The star of Morcyth ms-5

by Brian S. Pratt

  “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. Amazed 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.

  “Let’s get the hell out of here,” James says as he extinguishes the orb and moves to the back door.

  As he opens the door, light springs to life outside as the shutters from several lanterns are pulled back.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  “I thought you might try something like this,” Orlander’s voice comes from the dark behind the light. The other door leading from the tavern to the office opens behind them and the red haired thug comes in with the rest of his cronies, swords drawn and menacing.

  James and Jiron stand there in hesitation as they take in the situation, Jiron has his knives out.

  “No one steals from me,” Orlander says as he steps into the light. His face is contorted with anger as he advances, sword in hand. The rest of the men out there with him begin advancing as well. “Kill them!” he shouts.

  Jiron grabs James and jerks him inside the office, slamming the door shut just as several crossbow bolts thud into the other side. Turning quickly, he moves to engage the half dozen men coming in through the inner door.

  “You can’t hope to win,” boasts Red as he and the others move to intercept.

  James pulls himself off the floor and drops the bar to secure the outer door as Jiron’s knives clash with that of Red’s sword. Turning to the fight, he begins flinging stones and the thugs drop quickly.

  Those on the outside start pounding on the door in an attempt to force it open.

  The confidence Red felt at the outset is rapidly diminishing when his cohorts begin dropping like flies and the man he’s facing with the two knives counters every attack he throws at him.

  As the last of the other thugs falls, James asks Jiron, “Need any help?”

  Laughing, Jiron replies, “Not with this.” Having taken Red’s measure, he launches a series of attacks. Red tries to defend himself but winds up leaving himself open and one of Jiron’s knives thrusts between two ribs and pierces his heart.

  Staggering backward, Red falls to the ground and the light fades from his eyes as Jiron puts his foot against his chest and removes his knife.

  Wiping his blade clean on the dead man’s shirt, he turns to find James over by the strong box in the corner. “What are you doing?” he asks. “We’ve got to get out of here!”

  Lifting the lid, James reaches in and removes a bulging sack. After a quick glance within it, he tosses it to Jiron. “I was willing to be content with simply retrieving our possessions,” he says. Removing another pouch, he puts it into his shirt and says, “But after this, I’m not.” Tuning to Jiron he adds, “Consider this recompense for ‘pain and suffering’.”

  The pounding upon the door continues and Jiron moves to the door leading into the main section of the tavern and glances out. Slamming the door shut, he presses his shoulder against it just as someone slams into it from the other side. “Not this way,” he says. “What do you plan to do?”

  Coming over to the door Jiron is holding, he lays his hand against it and applies a holding spell. When he’s sure it is set properly, he has Jiron move away and the door continues to hold against the incessant beating from the other side.

  The lantern one of the thugs had upon entering the office lies on the floor tipped
to one side. James moves over and grabs it. Glancing to the ceiling, he gets an idea.

  Climbing up onto the desk he reaches up and is able to touch the ceiling. With his hand pressed against the ceiling, he casts a spell and then gets down from the desk quickly. “Move back,” he warns Jiron who joins him in moving to the other side of the room. After a couple seconds the section of the ceiling he had touched suddenly explodes outward leaving a jagged hole roughly two foot in diameter.

  “That’s not big enough for us to get through,” observes Jiron.

  “Don’t be dense,” says James as he returns to the desk. Brushing aside the debris from the explosion he clears a spot for him to again stand upon the desk. Reaching up to the hole he takes hold of one of the blasted boards and pulls. With a creak and then a crack, the board breaks off, widening the hole.

  Glancing back to Jiron he gives him a grin as he repeats the process again. When the hole is wide enough, he motions for Jiron to precede him through.

  Climbing onto the desk, Jiron jumps up and manages to wriggle through the opening into the crawlspace above. Reaching down his hand, he says, “Take my hand.”

  “Just a moment,” James says as he gets down from the desk. He glances over from one door to the other and can see they’re not about to last much longer. The doors themselves are surviving the impacts well but the walls around them are beginning to show signs of cracking. Taking the lantern he smashes it into the floor, the oil within catches fire as the flame begins to burn the pool of oil. He then removes papers and some of the debris from the desk and piles them on top of the flame.

  As he climbs back onto the desk, the fire begins to burn fiercely and is starting to spread. “Do you think that was a good idea?” asks Jiron as he starts to choke from the smoke moving through the hole in the ceiling. It’s acting like a chimney and is funneling all the smoke right past them.

  “Maybe not,” admits James as he takes Jiron’s hand and makes his way up into the crawlspace.

  The crawlspace isn’t very large and they’re forced to move along on their hands and knees in order to make their way from the hole. Moving quickly, they traverse the length of the building and reach a vent in the side of the tavern leading outside. Jiron grabs hold of it and manages to pull it loose.