to remember me.”
“After what you did it would be hard to forget you. Here, take a seat,” he says as he gestures to one next to the desk. As James takes a seat he props himself on the edge of his desk. “So what brings you around these parts?”
“Actually I was hoping you could help me with something,” he says.
“If I can I will,” he assures him. “What do you need?”
James explains to him in brief detail the robbery and subsequent chase leaving out the parts concerning the Empire and his magic. Once he’s done, he finishes by saying, “So you see, I believe they may have sold our horses somewhere here in Illion along with our other belongings. You wouldn’t happen to know of anyone who might deal in stolen goods do you?”
Sitting back on the desk, he contemplates for a moment. Then the rear door opens and his son comes in. Stopping just inside the door when he sees his father talking with James, he breaks into a smile and comes forward. “So, you decided to take advantage of our hospitality after all?” he asks.
“In a way,” James replies.
Glancing to his son, his father fills him in on James’ plight. Father and son exchange glances for a moment and then the son says, “You might try Orlander.”
“Orlander?” he asks. “Who is that and where can I find him?”
Nodding, the father turns to James and says, “He’s a bad one, into all the less than honest dealings which go on around here. He runs a tavern on the other side of town. You can’t miss it, it looks shoddy and in ill repair.”
“If your stuff is with him, you best just leave it be,” the son warns. “Those who cross him tend to end up dead.”
“We’ll see,” says James. “I appreciate your help in this. Thank you.”
“Isn’t there anything else we can do to help?” the father asks as James makes to leave. “We owe you a lot.”
Pausing, James glances back to them and says, “Well…”
He finds Jiron still on his horse when he exits the office. The father and son come out with him to bid him goodbye. Walking up to his friend, he hands him a bundle wrapped in cloth.
“What’s this?” Jiron asks as he takes the bundle. When James doesn’t say anything he unwraps it and finds a belt with two exceptionally fashioned knives. “Oh my!” he says as he pulls one from out of its sheath. Holding it up, he tests it for balance and sights down the blade as he checks for straightness. The craftsmanship is exceptional and the balance is the best he’s ever felt.
“Where did you get these?” he asks, replacing the knife in its sheath.
“A present from some friends of his,” the father replies. “For services rendered.”
“Thank you,” he says. Removing his old belt which had held his now lost knives, he discards it and secures the new one around his waist. Once it’s secured tightly, he quickly draws both knives and in a blur of speed, they dance around him briefly before being returned to their sheathes. “Excellent,” he says glancing to the two men. “Absolutely excellent.”
“They were made by a master weaponsmith some time ago,” the son explains. “They were to be a gift but the person died before we were able to give it to him.”
“You may need them where you’re going,” the father states.
“What?” he asks.
“I’ll explain as we ride,” James says as he mounts. Turning to the father and son he says, “Thank you for all the help. It’s much appreciated.”
“You’re welcome,” the father says.
“Stop by again if you’re able,” the son says.
“Will do,” replies James as he and Jiron turn their horses and begin making their way from the Renlon’s complex. After leaving it behind, he glances over to Jiron and pats a bulge in his shirt. “They also gave us some traveling money,” he says.
“Oh?” asks Jiron hopefully.
“Don’t be getting too excited, it’s only about a gold’s worth,” he explains.
“That should at least last a few days on the road,” he says.
Nodding, James returns his attention to the crowded street as they maneuver their way through the people. Making their way across town to where this Orlander’s tavern lies, they eventually see a building exactly as the Renlon’s had described, rundown and looking about to fall apart at the seams.
Outside are several individuals whom James wouldn’t want to meet up with on the wrong side of a knife in some dark alley. They all look like thugs who would just as soon kill you as look at you. When they near, he signals Jiron to continue down the street. After putting some distance between them and the tavern Jiron asks, “Why didn’t we stop?”
“I didn’t think our horses would still be there when we came out,” he explains.
“Good thinking.”
Finding a reputable business, a chandler’s shop by the look of it, they come to a stop and secure their horses among two others already tied there. “We going back?” asks Jiron.
“You bet,” replies James. “If he has our stuff, I mean to recover it.”
They begin walking back and Jiron says, “It could get nasty.”
Sighing, James asks, “You got a better idea?”
Shaking his head, he replies, “No.”
“Hopefully he’ll listen to reason,” James says wistfully.
“Doubt it,” Jiron replies confidently.
One way or another, he has to retrieve that medallion, not to mention the other one he found in the underground temple. Jiron’s necklace designating him a Shynti was also taken. If nothing else, those three things must be recovered.
Approaching the thugs outside the dilapidated tavern, they’re stopped by one of them before reaching the door. “What do you guys want here?” the thug asks. Standing there blocking their way with a sword on one hip and red hair waving in the slight breeze, James thinks he must really think he’s something.
“Want to talk with Orlander,” he says coming to a stop.
At that the others edge their way closer to the pair. “What for?” the red haired thug asks.
“That’s between me and him,” James says with finality. He stares down the man with courage he didn’t realize he had. Before coming to this world he would’ve been a quivering mass of jelly if someone had confronted him like this. Amaze
d at the backbone he’s acquired he takes a step forward.
The thug stops him by placing his hand on his chest and says, “You ain’t getting in.”
Jiron starts to move to take out this man when James holds up his hand to forestall any violence. Looking into the thug’s eyes he says, “Either remove your hand or lose it.”
In the face of such calm certainty the thug hesitates a moment and then removes his hand. “Thank you,” he says as he begins to move forward.
Shhhhht!
Five swords leave their sheathes as the thugs draw their weapons. “Now I said you ain’t getting’ in and I meant it,” the red haired thug reiterates as he threatens them with his sword. The other four are close and their swords are less than a foot away.
Frustration and anger begins to get the better of him and he’s about to let loose the power when the door to the tavern opens. “What’s going on here?” a large balding man says as he steps out. This has to be Orlander. Big, scars covering most of his exposed skin, and an air of command no one can ignore.
“These fellows wanted to see you,” the red haired thug says.
“About what?” he asks.
“They wouldn’t tell me,” the red haired thug replies.
“What is this about?” Orlander asks.
“I’ll tell that to you inside when things are less public,” replies James.
Orlander considers it a moment and nods. “Very well,” he says as he returns inside the tavern.
James takes a step forward and ‘Red’ has to step aside to prevent from being walked into. Not even looking back at them, he follows Orlander inside.
The inside looks just like every other tavern except the clientele is a little more tougher looking. Seven people are seated at the various tables, four of whom are having a game of cards off to the side. One is seated on a stool by the bar with a loaded crossbow laid across his lap, most likely in case of trouble.
Following Orlander across the barroom, James feels the eyes of everyone in the room upon him. Ahead of him Orlander reaches a door on the far side and opens it. Passing through, he leaves it open for them to follow.
Two men with crossbows and another with two swords strapped to his back are already in the room as he enters and takes his seat behind a desk situated against the far wall. After James and Jiron enter, the man with the swords closes the door and takes position behind them.
“Now,” Orlander says, “what is all this about?”
“We’re here to recover some items which were stolen from us,” he says.
One of the three other men in the room chuckles at that and Orlander gets an amused expression on his face. “What makes you gentlemen think I would have anything to do about that?”
“Word on the street is that you would be the man to see about such things,” Jiron states.
“I have been known to expedite the return of certain articles,” he tells them, “for a price.”
“So you might be able to help us?” James asks.
“First I would need to know of what you are talking about,” he says.
“Two people, a man and a woman robbed me and my friends a few days ago,” James explains. “They took off with our horses and many of our valuables. We know they passed through Illion and left with less than they arrived with. The only items which we are truly interested in are three necklaces.”
Nodding, Orlander says, “It seems I recall such a pair passing through. Don’t know as what they may or may not have liquidated here in Illion. If those items were to turn up, say, what would you be willing to pay for their return?”
“What do you mean?” James asks.
“I mean,” clarifies Orlander, “how much gold would you be willing to give me to expedite their return?”
“We don’t have much on us right now I’m afraid,” admits James.
“Then why should I even bother with you?” he asks. Snickers can be heard coming from those around them.
“Because it’s the right thing to do,” James tells him.
Breaking out into a laugh, he says, “Get them out of here.”
“Let’s go,” the man with the swords says as he lays a hand on Jiron’s shoulder.
Spinning around fast, Jiron knocks the man’s hand off as the men with the crossbows take aim.
“We should leave,” James says to him. Then in a barely audible whisper he says, “Later.”
Swallowing his anger, Jiron backs down and the man with the swords gives him a grin and then precedes them from the room.
Following him across the barroom, they move to the door and are escorted outside. “Don’t come back unless you have gold,” the man says.
‘Red’ is there looking at them and their eyes lock for just a moment before James turns. Then he and Jiron move off down the street.
Once they’re out of earshot, Jiron asks, “Why didn’t we do anything?”
“I wasn’t sure if he had them or not,” he says. “I can’t just go around and indiscriminately kill everyone who crosses my path.”
“What are you going to do now?” he asks.
“Find out if our stuff is there or not,” he replies.
“And if it is?” prompts Jiron.
“We go back tonight and reclaim them,” he states.
Nodding, Jiron follows him down the road a ways until James ducks down a deserted side alley. Moving away from the entrance, he comes to a stop. Glancing around quickly to make sure no one is observing them, he creates his translucent seeking bubble which he has used before.
Letting it go, it begins floating through the air as it hunts for the medallion bearing the Star of Morcyth. Moving out of the alley, it’s barely perceptible as it drifts along through the people on the street. One young girl does a double-take as she takes notice of it but then her mother pulls her along and she dismisses it.
They follow it from a discreet distance, just far enough to be able to keep it in view. Even though they know exactly what they’re looking for they still at times lose it only to pick it up again a second later. It bobs around people as well as over and under wagons and carriages as it continues making its way through the street.
When it begins nearing the thugs outside of Orlander’s establishment, James watches it carefully. If it’s not in there, the bubble should go around the building. If it is, stop at the door. He made it so as not to go through walls, he was afraid he might lose it if it went through a building.
Sure enough, it floats toward the door to the tavern and comes to a stop. Just as the red haired thug begins to notice something there, James cancels the spell and the bubble disappears. ‘Red’ squints his eyes and with a shake of his head returns to his conversation with another of the thugs.
“So it is in there,” states Jiron.
“It would seem so,” replies James. They turn and move back further from the tavern, coming to stop in front of an ironsmith. The sound of the smith’s hammering creates quite a din.
“What are we to do?” Jiron asks. The hammering coming from the building next to them drowns out their conversation.
Glancing back down the street in the direction of the tavern he says, “Let’s find an inn and get some rest. Tonight we’ll pay them a visit.”
Grinning, Jiron says, “I like that plan.”
They return to collect their horses and then find an inn. Eating a quick bite, they retire to their room for some sleep before the coming of night.
“Doesn’t look as if anyone’s around,” Jiron says as they watch the tavern from across the street.
They waited until well past midnight until only a few hours were left before the dawn. James had thought the place would have some activity even at this hour, it was a tavern after all. But when they got there, the place was dark and no one was about.
The entire area around the tavern was deserted, not even a bum lying in the street. No one passing by or anything, altogether giving off the feel that something wasn’t quite right.
“Do you think
they are waiting for us?” James asks.
“Maybe,” replies Jiron.
They stand near a building across the street for some time and still no one or anything makes an appearance. “Guess we better do this,” James whispers.
Sensing more than seeing Jiron’s nod in the dark, they begin making their way across the street toward the building. Nestled in James’ hand is a stone, one of many he acquired since his slug belt was stolen. The rest are in his pocket.
Approaching the front door cautiously, Jiron indicates they should go around the side and see if there is a back entrance which may afford them a better entry. James turns to follow him as he begins heading around the side.
As they follow the side of the tavern, no opening presents itself. After turning the corner to the rear of the building, they find another door. Apparently the only other way in besides the door in the front, this must lead to the office where they talked with Orlander earlier.
Jiron motions for James to halt as he puts an ear to the door. After a moment he whispers, “Don’t hear anything.” He puts his hand to the door handle and attempts to open the door only to find it locked.
Pulling a knife, he begins working on the lock while James keeps an eye out for anyone approaching. A soft ‘click’ can be heard following several tense moments and Jiron turns the handle and then slowly opens the door.
The other side is dark. The only light being what is filtering in past them through the door. They move inside and Jiron closes the door behind them just as a soft light springs into being on James’ hand. Jiron turns to find his glowing orb resting upon his palm.
“We better hurry,” James tells him and receives a nod.
They start moving into the room when they come to a quick halt. It is indeed the office in which Orlander had met them but that isn’t what stops them. Resting upon the desk in plain view are the three necklaces, situated as if on display.
This can’t be good. James glances to Jiron and can see his worries reflected in the eyes of his friend. “Just grab them and let’s get out of here,” he says.
Jiron nods as he moves to collect the necklaces.
Standing there nervous, he waits while Jiron goes to the desk and picks up the necklace designating him as a Shynti and puts it around his neck. He then picks up the medallion bearing the Star and tosses it over to James who does the same. The necklace with the three dots and lines almost connecting them he puts into his pouch.
The Star of Morcyth: The Morcyth Saga Book Five Page 30