Over the next two days James takes it easy, sleeping through most of the first, only awakening when Mary brings in a plate filled with eggs and potatoes. During his breakfast of the second day, he spies the girls peeking at him through the doorway. Their giggling alerts Mary who immediately shoos them away saying, “Let the boy eat in peace!” Once he’s eaten his fill, he lies back down.
“You rest,” she says.
As she passes through the doorway, James hears Mary again berate her girls for bothering him. Apparently they hadn’t shooed very far. He couldn’t help but grin. He has come to like Corbin and his family. They had definitely done everything they could to make him feel welcome while staying with them.
The redness and welts caused by the black cloud have all but disappeared, and he feels much better after having rested the day before. He manages to fall asleep again and remains so until Mary brings in his lunch. The sound of her approaching his bedside prompts him to open his eyes.
In her one hand she carries a bowl of soup and in the other, a cup of water. When she sees him looking at her, she asks, “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” he replies as he sits up.
She sets the glass of water on the nightstand next to the bed and then hands him the bowl and a spoon.
The aroma coming from the soup makes his stomach growl. Taking the spoon, he eagerly scoops out a portion and begins eating. “Very good,” he says much to Mary’s pleasure.
Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, she inspects his injuries. “We were worried about you,” she says. “Corbin said that when they found you, he thought you were dead.”
He gives her a grin. “I can imagine,” he replies.
“Too bad about Hern and the boy,” she says sadly. “At least you were able to help the girl.”
“Is she alright?” he asks.
Mary nods. “Her father says that she is much more subdued than what she used to be,” she explains. “Our priest thinks after some time has past, she will gradually regain much of her youthful exuberance.” A pause, then…“She used to be such a happy girl.”
“After what she went through,” began James. “I can imagine it taking some time for her to recover.”
“Yes,” she agrees. “We are all just thankful she is alive.”
His bowl is soon empty. Taking it, she leaves the room with a final word about him getting more sleep.
Taking her advice, he lies in bed for awhile but sleep is an unattainable goal. It isn’t long before he concludes that he’s not going to be able to fall asleep any time soon. Thankfully the throbbing in his head which had been nigh on unbearable the day before has subsided to a dull ache and he starts thinking that he may be able to enjoy living again. Being tired of lying in bed, he decides to get up and stretch his legs, wobbly though they may be.
Taking it slow, he swings his legs over the bed and attempts to stand. When he gains his feet, sudden dizziness strikes him and he has to sit back down on the bed. Holding his head in his hands to calm the dizziness, and the slight increase in pain, he takes several deep breaths. Once the dizziness subsides and the pain returns to a manageable level, he again attempts to get to his feet, this time managing it without the sudden onslaught of dizziness and worsening of his headache. Feeling only slightly dizzy and unsteady, he refuses to give into weakness and shuffles over to the chair where his clothes are laid out and gets dressed.
Once he manages to dress himself, he opens the door and walks out into the front area. There he finds Mary sitting at the table mending a pair of trousers. “Where is everyone?” he asks, coming over to the table.
“The kids are out in the fields,” she replies, “and Corbin went with those returning to the house to help raze it to the ground.” She puts the trousers down and says, “Can’t sleep?”
Shaking his head in response, James replies, “Not tired. I’m feeling much better too, your soup really hit the spot. I think I’ll take a little walk to stretch my legs and get some fresh air.”
“Cyanna’s outside playing with the dogs,” Mary tells him. Picking up the trousers she continues, “If you should see her, tell her I would like her to come help me, okay?”
“Sure will,” he agrees and then walks over to the door and goes outside. He looks for Cyanna but there is no sign of her or the dogs.
Enjoying the warmth of the summer sun, he decides to walk over by the pond to find a comfortable grassy spot where he can sit down and relax. The ducks have since traveled on, so he just lays back and watches the clouds going by, enjoying the peace and quiet. The warm sun soothes his weary body, making him very relaxed. Before he even realizes it, he falls asleep.
Plunk! Plunk!
The sound of stones being tossed into the pond awakens him. Thinking Cyanna has come to join him, he opens his eyes and glances over to greet her. The whimsical greeting he was about to say dies stillborn on his lips. For there, not three feet away, sits the little creature with the blue vest and crazy felt hat he previously met upon first arriving in this world.
“Awake, are we?” it asks. “Enjoying yourself?”
Not sure how to respond, he says, “I’ve had better days than the last few.”
Chuckling, the creature responds, “I’m sure you have. But you’ve done well, my master is pleased.”
Curious, James asks “Just who might your master be?”
“I haven’t been directed to tell you that as yet.” Plunk! Another strikes the water, sending ripples across the surface of the pond. Holding up his hand to forestall any more questions, the creature says, “Nor have I been given permission to answer any of your questions.”
Reaching into his vest pocket, the creature pulls out a silver medallion on a chain and tosses it over to him. “This is for you. Consider it to be a gift of sorts.”
Catching the medallion, James looks at it and finds that one side has a raised pattern of lines that sort of looks like a stylized star. Turning it over, James discovers the back to be smooth, without design.
“What is this?” he asks.
“Like I said, a gift,” it replies. “Though should you desire to, you may give it away or even sell it, though I’d advise against that at this time. You may need it later on.” Plunk!
“What do you mean, ‘later on’?” James asks. Not entirely liking the prospect of what that might foretell.
“Later on, as in a future time,” explains the creature with a grin.
“What am I suppose to do now?” James asks. “Obviously I’m here for some purpose, would you care to enlighten me?”
“Just do what you feel is right and I’m sure everything will turn out for the best,” replies the creature.
“Yeah, and if I think it feels right to toss this medallion into the pond, should I?” he demands irritably. He wants some answers not all this cryptic god stuff.
“Not suppose to answer questions, remember?” The creature stands up, “You should be fine. I’ll see you later on.” With that, he hops in the air and disappears just like he did before.
James stares at the spot where the creature had just recently stood for a moment before lying back down on the grass. He examines the medallion more closely and mulls over his choices. The design looks to be the same as the one that had been on the cover of the book explaining magic, the one he inexplicably lost back in the forest. The loss of that book still bothers him. He could sure use it now.
Not for the first time he wonders why he was in this world, not to mention what forces brought him there. He has difficulty to believe that it is for some nefarious reason for the creature had told him to ‘do what you feel is right’. Hardly the advice one would expect a minion of evil to give. But still, you never know.
How long he spent mulling things over he wasn’t sure. But before long, Mary’s voice reaches him calling everyone to dinner. Coming to his feet slowly so as not to be overcome with dizziness again, he begins making his way back to the house. He puts the medallion around his neck for safekeeping and tucks it inside his shirt. When he returns to the house he doesn’t mention the little creature or the medallion to Corbin and his family.
That night after dinner as he lies in bed trying to drift off to sleep, he can’t quit thinking about the medallion and why it was given him. There must be a reason., he insists to himself. There must! Sometime before drifting off to sleep he comes to the conclusion that he needs to find the answers to the many questions plaguing him, and that the answers will most likely not be answered in Trendle.
Early the next morning when he wakes and goes out to the front area, he finds Corbin and family eating breakfast before heading out to the fields.
“Good morning all,” he says as he approaches the breakfast table.
“Feeling better this morning?” asks Corbin.
Mary brings a plate for James and he helps himself to the eggs and biscuits. “Much better, thank you. It was probably Mary’s cooking that did the most good.” James smiles over to her who then grins back at him.
During breakfast, he sits quietly at the table, absentmindedly picking at his eggs and biscuits while he tries to come up with the right words to say.
Corbin asks, “Something on your mind, James? You seem to be a bit preoccupied, barely even touched your breakfast.”
Realizing that he has been pushing his food around, he says “Well, as much as I have enjoyed your hospitality, I think it’s time for me to be moving on. I was wondering if you could go into town with me and help me pick out some traveling gear?” He takes a bite of his eggs while he waits for Corbin’s reply.
“I guess I could,” responds Corbin. “Where are you planning to go, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I’m not sure where anything is in this area,” replies James. “Where is the nearest major city?”
“The closest city of any size is Bearn. It lies two days south along the Kelewan River. Three days further south out on the coast you will find Castle Cardri, our capitol. If you go east about a week, you’ll come to the city of Trademeet, a bustling city where merchants of many nations meet. It lies at the foot of the mountains separating Cardri and Madoc.”
“Do you think Castle Cardri would have a library or something that I could use?” he asks.
“Probably,” he replies. “Though it’s unlikely you would be permitted inside. Only the nobles or known scholars are allowed entry. Or so I hear.”
“Well,” says James, “it wouldn’t hurt to try.”
He finishes his breakfast and together they go to the barn to saddle their horses. This time James does a decent job of it, proud that he didn’t require Corbin’s help. Climbing into the saddle, he directs his horse out of the barn. The kids are there with Mary as he nears the house. She comes up to him and hands him a sack filled with bread, dried meat and fruits. He takes the sack of food and gives her his heartfelt thanks.
Devin brings out his spear and backpack. Reaching down, he grabs the backpack but tells him to keep the spear. “I really don’t think I’m going to need that. You go ahead and keep it,” he tells him.
Devin smiles up at him and nods, gripping his new spear.
He looks to Mary and says, “I appreciate your hospitality and have enjoyed being here more than you know.”
“Goodbye James,” she says, “and be careful.”
“I will,” he assures her.
With a chorus of goodbyes, James turns his horse and follows Corbin down the lane. Looking back he sees Elizabeth and Cyanna still waving goodbye. He raises one of his arms and waves back, then turns and catches up with Corbin who’s already at the road leading into town. The dogs follow them, barking and jumping until the end of the lane where they turn back and race for the house. He and Corbin then ride side by side as they continue on into town.
Upon approaching the outskirts of town they see a column of soldiers marching along the main road heading east.
“Who are they?” asks James.
“Cardri soldiers,” he replies. “They must be heading east to reinforce Dragon’s Pass. The siege is still raging at Saragon, at least that’s the rumor. If it falls, they may swing our way. Doubtful, but best to be prepared.”
“I suppose so,” he agrees.
Once the soldiers pass, they make their way through town to Alexander’s. Arriving at his establishment they dismount and tie their horses to the front post before entering. Within they find Alexander at the counter dealing with an elderly woman so they wait a few moments until she concludes her business.
When she is done and turns to leave, James steps to the counter. Alexander looks up at his approach and says, “Why, it’s James. How may I be of service today?”
“I’m leaving town so need to withdraw the rest of my money,” he explains.
“Very well,” Alexander says. “A thousand gold pieces is a lot to carry around with you. If you prefer, I could give you a letter of account. Such a letter would be honored by any money lender in Cardri. It would be less bulky than a chest full of coins that any robber would surely take an interest in.”
“Alright then,” agrees James. “Give me another hundred gold pieces to take with me and the rest in a letter of account. That should last me until I get to Cardri.”
“You’re heading to the city of Cardri then?” Alexander asks.
“Yes,” James replies, “I plan to head in that direction.”
“My brother has a money lender establishment in Cardri,” he explains. “I’m sure he would be more than willing to cash this for you. You can find him in the merchant’s quarter of the outer ring.”
“That sounds good, I’ll look him up when I get there,” James says.
“Very good sir, I shall be but a moment,” Alexander says as he turns and disappears in the back. It doesn’t take long before he returns to the counter with a pouch of coins and the letter. Together they count the money, both verifying that James is indeed receiving the correct amount, and then the money is put back into the pouch.
Handing the pouch and the letter to James, Alexander says, “Protect this letter carefully. If you lose it, you’ve lost your money, understand?” Seeing James nodding that he understands he adds, “And if you see my brother, tell him all is well here.”
“I will be sure to do that,” James assures him. After signing a few papers stating that Alexander was no longer responsible for his money, he and Corbin leave his establishment.
Next to Alexander’s is the Chandlers’ Shop where a variety of equipment and supplies that would be useful for travel are sold. Inside, they find useful wares displayed throughout the shop. Bags, cloaks, belts, etc. An open counter lines most of one wall and a portly man stands behind it.
When he sees who has entered his store, he says, “A good day to you Corbin. How may I help you today?”
“Not for me, but for James here,” Corbin corrects him as he points to James.
“James? Not the same James who rescued Jake’s little girl?” asks the chandler.
James responds, “I guess so. I need some equipment.”
“What are you looking for?” he asks.
James describes the things he thinks he’s going to need, then Corbin and the chandler proceed to tell him what he’s really going to need, including several sets of clothes. Together, they compile a list of equipment he’ll need. When he asks how much for the lot the chandler replies, “Jake came in here yesterday and told me that if you wanted anything, that I was to charge him for it. He said it was the least he could do to repay you.”
Turning to Corbin, James looks questioningly at him.
“While you were recovering, he stopped by to talk to you but you were sleeping and we thought it best not to disturb you,” he explains. “He said he wanted to repay you in some way, so I told him that you would most likely be needing equipment and supplies when you left, seeing as how you didn’t have anything. He must have come down here and set this up with Burl.”
“That’s right, he did,” agrees Burl.
“Okay, I understand,” James says. Collecting his new equipment he says to the chandler, “Thank you for your help.”
“You are most welcome,” Burl replies.
With his arms full, he exits the shop and begins the job of packing and redistributing his things upon his horse until he has a balanced load. As he gets ready to mount, Corbin stops him.
“Here,” he says as he offers James a knife in a simple leather sheath. “This has been collecting dust the last few years and I’d like you to have it. You will need it more than I.”
Taking the knife, he pulls the blade from the scabbard and finds the metal well polished with a sharp edge. He then reinserts it back into the scabbard and unbuckles his belt, looping it through the openings in the knife’s sheath. Once his belt is buckled securely around him once more, he positions the knife’s scabbard in a comfortable position. Having it on his hip makes him feel pretty darn good.
“Thanks, Corbin.” Reaching out his hand, he shakes Corbin’s. “I appreciate all that you’ve done for me. I’ll drop by if I’m ever back in the area again.”
“You’re always welcome,” Corbin tells him. “You take care now.”
James mounts up, turns the horse in the direction of the south road, and canters out of town.
Traveling down the road along the Kelewan River is peaceful and enjoyable. The road has been well maintained and makes for easy riding. It’s a clear and sunny day with a slight breeze, too warm for more than just a shirt. James rides along and covers the miles quickly. According to Corbin it’s two days to Bearn. As the day progresses, he passes several travelers, some alone and others as a group. Late in the morning he encounters one caravan with ten wagons and about as many guards. The teamsters wave at him as he passes, while the guards only glare. The lead wagon is not the same flatbed as the others, but a wagon covered with a deep blue canvas. A four horse team pulls it, making him think of the covered wagons in the old western movies.
The wagon is being driven by a young lady who looks to be about sixteen. Next to her on the seat is an older man, most likely her father. As James pulls abreast of the wagon, the lady greets him, “Good day to you sir.”
Smiling his most charming smile, he replies, “And a nice day to you too ma’am.”
The man looks him up and down, his expression seeming to suggest that he finds James somewhat lacking. He nods a greeting but doesn’t say anything.
“Where are you bound?” the lady asks him.
“South to Bearn, then perhaps to the coast,” he replies. “By the way, my name is James.” He gives her a slight bow.
“I am called Celienda,” she responds. Gesturing to the man next to her she adds, “This is my father Meredith.”
Bowing slightly, this time to her father, he gives his respect. “Are you heading to Bearn?” James asks.
“Oh, yes. Our home is there but we transport goods to various towns, depending on the markets.”
“Could you perhaps tell me of a good inn where I might stay while I am there? I have never before been to Bearn,” he explains.
Thinking a bit, she says “The Flying Swan is good and well priced. The owner is a friend of mine by the name of Jillian. If you should stay there, tell him Celienda sends her wishes.”
“I will, and thank you for your help. Maybe we’ll run into each other while I am there?” suggests James with a grin. Her father gives him a cold look when he hears that.
“You never know,” responds Celienda with a cheerful smile.
Giving them another slight bow, he says, “May your travels be both profitable and safe.” He speeds his horse up to a canter and begins pulling away from the caravan.
“Fare you well, James,” he can hear Celienda call after him. It doesn’t take long before he’s out distanced them.
When the sun reaches its apex in the sky, James stops to let his horse graze while he has a bite to eat. Finding a shady spot not far from the banks of the river, he removes the sack Mary gave him and settles against the bole of a tree.
His posterior has been complaining for the last hour from having to sit in the saddle, but he’ll just have to get used to the rigors of being in the saddle all day. In this world, it seems to be the preferred mode of transportation.
While he eats, he thinks how peaceful and calm it is there by the river. Pulling the medallion from beneath his shirt, he again contemplates the design upon its face. Questions and still more questions with very few answers. Sighing, he replaces it beneath his shirt and finishes his meal.
The rest of the afternoon is pretty much a repeat of the morning, except that the pain in his bottom grows more pronounced as the day wears on. When the sun is but an hour away from dipping below the horizon, several buildings appear in the distance ahead. Two appear to be houses or storage sheds while a third stands two stories tall with smoke coming out of the chimney. Another long building sits behind it.
As he draws closer he makes out a sign depicting a river turning a bend hanging in front of the large, two story building. Must be an inn, he thinks to himself. Since night is quickly approaching, he figures this would be a good spot to stop for the night. Coming to the inn, he ties his horse to the hitching post in front then enters.
The smell of unwashed bodies and smoke hits James like a wall, taking his breath away. His eyes start to water and can barely breathe. Standing there for a second, he slowly acclimates to the stench. Looking around he notices several tables in the common area, only one which is currently unoccupied, and a long bar along one wall. A stairway at the rear of the room climbs to the second floor.
Fortunately the unoccupied table is near an open window. Taking a seat enabling him to sit with his back to the wall so he can see the entire common room, James gets comfortable. Leaning his head back against the wall near the window for the fresh air coming through, he doesn’t have long to wait until the serving girl comes over.
“Hi, I’m Melinda. What can I get ya?” she asks him.
“What do you have?” he asks.
“There are two choices for dinner,” she explains. “Mutton stew or roast beef. The stew is two coppers, the roast beef three. I’d take the roast beef. Some have said the mutton is a bit on the tough side.”
“I’ll take the roast beef then,” he decides, “and some ale. How much are the rooms? I also have a horse.”
“The rooms are a silver a night and two coppers for the stall for your horse. If you need feed for your horse, that’s another copper.”
Reaching into his travel purse, he pulls out two silvers and hands them over to her. She takes them and says, “I’ll be right back.” She walks over to the man behind the counter and his coins change hands. Then the man hands her back several coppers and she returns to give him his change. He gives her two coppers for a tip.
“The stall for your horse is the third from the right,” she explains. “If you need feed for your horse just give a copper to Ferric when you stable your horse. He’s the stableman. Your room is up the stairs and second on the left.”
Despite being in close proximity to the window, he’s unable to stand the stench in the common room any longer. “I’ll take care of my horse first then retire to my room,” he explains. “Would it be possible for my meal to be delivered to my room after I’m finished settling in my horse?”
“Sure, if you would like,” she says. “When you come back from stabling your horse, just let me know and I’ll bring it up there myself.” She gives James a wink and a knowing smile before walking over to another table where a customer is signaling for her.
Getting up, James hurries back out the door into the cool refreshing evening, taking a couple of deep breaths. Haven’t these people ever heard of baths? I suppose I better get use to it. They’re not very hygienically conscious here.
He unties his horse and leads him around the side to the stable. There he finds a man filling the feed bins in several of the stalls. “Are you Ferric, the stableman?” he asks.
“That’s me, what can I do for you?” Ferric inquires.
“Melinda said I was to have the third stall from the right.” Digging into his travel purse, James hands him a copper, “This is for feed for my horse.”
Taking the copper, Ferric takes the reins from him and leads James’ horse to the stall. The stall is roomy and filled with clean straw. At the rear is an area where the tack and saddle can be stored. Finding a brush hanging on the wall, he takes it down and proceeds to brush his horse’s coat, getting all the dirt and dust off just as Corbin said he should. When he finishes with the brushing, Ferric comes over with a pail of feed for his horse.
“He’ll be fine,” assures Ferric as he pours the grain into the feed bin. “My room is at the end of the stable so I can hear if there is any trouble. Should there be trouble or a problem arises, I will come get you.”
Giving him another copper, James says, “Thank you.” Turning to his horse, he pats him and says, “I’ll see you in the morning.” With one last pat he turns and heads back to the inn.
James signals to Melinda as he comes back into the inn, indicating that he will be in his room and that she can bring up his dinner. Nodding, she finishes with a customer and hurries into the kitchen.
He climbs the stairs and finds a long hallway stretching the length of the building. Four doors line each side of the hall and two lit oil lamps at either end do little to banish the growing shadows. Coming to the second door on the left, he opens it and goes inside.
The room is somewhat dark as the window faces east and the sun has begun dipping below the horizon. A single candle sits in a candlestick on the middle of a small table. He tries a simple spell to light the candle’s wick.
Candle wick,
Light quick.
A barely perceptible surge of power flows from James and the wick bursts into flame, giving off a comforting light. He sets his backpack and travel bags down in the far corner and then sits on the bed. It’s sort of soft with a few lumps. The sheets and pillows are stained and not entirely clean. The room, though small, doesn’t feel cramped. Aside from the bed there is a small table with two chairs.
Getting up from the bed, he crosses the room and opens the window to let in some fresh air. He finds that it overlooks the stable and courtyard below. Now that the window is open, the noise from the common room is more pronounced. It’s not long until he hears a knock on the door.
Opening the door he finds Melinda carrying a tray of food balanced on one hand with a flagon of ale held in the other. He takes the tray from her and sets it down on the table. She brings over his ale and asks if there is anything else he would like.
“No, not right now, thank you,” James tells her.
“I’ll be back in a while to take the tray back downstairs, after you’ve finished.” With that she leaves him to his dinner.
The roast beef is surprisingly good, not too tough and a little juicy. The half loaf of bread that came with the roast beef is somewhat fresh, with a hint of nuttiness about it. It doesn’t take him long to finish the meal. After sopping the last bit of juice up with some bread, he goes over and stretches out on the bed. He lies there awhile, thinking about the last few days and where the next ones will take him.
Knock! Knock!
Not wanting to get up, he hollers “Come on in.”
The door opens and Melinda walks in. “Is there anything else you will require this evening?” she asks him.
“Nothing, thank you,” replies James.
Coming over, she sits on the bed next to him, “Are you sure there is nothing else that you want?” She lays her hand on his leg and gives him a look that leaves little doubt what else there is available.
With the state of personal hygiene that he has seen since coming to this world ever present on his mind, he says “No, not tonight I’m afraid.”
Getting up off the bed, she gives him a disappointed look and then goes over to the table to gather the dinnerware. As she leaves, she turns to him and says, “I’ll be around all night if you should change your mind.” And with that she turns and walks out the door, closing it behind her.
James gets up and hurries over to the door, securing the lock. Turning to the table he blows out the candle and then gets undressed before crawling into bed. He fervently hopes there will be no biting bedbugs, then slowly drifts off to sleep.
The morning dawns bright and sunny, the sunlight coming through his window awakens him from a dream of home. Getting up, he quickly dresses and after gathering his things, heads downstairs for breakfast. There are still a few people at the tables eating and he makes his way to the same table under the window where he sat the night before.
It doesn’t take long before a girl comes over to take his order and is soon enjoying a breakfast of ham steak, potatoes and eggs. While he eats, he notices two gentlemen at a table in the middle of the room in the midst of a friendly conversation. One is in his mid forties and the other is a younger man, perhaps early twenties. They look like father and son, both dark haired and dressed well.
James takes notice of another man sitting alone at a table in the corner. He isn’t eating, just having a drink. He soon comes to realize the man in the corner is taking an unusual interest in the two men. His clothes are a bit ragged and is unshaven, hair uncombed. His eyes never stay on the two men for any length of time, but James notices that they come to rest on them often.
Finishing his meal, James sits back and takes his time finishing his drink. Wondering what the man in the corner is up to, he just relaxes and waits. Sipping on his ale, it’s almost gone when the two men finally finish their meal and head for the exit leading out to the stables. Out of the corner of his eye, James sees the man’s attention is now completely focused on the two men. As they exit the inn, the man gets up and follows them out.
Curious, James walks over to the door and peers through to see what’s going on. He finds the two men entering the stables, while the single man makes his way across the courtyard to a window in the side of the stable and looks inside. The man gazes through the window for a few seconds, and then quickly glances around the courtyard. James ducks back from the doorway then peers around again a second later. He sees that the man is no longer looking through the window. Instead, he’s walking around to the stable door where he slips inside.
Leaving the inn, James hurries across the courtyard to the stable’s door. Coming from within the stables he hears hushed voices, but is unable to make out the words. Nearing the entrance, he begins to be able to make out what is being said inside.
“…Now!” says a voice, menacingly.
“Here, take it! Just don’t hurt us.” James recognizes the voice of the older of the two gentlemen. Cautiously peering around the door, he sees the older man handing a purse over to the robber. The robber is standing with sword drawn, the point scant inches from the chest of the younger man. Taking the purse, he gauges the weight of the coins contained within and then places it inside his tunic.
“Thank you, gentlemen,” the robber says. He begins backing toward James slowly, his sword still leveled at the two men.
James quickly looks around and sees a pile of old broken boards lying next to the side of the stable. He quickly and quietly takes a two foot long piece and then stands ready to wallop the robber as he exits.
From where he stands with the board raised high, he hears the robber coming closer to the doorway. When he judges that the robber is close enough, James swings the board with all his might and feels a soft thud as it connects with the back of the robber.
The robber stumbles forward from the force of the blow, his sword sailing out of his hand. Falling to the floor, he quickly rolls and regains his feet, knife drawn.
The two men, though surprised by James’ attack, quickly react as they draw their swords and advance on the robber. The robber realizes his advantage is lost and leaves his sword on the ground where it fell. Making a quick leap through the side window, he hits the ground on the other side.
“Thief!” the older man yells. The younger man starts running for the door where James stands and gives chase to the robber.
James glances toward the robber as he gains his feet and for a short second, their eyes lock. He can see the hate behind those eyes, directed at him. Then the robber turns and runs to where a saddled horse is tied to the hitching post. The younger man rushes through the door and runs after him, but is not fast enough to catch the robber before he mounts his horse. Spurring him to a gallop, the robber quickly races between the buildings until he is out of sight.
The older gentleman comes to James and holds his hand out, “Thank you, sir.”
“You’re welcome. I’m just sorry he got away,” he replies, shaking the man’s hand.
Holding up the pouch, the man says, “When you hit him, our money fell out of his tunic as he hit the ground. We are in your debt.”
The younger one comes up as James asks, “Did you know him?”
Shaking his head the younger one replies, “No.” Looking at the older man he asks, “Have you father?”
“No,” replies his father. “But I’ll know him if I ever see him again.” Looking around, he stares at the courtyard, empty except for themselves and James. No one even bothered themselves to come and give aid when he called ‘Thief!’
Turning to James the father says, “I guess we’re pretty lucky not all people are cowards. My name’s Renlon, this here is my son Kinney. We’re heading north if you’d care to travel with us.”
Smiling at the offer he replies, “No thank you, I’m on my way south to Bearn. My name’s James.”
“Well James, if you’re ever in Illion, you’re welcome to our hospitality,” the father says. “We own and operate an iron mine and smelter. Maybe you’ve heard of us, Renlon’s Iron?”
“No, sorry, never heard of it. I’m new to the area,” he explains. “I will definitely stop by should I be that way.”
Digging into his purse he hands James two gold coins. “Here, take this with our gratitude.”
Taking the gold, he says “Thank you.”
Placing the gold in with his other coins, he then goes and checks on his horse, finding that he has been well taken care of. James then saddles him and walks him over to the hitching post near the front of the inn. Tying him there, he returns to the inn to gather his belongings left by the table when he went to investigate the happenings at the stable. He brings them out and secures them to the saddle before mounting. As he turns to leave the inn, he spies Renlon and his son and waves goodbye. They wave back and soon James has put the inn far behind as he continues his way south.
On the road again…, he begins singing one of his favorite songs. Spirits once again high, he brings his horse to a trot and exhilarates in his freedom. No demands, no tests, no grandparents pushing him to get a job. What could be better? The rest of the day goes by pretty uneventfully. Long before Bearn appears on the horizon, the untamed countryside turns into farmland with hardworking farmers out in their fields. By the time Bearn finally appears in the distance ahead, the sun is only a couple hours away from dipping below the horizon. Two days, just as Corbin said.
He finds Bearn to be much bigger than Trendle. The city seems to stretch for over a mile to the east of the river and probably half as much on the west side. There’s a large bridge spanning the river near the center of the city as well as a smaller one further to the south.
An encircling wall gives the city some security and protection. The road passes through a gate in the north wall allowing entry into the city. Approaching the gate, he notices several guards maintaining order, occasionally pulling aside various travelers and asking questions. As James approaches the gate, one of the guards comes over and states, “Welcome to Bearn. Please state your name and reason for visiting.”
The guard looks bored, as if he has already asked this question a thousand times today.
“My name is James,” he explains. “I am just passing through, though I plan on staying the night at the Flying Swan. Maybe a day or two at the most.”
The guard nods his head, makes a quick notation on a piece of paper, and then waves James on through.
Once through, he finds merchant stalls lining the street, each with a loud proprietor trying to entice people entering the city to buy their goods. Some people occasionally stop to inspect the goods offered while others pointedly ignore them as they attempt to get by without being hassled.
Several street boys come up to James, each pitching some business or other where they could take him.
“Come with me sir, I can take you to the prettiest girls in town,” one lad offers.
“His girls are the ugliest,” yells another. “Come to Banif’s and you’ll see the best.”
Holding up his hand for quiet, James asks “Can one of you take me to the Flying Swan?”
Several hands fly into the air and he points to one of about thirteen. The boy heads off with James following close behind.
The boy takes him down several streets and then heads west, crossing over the big bridge that he saw earlier. The boy occasionally glances back to make sure that he hasn’t lost him. They finally arrive at a building bearing a colorful sign depicting a white swan in flight over a lake. The boy stops in front of the Flying Swan and says, “Here you are, sir.”
James reaches into his pouch and takes out two coppers and tosses them to the boy. Catching the coins out of the air, the boy seems satisfied. “Do you need more help sir?” asks the boy.
“Not right now and thank you for your help,” he replies.
“If you ever have need of a guide while you’re here, come to the gate where we met,” says the boy. “My name is Miko.”
James considers the offer and says, “Maybe tomorrow morning you could come here. I have a few things I need and maybe you could help me find what I require?”
Smiling, the boy replies, “Ok! I’ll be here, bright and early.”
“I’ll see you then, Miko,” says James.
The boy turns and scampers back into the crowd. In a flash he is gone.
Nice boy, James thinks to himself. He ties up his horse to the hitching post and walks into the Flying Swan.