When the vent comes free, the opening accelerates the venting of the smoke which in turn causes the fire to burn hotter.
He glances outside and finds they’re in an area currently free of people. “I think we made it,” he says as he glances back to James.
Coughing from the effects of the choking smoke, James replies, “Just hurry.”
Turning around, Jiron exits through the vent feet first until he’s all the way through and hanging by his hands. Then he lets go and lands on the ground outside. Pulling a knife, he rubs his eyes with his other hand in an attempt to clear the tears the smoke had produced.
Glancing up, he sees James’ feet coming out and then shortly afterward he drops to the ground beside him.
“There they are!” a cry goes up and they turn to see men coming around the corner of the tavern. One has a crossbow and lets a bolt fly.
In reflex James brings up his barrier and the bolt is deflected. As they race away, light from the fire burning within the tavern silhouettes them as the others give chase.
“I’ll kill you both!” Orlander screams as he rounds the corner. Hate and rage radiate from the man as he and his cohorts race after the fleeing pair.
Crumph!
The street behind them erupts and slows their pursuers. Dodging down an alley, Jiron says, “Get to the inn and saddle the horses.”
“What are you going to do?” James asks.
“Give you time to do that,” he says. “Now get going!” With that he thrusts James further down the alleyway where he breaks into a run.
Jumping up onto a stack of old crates against one wall, he reaches up to the window ledge above. Pulling himself up, he gains the room on the other side of the window just as the mob enters the alley behind them.
They pause there just a moment when one catches sight of James running down the far end. “There they go!” one yells.
Jiron looks down and sees Orlander enter the alley. “Orlander you fat pig!” he shouts from the window. The mob down below pauses as they look up to see him illuminated by the lights from their lanterns. “Your mother was a whore and your father a mule!” he adds as he spits in Orlander’s direction. The spittle flies through the air and lands right between Orlander’s eyes.
“Get him!” he screams in rage as he points to Jiron in the window.
“What about that other guy?” another of the men below asks.
“I want him!” Orlander says with rage as he points to the smirking Jiron.
The men begin to immediately pound the door below and Jiron hears it crashing in. He turns from the window and comes to an immediate stop when he sees a man standing there in his nightclothes holding a sword at the ready.
“Stay right there,” the man says, his voice somewhat shaky.
Drawing his knives, Jiron advances upon him. A woman screams from the nearby bed as the man’s sword strikes out at him. Jiron easily deflects the blade and follows through with a punch to the side of the man’s face.
As the man stumbles out of the way, he races past and out of the bedroom. From downstairs the sound of many feet can be heard running up the stairs. Running along the hallway away from the stairs, he comes to the last door and smashes into it. The door bursts open and he rushes into the room, quickly closing it behind him.
He looks around for something to bar the way and realizes he’s stumbled into a nursery, over to one side of the room is a small child standing in a crib. Couldn’t be more than a year old, the child holds onto the side of his crib as he stares at Jiron. The pounding of feet toward him down the hallway tells him he doesn’t have much time.
Pulling a dresser over to in front of the door, he braces it with a couple chairs and then heads to the window next to the child. The child just stares at him curiously as he looks out. The street below appears to be empty.
Bam!
The door is hit from the other side as his pursuers attempt to break it in. He glances and finds the dresser and chairs are for the moment keeping them at bay.
“My baby!” can be heard coming from the hallway.
Ripping the sheet off the baby’s bed, he ties it to the side of the crib and then puts the excess out the window. At this point the child starts to sob and then lets out with a god awful scream. Jiron glances toward it and sees the child is attempting to reach through the bars for something.
On the floor next to the crib he finds one of Tersa’s teddy bears. Are these things everywhere now? Picking it up, he hands it to the child who immediately quiets down. It must have been lifted from the crib when he had removed the sheet.
Bam!
The door opens an inch and begins to be pushed further into the room as those in the hallway put their weight into it. Swinging out of the window, Jiron takes hold of the sheet and proceeds to climb down. Unfortunately the sheet only extends several feet and he has to let go and freefall the remaining ten feet.
Landing on his feet, he glances up just as Orlander’s head pops out of the window. “He’s on the street outside!” he hollers. He leaves the window and a crossbowman takes his place. Taking aim at Jiron he fires just as Jiron begins running away down the street and misses, the bolt strikes the ground where he just vacated.
Coming to the edge of the house, two of Orlander’s thugs round the corner and engage him. Not even slowing, he waits until the last possible moment then drops to the ground and rolls into their legs. One hops over him as he rolls and the other fails to move fast enough and is tripped.
Coming to his feet quickly, he turns and goes on the offensive with the one still on his feet. Feinting with one knife, he draws the man’s sword into a defensive position. Using his other, he knocks the sword out of the way and ends it with a kick to the man’s chest which sends him stumbling backward, tripping over his comrade.
Turning, Jiron resumes racing down the street as more of Orlander’s men leave the house and gain the street.
The commotion on the street has begun to draw the attention of those living in the vicinity and many are sticking their heads out the window to see what’s going on. When they recognize Orlander and his bunch, they immediately pull their heads back from the window and throw the shade.
Just three streets away is the inn where hopefully James has begun to get the horses ready for a quick getaway. Needing to give him a few more minutes to assure he’ll be ready when he gets there, he pauses at a corner at another junction where he’s sure the light from the moon overhead will illuminate him. Making sure he’s seen by Orlander’s bunch, he then races around the corner.
Ping!
A crossbow bolt strikes the building near where he had just stood. The thunder of pursuit remains behind him as he continues to lead the mob through town. At one corner a member of the city watch appears before him.
“Here now…” the man begins to say as Jiron runs right into him without even slowing. Bowling the watchman over, he continues fleeing down the street.
Hoping James has had enough time to get the horses ready by now, he begins to make his way back toward the inn. Shouts from all over begin to be heard as Orlander’s group splits up to cover many of the streets. The watchman join the group, seems they’re on rather friendly terms with Orlander. He must’ve bought them off.
Pausing for a moment to catch his breath in a darkened doorway, he holds still as a group of five men race past. He waits there until they turn at the next junction and then continues heading toward the inn.
In the dark of night with nothing but the moon to light the way, he’s not entirely sure he’s kept his sense of direction until he sees the inn coming up the road ahead.
Crumph!
From the back courtyard of the inn a loud explosion can be heard. Between him and there are three men all running with swords drawn toward the courtyard. Jiron leaves the protection of the shadows and races behind the three men. With knives in both hands, he comes up behind them and stabs two through the back and as the third turns to face this threat, slices him across the t
hroat.
Leaving the dead and dying behind him, he races to the side of the inn and enters the courtyard. He finds James standing by the saddled horses holding off three men. A stone flies from his hand and takes one out as the other two charge.
With a cry, Jiron races to intercept. The men hear his cry and turn as he advances upon them. One moves to intercept him as the other continues toward James. The man heading to James suddenly cries out as he’s picked up and thrown across the courtyard where he smashes into the side of the stables.
The cry of his partner distracts the remaining man just enough for Jiron to get inside his defense and slice open his belly. Then he kicks out with his foot and smashes the man’s knee. As the man falls to the ground he yells to James, “Get on the horse!”
Closing the distance to the horses, James gets into the saddle just as Jiron catches the pommel of the saddle of his horse and quickly swings himself up. Without a word, they both kick their steeds into quick motion as they race for the way out of the courtyard.
As they near, Orlander and his bunch show up. “Don’t stop!” Jiron cries and they both hug their horses’ neck as they ride through the group.
Orlander and the others have to dive out of the way in order to avoid being trampled by the charging horses. When he gets to his feet, Orlander yells “I’ll kill you both if it’s the last thing I do!”
Leaving them behind, the two riders race through town following the western road leading to the mountains. “Let’s rejoin the others,” James tells him.
“I’m for that,” he replies. Behind them the glow which was once Orlander’s tavern lights the night.
Once they are again within the beginnings of the pass, they slow their speed. They don’t ride very far before Jiron asks, “Do you think the Empire’s men are still around?”
“Never know,” James replies. “Best if we kept an eye out.”
“Next time around should my horse become skittish I’ll be more careful,” he says, remembering the creatures they fought not too long ago.
Nodding, James says, “You got that right.”
As they ride the sky begins to lighten with the coming of the dawn.
Two hours after leaving the town behind, the thunder of approaching riders begins to be heard coming from the pass. Deciding discretion may be the wisest course at this time, they edge off the road and hide within a copse of trees.
Just as they gain the cover of the trees, the horsemen reach them and thunder past.
“Fifer!” James exclaims at the departing riders as he quickly returns to the road.
The rider in the rear turns around to glance back and cries out, “It’s James!” Miko stops his horse and turns back, the others following suit.
“What the hell happened?” Uther asks as they come close.
“A lot,” Jiron replies. “Sure am glad to see you guys.”
“Where did you get the horses?” James asks Fifer as he pulls up next to him.
Nodding back the way they came he says, “Back a ways. We were hurrying to follow you when a couple soldiers from the Empire suddenly appeared in the road ahead of us. Seems they were coming from a hard to see trail and must not have seen us. When they finally saw us, a cry went up and one of them fired a crossbow but fortunately failed to hit.”
“Yeah,” interjects Uther, “after that we charged and took them out. From the looks of them they had already seen some action, bandaged as they were.”
Nodding, Fifer looks to James and says, “Some were even sporting severe burns.”
“We saw the explosion,” Dave says, not wishing to be left out of the conversation. “What happened?”
“Let’s find a spot off the road where we’ll not be observed and I’ll tell you,” he says to them.
Turning off the road, they move through the trees until they find a suitable clearing where they can rest without those passing on the road finding them. Once settled in, James and Jiron take turns in describing all the events which transpired since they left the others.
At the description of the creatures, Dave asks, “Hell hounds?”
“Possibly,” answers James. “Water and ice affected them where cold iron didn’t.”
“That’s not good,” he says, worried.
“I know. If they have those, what else can they have to throw at us?” James gives his friend a knowing look. Dave nods silently.
“We should stay here and rest,” Qyrll states. Everyone looks to him as he continues, “We haven’t had rest for two days and you two look dead on your feet. If the Empire should show up again, we’ll need to be at our best to survive.”
“Orlander’s bunch too,” adds Jiron.
“Exactly,” he agrees.
“It would probably be best to pass through Illion at night anyway,” says James. “Orlander may have people watching for us.”
Several heads, several tired heads nod in agreement. Breaking out what little rations the Empire’s men had on their horses, they have a quick, cold meal. Eating in silence, each ponders the events of the last several days and wonders just what may lie ahead for them.
After they’ve finished eating and Qyrll is set to take first watch, Miko suddenly asks, “Did you find out about Ironhold?”
“What?” asks James. Then understanding hits and he says, “Damn! I was there and forgot to ask.” He glances to Jiron who just shrugs with a slight grin.
“You going back?” Fifer asks.
“We have to know where it is,” he replies. “If anyone around here would know, it’ll be the Renlon’s. I mean they’re in the iron business and all.”
“True,” agrees Jorry.
“Do you think that’s wise?” asks Dave. At that, grumbling can be heard and ‘coward’ is mentioned by more than one. Giving them an annoyed glance, he looks to his friend.
“No,” James says, flashing the others a looks saying to knock it off. “But I have to get to Ironhold. Since we don’t know where it is, I have to go back and find out.”
“I see,” Dave replies with a worried expression. To him things seem to be spiraling out of control and he doesn’t wish to lose his only friend in this world.
“Let’s get some rest while we can,” Fifer says and they all settle down for sleep. Qyrll takes first watch and moves closer to the road where he can better keep an eye on those using it.
An hour into his watch, Qyrll hears horses coming up the road from the direction of Illion. Hunkering down lower behind a large bush, he watches as seven horsemen gallop past on their way up to the pass. From his vantage point, they don’t look like soldiers from the Empire. He figures they may be part of that bunch with Orlander James had told them about. They’re soon out of sight and the sound of their hooves becomes fainter until finally disappearing.
Chapter Twenty Five
Securing their horses near the outskirts of Illion they slowly make their way into town, all the while keeping alert for any who may be looking for them.
James, Miko and Fifer walk at a steady pace in an attempt to avoid attracting attention. The others are waiting further from town along the road to the pass for their return. It had been decided for James to take Miko and Fifer with him instead of Jiron this time. Jiron had complained but Fifer told him that Orlander will be looking for two men, not three. Also, Jiron may be recognized which could only confound the situation.
James pulls the hood of the cloak tighter around his head to keep his face from being seen clearly. Though it’s dark he doesn’t want to take the chance. Before they left the others, Qyrll had given him his cloak saying it would help him to avoid being spotted.
As they pass through the streets, they take notice of a crowd gathered around a man standing next to a building ahead of them, bathed in the light of a nearby lantern.
“War is coming!” the man cries.
“We know that,” one man replies.
James slows as they come near the crowd. The man looks like some crazy guy, like one of those who would stand on
the street corner in those old movies and hold signs saying ‘Repent!’
The crowd seems more amused by the man than actually taking him seriously. “The Empire isn’t moving any further until spring,” another says to him. “We have awhile before we need worry about them.”
“The Empire is but the finger of the true enemy!” he cries to the crowd. “He shall rain fire down and all will be consumed.” Gesticulating wildly, he begins rocking from one foot to the other.
“James,” Miko says.
Suddenly coming back to himself, James realizes he stopped in the middle of the street. “Sorry,” he says as he resumes his way down the street.
“The ground will burn and dark shadows will walk the night,” the man cries. “They will feast upon the living until none survive!”
A chill runs down James’ back as the man mentions shadows. A memory comes to him of another place where shadows had walked in a fire blackened forest. Coming to a stop again, he turns toward the crowd.
“We can’t stop here,” Fifer warns, glancing down both directions. So far, no one seems to be paying their group any attention.
Not heeding his words, James moves closer to the wild man. Miko and Fifer glance to each other in concern and move to follow.
“You’re a nut!” one lady exclaims to the laughter of the others.
“Go away and tell your tales of doom elsewhere,” another hollers to him.
James reaches the edge of the crowd and begins making his way through to the front.
“We must fight him!” the wild man cries out. “We must drive him back!” He suddenly stills his frantic motion and his voice becomes all but inaudible as he says with quiet intensity, “But it’s not by the sword that he will be turned aside.”
The crowd guffaws at him and other insults are cast at him as James reaches the leading edge of the crowd. “What are we to do?” he asks the man.
Specks of foam form at the corners of his mouth as the man’s eyes turn to him. “The temple must rise,” he says, so quietly that James almost can’t make out the words.
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