“It's okay, I'll be fine, Dad.”
“Well, get out of those clothes. I'll need to burn them. If the Inn Keeper tries to clean them we'll never hear the end of it. Besides, we don't want the whole town to know what happened.”
Zollin pulled off his clothes and handed them all to Quinn, even his boots. Then he walked over to his bed. The room was cold, and Mansel had helped himself to one of Zollin's blankets, but from the smell of things, he needed it. Zollin wrapped up in what was left of the bedclothes and fell asleep.
Quinn took the boots back to his room, and then he and Brianna went to the common room. There was blood on the fireplace and tracking up the hallway. Quinn threw the ruined clothes onto the embers of the fire and watched for a second as they flamed up. Then he got some water and two brushes from one of the closets in the maze of rooms beyond the kitchen. They spent the next two hours scrubbing the floor. The Inn floor wasn't spotless to begin with, so they hoped the blood stains would blend with the marks on the rough wooden planks. When they finally got back to their rooms, Brianna fell into bed, exhausted. Quinn sat up for a while and cleaned Zollin's boots. Then with only a couple of hours left until dawn, he couldn't resist the urge to check in on his son one more time. He took the lamp to the room Zollin shared with Mansel. He held his nose as he pushed open the door. Zollin was sound asleep, his breathing steady and deep. In fact, he looked healthier than Mansel, who was still pale amid the ragged bed he had obviously been confined to since drinking himself into a stupor two nights past.
At last he lay back down on his own bed. His body ached, his back sore from shoveling snow, his joints aching from the cold night air, his mind numb from lack of sleep. But when he closed his eyes, he saw the thin stranger. The knife he laid down on the table was evidence enough. The man had been King's Guard, the same as Quinn. He might have hoped the miners were led by an overconfident man inexperienced at organizing an assault, but the stranger wasn't. The tall, thin, assassin would tell the miners just how to come against the town. Their only hope was Zollin. And the stranger thought he had dealt with Quinn's son. How wrong you are, Quinn thought. And as he fell asleep, he thought that just might be enough to save them.
***
The next morning, Quinn gathered everyone together in the common room of the Gateway Inn to talk about what had happened.
“We can't pretend anymore,” said Quinn. “That man who attacked Zollin was sending me a message. The miners are coming, sooner or later. And when they get here, if the town doesn't give us up, they'll destroy the town.”
“I can't believe I missed everything,” Mansel said. He was still pale, but at least he was out of his bed.
“So we should leave,” Brianna said.
“We can't leave,” Zollin argued. “I've got too much to learn, and I've only just started.”
“But we can't risk the town,” Brianna said.
“We can fight,” said Mansel.
“Not all by ourselves,” said Brianna. “We don't even know how many miners there are.”
“There'll be quite a few,” Quinn said. “You don't send three men for supplies if it's a small operation. Plus, there's the possibility that the town could turn on us.”
“What'll happen if we just leave?” Zollin asked. “To the town, I mean.”
“Can't say for sure,” Quinn said. “The miners could ignore the town and come after us, or they could destroy the town. It's hard to say.”
“I don't feel right about leaving these people to fend for themselves,” Zollin said. “They were terrified of the three we already dealt with. If the miners come in a large group, there could be a lot of people hurt or killed.”
“At what point do we stop worrying about everyone else and start looking after our own interests?” Brianna asked. “I mean, we've got Wizards chasing us, and now miners. Even if they don't come until spring, what are we going to do then?”
“That's another good question,” Quinn said.
“Is it possible to stay here?” Zollin asked. “Isn't this place as good as any to make a stand?”
“That depends on who's coming,” said Mansel.
“What do we hope to gain by moving on?” Brianna said. “Is there a place beyond the reach of these people where we might live some kind of normal lives? Or is fighting our only option?”
They all looked at Quinn. He sighed and shook his head.
“I don't think there is anywhere in the Five Kingdoms where we won't be hunted down eventually.”
“That means we either fight or try to cross the Wilderlands,” said Zollin.
“If we fight,” asked Brianna, “what do we hope to gain? Won't whoever is chasing us eventually regroup and come for us again?”
“Probably,” said Quinn. “But I don't like the idea of running.”
“I certainly don't want to cross the Wilderlands,” said Mansel.
“All the magic in the Five Kingdoms is based at the Torr,” said Zollin. “What if I go there? The rest of you would be safe then.”
“That's a bad idea,” said Brianna.
“I don't have much experience with Wizards, son, but I have a bad feeling about you going there.”
“So, we're right back to where we started,” said Zollin.
“True,” said Quinn, “we don't have a lot of options. But my father once told me, wherever you go, whatever you're doing, try to leave the places you travel and the people you meet better than you found them. Brighton's Gate is a good town, but they're vulnerable, either to miners like now or to Skellmarian raiders. The army has pulled back, leaving them exposed. We could help these people learn to defend themselves and at least leave them more prepared than when we found them.”
They all thought about this for a while, and one by one they nodded.
“I guess we brought this trouble on them,” Zollin said. “The least we can do is help them now.”
“I agree,” said Quinn. “So, learn as much as you can. You're our secret weapon. That assassin thinks he killed you, so they won't be expecting you. That's the only advantage we've got.”
“We've got you,” Mansel said to Quinn. “You were King's Army. You know strategy and how to fight.”
“But so do they,” said Quinn. “The assassin was Royal Guard. That's what he was saying when he put that knife on the table. Only the Guard are trained with that weapon.”
“So he'll know what you know?” Brianna asked.
The realization hit Zollin for the first time. His father hadn't just been in the Army, he had been in the King's Royal Guard. He felt a little betrayed that he had never known before. He saw the realization dawning on Mansel's rugged features. There was a gleam of pride in the bigger boy's eyes.
“It's really a matter of experience,” Quinn said. “I only served a few years. When I met Zollin's mother, I left all that behind.”
“Do you think the miners will be trained men, like this assassin?” Zollin asked.
“It's possible, but I doubt it. Mining is difficult work, not the kind of the thing people with other options normally do. But you can bet they'll be violent men, the kind that won't hesitate to slice your throat.”
“Okay, so what do we do?” Brianna asked.
“The first thing is to convince the town that they have a problem that won't be solved by handing us over to the miners. Then, we'll need to start planning for some sort of defense.”
“How do we convince the town?” Zollin asked.
“Well, we'll have to tell them the truth. You feel like putting on a little show?”
***
That afternoon, Brianna went around the village inviting everyone to the Inn for a special night of entertainment. Zollin wasn't convinced that this was the best idea, but they didn't have much choice. If the people ran them out of town, they'd be no worse off. Zollin's main concern was to ensure that Kelvich was not mentioned or his secret revealed. Zollin thought the best way to ensure that was to invite the old Sorcerer to the show. He could act surprised,
just like everyone else, and defend himself if accusations came his way. Besides, Zollin would need his willow belt and staff to do some really amazing magic that would convince the town that they had an upper hand against the miners.
He saddled a horse and rode through the thick snow. The horse tired quickly, but Zollin helped as much as he could. He found Kelvich wrapped in a thick blanket reading a book on his porch.
“Shouldn't you be studying?” Kelvich asked.
“Yes, but unfortunately I was stabbed last night.”
“Hilarious, what are you doing here now? I don't suppose you've memorized a whole book on anatomy already?”
“No, but I really was attacked last night.”
Zollin spend the next half hour explaining how Quinn had fought the miners and how the tall man had accused Quinn and then stabbed Zollin with the throwing knife. He described how he had managed to heal the wounds as his father drew out the knife.
“That is fascinating,” said Kelvich. “Unbelievable, really, to think that you could have such control in the midst of that kind of shock and pain.”
“Well, that leaves us in a bit of an awkward situation. We know the miners are coming, probably with enough men to take the town. So...”
“You're leaving?” Kelvich asked. “But it’s too soon. You're not ready. I need more time.”
“That was an option, but we decided it would be better for everyone if we stayed.”
“But if you stay, you'll have to fight. The townspeople won't like that. They've grown soft with the King's Army patrolling the northern mountains.”
“Now you see why I'm here. I have to reveal myself tonight to the town. Father thinks it may be the only thing that convinces them to stand against the miners.”
“Could be... of course, that would cast a lot of suspicion on the old hermit Kelvich,” the Sorcerer said.
“That was my thought too,” Zollin replied.
“Well, I'll just have to show up tonight, act surprised, perhaps even offended that my new student is actually a Wizard, ha!” Kelvich laughed at the thought of it. “It might even be fun.”
“Good, I was hoping you'd be okay with our plan.”
“If it were me, I'd find an excuse to move on, although you'd have to be insane to leave the Gate while the snows are still thick. Still, I'm not sure I'd risk my neck for these people. You know they blamed your father, and by association you, when the assassin came to see what had become of his associates. Now, they may run you out of town and take their chances with the miners.”
Zollin nodded. He was aware that their future hung on the tenuous thread of the townsfolk's good will.
“If they do, circle wide, then make your way back here,” Kelvich said. “I'd rather be cramped for a season than lose a good student.”
Zollin smiled. “You won't lose me. Just be at the Inn at sundown.”
“Oh, I wouldn't miss it. I love dinner and a show. I just hope I have something to wear.”
Chapter 25
The Inn was full. No one knew what to expect, but the dull winter months often passed with nothing to break up the monotony of day after gray day. The prospect of unexpected entertainment had brought the townspeople out in droves. It was standing room only when Zollin finally took his place near the roaring fireplace. The lamps around the room were all lit and burning brightly. Zollin looked to where his father and Mansel stood on either side of Brianna. There was always the possibility that the town would turn against the little group, perhaps even getting violent. Quinn was prepared for any outcome. Their belongings were packed, along with rations for several days. Mansel had seen to the horses – they were saddled and waiting in the barn. If things turned ugly, they would flee. Zollin had no desire to see anyone hurt on his account, but he didn't relish the winter cooped up in Kelvich's little cabin.
He raised his hands and the room grew quiet. Then he spent the next half hour making small objects fly around the room. His staff was behind him, but his willow belt was under his shirt, next to his skin. He could feel the power of the supple tree branches mingling with his own. Kelvich stood in the back of the room next to the Inn Keeper. He was pretending to be amazed, but his talkative manner and overreaction to Zollin's tricks was so out of character for the old hermit that Zollin doubted if he would be believed.
The townsfolk were shocked at first and then delighted. They all assumed Zollin was performing tricks, not unlike the illusionist that Zollin had seen at the Harvest Festival in Tranaugh Shire. Zollin ended his short performance by making all the ale cups hop and dance along the tables. They ended up in a tall stack in front of the Inn Keeper.
“What?” he cried. “You can't make them clean themselves? What good are you?”
The townspeople laughed and clapped. Many who were seated at the long tables stood. Zollin moved back from the firelight as Quinn stepped forward. He cleared his throat and the room grew quiet.
“We're new to Brighton's Gate,” Quinn said. “And while I've always regarded this town and its people highly, I need to bring some things to your attention.” There was murmuring among the crowd but Quinn pressed on. “I was here over twenty years ago, not as a carpenter, but as a King's soldier, guarding your village from the threat of Skellmarian invasion. I remember Brighton's Gate from that time being a lovely place, full of happy, forward-thinking people. But I also remember the constant readiness of the town for attack. We've only been here a short while, but it is obvious that you are not ready for the threats against your city. The King's Army has withdrawn, and yet you have no plan of defense, nor any defensive works to keep enemies out of your town.
“And when you allow miners to run roughshod over you, it is obvious that you've lost all fight. I know that it was convenient for you to blame us for what happened. We chose not to sit by and allow brigands to do whatever they pleased. We are not angry, but we are concerned. The miners will come now. They've sent their spy to see what condition the town is in. What will they find when they return? Will you stand against them, or cower in your homes as they rob and plunder, murder and rape?”
“Who are you to speak this way to us,” shouted one man. “No one asked you to kill that miner or accost his companions. If the miners come, it's you they'll be wanting, not us.”
“Do you really believe they'll just go away once they kill us?” Quinn asked. “Don't be naïve. They won't leave their mines and livelihood without taking whatever they want from you.” Quinn pointed his finger at the man. “Will you try and stop them?”
“How can we?” said another man. “We're not warriors. We have no one to fight them.”
“You can fight,” said Quinn.
“Better to be alive and penniless than dead with fat purses,” said the first man.
“You have the advantage,” Quinn said. “We can secure the town. Let the miners see that you're not going to roll over and give up everything you've worked so hard for. That'll make them think twice before rushing in to attack.”
“Perhaps,” said Buck, the Inn Keeper. “But what if we just give them you?”
There was an outburst of loud talking at the Inn Keeper's comment. Zollin was pleased to see that many people were shocked at the thought of turning them over to the miners. Quinn raised his hands again and waited for the room to calm back down.
“That is an option, although I have to say we would not go quietly. Or we could leave the Gate, but that would leave you exposed. I doubt this miner, Trollic, would be pleased to find that his quarry has flown the nest. We would not leave you without help.”
“How much help could one small family make?” asked Kelvich. There was murmured approval at the question.
“Yes, well, let me see if we can show you. Please try to remain calm.”
Without moving, Zollin began to work. He had allowed his senses to reach out through the room as Quinn had begun talking. He could feel every person, distinguish the men from the women, sense the heat from their bodies and almost hear the beating of their
hearts. Slowly he lifted them into the air. Now he could hear their panic, sense the terror in their helplessness. The room seemed to shake from the screams and shouts. Some people were outraged, others terrified. As Zollin slowly lowered the people down to the ground, he was afraid they might mob him.
“Who's doing that?” Kelvich shouted.
“The boy, he's a Sorcerer!” shouted another man.
“Kill them,” shouted a woman holding a small baby to her chest. “Burn them or they'll curse us all.”
“Please,” Quinn shouted over the noise. “Please listen to us.”
Slowly the room quieted, but not before several townspeople had left the Inn.
Five Kingdoms: Books 01, 02 & 03 Page 23