by John Migacz
They rode hard for several days and neared Castle Lothogorn as the last rays of the sun turned narrow strips of clouds into red flaming arrows.
Balthus forced aside the apprehension trying to seep into his bones. He wouldn’t fret about a problem before he had all the facts. Worry only fogged judgment. He knew his reasoning needed to be uncluttered by emotion if the siege was as large as Lotho had stated.
The forest thinned as they neared the plain. “We should be seeing their outriders soon,” said Balthus. “Let’s get off the road and wait until dark.”
“Or we could ride right down into camp and pose as another couple of mercenaries looking for work,” said Adrianna.
“Naah, your pretty face would draw too much attention.”
Adrianna snorted.
Balthus pursed his lips in thought for a moment. “No. This calls for stealth, cunning and a midnight reconnoiter into the enemy camp.”
“Especially near the cooks’ tents, I suppose,” she said.
“Well, it wouldn’t hurt. Besides, I still can’t believe you didn’t pack any of Baron Warthgow’s aplin tarts.”
“You don’t need any aplin tarts,” she laughed. “Haven’t you just loved the dried beef and travel bread we’ve eaten for the last week?”
“Yeah, and the beans last night were fabulous. Next time we try soaking them for a while longer before cooking them. I almost broke a tooth.”He fingered the sensitive area. “Ahhh, I could almost kill for a slice of pie…” His face brightened. “Maybe tonight I’ll get the chance!”
They rode down the main road until Balthus spotted fresh tracks. “This looks like the turn-around point for their outriders,” he said. “Let’s get off the road.” They followed a narrow trail into the woods to a small clearing where they dismounted.
“I’m sure you have some grand scheme to infiltrate the enemy lines,” said Adrianna.
“Actually, Love, I haven’t got a clue.” He scratched his short beard and furrowed his brow. A moment later, a smile started on his face that soon widened into a grin.
Adrianna raised a warding hand. “I don’t think I like that idea.”
“You haven’t heard it yet.”
She shook her head. “I can tell by that look on your face that it’s dangerous and foolhardy.”
“Naah, you’re going to love it…”