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Thost and his companions had made a fire at nightfall at the rendezvous. Usually the fire drove away the wild animals, and gave them a good view of the entire clearing. They also used it to roast dinner: a pair of rabbits Samar had hunted, as usual.
Thost looked around. His son Ithelas and Samar were sitting around the fire. The camp consisted of four tents of various sizes, a few piles of wood already cut and prepared, a place for cutting logs, a small water hole, and little else. When they arrived, they inspected it thoroughly, but found virtually nothing beyond the described: neither valuable, nor worthless.
A hawk descended at high speed on the clearing and, after hovering around, landed on his outstretched fist. He wore a leather glove on his left hand, which prevented the claws of the animal to harm him. It was Houraz, his favorite falcon. And at that moment, the only one. He remembered the times in his castle in Borydos where his lackeys helped him keep a dozen falconry birds of all kinds. He loved to spend evenings with the animals, training them and teaching them tricks, admiring their flight and their ability.
He had a great ability to understand birds. The key was to know when you had to give them room. Birds are animals who appreciate their freedom, above all. He could have given the hawk the remains of the rabbits for dinner. Houraz liked to peck around the bones to precisely remove small pieces of meat. However, when the right time came, just before sunset, he removed the cap that limited the hawk's vision and released it, pushing it skyward. The animal would seek its dinner on its own. And in the process would enjoy the flight and freedom. But a few hours later, he would return with his master: the man who had raised him with love and affection since he was a little more than a chick.
When the magnificent animal was back, he stroked it a few times and put it on a stick with a tiny pedestal, which was stuck in the ground near one of the shops. Then he put his hood on again. He had chosen that tent to sleep in the case, seemingly likely, that they had to spend the night there. He didn't know what to expect, really, but he didn't think that the mystery client would ask them to leave that camp immediately after the conversation he hoped to have with him at midnight.
The letter he had received a day and a half ago was really intriguing. It also gave the impression of having been written by someone with education and money. This had been one of the key factors why he decided to accept the invitation; and also the mention of a good bag of gold after completing the request. Of course, not a word of what it was about. Anyway, in the worst-case scenario, if the job didn't seem reasonable, they could go the way they had come, without losing much: only some time. But the only thing he had in abundance was time, now that he didn't have the responsibilities of running a county.
They still had to wait two hours until midnight. Although the client may arrive earlier. Midnight was a most unusual time for an appointment like this, especially in such a remote place.
Finally, two riders came into the clearing. Thost looked at them carefully. They were two young men in their twenties. The one marching first was dressed in dark brown leather armor, tight dark green pants and high riding boots. The clothes were of good quality and denoted a lot of use. The young man was bareheaded and watched them intently as he approached them. He seemed slightly annoyed.
The one behind him looked to be somewhat younger. He was dressed in traveling clothes, and was very thin. He seemed to be a weak young man, without strength. However, his face was very serious and showed character. Thost had always been good at reading people. It was a skill needed to direct a court. All kinds of charlatans came almost daily to provide a product or miraculous solution to his problems. It was important to identify them quickly so as not to waste time, nor the valuable resources of the County, with them.
The riders got down from their horses.