As they pass through Trendle’s outlying area, the countryside changes from forest to tilled lands with crops growing tall in the summer sun where farmers are hard at work. Some take notice of Ceryn and holler a greeting. Most times he only smiles and waves back, though if they are close enough he might offer a few words.
“You seem to be popular around here.”
Ceryn nodded. “I’ve been the Warden in these parts for a little over a score and a half years. I know just about everybody within fifty miles.”
A small girl runs toward them across one of the fields. Upon seeing her approaching, Ceryn slows the wagon, brings it to a halt and waits. When she reaches them, she says, “My daddy was wonderin’ if you’d be stopping by while you’re in town?” Dirt streaking her face could not hide a smile that would brighten even the darkest day.
Returning her smile Ceryn replies, “Tell your daddy I’ll be along after dark, I have business in town I need to see to first. Also, tell him I’ll be bringing a friend.”
She glances to James and nods. “Ok. Bye.” Then turning abruptly, she races back across the field to where a group of farmers work hard cutting stalks of grain the old fashion way, with scythes.
“Why don’t they use tractors?”
“What’s a tractor?”
“It’s a…” About to reply, he thought back to everything he had experienced and seen; horse-drawn wagons, swords; Ceryn’s cabin. Perhaps this world didn’t have any such modern conveniences such as tractors, or cars for that matter. Probably still in the midst of the pre-industrial age.
“Oh, never mind.”
Ceryn gets the wagon moving by the time she returns to the farmers. One pauses in his work to lean down and hear what she says, then comes erect again and waves to Ceryn. James sees him speak to the girl and then watches as she heads off at a run toward a farmhouse in the distance.
“That’s Elizabeth, the daughter of the family I mentioned earlier. She’s going to grow up to break some man’s heart someday. Her father’s name is Corbin. His family has worked these fields for over five generations. Good, solid people they are.”
Coming to the town proper, James finds Trendle not to be what one would call a major metropolis. Rather, it was a small farming community with a handful of multi-storied buildings surrounded by those of a lesser sort. As the townsfolk take notice of their approach, many wave a greeting while others come forward to say hello.
An aged man hollers from the front of what looks to be the town’s general store. “What brings you into town, Ceryn?”
“Garrett the Snake and his men paid me a visit last night. Thought I’d introduce them to the mayor.”
The old man eyed the line of riderless horses strung out behind the wagon. “Got them all yourself?”
“No.” Slapping James on the shoulder, he said, “James here helped.”
Grateful for the praise, James still feels slightly uncomfortable by suddenly being the focus of so many people.
One man comes behind the wagon and lifts the tarp to reveal the bodies beneath, “Looks like you got the whole bunch. What happened?”
“Can’t talk now, have to take ‘em to the mayor. I’ll be by the Squawking Goose later and I’ll tell the tale then.”
As they continue on his way, people gather in groups to share the latest gossip about Ceryn and Garret the Snake. James hears his name being mentioned more than once.
As they trundle their way through town, James notices how the townsfolk stare at him. Not in an unfriendly way, more like he’s a curiosity. “Why are they staring?”
Ceryn looks up and takes in the way everyone is gawking. “Aside from being a stranger, it’s probably your odd attire. It’s like nothing seen around these parts.” He waves at several of the onlookers. “Pay them no mind, they’re just curious is all. Not much ever changes around here and new people are always the talk of the town. By tomorrow morning they’ll have several stories circulating about you, none close to being the truth I’d imagine.”
“Great,” he sighs.
News of their coming must have raced ahead for a man dressed in attire finer than anything James had yet seen since passing through the door and entering this world, stood waiting for them at the top of the stairs before the largest building in town. Several others, also in attendance near the building, watch as James and Ceryn approach what the Forest Warden explains is the Town Hall.
“That’s the mayor. He’s an honest man but at times can be a bit stubborn and headstrong,” As they draw near, the mayor descends the steps. Coming to a stop, Ceryn waves a greeting. The mayor returns the salutation
“What are you doing in town, Ceryn? Got too lonely out there with just yourself and the squirrels?”
Laughing, Ceryn replies, “No, John. Actually we have business with you.” Hopping from the wagon, he gestures for the mayor to join him at the rear of the wagon. Flipping back the bloodstained tarp, he reveals the corpses. Grabbing the arm of one, he turns it to exhibit the snake tattoo.
“So, Garrett the Snake is dead? You do it all by yourself?” He nods and casts an approving glance at Ceryn.
“No,” he replies then with a nod, indicates James who still sits on the wagon seat, “had some help. If he hadn’t been there, I’d be dead right now or wishing I was.”
After giving James an once-over, the mayor says, “There’s a bounty on their heads.” He returns his attention to the bodies lying in the wagon. “Looks like you got Garrett and six of his henchmen.” Turning once again to Ceryn he gestures to the line of horses tied to the rear of the wagon. “Are these their horses?”
Ceryn nods, “Yes they are. I would like you to give the whole bounty to James here, I owe him my life. The horses are the town’s, according to our agreement, with the exception of one that James will take for his own.”
The mayor looks up to James and gives him a grin. “I guess we can’t begrudge one for the man who saved our Warden and helped to terminate a long-standing threat to our community.”
Moving down the line of horses, Ceryn unties a brown stallion with white patches from the others and leads it to a hitching post near the Town Hall steps.
“James, this one is yours.”
Using his spear for support, he comes down off the wagon and hobbles over to stroke the horse on its neck. The horse allows the touch with but a snort and brief shake of its head. James is delighted with the choice that Ceryn made.
The mayor turns and motions for them to accompany him. “Come inside and we’ll get this matter settled.” Hollering in a very unofficial manner to two men standing nearby, the mayor says, “Marin, Josh, take the wagon around back and unload the bodies. Put the horses in the stable.” Confident that his orders will be carried out, he leads Ceryn and James up the steps and through the front doors.
They cross a large open room before ascending another flight of steps to the second floor. At the top they enter a hallway that runs the length of the building, ending at a set of double doors. The mayor leads them to the double doors, opens them and then precedes them into his office.
The room is officially decorated. The most prominent feature is a large desk with a high-backed chair, both masterfully crafted. Two chairs of a lesser nature sit before the desk. Several shelves containing dozens of large, expensive looking books adorn one wall. On another wall rests a long shelf bearing expensive looking knick-knacks.
Sitting in the big chair behind the desk, the mayor indicates for Ceryn and James to sit in the two chairs in front of the desk. He then pulls out a piece of paper, vellum really, and dips a quill into an inkwell as he proceeds to write out a payment voucher that James can take to the local bank to receive his reward. It’s for eleven hundred gold pieces, just like Ceryn had thought.
Handing the paper to James he says, “Son, you’ve done this town and this area a service that’s needed doing for some time. Take this and our gratitude for a job well done.” Coming to his feet, the mayor extends his hand toward James who quickly shakes it before taking the reward voucher.
“Now Ceryn, how long do you plan to be in town?”
“I’ll be leaving in the morning. First though, I want to take James to Corbin’s and see if he’ll let him recuperate with him. He needs a place to hole up while his leg heals.”
The mayor casts a concerned look to James. “I do hope it’s not too bad? When James shakes his head, concern turns to cheerful. “Good, good.” Coming around the desk, the mayor says to James, “Hope you enjoy your stay here.”
“It seems a very nice town, sir,” he replies as he works with the spear to come to his feet.
Turning to Ceryn, the mayor claps him on the back and walks with him and James to the door. “Going to be at the Squawking Goose?”
“After a while. I told old Gyn that I would be there to tell what happened; and maybe squash any wild rumors that I am sure are already making the rounds about James.”
“Most likely,” laughs the mayor. “I’ll see you there if I can get away.”
“I hope so.” He indicates to James that it’s time to leave and that he should precede him out into the hallway.
Once they leave the office and are descending the stair to the first floor, James asks, “He doesn’t seem too busy, why wouldn’t he be able to get away?”
Ceryn chuckles. “It’s not the town’s business that will keep him away tonight, but his wife. She thinks that because he is the mayor, that he shouldn’t mingle with the ‘common people.’ He has to sneak out just to visit with his old drinking buddies.”
They find Ceryn’s wagon out front, the bodies of the dead outlaws have been removed and most of the blood stains rinsed out. Ceryn unties James’ horse from the hitching post and secures its tether to the back of the wagon. Meanwhile, James works his way up onto the wagon and waits for Ceryn.
Climbing up to take his seat on the wagon, Ceryn grabs the reins and flicks them to get the horse moving. Turning the wagon back around the way they came, he heads through town on the way to Corbin’s farm.
The sun is nearing the horizon by this time and the streets are beginning to empty as everyone has either gone home or is heading there. A few lone people walk the streets, stragglers from the marketplace or shopkeepers on their way home after closing for the day.
Several wave a hello to Ceryn, or call out a greeting. Ceryn answers back in his usual cheerful manner. They leave the town behind them and turn down a somewhat well-maintained dirt road. The sun is just dipping below the horizon when they leave the road and enter a dirt lane, at the end of which sits a welcoming-looking farmhouse.
No sooner do they start up the lane when two dogs appear. Barking with tails a-waggin’, they greeted the new arrivals. Shortly after the onset of barking, the front door to the home opens and two little girls emerge who race down the lane toward them. James recognizes one as Elizabeth. The other can only be her sister, a younger version of the older sister. A shout from the other side of the doorway brings them to a halt.
“Ceryn, Ceryn!” the girls holler as the wagon rolls closer. The two dogs race in circles around the wagon, barking and jumping. In the doorway stands a man with the look of having been hard at work in the field all day. James figures it to be their father, Corbin.
“Good evening, Master Farmer,” Ceryn greets with a slight nod of his head as he brings the wagon to a stop.
“Master Farmer indeed,” snorts Corbin, then breaks out with a smile. “Ceryn, it’s good to see you again. I heard you brought in Garrett the Snake?” To the dogs he yells, “Cyne, Tor, quiet!” They cease their barking and confine their actions to racing about within the space between the wagon and the house.
Climbing from the wagon, Ceryn replies, “It was Garrett the Snake and his band. They came for me last night and if it wasn’t for the aid of James here, we’d not be having this conversation.”
Nodding approvingly to James, Corbin says, “Any friend of yours is welcome in my home. Won’t you both come in?”
James starts to get down off the wagon when the dogs come and jump in friendly greeting up the side of the wagon at him. “Down, boys!” Corbin yells. The dogs back off and give him room to come down off the wagon. Corbin notices how he’s using his spear for support and favors the leg where the wolf had bitten him. “Are you alright, son?”
James nods his head, “Yes. I just had a run in with a pack of wolves in the forest. If it wasn’t for Ceryn, they would have had me for dinner.”
Corbin looks over to Ceryn who nods agreement. “There’s a story there or I’m a three legged dog. But that can wait for later.”
“Devin!” Corbin turns his head and hollers back into the house. A lad of about fourteen emerges. “Take Ceryn’s wagon and the horses and see to their care.” The lad nods and takes the reins as he leads Ceryn’s wagon around back.
Coming into the house James finds a homey, well-cared for country home. A woman is in the kitchen area, working on dinner. Corbin enters after James and says, “That’s my wife, Mary. Have a seat at the table, dinner should be ready shortly.”
James takes a seat and the girls quickly move to sit on either side of him. Ceryn just smiles.
“Corbin, I’ve got a favor to ask of you.”
“What?” the master of the house replies, as he takes his place at the head of the table.
“James is injured and a stranger to these parts. I would consider it a personal favor if he could use your spare room to recuperate for a week or so. His leg is not well enough for traveling.”
The farmer turned a thoughtful look upon him.
“I would help out where I could,” James offers. “I could even pay if you would like.”
“I’m not one who usually allows strangers to stay in my home, Ceryn. But you’ve saved my skin on several occasions, so I suppose I could make an exception here.” Keeping his attention focused on James, Corbin says, “We’re not rich here, you’ll get just simple fare. If you wish, you can stay with us. Though should you give us any problems, you’ll be out the door and on your way. I’ll not have trouble in my house. Do we understand each other?”
“Yes sir, we do.”
“Fine.” Turning toward the kitchen he hollers, “How much longer till dinner, woman?”
“It’s coming now,” Mary says as she emerges carrying a platter loaded with roasted chicken and accompanying vegetables. She sets the platter in the center of the table then turns to Corbin, “If you holler like that at me again, Master Farmer, you can go out and eat with the hogs for all I care.” After fixing him with a stern glare, she returns to the kitchen. In spite of the bickering, James gets the feeling that they really care for each other.
About this time, Devin returns from taking care of the horses and Ceryn’s wagon. He takes his seat at the table, opposite James.
“Where are you from?” asks Elizabeth’s sister. “You sure have funny looking clothes.”
“Don’t bother the boy, Cyanna,” her father chides. “It’s not nice to ask questions like that.”
“That’s okay,” James assures him. Turning to Cyanna he says, “I’m from a small town like this one that’s far, far away.” He gestures to his clothes, “And this is what we wear where I come from.”
“Do you miss it?” she asks, then casts a quick glance at her father who doesn’t say anything about her questions since it doesn’t seem to be bothering James.
“A little. You always miss your home,” he replies wistfully.
As Mary places the last of the food on the table, she takes her seat and Corbin announces, “Enough questions, let’s eat.”
Baked chicken, some vegetable, and bread; simple as Corbin had said, but very good and filling.
While they ate, Corbin has Ceryn relate the tale of the outlaw attack. In difference to James, he glosses over the parts that magic played. He also toned down the gory details, respecting the sensibilities of the girls and Mary. Devin listened intently, asking many questions about the fighting.
During the tale, James is startled when his leg is unexpectedly thumped. The dogs had taken position beneath the table and James notices that Corbin and his family toss the bones and other scraps down to them. The dogs spend the meal happily, and noisily, gnawing away on the bones. James even caught Cyanna magnanimously sharing a few of her vegetables with them as well.
When dinner concludes, the men retire to the living room for a smoke and a cup of ale. Ceryn comes to James and takes his leave. “I’m heading down to the Squawking Goose. I promised to tell the story of the bandit attack. You’ll be fine here. Corbin’s a good man, if a bit grumpy at times.”
“I heard that!”
“Of course you did, I said it for your benefit.” Smiling, Ceryn continues, “If I don’t see you when I return afterward, take care.” With that he extends his hand and James shakes it.
“Goodbye, Ceryn. Thanks for all you have done for me.”
“I’d say we are even. I saved your life, and now you’ve saved mine.” Ceryn says goodbye to Corbin and his family and then heads out the door to the stables where he readies his horse for the ride into town.
Mary and the girls show James to his room where he finds his backpack and spear already resting in a corner. Devin must have put them there when he took care of the wagon. The room is rather small. James sits on the edge of the bed and finds it to be quite soft and comfortable. The furnishings are sparse, with but a bed, nightstand and a squat three legged stool. There is also a small chest in which to store clothes positioned at the foot of the bed. James lies on the bed and relaxes. A window above his head allows a soft breeze to waft in and soon lulls him to sleep.
Long before he has any desire to shed the veil of sleep, an annoying rooster beneath his window begins to crow; making a general nuisance of itself. The insistent crowing prevents him from being able to return to sleep. Every time he was about to fall asleep, the rooster would crow, startling him back to consciousness.
Sighing, he realizes that further sleep is simply impossible with that racket going on outside. He lies in bed for some time hoping the rooster will stop, but the annoying bird seems content to crow all morning long. Exasperated, he finally gives up completely and sits on the edge of the bed. Feeling better for the full night’s sleep, but wishing the rooster had picked a spot farther removed from his window to greet the morning, he gets out of bed and makes his way to the window. It’s a little rooster that stands beneath his window. It cocks its head to one side and looks up at James out of one eye as if to say “Yes? You want something?”
“Shoo!”
As if in spite, the rooster crows one last time before walking away.
The world outside looks to be the beginnings of a beautiful, summer day. The sun has already risen a good distance over the horizon and he spies Corbin and Devin out in the nearby field hard at work. The faint odor of bacon is in the air and his stomach growls. Starving, James makes his way from his room.
He finds Mary shelling peas at the table where they had dinner the night before. She glances up as he emerges from his room. “Feeling better?”
About to answer, he waits as a yawn that could not be denied expresses itself. “A little.” His leg did throb, but not nearly to the degree it had yesterday. It must be on the mend.
“We thought it best not to wake you. Ceryn came by earlier and picked up his wagon. He left for home an hour ago.” Taking another pod, she cracks it open and empties the peas into a bowl already half filled with the round objects. “Corbin and Devin are out in the field, as is Elizabeth. Cyanna is around here somewhere. Are you hungry?”
The growl from his stomach is all the answer she needs. Smiling, she rises and says, “I know how to fix that.” She taps the chair next to her. “Sit here and I will bring you something.” She sets the empty pod on the discard pile before disappearing into the kitchen only to return a short time later with a plate full of biscuits and a small jar of jam. She places the plate in front of him then returns to the kitchen. When next she emerges, she bears a skillet containing eggs and potatoes from breakfast. She scrapes the rest onto his plate. “The eggs may be a bit cool, they’ve been ready for a while.”
Cool though the eggs may be, they are very good. He puts a hearty helping of jam on his biscuit and takes a bite. The taste brings back the memories of his grandmother’s biscuits and produces a touch of homesickness.
“Good breakfast, it reminds me of home.”
Returning to her peas she smiles at the compliment. “Ceryn says he found you lost in the woods, almost ready to be killed by a pack of wolves?” More a question than statement, she cast him a glance as another pod split under her expert hands.
“That’s true, he did. If it wasn’t for him I’d be dead.”
“How did you get in those woods in the first place, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Not sure what to say he settles for, “It’s kind of hard to explain, really. I don’t exactly know how I got there to tell you the truth.” It was the truth in that he couldn’t tell her exactly, but he did have a few unsubstantiated theories.
“Poor boy. Are you planning on returning home when your leg heals?”
James nods. “I intend to, but I may stay around here, at least for a while.” Finishing the last of the breakfast and feeling very satisfied, he sits back and watches her extract peas from the next couple of pods. She has a large pile of them yet to shell. “If you like, I could help you with that. I used to help my grandmother when I was back home.”
“That would be nice, thank you.”
Rising, she removes his dirty plates and brings him a bowl. Placing it before him, she divides the pile of peas, giving herself the larger portion, and then they begin shelling in earnest. He feels good about his progress, his bowl fills at a steady pace and soon his hands are shelling like a pro. His pile is nearly reduced by half when Cyanna comes in with the dogs trotting beside her. Spying James shelling peas with her mother, she comes and sits in the chair next to him. The dogs take up position on the floor beneath the table.
Mary kicks at the dogs and exclaims, “Outside you two!” The dogs hop up and race back outside. “They’d stay in here all day if I let them.”
James nods and gives her a grin. Taking another pod he splits it open, deposits the peas into his bowl, then reaches for another.
“Would you like to go see the pond out back?” Cyanna asks. “It’s got lots of ducks in it.”
James looks at Mary who nods and smiles “Don’t be too long, lunch will be ready in an hour or so. Thank you for your help, James.”
He had just enough time to blurt out a quick, “Thank you,” before Cyanna grabs his hand and pulls him toward the door.
Unable to go as fast as she would like due to his leg, she continuously encourages him to hurry up with a firm, steady pull on his arm. “If we don’t hurry, the ducks will all be gone before we even get there.” Once out the front door, the dogs run over to join them on their walk.
On the way she gives him the grand tour of all the different things to be found on their farm. She points out the chicken house, the dog houses, and all the other things a little girl is interested in.
Continuing a little farther brings the pond with the ducks into view. He agrees with her that there are a lot of ducks out on the water. There are several different species, none exactly matching any he’d ever seen back home. But ducks are ducks and finding a good spot to sit, they relax and do nothing more than enjoy watching their antics.
James finds a comfortable spot nestled against the side of a tall tree. Once he’s settled, Cyanna sits right next to him. He couldn’t help but smile.
“When I was little, my father would take me camping in the mountains near where I grew up. We would hike a long way through the mountains, sometimes taking as much as two days before reaching our campsite. Often, we would camp near a lake and it always felt like we were the first people to have ever been there. Many times we watched the geese as they came in to rest on their trip south.”
“Where is your father now?”
“Dead. He’s been gone for some time now.”
“That’s sad.”
“Sometimes I really miss him. But he’s never really gone, not as long as I keep him alive in my memories.”
“Mama and papa are never going to die. They said so.”
James smiles at her innocence. “That would be good.”
“And I’m never going to leave them, ever.” The look in her eyes said she meant it wholeheartedly.
“Later on you may change your mind. Just enjoy the time you have with them now.” Enjoying the peace and quiet, he changes position and lays flat on the ground. Far above them, clouds drift lazily across the sky. Cyanna lays her head next to James’ and over the course of the next hour, they alternate between finding different shapes in the sky and watching the ducks.
Their quiet morning is eventually interrupted when Cyanna’s mother calls them in for lunch. James felt it was far too soon for lunch, but then realizes that the family had eaten much earlier than had he. Though not really hungry, James allows Cyanna to help him to his feet and back to the farmhouse. The smell of fresh baked bread reaches them long before they near the house.
Corbin and Devin have already returned from the field. They stand at the well in the front yard, washing the dust and dirt from their hands and faces. As James and Cyanna approach, a rider comes at a gallop up the lane.
“Corbin!”
Drying his hands on a towel, Corbin turns toward the rider. “What’s the good word Lor?”
“The mayor has called an emergency council meeting for this evening. He wants all members to be there an hour before nightfall.”
Corbin frowns. “What’s this all about?”
“He didn’t say, only that I make sure to notify all the members and to do it fast.”
“Tell the mayor I’ll be there.”
“I shall.” He gives Corbin a nod and then turns his horse about. “I’ll see you tonight.” With that he prods his horse into a gallop and is off.
Corbin watches Lor depart for a moment then turns to James. “If the mayor is sending Lor to summon the council members for an emergency meeting, there must be trouble afoot.”
“What do you mean?”
“The council only meets once, maybe twice a month to discuss the area’s business, so this can only be bad news.” He turns to Devin. “You’ll need to finish the south field by yourself, I’m heading into town right after we eat and I may not be back until late.”
Nodding, Devin enters the house with Cyanna to tell their mother the news. “It would be best if you remain here too.”
“I understand,” James replies.
After the meal, Corbin kisses his wife goodbye and heads into town. Devin takes Elizabeth to the south field while James helps Mary with chores that his leg will allow.
Late afternoon rolls around and Mary begins the preparations for dinner. She sends him out to the well for water. Hobbling out the door with spear in one hand and a bucket in the other, he reaches the well and begins drawing water from deep below. Devin and Elizabeth appear looking tired, sweaty and dirty. He takes a ladle from where it rests on a hook and offers them a drink.
“Thanks, James,” Elizabeth says as she takes the ladle. Devin doesn’t say much, simply goes to the basin and proceeds to wash off the dirt and grime from his face and hands. James finishing filling the bucket carries it back to the house.
Giving the water filled bucket to Mary, James then proceeds to set the table. After that, Mary thanks him for his help and suggests he rests until dinner. “It will take a few minutes longer before dinner will be ready. We wouldn’t want you to overtax your leg.”
It was throbbing something terrible. Nodding, he takes his seat at the table to await dinner.
Once she deems the stew ready, Mary brings it to the table and calls the others.
“Shouldn’t we wait for papa?” Cyanna asks as she takes her place next to James.
Mary shakes her head and spoons stew into Cyanna’s bowl. “Your papa said not to hold dinner, that he would not be home until after dark.” Turning her attention to Devin, she says, “Would you please slice the bread?”
Nodding, Devin takes the knife and removes sections, passing them around.
Bread and stew seem to be the mainstay of meals in these parts; first Ceryn, now Mary. Of course, Mary’s is by far the superior of the two.
Near the end of the meal a horse is heard approaching from down the lane. Cyanna bolts out of her seat and rushes to the window. “It’s Papa!” she exclaims happily, then runs for the door.
“Cyanna!”
Ignoring her mother’s cry, she throws open the door and vanishes outside. A moment later, the dogs can be heard raising a cacophony of barking to greet their master’s return.
Mary walks to the open doorway where she stops. The look she sends outside is one filled with both gladness that her husband has returned, and worry. She steps aside to allow Corbin to enter with Cyanna hugging him around the middle. By the look on Corbin’s face, whatever the meeting with the mayor had been about, it hadn’t been good.
“Devin, take care of my horse, please.”
“Ok, Papa.” Taking a last big bite of stew, he takes a slice of bread as he heads out the door to do his father’s bidding.
As Corbin takes his seat at the table, Mary fills a bowl with stew and sets it before him. “What happened, dear?”
“The Empire has done what we have feared for so long. It has launched an assault on Madoc.”
“No,” Mary gasped.
Corbin took a bite and nodded. “I’m afraid so. They have already pushed several hundred leagues north and have laid siege to the town of Saragon. The Madoc Council has sent runners to Castle Cardri for assistance. One passed through and gave the mayor forewarning.”
“Are we in danger?”
“Not at present. Their attack seems to only be against Madoc; so far. Though if Madoc falls, the Kingdom of Cardri will most likely be next.”
“What does the mayor wish us to do?”
“Right now there is nothing we can do. It’s the middle of summer and harvest is not far off. We cannot spare anyone. However, if the situation worsens, and they feel Cardri will be threatened, I’m sure levies will be summoned.”
Elizabeth wrinkles her nose in confusion. “A levy, Papa?”
He nods. “It’s where they summon all able bodied men for service. I don’t think we have much to be worried about, Devin’s still too young and they don’t enlist girls for fighting.”
“What about James?” Cyanna asks.
“James, I’m afraid, would be a prime candidate.” Glancing to James, he continues. “I don’t think you have much to worry about at the moment. If the war does come here, it is still a ways off.”
James didn’t like what he was hearing. He definitely did not want to go into the army, especially not one in an age where doctors use leeches and hard liquor is the only pain killer to be had. Thinking of documentaries that described the Civil War makes a cold shiver go down his back. No matter how bad it had been then, here it would be worse.
“The main thing the mayor wants us to do is to keep our eyes open for strangers and people asking a lot of questions. They could be spies scouting for the Empire.” Breaking off a corner from a piece of bread, he sops up the last of the gravy and eats it.
Cyanna turns wide eyes to James. “Are you a spy?”
“What?” Startled, he almost chokes on the mouthful of stew he had been in the process of chewing.
“Cyanna!” her mother scolds. “That is not the sort of question you ask of a guest in your home.”
Withering under the stern glare of her father, she says quietly to James, “Sorry.”
“That’s okay,” he replies. “And I’m not a spy, just someone who has lost his way.”
“That’s good,” she says. “I mean, good you’re not a spy.”
“Who’s not a spy?” Devin asks as he enters through the door and returns to his seat at the table.
“James,” Cyanna answers.
Her brother glances to their guest with much more interest than he had previously shown. “Is he supposed to be one?”
“No,” Elizabeth joins in, “he is not.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“The problem,” their father interjects sternly, “is people who only hear the end of a conversation.” He glares at his children, quieting them in a way only a father can achieve, then flashes James a smile that lasts only a second.
Corbin stands and stretches. “James, let’s take a walk. That is, if your leg is up to it?”
Surprised by the request, James comes to his feet and nods. “It can make it. The pain is not so bad anymore.”
“Good, come along then.”
Motioning for James to follow, he heads for the front door. As they exit, the dogs notice their emergence and run over to fall in behind Corbin as he and James make their way to the stables.
“I wanted to talk with you privately. Ceryn told me everything about your time with him. I know you’re a mage.” Holding up his hand, he stops James from commenting. “I’m a pretty good judge of people and I don’t get any feelings of evil about you, so your being a mage doesn’t bother me. I haven’t told anyone else and as far as I know, only Ceryn and I am aware of this.
“But there was more than The Empire’s thrust into Madoc that has the mayor concerned. We’ve known the Empire has been on the verge of attacking for several years. What preparations could be made, have been.” He reaches down and scratches Tor’s head absentmindedly.
“No, what I wanted to talk with you about has to do with something else. Several nights ago, Hern, a farmer that lives a few miles out of town near the Forest’s fringe has disappeared. The day before, he asked a neighbor for help in getting rid of a stump in his field. When the neighbor arrived, he discovered Hern’s front door open. There was no sign of Hern outside, so the neighbor went inside to investigate. Hern was not there either.
“The table had been set for dinner. His plate was clean, as if he had just pulled it down off the shelf. A bowl of stew sat on the table; it hadn’t been touched. The neighbor then rushed outside calling Hern’s name but never received an answer. Both inside and out, there weren’t any signs of a struggle.
“So far, no sign of Hern has been found though the entire area has been scoured. Those living closest claim they hadn’t seen or heard anything strange the night before.”
James glanced uncertainly at his host. “What does this have to do with me?”
“Nothing directly, but let me finish, please.” Getting a nod from James he continues.
“Last night, another went missing, this time a small boy. “He had gone to fetch water from the well and never returned. When his parents went to look for him, they found the pail lying on the ground by the well, but no sign of the boy. The boy’s family lives on the edge of the forest just like Hern, though about two or three miles from his place. I was hoping that there would be some way you could help in finding them?”
“I’m not sure what help I can be, Corbin. Despite what Ceryn might’ve said, I am still pretty new to this whole magic business. I will think on it and see if I can come up with some ideas.”
“We would be grateful with whatever aid you could give.”
Nodding, James thinks for a bit. Whenever detectives are trying to solve a case, they always examine the scene of the crime. “Maybe we could ride out to Hern’s place tomorrow morning and I can look around. Maybe something would turn up.”
“Ok, then. First thing in the morning. We better be getting back before Mary sends one of the young’ens to see what’s going on.”
James agrees and they return to the house where they find Mary readying the children for bed. With a round of goodnights and several kisses, they head to their rooms. James takes his leave of Corbin and Mary and goes to his and lies down. He lies awake most of the night as he works to come up with some way in which to help.